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Legacy Discovered
"A woman learns her husband is not the man she married. Instead of an orphaned foster child like herself, he is the scion of a billionaire. In order to avoid a family legacy, he faked his own death.
When they first met sixteen years ago, Ali was convinced Ryan was a man who grew up like she as a foster care orphan. They married quickly and headed for the Midwest to complete college. Sixteen years later, Ryan has an independent law practice, Ali is an ER nurse, and the couple has the perfect life.
Yet when Ryan leads a class action suit against a toxic industrial development by billionaire Charles Barnett, all hell breaks loose. During the case discovery, Ali learns that Ryan is really the sole son and namesake of real estate magnate Barnett who faked his death by disappearing off his sailboat near the Massachusetts coast sixteen years ago. His real name is Charles Barnett Jr., and he pulled off his deception in order to avoid the pressure of the family legacy and to marry Ali who came from a lower social status. He took the name Ryan, assuming the legal identity of a college roommate who died young.
This searing novel demonstrates the strength of love and the power of class to haunt our lives while serving as a moving meditation on how to redeem the past. As Ryan says to his teenage daughter, “Status does not determine character. Character determines status.”"
When they first met sixteen years ago, Ali was convinced Ryan was a man who grew up like she as a foster care orphan. They married quickly and headed for the Midwest to complete college. Sixteen years later, Ryan has an independent law practice, Ali is an ER nurse, and the couple has the perfect life.
Yet when Ryan leads a class action suit against a toxic industrial development by billionaire Charles Barnett, all hell breaks loose. During the case discovery, Ali learns that Ryan is really the sole son and namesake of real estate magnate Barnett who faked his death by disappearing off his sailboat near the Massachusetts coast sixteen years ago. His real name is Charles Barnett Jr., and he pulled off his deception in order to avoid the pressure of the family legacy and to marry Ali who came from a lower social status. He took the name Ryan, assuming the legal identity of a college roommate who died young.
This searing novel demonstrates the strength of love and the power of class to haunt our lives while serving as a moving meditation on how to redeem the past. As Ryan says to his teenage daughter, “Status does not determine character. Character determines status.”"
268 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 28, 2012
About the author
Kerry Reis
3 books39 followersKerry Reis was born in Oregon and grew up in Jacksonville, Florida. As an undergraduate, he attended the University of California at Los Angeles, where he graduated with a bachelor’s in motion picture and television arts. He worked for ABC Television for twenty eight years and became the associate director of digital broadcast communications for the Disney ABC Television Group. He has travelled widely throughout the United States and Europe and lived in Los Angeles, California for 40 years, but has just recently relocated to the Denver, Colorado area.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
November 13, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. Everything seemed to turn out a little too perfect, but it was still great. I wish I could be more like Ali. I think I'd be way more pissed off than she was. She handled everything perfectly. It would be great if all families could have the trust and faith in each other like Ali, her husband, and their children. I don't think this situation would play out so well in reality, but it sure does make for a great fiction novel.
February 15, 2014
4.5/5.0
A sweet, family-focused work of fiction with a hint of mystery.
Read full review in the 2014 February issue of InD’tale Magazine.
A sweet, family-focused work of fiction with a hint of mystery.
Read full review in the 2014 February issue of InD’tale Magazine.
April 8, 2014
(I was first hovering at a 3.5 stars but changed my mind to a solid 4.) Here are the reasons why: This book starts off a bit confusing. I would have liked the timeline of the story to just take place in present day instead of hopping around. Also, I had a hard time really investing in the relationship between Ali & Ryan when I didn't know enough about them in the beginning.
The narration of this novel switches between protagonists, which can be confusing. At first, I thought the chapters would be in the voice of a certain character, but for the most part, an omniscient viewpoint is maintained.
The characters, for me, were a mixed bag. Ali & Ryan were too perfect of a couple for me. However, I did enjoy all the strong female leads in the story: Ali, the mother-in-law, and the daughter.
What really boosted this book was the interaction between the parents and children, though. I loved how Reis portrayed the dynamics between father & child. I particularly liked Ryan's relationship with his teen daughter. Although I thought Charles & Ryan fought too much like adolescents themselves and not grown men, I enjoyed the progression of their relationship.
