The Inheritance

by Irina Shapiro

Katie Price is baffled to learn that a man claiming to be her grandfather has left her his entire estate in the Scottish Highlands including a thriving whiskey distillery and a moldering castle where he actually lived until his death. The Will stipulates that Katie must travel to Scotland to claim the inheritance in person. As her stay extends from weeks into months, she unearths long buried family secrets, unravels a 250 year old mystery surrounding the disappearance of the Laird’s young wife from the castle shortly after the Battle of Culloden, and finds a love she never expected.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance, Historical Romance, Mystery, Fiction, Historical, Scotland

169 pages, ebook

First published August 23, 2011

About the author

To write a novel was a dream of mine since I was a child. Life, my practical nature, and self-doubt got in the way, so it was decades later that an opportunity to write finally presented itself. I honestly didn't think I had what it takes to write a full-length novel, but once I faced the blank screen and my fingers touched the keyboard, everything disappeared except my characters and their surroundings, and suddenly I knew that this was what I was born to do.

Since then, I've written many books and have enjoyed some positive reviews, but sometimes, when I stop to reflect, I'm still amazed that I'm living my dream.

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Reviews

[Rio (Lynne)]

You are a teacher of Literature and you don't know what a Jacobite is? You inherit a Scottish castle from a grandfather you thought died 50 years ago and you and your parents don't question this? Your Mom just says "Hmmm...well go and see your castle then" even though she shows no interest? You inherit a castle (who wouldn't be ecstatic) and you don't even want to google it? Ahhhhh lost interest.

[Mrs M-C · Rating 1 out of 5]

I would not recommend this book if you haven't read anything else by Irina Shapiro. I have read a lot of her work which I have raved about so please don't let this one put you off her otherwise wonderful writing.

I did love the story, it's just the little inaccuracies, sweeping statements and small things which almost led me to not even bothering to finish it.

I don't like to put down negatives in reviews but just didn't want anyone to pick up this book if they haven't read any of Irina's other work, she really is a good author!

[Sammy · Rating 1 out of 5]

My ears!!! My ears!!! Please make it stop!

Also, what is up with authors setting a book in a country they evidently know nothing at all about and then not doing even the most rudimentary research?

This one hurt. And not in a good way.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Other than some crappy editing, I fully loved this book. It was hard to put down and I was sorry to see it end. Luckily, the author, Irina Shapiro, has other published books which also have high ratings, so I will soon read another one by her.

This novel took place mostly in Scotland and contained a story within a story--one in contemporary times and one set in 1745. I enjoyed both stories and sets of characters, although the historical one was definitely more exciting.

[Jody · Rating 2 out of 5]

Poorly written AND poorly edited....the author doesn't have a clue how to build romantic tension or craft a riveting love scene. Pales in comparison to Kearsley's time-split books.

[Nisareen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Katie Price is bewildered when she receives a call from Scotland, notifying her of the death of the grandfather she never knew she had, who has left her his estate in the Scottish Highlands. The will stipulates that she must travel to Scotland to claim her inheritance in person. Intrigued, she takes a vacation from her teaching post in the States, in search of answers. Weeks soon turn into months, however, as she not only unearths buried family secrets but also manages to unravel a 250 year old mystery surrounding the disappearance of the Laird’s wife, Isobel, following the Battle of Culloden.

The Inheritance is a stand alone dual time novel which alternates between 2010 and 1744, ultimately ending in the doomed Battle of Culloden. Having read the author’s exceptional Echoes of the Past series and being a huge fan of all things Scotland, I was intrigued by the synopsis and decided to give it a go. Once again the author has managed to seamlessly blend the past and present and grab the readers attention from the offset.

The primary timeline sees our heroine travel from the States to Scotland and fall in love with the people and its landscape, which is probably what her mysterious grandfather wanted for her all along. The second timeline starts with a marriage of convenience to settle a dispute between two warring clans and the events leading up to the Jacobite rebellion that ended in the ill fated Battle of Culloden.

Despite some of the negative reviews by other readers, this is in fact one of Irina’s earlier works and shouldn’t discourage readers from exploring her later books, particularly the aforementioned Echoes of the Past. Personally I thought it was perfect for willing away a couple of hours, in fact I finished it in a day. I recommend this to fans of historical fiction, dual time novels and lovers of all things Scotland.

