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Counterfeit Legacy
A raging storm . . .
A cryptic message scribbled on a scrap of paper found in an heirloom vest . . .
a sudden death . . .
Dallas socialite, Caroline Bradford has everything she has ever desired—well, almost everything—until a tornado hits her historic mansion in Dallas, Texas. Like a malevolent demon, the storm targets the one item in Caroline’s possession that can destroy her almost-perfect life. It sends a tree crashing through the drawing room window and rips the framed waistcoat of her great grandfather off the wall. Frantic, Caroline scrambles over the tangle of wet branches and rescues the waistcoat from its smashed frame.
Her life is forever changed. That night she discovers a note hidden in the waistcoat that calls into question everything she has been taught about her family. For the first time in her life, Caroline is frightened. Clearly, there is some kind of evil in the past that can destroy her.
Caroline is forced to go on a pilgrimage that will reveal the truth about her family’s past and require her to choose between two legacies.
“The strength of Moser’s work is that she so honestly portrays the inner struggles of a person trying to choose the right path amidst a staggering array of options. Her finely drawn characters capture the reader’s heart and mind, prompting personal introspection, as Caroline attempts to make peace with herself and a God she’s never known.” Vicki Marsh Karat, Waco Today
A cryptic message scribbled on a scrap of paper found in an heirloom vest . . .
a sudden death . . .
Dallas socialite, Caroline Bradford has everything she has ever desired—well, almost everything—until a tornado hits her historic mansion in Dallas, Texas. Like a malevolent demon, the storm targets the one item in Caroline’s possession that can destroy her almost-perfect life. It sends a tree crashing through the drawing room window and rips the framed waistcoat of her great grandfather off the wall. Frantic, Caroline scrambles over the tangle of wet branches and rescues the waistcoat from its smashed frame.
Her life is forever changed. That night she discovers a note hidden in the waistcoat that calls into question everything she has been taught about her family. For the first time in her life, Caroline is frightened. Clearly, there is some kind of evil in the past that can destroy her.
Caroline is forced to go on a pilgrimage that will reveal the truth about her family’s past and require her to choose between two legacies.
“The strength of Moser’s work is that she so honestly portrays the inner struggles of a person trying to choose the right path amidst a staggering array of options. Her finely drawn characters capture the reader’s heart and mind, prompting personal introspection, as Caroline attempts to make peace with herself and a God she’s never known.” Vicki Marsh Karat, Waco Today
- GenresHistorical Fiction
359 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 1997
2 people are currently reading
84 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
August 29, 2023
4.5⭐
A story of hidden secrets, betrayal and finding faith and love.
When Caroline's house is struck by a tree during a storm, she finds that the only thing really damaged was a shadow box with her great great grandfather's vest in it. She spends the night looking at the vest only to discover a secret note hidden within the vest. What follows is a journey of discovery of her family and its secrets.
I really loved the characters in this story, we follow the history of three generations of family and what happened between them. I loved the faith content and seeing how forgiveness and love was a big part of the story.
Thank you to Kay Moser for a copy of this book to read and review.
*trigger warnings for marital affairs and talking about abortion.
A story of hidden secrets, betrayal and finding faith and love.
When Caroline's house is struck by a tree during a storm, she finds that the only thing really damaged was a shadow box with her great great grandfather's vest in it. She spends the night looking at the vest only to discover a secret note hidden within the vest. What follows is a journey of discovery of her family and its secrets.
I really loved the characters in this story, we follow the history of three generations of family and what happened between them. I loved the faith content and seeing how forgiveness and love was a big part of the story.
Thank you to Kay Moser for a copy of this book to read and review.
*trigger warnings for marital affairs and talking about abortion.
June 27, 2022
I’ve just had the opportunity to re-read the newly relaunched version of Counterfeit Legacy by Kay Moser. I have read several books by this author and have loved everyone of them. It never ceases to amaze me how well developed her characters are in all her historical novels.
This is the story of Caroline Randolph and her family, their family’s values and attitudes towards others. Some members of the family are “a win at all cost” type of a family and others are “a give you the shirt off their back” type of family member. The trouble that Caroline is having is trying to decipher which type of family member she is going to follow and the legacy that is most important to her going forward. In this book you will see people you recognize on both sides of this story, perhaps even in your own family. The story will make you want to stand up and cheer for the characters in the book or will cause you to shed tears because of the lost opportunities that Caroline learns about. I know it did me. Which “Legacy” do you think Caroline will choose? Which “Legacy” would you choose? Christian fiction.
This is the story of Caroline Randolph and her family, their family’s values and attitudes towards others. Some members of the family are “a win at all cost” type of a family and others are “a give you the shirt off their back” type of family member. The trouble that Caroline is having is trying to decipher which type of family member she is going to follow and the legacy that is most important to her going forward. In this book you will see people you recognize on both sides of this story, perhaps even in your own family. The story will make you want to stand up and cheer for the characters in the book or will cause you to shed tears because of the lost opportunities that Caroline learns about. I know it did me. Which “Legacy” do you think Caroline will choose? Which “Legacy” would you choose? Christian fiction.
