REVIEW
What a wonderfully warm and uplifting relationship story from Janet Gover! The Lawson Legacy really captured my heart with its likeable characters and demonstration of true Christmas spirit. I have only recently begun reading this author’s novels (starting with The Library at Wagtail Ridge) and can see why they are such favourites with many. There’s an ease and grace in the way her stories unfold and the characters are relatable and you quickly come to care about them. The Lawson Legacy unfolds beautifully and for someone like myself who has not read the earlier Lawson Sisters novel, it does not hinder the experience. But I recently purchased the e-book so I look forward to enjoying it as well! It would be nice to go back to earlier times to see what shaped these sisters.
The Lawson Legacy is a moving story about mistakes, second chances and the importance of positive support in relationships. Lead character elite wedding planner Kayla Lawson expects perfection, she gets a strong jolt when things don’t go her way. An unexpected event leads her back home to Willowbrook to sort out her life and to work out an option that is suitable. She learns that sometimes mistakes can lead to good things: things she never considered or thought possible. And she has family and friends who stand by her through whatever decision she makes. For her, the lapses in judgement that put her in a vulnerable position, end up leading her into a new direction that brings growth into certain areas of her life. Even a past love and talent comes to the foreground and offers her another option to make a living. There are scary moments, with the changes, and doubt briefly takes over as you’d expect but through positive support from those around her, she grasps the hands of hope and pushes forward. I truly enjoyed watching Kayla’s character development and cheered at the decisions she eventually makes.
Two male leads in the story also make mistakes but their erroneous behaviour lead to jail time. But even as bad as this sounds, there are positive outcomes for both as hard lessons are learned that result in sincere self-transformation. The story delves into what caused these two to go down the darker path. Once we learn, we understand why. One led to involvement in a frightening bike gang and the other to shady business dealings. They each learn some valuable lessons and find the love they seek and the family support they need.
I love the Christmas family gathering scenes (and how friends were included). There are some pretty tense moments in the plot with dangerous happenings that put me on the edge of my seat or holding my breath (particularly during the bike gang scenes and one with Kayla on the roadside). I truly could not put this book down! Hope and despair ride side by side on the page mixed with cloud and sunny breaks. But that’s realistic. Life is always a blend of both.
I liked Connor very much. He had a hard start in life and although he was once involved in a motorbike gang, he broke away to start a new life. Knowing a little about these sorts of groups, I expected the events that transpired. The past always comes back in one way or another and although these things could have led him away from his positive steps, it did not. He is to be admired for taking a stand against that violent life and is an unexpected hero. His sincere intentions and honest heart to protect the ones he loves shows his true character. Renovating the once run down pub and trying to make it a friendly environment for friends and family, clearly reflects his own life. Starting over is not easy and people will misjudge but this declaration of his own transformation certainly shows he is a changed man.
The joy of forgiveness is also evident in this story. Those who deserved a second chance, received acceptance and I for one was glad to see it happen. Although there were times when the past came rushing forward like a tidal wave, damage was held back by the love that flowed among family and friends. So out of the horrific moments, strength was built, fear was dismantled and faith was restored.
I am so glad I read this heartfelt novel that throws Kayla some hard curve balls showing her life is not perfect and it can get messy at times. Her encounter with a motorcycle gang certainly got the adrenaline going! I don’t want to give anything away but it is a story that begs to be read and appreciated. There are other great supporting characters I have not touched upon but just read this novel and enjoy the homespun beauty that flows across these pages.
5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Mira and Netgalley for my review copy.