The revelation of Ryan's true identity was not too much of a mystery. (Actually, it's mentioned in the book's synopsis.) An entire section involving his confession seemed a bit overboard, as did the repetition of his story to various individuals later on in the book. Plus, it was kind of confusing to juggle all the Charleses in my head. On the other hand, I liked the exploration of what a change in name/lifestyle can result in. It was also neat to see that a moneyed background does not necessarily buy happiness. (I would have liked a little more backlash from the community, though.)
At first, I had a hard time following all the legal terms involved in this book. I did find some of those conversations tedious, but by the end, I liked how Reis twisted the story and made the swapping premise much more plausible.
My favorite part of the book, though, is its theme of legacy. I admire how Reis was able to infuse "legacy" with various meanings: the idea of passing down across generations, the foundation of a company, and a sole individual's legacy.
The narration of this novel switches between protagonists, which can be confusing. At first, I thought the chapters would be in the voice of a certain character, but for the most part, an omniscient viewpoint is maintained.
The characters, for me, were a mixed bag. Ali & Ryan were too perfect of a couple for me. However, I did enjoy all the strong female leads in the story: Ali, the mother-in-law, and the daughter.
What really boosted this book was the interaction between the parents and children, though. I loved how Reis portrayed the dynamics between father & child. I particularly liked Ryan's relationship with his teen daughter. Although I thought Charles & Ryan fought too much like adolescents themselves and not grown men, I enjoyed the progression of their relationship.
The revelation of Ryan's true identity was not too much of a mystery. (Actually, it's mentioned in the book's synopsis.) An entire section involving his confession seemed a bit overboard, as did the repetition of his story to various individuals later on in the book. Plus, it was kind of confusing to juggle all the Charleses in my head. On the other hand, I liked the exploration of what a change in name/lifestyle can result in. It was also neat to see that a moneyed background does not necessarily buy happiness. (I would have liked a little more backlash from the community, though.)
At first, I had a hard time following all the legal terms involved in this book. I did find some of those conversations tedious, but by the end, I liked how Reis twisted the story and made the swapping premise much more plausible.
My favorite part of the book, though, is its theme of legacy. I admire how Reis was able to infuse "legacy" with various meanings: the idea of passing down across generations, the foundation of a company, and a sole individual's legacy.
July 22, 2013
Ali took a big leap of faith when she agreed to marry Ryan after a strange set of events happened to him that he never explained. Now, sixteen years later, life isn’t perfect for the Prescotts, but Ryan and Ali feel blessed to share a strong and loving marriage and to be the parents of a well-adjusted son and daughter.
When Ryan, an attorney, takes on a large business magnate who is trying to force through a community development project, the battle seems a little too personal. Ali and Ryan’s lives are upturned as secrets are revealed and Ali realizes that her husband is not the man he claimed to be.
Legacy Discovered is a heart-warming tale that centers on family and forgiveness. Ali and Ryan’s relationship is tested by a big secret in Ryan’s past. Throughout their trials, however, Ali and Ryan’s relationship stands strong, and Ali’s trust in her husband never waivers as they must both come to terms with the fallout from a decision he made long ago.
To be honest, Legacy Discovered was not my cup of tea, though I appreciate the sweet simplicity of it. If you’re looking for a feel-good read that comes with plenty of happy tears and a strong dash of reconciliation, then this book is worth a taste.
With that said, I think Legacy Discovered might have come out of the oven too soon. There is a certain amount of depth missing from the main characters, a few too many long explanations, and too much sugar at the end. Also, I felt that the Prescott’s daughter, Sue, somehow came off as both too naïve and too mature to be a typical high school freshman. Author Kerry Reis dropped a few Facebook references into Sue’s dialogue, but I just wasn’t buying it.
In summation, I think Reis has demonstrated a promising spark as a storyteller, and I look forward to watching him mature as an author.
(This book was provided to Compulsion Reads by the author for review.)
When Ryan, an attorney, takes on a large business magnate who is trying to force through a community development project, the battle seems a little too personal. Ali and Ryan’s lives are upturned as secrets are revealed and Ali realizes that her husband is not the man he claimed to be.