I received an advanced free audible copy of The Inheritance and I am voluntarily reviewing it. This is the first time I have listened to Charity Spenser’s narration and I was impressed by how clear and concise her delivery was. She did struggle a little with the Scottish accent but I really liked her tone and pace.

[Rainz ❤️rainnbooks❤️(on a break) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok, I need to visit Scotland, have been reading quite a few books based in Scotland that I really wish to see those places. The Inheritance by Irina Shapiro has a good story, well, what’s not to like, there’s dual-time romances, past inheritance, ghostly castle and mystery added to the mix. But somewhere it failed to be a 5* read for me.

Katie Price has hit the windfall. Out of the blue, there’s an unknown grandfather Angus McBride, in the picture who has died and left a moldering castle and distillery in her name. Firmly believing that there’s been a mistake she goes to Scotland to get a clearer picture and find out the truth. Kilmaron Castle is a place steeped with history of Scotland revolution that fought for independence and the succession of Stuarts to their throne. Katie then learns about her ancestry with the help of her solicitor Danny and the forbidden love that had developed between Isobel, wife of the laird and Rory McBride, laird’s cousin.
The story moves between Isobel Grant in 1744 and the present with Katie. The romance between Isobel and Rory was sweet and touching and left me wanting more. Well, it is also the case with Katie and Danny where there was not enough depth to the love that developed between them. I wish the author had devoted a few more pages to the story coz everything seems rushed especially the events after the Culloden battle and the decisions of Katie.
The Inheritance was an easy read without much descriptive detailing that is expected in a historical romance book but I would surely love to check out a few more works by the author as the book was an enjoyable fare.

[Kelsey McKnight · Rating 5 out of 5]

In 2010 Katie Price is stunned when a man she never met leaves her a brewery and a castle in Scotland. She thought her grandfather had been dead for years, but as she goes to Scotland to inspect her inheritance with the help of local lawyer Danny, she learns more about herself than she ever thought possible.

In 1744 Isobel McBride enters an arranged marriage that leaves both parties miserable. Her husband is a careless brute who loves another and she craves the affection she thought she'd one day have. But another man offers her his heart, the entire future of the clan is in danger from more than just the coming war.

Two women two hundred and fifty years apart, brought together by a pile of love letters and a castle filled with memories.

It's always so exciting to see how Shapiro writes her time hopping style of work. Each series and standalone book flip between worlds, connecting through memories, second lives, or faded letters in a hidden alcove. The methods she uses never grow stale and I'm always thrilled to see a new book in her collection.
I did have some issue with the narration. I think Wendy Wolfson spoiled me in her other work with Shapiro's Echoes From the Past series and it was easier to find fault with the narrator in this book, particularly when it came to the Scottish accents. But as the book went on and I was drawn deeper into the story, it was easier to ignore.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and wish there was more of Katie's story out there, particularly when it comes to her handsome Scottish lawyer.

[Elaine C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another romantic love story wrapped in a history mystery from the creative mind of Irina Shapiro. I love the way she describes the scenes - enough to "see" it in my mind without being overly detailed! I love the way her plots follow logically and sensibly! I just love everything about her books! So glad I discovered her in "The House on the Hill: A Ghost Story" ... best reading decision ever!!

[Efi Karaoglani · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice romantic story, keeps your interest till the end

[Boundless Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Katie is shocked when she gets a call from Scotland when a man passes who claims to be her grandfather. He leaves her everything. She goes to Scotland to deal with the Will and while there she begins to unravel long buried secrets. Who was this man and why did he leave her everything? While finding out the truth of her grandfather she also unlocks secrets to the castles late inhabitants. While in Scotland, she not only finds out the truth to her identity and that of her ancestors,  but also a love she never hoped to find. 

