Legacy of Love

by Renae Brumbaugh Green

She’s struggled her entire life to overcome her parentage.

Skye Stratton is nearly perfect. Or at least, she tries to be. She carries the Stratton name, but everyone knows her true half-breed heritage. When she completes her education and is hired as a teacher at the local school, she hopes to finally find acceptance in the town. But when most of her class elects to stay home rather than be taught by an Indian, she knows things will never change.

Alan McNaughten went to Washington, D.C. to make a difference. Instead, he finds himself entrenched in political lies, manipulation, and deceit. When he finds a way to return home to Texas as an Indian Agent, he leaps at the chance. Even if he must hurt an innocent woman to secure his position.

But when the lovely Miss Stratton agrees to teach for the Alabama-Coushatta Reservation, Alan knows he’s gone too far. He’ll do anything to protect her from further heartache and harm. But what will happen when she learns the truth about her position...and the truth about him?

Genres: Fiction, Historical

328 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 4, 2023

About the author

aka Renae Brumbaugh

Reviews

[Psusan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trying to be perfect is difficult even without the world judging you but Skye tries her best in Legacy of Love (The Stratton Legacy Book 2) by Renae Brumbaugh Green. This is a story of finding your place in this world while staying true to God. I admired Skye’s loyalty, appreciate for her adopted family, but more so for her determination, courage, and intelligence. Alan McNaughten grew on me as he changed the way he had been involved in politics and deception at the beginning. Together they go through so hard and harsh times.

Wonderful story that reminds us that not all have been treated with the respect and dignity that this country should have provided. The people are as much to blame as the government so we can learn from this story doing better in our lives. A worthwhile read that is also an entertaining one.

The publisher Wild Hearts Books provided a digital ARC. I have voluntarily decided to read and review, giving my personal opinions and thoughts.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Legacy of Love is the second installment from Renae Brumbaugh Green’s series, The Stratton Legacy. I really enjoyed the first book, Legacy of Honor, and enjoyed this one even more. I adored Skye and Alan’s story. I loved Skye and my heart broke for her as she is faced with discrimination but admired her courage, determination and bravery. I found this to be a beautiful story of reminded of some valuable life lessons: the power of forgiveness, how to overcome the past, and learning to discover yourself.

I am giving Legacy of Love a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy reading clean Historical Romance. I look forward for the next release from The Stratton Legacy series to see what happens next.

I received a copy of Legacy of Love from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a delight to read Legacy of Love to see what is happening with the Stratton family legacy. This is Skye’s story as a young teacher with community members being prejudice regarding her ancestry. She was strong, determined and filled with fortitude to accept a teaching assignment at the reservation. The beautiful story that unfolded gave her a new love and admiration for her younger years living with her Indian mother. There were characters I wanted to put in there place with their deceitfulness and political stunts but events and prayer can change lives.

Renae Brumbaugh Green knows how to pen historical stories filled with realistic issues of greed, power, faith, matters of the heart, life’s lessons and romance. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.

I received a complimentary copy of the book from Celebrate Lit without any obligation to write a positive review. I have shared my own opinion.

[Deana Dick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love that the setting is in Texas and I am very familiar with the towns the author references. Lampasas is a place that I have traveled to over the last several years and I fell in love with the small town atmosphere and friendly people. As the author takes us on to another town in Texas I was impressed with the details that had me imagining myself riding beside Skye.

This story is very special to me because it talks about being different from others by your nationality. Like Skye I a am part Native American. My great granddad was full blooded Comanche as well as my great grandmother. I have embraced that knowledge and understand the trials Skye went through as being of mixed race. She has always felt like she wasn’t accepted by the town she lives in even though her adopted parents adore her. I wasn’t surprised about her decision and was anxious to see what God has in store for her. She encounters a group of men on the train that led to quite an adventure. It made me think of the old western movies my dad use to watch every Saturday.

Alan has such a big heart and I like how he is always talking to God to help him make good choices. Even though he is able to convince Skye to be a teacher at a reservation he is not sure he did it in good faith. I admired his determination to watch over Skye as she settles into the reservation as a teacher. When Skye meets his parents you can sense that she is aware that he is someone she hopefully can learn to trust.