Legacy Discovered is a heart-warming tale that centers on family and forgiveness. Ali and Ryan’s relationship is tested by a big secret in Ryan’s past. Throughout their trials, however, Ali and Ryan’s relationship stands strong, and Ali’s trust in her husband never waivers as they must both come to terms with the fallout from a decision he made long ago.
To be honest, Legacy Discovered was not my cup of tea, though I appreciate the sweet simplicity of it. If you’re looking for a feel-good read that comes with plenty of happy tears and a strong dash of reconciliation, then this book is worth a taste.
With that said, I think Legacy Discovered might have come out of the oven too soon. There is a certain amount of depth missing from the main characters, a few too many long explanations, and too much sugar at the end. Also, I felt that the Prescott’s daughter, Sue, somehow came off as both too naïve and too mature to be a typical high school freshman. Author Kerry Reis dropped a few Facebook references into Sue’s dialogue, but I just wasn’t buying it.
In summation, I think Reis has demonstrated a promising spark as a storyteller, and I look forward to watching him mature as an author.
(This book was provided to Compulsion Reads by the author for review.)
November 25, 2014
This book is highly reminiscent of The Sun Also Rises, so Hemingway fans would probably enjoy it. It would be a fantastic Lifetime movie. Legacy Discovered is about a man who took on his dying friend's identity to escape from his domineering father to lead the life he chooses with the woman he loves. I wish Reis hadn't saved the best parts of the book for the end; it makes the plot imbalanced. While it is true that the plot is somewhat predictable and there is only one major plot twist (towards the end), in all fairness, Reis never claimed Legacy Discovered was a thriller. The characterization is someone inconsistent. Ali is shown as strong and the pillar of the family at times (except when she's not eloping with a man whose bizarre behavior is almost frightening) And Ryan/Junior is portrayed as a devoted family man (who, in one scene that caught my attention, asked his teenage daughter to lie so he can pretend she is not having issues at school). Charles, Sr. is either domineering and authoritarian or weak and vulnerable, depending on the scene. On the plus side, though, this creates more interesting characters, as Reis proves that each person has various sides to his or her personality. Hilary is a gem; I would recommend this book in a heartbeat just so readers can get to know her. The main themes of family, forgiveness, and faith-though vital to the story-are a tad overdone and create a cotton-candy sappiness that is a little hard to swallow. However, they are also balanced out by more serious themes such as eminent domain, corporate dominance and responsibility, and class warfare. Grammar, stylistics, and formatting are sound. The ending is very satisfying. My overall impression was that Reis had an excellent idea but was in a hurry to get it out on paper. This is a quick, easy read and great way to pass a lazy afternoon.
December 4, 2012
I greatly enjoyed this. I did get a little bogged down with some of the legal terminology regarding building regulations, etc......but not enough to pack it in. There were only a couple of errors I spotted too so that made it a pleasure in itself !!
The story is about a guy going up against his father and his father's ideals and how this relationship works. His son chose to live somebody else's life for 16 years in preference to being his father's son. However, the whole truth is revealed......I think the son secretly wanted it revealed in that he was working in the legal profession and chose to go up against his father's company.No mention was made of this but that's how I saw it.
Most intriguing if a little farfetched in places but one I'd recommend.
Meant to say-gorgeous cover too.
The story is about a guy going up against his father and his father's ideals and how this relationship works. His son chose to live somebody else's life for 16 years in preference to being his father's son. However, the whole truth is revealed......I think the son secretly wanted it revealed in that he was working in the legal profession and chose to go up against his father's company.No mention was made of this but that's how I saw it.
Most intriguing if a little farfetched in places but one I'd recommend.
Meant to say-gorgeous cover too.
June 25, 2014
*** Spoiler Alert ***
Ryan has a deep secret . . . even his wife of 16 years doesn't know it. He is a well-respected and hard working lawyer whose personal and professional life starts to unravel after a visit from an investigator hired by a big shot real estate developer to "persuade" Ryan to stop opposing plans for an industrial park/condo complex to be built in his community.
The revelation of his secret threatens Ryan's comfortable life and the lives of those he loves. Parts of the story are believable but some seem a bit beyond the pale.
Additional details or comments would spoil the ending.
No sex
No violence
Ryan has a deep secret . . . even his wife of 16 years doesn't know it. He is a well-respected and hard working lawyer whose personal and professional life starts to unravel after a visit from an investigator hired by a big shot real estate developer to "persuade" Ryan to stop opposing plans for an industrial park/condo complex to be built in his community.
The revelation of his secret threatens Ryan's comfortable life and the lives of those he loves. Parts of the story are believable but some seem a bit beyond the pale.
Additional details or comments would spoil the ending.
No sex
No violence
May 1, 2013
This was a well written story about a son trying to become his own person. I loved the fact the author chose to make Ali and her husband a united front instead of having drama between them. Ali played a very supportive role and was a strong anchor for him. Ali's husband is a strong character who is not afraid to show emotion and that says a lot about him. I really enjoyed reading this story. It has enough of the "what's going to happen next" feeling that keeps you wanting to turn the page.
April 25, 2013
What a charming and sweet book - not gooey sweet, but the kind that just makes you feel good when you're done reading. A perfect romance for those of us who like romance but not the overwrought angst of most modern romance novels.
Based on a wonderful "what if?" scenario, Aly discovers that the man she married isn't the man she thought. So she has to get past the betrayal to find that he's still the same guy.
Based on a wonderful "what if?" scenario, Aly discovers that the man she married isn't the man she thought. So she has to get past the betrayal to find that he's still the same guy.
May 5, 2013
This book was a tender, poignant and heartfelt look at a family's dynamics as they struggle to make peace with their past.
November 7, 2021
Sickened by his rich father’s questionable business activities, Charles Barnett Jnr fakes his own death to disassociate himself from him and the family name. He becomes a successful lawyer and actively works against his father’s company by adopting his deceased university roommate’s name. A roommate incurably affected by Charles Barnett Snr’s building project.
The novel addresses social attitudes regarding wealth. How love and friendship based on money alone is hollow, and the circle of friends it attracts are largely false. It also describes how one person’s intentional act can have an unintentional and cruel impact on others. Charles Jnr’s ever suffering mother, who for sixteen years believed their one and only son had died in a boating accident. The grandchildren who were denied grandparents like their classmates, and a lie, told to his loving and devoted wife.
All in all, a benign and compassionate novel for all ages. A FIVE-STAR novel...
The novel addresses social attitudes regarding wealth. How love and friendship based on money alone is hollow, and the circle of friends it attracts are largely false. It also describes how one person’s intentional act can have an unintentional and cruel impact on others. Charles Jnr’s ever suffering mother, who for sixteen years believed their one and only son had died in a boating accident. The grandchildren who were denied grandparents like their classmates, and a lie, told to his loving and devoted wife.
All in all, a benign and compassionate novel for all ages. A FIVE-STAR novel...
May 15, 2017
Marvelous!
Very emotional and touching story of family, lost and found. I couldn't stop reading. I recommend it. Truly an unforgettable story.
Very emotional and touching story of family, lost and found. I couldn't stop reading. I recommend it. Truly an unforgettable story.
May 8, 2018
Great family ties
Some people don't have wonderful family ties and this story helps those people realize that their futures can be different from what they have known.
Some people don't have wonderful family ties and this story helps those people realize that their futures can be different from what they have known.
July 19, 2015
Light read, if you like Sentimental: This was an ok read. Ali is an ER Nurse, Ryan is a lawyer driven to serve the best interests of his community. Together they have built a life, but it will all start to unravel when Ryan’s past resurfaces. The structure of the story and plot was ok, except for Charles Jr.’s business mission to take down his father’s company. Not exactly an unconscious pursuit-that would be conscious. So his wanting to erase his other life, while creating an inevitable confrontation with his father’s company, didn’t make sense. Also, the dialogue was too stilted and sentimental for my taste. It made the reading awkward, especially in the beginning, i.e., the chiché of looking deeply into someone's eyes. Once the book got 1/3 way through, the writing was a bit more natural. I was interested to find out what the outcome was, so I finished the book, and the author dealt with the relationships and conflicts and corporate landscape realistically in many ways. The evolvement of the characters was ok, and especially touching was the grandmother’s reconciliation with the grandkids. A feel good read, but for me the Hallmarkian elements were a hindrance.
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November 17, 2012Amazon Freebie 11/17/2012
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews