Review of 'The Distant Legacy' by AnneMarie Brear
Review of 'The Distant Legacy' by AnneMarie Brear
REVIEW
☘️🌼☘️
I loved the third instalment of The Distant Series by AnneMarie Brear! The Distant Legacy is an exciting addition to the Irish Australian saga of the Kittrick family. The first two books were brilliant and this one is just as riveting. It is one of those stories you just don’t want to end! I found it hard to put this book down once I started, as it contains such a page turning plot, led by a diverse cast of intriguing characters. There’s a loathsome landowner villain who is flanked by a set of dangerous bushrangers and a fiery bold heroine with fiercely protective brothers. Then there are two charming handsome heroes (one more English gentleman type and the other an Irish educated convict). Both, though, are carrying a dark secret from their past. And if that information falls into the wrong hands, it could bring each of them down from their longstanding safe-guarded worlds.
Bridget Kittrick was born in Ireland but grew up in Australia as the eldest daughter of the great rebel, Ellen, who left Ireland during the famine years and came to this country determined never to be poor or hungry again. Ellen helped other downtrodden souls and gave them chances to improve their stations, too. As a generous (though tough) woman who had a talent for acquiring land and running businesses, she taught her children to do the same. Her daughters, particularly, grew up under her guidance with the aim to be independent first, choose their mates carefully, and to retain claims on their own property. Ellen never wanted her children to suffer as she had and so she taught them what she felt were much needed skills. And for her girls, if their husband’s failed, died or left, they would be still standing and financially secure. Security for Ellen was owning as much property/land as possible.
Since this is Bridget’s story, the focus is on her character development. She is a bold strong young woman that appears fearless. But will she change over the course of the novel? Her parents must return to Ireland on business so she is left in charge. This gives her a chance to prove herself. And although we admire her skills and strength at the beginning of the story, we see how speaking her mind could get her into trouble. And, sadly, it does, when she goes against some sound advice. Thankfully, initially she is not alone to bear the weight of her responsibilities. But there is a task at hand that requires assistance. More property is to be purchased. But it is from a long standing enemy. Due to the feud between her mother and Mr. Roache, the seller of the land, the task of acquiring it is given to Mr Lincoln Huntley, a friend of Bridget’s brother, Patrick. He steps in to help her parents make a purchase from the horrid Mr Roache. (Just an aside thought: this is a good name for a villain, if you think of the characteristics of a cockroach! But if you go back to the French meaning of the surname, which is rock—the word takes on another set of thoughts. You could say Mr Roache becomes a sharp stone/rock in Bridget’s shoe!).
While I was reading passages with Lincoln and Bridget, I was reminded of Mr Darcy in his relationship with Elizabeth (Pride & Prejudice). Their attraction is similar. But Lincoln thinks he is unsuitable for Bridget (unlike Mr Darcy who sees Elisabeth initially as unfit socially). Yes, the social wars of the time are present but Lincoln feels unworthy due to his past which we learn about later. When he makes a quick departure, after his growing emotions become visible, Bridget is left confused as she does not know why.
Then Bridget is kidnapped in his absence. She is ripped away by the horrid Mr Roache and handed over to some bushrangers who deliver her in the mountains to Donovan, an Irishman with a curious, coloured past. Bridget is stunned by his kindness and willingness to protect her from the scoundrels. Who is this man that becomes her saviour? Like Lincoln, he feels unworthy of Bridget’s attention and is hiding from a past that has darkened his present. And Bridget is not sure what to feel either as the kidnapping has unleashed a whole set of events that have threatened to change her perspective and high standing reputation. These traumas are so horrible, it drives her into seclusion. She wishes to stay hidden from family and friends—even after she is promised freedom. Then the rumours fly that she is dead. But one man will not give up the hunt to find her. He has failed her once and vows never to again. If he can rescue her, he is determined to tell her the truth. Will he be too late?
The Distant Legacy is a story of love, survival, determination, kindness, justice and overcoming the odds in the face of horrific dangers present in 1866. Land wars were common, vast gaps between the rich and poor, bushrangers that stole, killed and maimed those who fought back. It was a colourful past here in Australia. AnneMarie has given us all these scenarios in The Distant Legacy, including dark hearts full of vengeance. These elements and her skilful writing have created a fast paced, on the edge of your seat, reading experience through clear descriptive scenes, a powerful delivery and a transforming message. I hope there are more books planned for this series as it is by far my favourite collection by this author. There is a special historical spark in The Distant set, that makes it rise above others in its category. And I am certain its flame will continue to burn brightly in the hearts of readers across the world. I highly recommend it. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Many thanks to the author for a review copy.