I have become a bit of a junkie of Irina Shapiro's novels. Each book I read leads me to another and then another. They are so good. From beginning to end I just fall in love. The history and characters are well written and well thought out. They are colorful and dark and real. This book held a great mystery and a great love. From modern day times to the times of way back. They tell a haunting tale of hope, love, death, betrayal, and sacrifice. This book was a great one....Stormi 

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[Melodie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Inheritance is a moldering castle in Scotland.The recipient is Katie Price, a teacher in the States. The mystery begins with the information that to collect her inheritance, she must travel to Scotland.And her benefactor, claiming to be her grandfather cannot possibly be. Her grandfather was killed in World War 1.
So begins a tale set in the past and present. As Katie uncovers more information on her family history,the tale of star crossed lovers,Isobel and Rorie come to the fore.And there is the predictable but still lovely romance for Katie.On arrival,she had plans to have a lovely vacation,then sell and get back to the States.But fate may have other plans.
I enjoyed the story very much. However,terrible editing made reading irritating frequently.

[Rachel · Rating 2 out of 5]

I bought this for $3 on my kindle-I got what I paid for. Part of the storyline, from the 1740s, was very interesting, but the other, the present, was pretty dull. I didn't feel any romantic interest between the main characters (present). If it had just been about the past storyline I may have given it 3 or 4 stars. The book didn't seem very well edited-as another reviewer put it, like a second draft.

[Zoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a story! A great mix up of old and new in such an interesting and unique way. It kept me guessing right to the end,not knowing whether or not the modern day would figure out the past. Such a fantastic take on a modern/historical romance! I can not reccomend this book enough. I couldn't put it down.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book much better than the author's other book that I read. The romance is much more believeable and the story moves along a good pace. I liked how the author blended the two story lines together.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Irina pens "The Inheritance" with characters that will captivate you in this flowing plot of romance, mystery and fantasy. I enjoyed the story and wished it didn't have to end. A must read!

This review is based on a complimentary copy which was provided for an honest review.

[Irina Shapiro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. Perfect combination of romance, history and suspense. Highly recommend to anyone who loves a good yarn.

[Theresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Trigger warning: rape and talk of sexual abuse
Also some explicit sex

So there are two stories going on.One is the story of Katie who mysteriously inherits a castle and the other is set it the past and is the story of Isobel.

The two stories are vastly different and are quite jarring. Most of the way through I was wondering if the story of Katie's grandmother and Katie would have meshed better.

I did like Isobel and Rory's love story. They were perfect for each other. I liked that even through the odds they couldn't stay away.

Danny and Katie were kinda like that too. But it all seemed so sudden that I didn't think it could work out. Course this is book world and things don't always have to make sense.

There are a lot of points of views going on, and if that bothers you, this is not the book for you. At first when it switched from not only two points of view to Katie also reading letters I thought it would be too much, but it actually helps the story I think. Without it the stories would never have weaved together.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Inheritance is a novel set in Scotland by Irina Shapiro. It is a good book and is written well. The characters are realistic and well developed. It takes place in the present and in the past.
Katherine Price was a teacher in a private school and was looking forward to summer vacation. She was grading papers when she received a phone call which was to change her life. Daniel Ogilvy was calling to inform her that her grandfather, Angus McBride had died in Scotland and left his entire estate to her. Katherine was confused, her Grandfather was James and died in a prisoner of war camp during World War II. He assured her that she was the person he was looking for. When Katherine talked to her Mother, she claimed her father was James McBride not Angus. Daniel assured her everything would be explained when she got to Scotland. So Katherine decided to go.
While here, she learns of the story of Isobel and Rory and she and the others try to figure out what happened to her.

[Pamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a powerful story that brought a forgotten romance to light just as new relationship kindled a fire and began to grow. Katie Price, the recipient of the inheritance, and Danny Ogilvy, the attorney that notified her of the will, had just recognized their attraction toward each other when Katie decided to research the mystery of the missing Laird's wife, Isobel McBride, and the Laird's cousin, Rory McBride, following the battle of Culloden. Being updated about both romances throughout the story lead me to think that maybe 21century Katie could empathize with 18thcentury Isobel's feeling because Katie was probably experiencing similar feelings toward Danny, the object of her affections. I found the story totally engrossing and, this action packed narrative held my attention until the final page. Wonderful Story with Endearing Main Characters!!!!!

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice romantic story

I received this book free from one of the book sites. I do not remember which one! This is my honest and voluntary review.

Such a sad story in many ways. A young woman who marries a complete brute & she desires nothing more than to be with his cousin /brother. The new Laird supports the Bonnie Prince & is captured at Culloden.

This is also the story of a modern woman from N.Y., who inherits a castle from a man who claimed he was her grandfather. He leaves her a distillery, along with stocks and bounds. She has to go to Scotland to claim her inheritance. While in Scotland, she finds herself increasingly attracted to the young lawyer who is guiding her.

Two women, two romances, and 2 mysteries to solve.

[Laurie Bower Lupin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to this as an audiobook. Irina Shapiro sets us up with this school teacher from the states inheriting a castle in Scotland from a man claiming to be her grandfather. The grandfather is recently deceased, of course. As a school teacher, Katie has summers off. As soon as Katie is out of school, she sets off on her adventure. Unlocking the secrets of her past, she connects to her present. Katie also unlocks a mystery from her ancestor, Isabella in 1745. There was some rocky points for me near the beginning of the novel, but I didn’t deduct for it since the last 40% of the book was so good I finished it in a night.

[K.L. Nofziger · Rating 4 out of 5]

For those of you whining and berating at the details of this short but sweet historical tale, remember that Diana Gabaldon herself has been criticized off and on for some inaccuracies in Outlander. And yet, like the story, her fanbase is nothing short of epic; she brought the popularity of the Scottish Highlander to life and, in turn, had those like Shapiro writing this story.

This story was an easy listen, full of romance, mystery, and history. Sure, it was short and had a swift-wrap up at the end, but you'd be surprised how many stories are like that. Because sometimes you don't need any additional depth. It's already there

[Jeanne Johnston · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting use of parallel stories but I think the author struggled to maintain consistency with the eras. The modern story was often weirdly stilted and old-fashioned, and Isobel's story was sprinkled with thoroughly inappropriate word choices ("kids" playing? "Umpteenth" time?)

And please... What kind of experienced teacher (literature!) has zero clue about Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Jacobites?

I suppose this was a harmless, if predictable, story but it needed a decent editor and more compelling storytelling.

[Jan Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Inheritance by Irina Shapiro is a captivating listen. I was immediately pulled into this story. I love how the author meshes 2 stories in one with a mystery at the heart of the book. The imagery is so well done, the characters are intriguing, and the narration was perfect. Charity Spencer brought the characters to life with her voice. I could easily hear who was speaking. I requested this review copy audiobook and have voluntary written this review. I will most definitely listen to more books by this author and narrator. Awesome ending to this standalone listen.

[Barbara Farrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am such an absentminded reader that I did not realize it was a book by Irina Shapiro until I had finished it. I must have preordered it some time ago. I am a true fan and have enjoyed all of her books. She is a wonderful writer and very creative. Her books are solid entertainment.. If there are flaws in her books, they are minimal.

If you enjoy a good time travel story, written by an outstanding writer then I recommend all of her books. As with most authors, I suggest reading them in order. However, this particular book is not part of her series books, so it stands alone

[Robin Riha · Rating 3 out of 5]

not my favorite

This book was easy to get into but didn’t seem to be going anywhere together that I could see. I enjoyed the characters but couldn’t find the connection between the two storylines for so long. Eventually it did and the book was good but it wasn’t the authors best. I love her books overall but this one just wasn’t as good as all the rest. Still it is worth reading especially if you’ve never read a book by Irina Shapiro then I would say it’s a good gateway into her other great books. I really feel bad that I’m not giving this one a better review.

[Mary Sue Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Historical Fiction

I love novels about Scotland during the 1700's. This one did not disappoint
After receiving an unexpected inheritance, Katy travels to Scotland to see the castle. While trying to unlock the mystery of her ancestry, she discovers her psychic abilities regarding Isobel Grant.. The reader goes back and forth between Scotland in the 1700's and Scotland in 2010.

[Liz Etnyre · Rating 3 out of 5]

A reasonably good, if predictable, romance - well, 2 romances. The contemporary one is told in first person (ick!) and the 'mystery' has a huge 'oh really' factor to it. The historical romance is a bit better. Decent writing, but both female leads do some things that seem totally out of character - not too egregious, but definitely WTF moves. 3 stars for pleasant - not great.

[debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a nice story and wow has this author improved since writing this one!
I had been binge reading later books by Irina Shapiro and as I finished a series "The Inheritance" came up as "also by". I agree with another reviewer that the reactions did not feel authentic and there were some head scratching moments early on for me.
So please do not judge this author by this one - go to the later series!!!!