The author does an amazing job of letting us see what it may have been like for Skye as she embraced living on the reservation. Her desire to be accepted is foremost on her mind. After a secret is revealed, she makes a hasty decision that could change her live in many ways. Being part of the powwow is exciting and helps her to feel a little bit at ease in her new surroundings. Throughout her journey Skye comes to realize that “As long as you are accepted by God, that’s all that matters.” There is a beautiful moment in the story where Skye has an emotional talk with God. Oh how this blessed me to see her understand that she is beautiful in His eyes.

I loved this story so much and found it to be filled with faith and a valuable lesson on acceptance and forgiveness. It brought me fond memories of my great grandfather and the stories he shared with me. He also endured prejudice but always told me that I needed to “be happy with who I was and remember that I was special in God’s eyes.”

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

[Kendra Neal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Historical Fiction is one of my favorite Genres. I was really intrigued by the Synopsis of this book and had the honor of reading it. Legacy of Love by Renae Brumbaugh Green is Book 2 in The Stratton Legacy Series. I have not read Book 1 yet, but I had no trouble following along in this book.

Skye Stratton has just finished her Education and is hired to Teach at the Local School. Skye strives for perfection in all she does, but has struggled for years to be accepted. The townspeople know of her Indian Hertiage and have not been to kind to her. She is really disappointed when the students stay home from School rather then allow her to be their teacher due to her Indian Hertiage. Alan McNaughten has just returned home to Texas, leaving Washington D.C. behind. He was tired of the Lies and Deceit in Washington D.C. He comes home and is vying for a job as an Indian Agent. He convinces Skye to teach at Alabama-Coushatta Reservation. Alan and Skye are falling for one another as Alan feels the need to protect Skye. He is hiding a secret and worries about how that would affect a future relationship between them. Will Skye ever be able to be accepted and find her place where she belongs? Will there be a relationship between Alan and Skye?

A WONDERFUL storyline and book! I was captivated by the book as soon as I started reading. Skye knows what she enjoys in life and is just striving to be accepted by others. The community she lives in is predominatly White and she is half Indian Heritage. It broke my heart to see her being rejected as the Teacher for the Local School. Alan is a great character in the book also. He really wants to be moral in his job and leaves Washington D.C to come home. He realizes he doesn't want to truly hurt Skye, yet is not ready to tell Skye the truth about who he is until he has his job secured. The Song "Place in this World" by Michael W. Smith kept coming to mind as I was reading this book. I HIGHLY Recommend this book for anyone who loves Historical Fiction Romance. GREAT BOOK!

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Skye Stratton is a beloved daughter of her adopted family. From all accounts she comes from a successful, rich family and all should be going well for her. But when she becomes the teacher at the school, only three students show up. Why? She is half Native American and half white. A lot of the townspeople cannot get past her heritage even though they need her family's funds.

In steps Alan McNaughton fresh from Washington D.C. He was all set to change the world, yet the political world was beginning to change him. And his mother is sick, so he needs to get back to Texas. He accepts the office of an Indian Agent, and his first assignment is to get Skye Stratton to the Indian Reservation school. Someone wants her out of the current school and put where they think she belongs. Alan is willing to go along with the scheme, if only to get back home.

Will Skye be able to leave her home? And if she should, can she make a difference in the life of children who are thought less than? Will Alan ever come to terms with his past and would Skye forgive him? Along with romance, there is a bit of adventure wrapped up in this book as well as finding out and knowing one's heritage.

This was a sweet historical story of two hearts looking for a place to belong and if they could, make the world a little bit better by finding their place.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

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[Connie Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Legacy of Love is book two in the Stratton Legacy series. The series is written by Renae Brumbaugh Green. I have read book one and I would recommend reading the series in order, since Skye was introduced in the first book. The book is set in 1896 in Lampasas, Texas. Skye has Native American blood in her veins, and that is not something that people are ready to accept. However, she has the Stratton name and has been well taken care of by her adoptive family.

Skye is hired as a teacher when she finishes her education. However, the town keeps their children home for they do not want their kids taught by a "half breed". My heart broke for her. I can't imagine trying to fit into a society that does not want you there.

Alan McNaughten has returned home to Texas as an Indian Agent. He left Washington, D.C. due to the political lies and deceit that was going on. He has secrets that he chooses to hold on to. However, when Skye starts teaching at the Alabama-Coushatta Reservation, he starts to worry over her. Will she be protected?

I loved watching how the author portrayed these two cultures. I felt that they were realistic for the time period. I learned a lot reading her story. Her characters were well written. It was nice to see Skye all grown up in book two.

Thank you to the author, publisher and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read a copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.

[Valri Western · Rating 5 out of 5]

The theme of this story is self-discovery and deciding who Skye Stratton really is. She goes through so many life-defining moments throughout the book that it is hard for her to decide what world she is most comfortable in....the White world or the Indian. She is a "half-breed" and has had to deal with prejudice all her life. However, she's been fortunate because she was adopted by her white aunt & uncle when her "first parents" died and since they are influential, she has tried to live perfectly so she won't ruffle any feathers. She is very excited to be a new teacher, only to be shunned by many of the parents in town who won't send their kids to her class. When Alan McNaughten, a new Indian agent, offers her a new teaching job on a reservation, she is conflicted. She doesn't want to leave home but knows she has to. I loved Alan's character from the start! He had gone to Wash. DC to make a difference only to find that people & politics made him test his morals - he's not proud of it. He wants to go home to Texas and change his life. The adventures the two of them go through are amazing! They try men's souls! I also loved Skye and her conflict, pain and feel of betrayal were very real. I will be thinking about this book for a long time. It was very emotional and touched my soul. The life of the "Indian" at that time was so difficult and my heart went out to all of them!

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, let me say that this is a series. This is book two. So make sure you go grab book one to read first. In book one we meet our lovely heroine as a young girl. Skye came to live with the Stratton family as a young girl and they didn’t really know what to do with her. Now she’s all grown and well-loved but she still feels like she’s not quite accepted and wants to truly belong somewhere.

This author is wonderful with historical fiction. Her books roll and read like you’re watching the scenes of a movie. I’ve yet to read one of her books that doesn’t make me want to keep reading even after the last page has been turned. You’re going to love this one!

Alan has secrets of his own and keeps them close to his chest. What happens when sparks fly between him and Skye? Can they truly have a future together or will uncertainty and more keep them apart? I hope you get the chance to read this book. But remember, read book one and then book two and get two great reads in!

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

[Patti Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Legacy of Love explores the lives of Skye Stratton, a teacher, and Alan McNaughten, an Indian agent. This book explores the struggles of Skye, because of her mixed background. She becomes a teacher and longs for acceptance. But others around her only see one part of her heritage.

Alan McNaughten originally went to Washington, DC to make a difference, but finds himself caught up in the deceit, lies, and turmoil of politics. He secures a position as an Indian agent but finds himself having to force Skye to take a job teaching on the reservation.

I loved getting to know the characters, and seeing how the plot developed. I felt like I was part of the story. The author did an excellent job of building a world I wanted to explore. I also wanted to find out how things would turn out for the pair.

So if you enjoy reading Christian historical fiction, check out this book for yourself.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Legacy of Love is the second book in the Stratton Legacy series by Renae Brumbaugh Green. Skye is just a young girl in the first book, so they are best read in order. However, the author does a wonderful job of giving background information, so this is a nice stand alone story as well.
This is such a good story. It is well written and easy to read. The writing is so clear it is easy to envision what is happening. I really appreciate the truthfulness of the story with the real life struggles Skye has to fit in. I just loved the background story of Skye’s ancestor and how welcoming the tribe was to Skye. I appreciate the protectiveness Alan has towards Skye and the lengths he will go to to protect her. One of the things that really stands out to me in this story is the honesty her Indian friend has in telling her the truth of what would happen if she were to choose to live the life of an Indians versus the life of a white woman.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review

[Miriam Jacob · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Legacy of Love" by Renae Brumbaugh Green is all about the lovely lady, Skye who finally realizes that “as long as you are accepted by God, that’s all that matters.” In an emotional talk with God, Sky understands that she is beautiful in His eyes. This is a faith-filled story with valuable lessons on acceptance and forgiveness. The main theme of this inspiring story is true self-discovery. Skye Stratton has many life-defining moments to decide which world she really belongs to - the White world or the Indian one. As a "half-breed," Skye has to confront prejudice all her life. Fortunate to be adopted by her white aunt & uncle, she is very excited to be a new teacher. When Alan McNaughten, a new Indian agent, offers her a new teaching job on a reservation, she is conflicted. Skye's pain and fear of betrayal are very real. I highly recommend this deeply satisfying book that appeals to our hearts. I wish our readers to have a most enriching reading experience.

[Betti · Rating 5 out of 5]

God thinks you are special. Skye Stratton is not so sure this statement is true. As a young lady, adopted and brought up in relative luxury, her part Native American heritage was not important - at least it never had been. However, prejudice has somehow come into her world. How would this affect her and her future?

This is a lovely story highlighting the importance of seeing a person from the inside, not just what can be seen. Telling the whole truth is a lesson we all can learn, especially when you consider that trust is a fragile thing, not easily renewed. Finding that acceptance comes in many forms, can be a very hard task to work through.

An ARC of The Stratton Legacy Book 2 was received through Wild Heart Books, CelebrateLit and BookFunnel. These comments and impressions are my own and were in no way solicited.

[Heather Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Skye wants to teach students, but her current classroom hasn’t been very successful. When she receives an offer to teach on an Indian reservation, she feels like this might be best for her and her family. As she starts on the journey, she finds herself drawn to the agent she just met. What does her future hold for her?

Having read the first book in the series, I was looking forward to reading the next book in the series. This book was even better than the first one. I became engrossed into the storyline and had a hard time putting the book down. I really liked the character of Skye and her journey of finding out who she truly was.

I would definitely recommend this book. I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own and I was not required to leave a positive review.

[Susan Sloan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tackling the problem of prejudice is an issue everyone must face at some time. This author looks at it from the perspective of Native Americans near the turn of the Twentieth Century and those born into multicultural families.

Skye Stratton wants to follow in adoptive mother’s footsteps and teach school. People in her community, though, make it hard for her to succeed there. Indian Agent Alan McNaughton offers her a job teaching on a reservation, but he doesn’t disclose why.

Though she proves herself capable time after time, she struggles with feeling like she’ll never fit in, even with her family members at the reservation. Her insecurity stems from a lack of understanding that God accepts her as she is.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Legacy of Love" by Renae Brumbaugh is another book that I truly enjoyed from start to finish. It is a story about a school teacher who is both an Indian and an White person. Her uncle hires someone to get her away from his part of the world and on a Indian reservation. Prejudice is a big part of this story. I loved that there are Biblical Scripture written in the story. I am glad that it ended the way it did because Skye was able to celebrate both sides of her Ancestry.
I was given a complimentary copy by the author and Celebrate Lit.and these opinions are my own.

[Ashley Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good read. Being perfect is impossible and tying causes so much stress and anxiety that it isn’t funny. Skye is a ‘half breed’ and I adored her.

The writer does a good job with the characters. Some of them I wanted to hug and others smack. I liked how Skye and Alan. Their story was truly a joy to read.

5/5

Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book via Celebrate Lit. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

[Diane Boyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

such a beautiful story

Skye and Alan’s story is a beautiful one. Even with its many trials and mistakes Love conquered all in the end. Even hard hearted uncle Colt. Well just a little bit.

[Alice · Rating 3 out of 5]

Aggravating editorial misses: Chapter 1 negro Negro
Chapter 16 strawberries in September
???
Chapter 3 Macchiavelli also said that the end justifies the means. ???
Chapter 17 Hope was a funny word...belief that something good was going to happen.
Chapterv19. Find your identity in God and you'll never be left wanting.

[Linda Peters · Rating 5 out of 5]

American Nantucket Biblical lessons are taught in this second book of the series That

This author has such an amazing way of sharing biblical truths. There is adventure This book is so much more than just entertainment although it certainly will hold your attention.

[vicki lee hawkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this seriex

I very much enjoy that you weave scripture into these stories! I love how you show the characters and relate the gooda nd the bad in each!