May 4, 2015
Author Kay Moser takes her readers on a wonderful and heartfelt journey with main character Caroline Bradford Randolph and her search for the truth of the Bradford legacy, but ultimately the legacy of her life. Caroline learns about the false truths in her discovery of her ancestry and what her recently belated Grandmother Judith, grande dame of Dallas society, taught and raised her to believe in. Her journeys lead her to understand why her embittered and controlling grandmother worshipped wealth and prestige yet destroying their true legacies with self-centered lies. Caroline travels to meet and hopefully discover the truth of the Bradford legacy from her Great Aunt Kathleen of Charleston. Aunt Kathleen's profound belief in God, her elegant yet whimsical ways, not only opens her home, her heart, but the truth of her ancestry to Caroline, and through her belief finds a way to open Caroline's eyes to the greater truths of values and principles of one's life. "Another legacy, a legacy of courage, of love, and of truth, it has set you free too choose," says Aunt Kathleen. Which legacy will Caroline choose? "The remainder of your life depends on this choice, and so does your eternal life," states Aunt Kathleen, as she sets Caroline free.
Author Moser's embraces the true meaning of faith, joy and ultimately a life changing journey for her readers in Conterfeit Legacy, and a legacy I will not soon forget.
Author Moser's embraces the true meaning of faith, joy and ultimately a life changing journey for her readers in Conterfeit Legacy, and a legacy I will not soon forget.
November 5, 2022
This book was a real page turner in parts. I found it slow going in the beginning, but it did pick up. Caroline is a restorer of historical properties. She lives in a beautifully restored old home. A tornado blows through, and a tree falls through her roof. The damage knocks her great-great- grandfather’s vest stored in a shadow box off the wall. Caroline discovers a mysterious note in the pocket. She sets out to investigate, and uncover her true family legacy. The mystery of her family’s true past keeps the reader’s attention. The present day sections of the book were less engaging, particularly the beginning. I wished it were more condensed so the reader understood what was going on with Caroline, and why uncovering these secrets were so important sooner.
November 24, 2021
I reread this as a promotion for the new ebook release. It was even better the second time around. Counterfeit Legacy is a beautifully written book about love, lies, forgiveness, and finding out what is really important in life.
The lead character is Caroline and the story is about her journey to self-discovery. You will learn about past family mistakes and cover-ups and the impact on generations to come. The story shows how facing the truth head-on is easier in the long run than living with lies.
I love the way Christian principles are shown in the actions of the characters.
I highly recommend this book.
The lead character is Caroline and the story is about her journey to self-discovery. You will learn about past family mistakes and cover-ups and the impact on generations to come. The story shows how facing the truth head-on is easier in the long run than living with lies.
I love the way Christian principles are shown in the actions of the characters.
I highly recommend this book.
January 18, 2022
Can Caroline navigate the storm in her life?
A wonderful story of family legacy. Caroline has the perfect life: a successful husband, a beautiful historic home she restored herself, an active social life, and a family legacy she is very proud of. When a violent storm sends a tree through the front room of her home, Caroline is confronted with a mystery about her family which sends her on a journey where she learns that her family actually has 2 legacies. Which family legacy will Caroline decide to embrace? Will the truth about her family change the direction of her perfect life? Can Caroline weather the storm that has engulfed her life?
A wonderful story of family legacy. Caroline has the perfect life: a successful husband, a beautiful historic home she restored herself, an active social life, and a family legacy she is very proud of. When a violent storm sends a tree through the front room of her home, Caroline is confronted with a mystery about her family which sends her on a journey where she learns that her family actually has 2 legacies. Which family legacy will Caroline decide to embrace? Will the truth about her family change the direction of her perfect life? Can Caroline weather the storm that has engulfed her life?
November 15, 2021
Kay’s rewrite of Counterfeit Legacy is absolutely beautiful. Caroline finds that her family history is nothing like she was told by family members. In a search for the truth about the Bradford family, Caroline discovers some facts that are nothing like she had been told. Her journey to find the truth will keep your turning the pages to find the truth as well. Kay has done it once again. You will love her characters as well as all of her beautifully written books.
May 31, 2022
Truth Wins
Kay Moser has once again crafted characters with grit as well as flaws. As they struggle with family legacy, fear, and lies - Caroline and, ultimately David, must also examine their own convictions and values. When truth is finally told, decisions have to be made. Prayer and faith bring the answers they seek. Moser's talent for weaving Christian values into life crises is why I cherish her works. I am always left wanting more.
Kay Moser has once again crafted characters with grit as well as flaws. As they struggle with family legacy, fear, and lies - Caroline and, ultimately David, must also examine their own convictions and values. When truth is finally told, decisions have to be made. Prayer and faith bring the answers they seek. Moser's talent for weaving Christian values into life crises is why I cherish her works. I am always left wanting more.
January 28, 2022
I loved this story!!
There were stories within the story. I like when authors tells more than one story at the same time. Her characters had so much depth to them. I felt that I knew them.
It is also a book of redemption. Sometimes we are taught to think one way and find out that way was not the best way. Only God can show us that.
There were stories within the story. I like when authors tells more than one story at the same time. Her characters had so much depth to them. I felt that I knew them.
It is also a book of redemption. Sometimes we are taught to think one way and find out that way was not the best way. Only God can show us that.
February 9, 2022
There is so much in this book to talk about. Forgiveness, healing, coming to the Lord learning to deal with the sins of a father that passed from generation to generation. Kay weaves together beautiful clean story of redemption, love and so much more. Things a great read and my honest opinion for a received ARC! Will read more of her books!
November 13, 2021
The Truth will set you free
Beautifully written story of a legacy built on lies and how God's truth is life-changing & life-sustaining. Historical fiction Mattie to current day. Kay did an amazing job.
Beautifully written story of a legacy built on lies and how God's truth is life-changing & life-sustaining. Historical fiction Mattie to current day. Kay did an amazing job.
November 9, 2021
This is a delightful book that is so refreshing to read . I believe you would enjoy it so much just for the fact that it is a good clean book.
May 19, 2022
A jewel of a book
This book follows a young woman as she goes back to her roots and discovers many secrets hidden by her ancestors. It also leads to her expanding her beliefs.
This book follows a young woman as she goes back to her roots and discovers many secrets hidden by her ancestors. It also leads to her expanding her beliefs.
April 27, 2015
ByGinnyon March 15, 2015
Format: Paperback
Kay's brilliant gift of storytelling tugs at your heartstrings as the the story unfolds in this wonderful book! It introduces us to the main character, Caroline Forrest Randolph who is married to a wealthy man named David. Her life begins to unravel as she discovers a piece of paper that changes her life forever. Her need to go back to Charleston to visit her Aunt Kathleen is providential because she learns the truth behind the legacy of several generations of her family, the Bradfords. In the end she has to not only face her own legacy with a new outlook on life but also reveal to David the secret she has held from him. She was reminded of Aunt Kathleen wise words in that the truth will set you free and how that simple statement changed Caroline no matter what the outcome.
"Counterfeit Legacy" is one of the most profound books I ever read because of its deep insight into the struggles that Caroline faced as the truth was revealed to her. I love the way Kay goes deep into the heart of Caroline and shows her vulnerable nature in such a heartwarming way.
I loved the book from the beginning to end and it was difficult to put down.
I highly recommend it! Looking forward to reading the next book in Kay's series, David's Gift.
Format: Paperback
Kay's brilliant gift of storytelling tugs at your heartstrings as the the story unfolds in this wonderful book! It introduces us to the main character, Caroline Forrest Randolph who is married to a wealthy man named David. Her life begins to unravel as she discovers a piece of paper that changes her life forever. Her need to go back to Charleston to visit her Aunt Kathleen is providential because she learns the truth behind the legacy of several generations of her family, the Bradfords. In the end she has to not only face her own legacy with a new outlook on life but also reveal to David the secret she has held from him. She was reminded of Aunt Kathleen wise words in that the truth will set you free and how that simple statement changed Caroline no matter what the outcome.
"Counterfeit Legacy" is one of the most profound books I ever read because of its deep insight into the struggles that Caroline faced as the truth was revealed to her. I love the way Kay goes deep into the heart of Caroline and shows her vulnerable nature in such a heartwarming way.
I loved the book from the beginning to end and it was difficult to put down.
I highly recommend it! Looking forward to reading the next book in Kay's series, David's Gift.
April 27, 2015
Imagine that everything you believed about yourself and your family was destroyed in one evening by a tree. That is what happened to Caroline. One stormy/windy evening a tree came crashing through her house and about destroyed her family legacy. A legacy we learn that is built on lies that affects several generation's of her family. Through Caroline we read the story of her life, her husband and we get the pleasure of meeting her Great Aunt Kathleen. Great Aunt Kathleen helps Caroline understand the past and helps with present troubles as well. This is a well written story and love the setting.
January 18, 2022
A wonderful story of family legacy. Caroline has the perfect life: a successful husband, a beautiful historic home she restored herself, an active social life, and a family legacy she is very proud of. When a violent storm sends a tree through the front room of her home, Caroline is confronted with a mystery about her family which sends her on a journey where she learns that her family actually has 2 legacies. Which family legacy will Caroline decide to embrace? Will the truth about her family change the direction of her perfect life?
April 10, 2015
This book had a big focus on the theme of legacies. Do you want to leave one in which you were self focused or one in which you promote a caring and loving attitude to those around you? Do you want to lie to get what you want or do you want to stand for truth? The main character goes on a journey to learn more about her family heritage and in turn that provides her an opportunity to look deeper into herself.
October 9, 2016
Very good. Sequel to Celebration. I think I liked this even more.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews