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Inheritance
Alcoholism, sexual addiction, child abuse and the suicide of a parent are the inherited demons plaguing and isolating Joe Taylor even after four years of sobriety and celibacy, trying to drive him back to the wild parties of his youth.
Poverty, abandonment and neglect are Wendy Masten’s inheritance. And one night, in a desperate attempt to reunite with her long-lost sister, Wendy and Joe meet unexpectedly and begin a quest toward freedom and long-lasting love.
Grow with them as faith unfolds and unleashes its healing power, transforming Joe and Wendy into the people God intended them to be with the inheritance He planned as they become a couple and prepare to enter the sacrament of marriage.
Rated For mature topics, language and some brief sexual depictions.
Poverty, abandonment and neglect are Wendy Masten’s inheritance. And one night, in a desperate attempt to reunite with her long-lost sister, Wendy and Joe meet unexpectedly and begin a quest toward freedom and long-lasting love.
Grow with them as faith unfolds and unleashes its healing power, transforming Joe and Wendy into the people God intended them to be with the inheritance He planned as they become a couple and prepare to enter the sacrament of marriage.
Rated For mature topics, language and some brief sexual depictions.
ebook
First published May 31, 2011
17 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Barker
8 books14 followersI love happy endings. I love to see people overcome trials. I love to see good win and love prevail. That is why I like writing and don't mind taking on the characters with messy lives who come knocking on my door begging me to write their stories.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
August 23, 2022
This was a very dark novel for me - it includes so many real life obstacles especially for addicts and my heart tugged a lot while reading this. The author does a great job blending hope within this darker themed plot and hope is so so important for anyone to hold on to no matter what they’re struggling with.
December 4, 2020
Beginning with the Book of Lamentations, Barker announces suffering and the hope that is to follow, and that is the curve of this forward-looking novel. Here, religious faith meets the imperfection implied by humanism. It is the story of a little family, modest in its ambitions, looking mainly for closeness. But there are nasty wounds, some of them self-inflicted. In other hands, sexual addiction and child abuse might set the tone for a grim, Zola-esque recounting, fatalistic in outlook. The novel begins with the excitement of home runs recounted, and Dad closing a deal. Dad's 1950 Chevrolet gleams in the son's future, as the latter goes to wax it. Soon this gives way to Joe, the father's, seduction of a young woman, because his practiced eye know that "all the women come to the parties full prepared for being seduced." Things get good and sordid, just shy of a potboiler, but walking that line mostly with success. A typical scene ends with a fist in the face by a jealous real partner. Joe's inner struggle is Faulknerian, the family curse: brilliant martyrdom. Booze and a woman at hand, but Joe in a perpetual bad mood, with sex as a "battering ram for his aggression." There are sloppy explanations, brusque equivocations. Underneath, the current of hope simmers. Joe wants his woman to feel safe, if he can figure out how. First, he has to figure out for sure which one she is. Julie comes, her perfume mixing with the crisp high country air. Always the shadow of the father haunts him. The sex is plentiful but not explicit. Strangely, one's precocious child could read it and not be offended. The novel is driven by dialogue, something in the nature of a screenplay. Inevitably, Joe ends up in the church confessional. Meanwhile, Wendy agonizes over smaller sins. Much of the novel is about "release," a word that applies both to coitus and the mystics, the ecstasy of a body and that of God, two parallel paths. As this struggle continues, dark, wounding secrets about the past present themselves. There I leave the matter. You've have to read the novel to know where this undercurrent takes him and you. Barker's novel deserves readers. One feels in the writing commitment, a yen to get down under the skin and find out what the characters are all about. No one is disparaged, yet no one is spared either.
December 27, 2024
With thanks to Lisa Barker for allowing me to read ‘The Inheritance’ in exchange for an honest review!
Wow. What a ride into the worlds of addiction, abuse, neglect, suicide, sexuality and mistreatment. Some very dark topics covered but covered well. The author has clearly researched these topics and handled them carefully.
It didn’t take long for me to become invested in Joes recovery and hoping that he would get his happy ending. I wasn’t sure about Wendy at first, not because of anything more than at first she appeared to be an utter do gooder, however it quickly became clear she was wrestling her own demons.
I’ll be honest when I selected Lisa’s book I wasn’t aware that there were any religious leanings and when I first noted there was I was wary that the story would push the authors beliefs on the reader. It does not. It does make you think and Religion and faith are key parts to the protagonist’s healing process but again it’s done really well and not in a forceful way. By the end I was truly gripped by what the outcome might be and if the couple would make it.
And the ending; well. Generally I’d want more detail but I think the story ended just where it needed to.
Hutch. He’s the wildcard here. The one I expected not to like or be more of a problem. Love that his character turned out to have more depth than the ‘evil step father’ role.
Great story. Relatable characters. Light in a dark world.
Well written Lisa!
5* from me!!
Wow. What a ride into the worlds of addiction, abuse, neglect, suicide, sexuality and mistreatment. Some very dark topics covered but covered well. The author has clearly researched these topics and handled them carefully.
It didn’t take long for me to become invested in Joes recovery and hoping that he would get his happy ending. I wasn’t sure about Wendy at first, not because of anything more than at first she appeared to be an utter do gooder, however it quickly became clear she was wrestling her own demons.
I’ll be honest when I selected Lisa’s book I wasn’t aware that there were any religious leanings and when I first noted there was I was wary that the story would push the authors beliefs on the reader. It does not. It does make you think and Religion and faith are key parts to the protagonist’s healing process but again it’s done really well and not in a forceful way. By the end I was truly gripped by what the outcome might be and if the couple would make it.
And the ending; well. Generally I’d want more detail but I think the story ended just where it needed to.
Hutch. He’s the wildcard here. The one I expected not to like or be more of a problem. Love that his character turned out to have more depth than the ‘evil step father’ role.
Great story. Relatable characters. Light in a dark world.
Well written Lisa!
5* from me!!
December 31, 2024
Undertones of hate drifted out from the kitchen." This line sums up the dark reality that Joe endured while growing up. I found myslef going back to that line in the book as Joe moved from childhood to adulthood and struggled with his personal demons. Mrs. Barker took a heavy theme and narrated it so beautifully that I had to pause several times while reading to reflect. Her ability to transport the reader to the precise moment is phenomenal.
The Inheritance was not an easy read, but it was a realistic read breaking my heart into a million pieces. I applaud Mrs. Barker for showing us the darkness of human nature and genrational trauma within a setting of forgiveness which isn't always easy to give and receive.
The Inheritance was not an easy read, but it was a realistic read breaking my heart into a million pieces. I applaud Mrs. Barker for showing us the darkness of human nature and genrational trauma within a setting of forgiveness which isn't always easy to give and receive.
November 12, 2025
Inheritance by Lisa Barker is a deeply moving and redemptive story about love, faith, and healing from generational pain. Through the intertwined journeys of Joe and Wendy, Barker beautifully explores how faith and grace can break the chains of addiction, trauma, and loss. The characters feel raw and real, their struggles heartbreakingly authentic yet filled with hope. This is an inspiring and faith-filled romance that reminds readers that no matter how dark the past, God’s love can redeem, restore, and transform. A powerful, heartfelt read about finding light after brokenness.
August 31, 2022
Inheritance is a love story about two people struggling with their past as they fall in love. Joe and Wendy each have their demons to fight, but mutual support brings them through it all. I especially liked Joe and Wendy's transition from friend zone to lovers. I recommend this book to anyone that enjoys reading about the power of love and hope.
September 30, 2011
Inheritance, by Lisa Barker, is the dramatic story of the troubled alcoholic and sex addict Joe Taylor and the neglected but strong-willed Wendy Masten.
Joe Taylor has been single and sober for four years despite the lack of support from his family. But this year on his birthday, unable to control his loneliness and rapidly increasing lust, he attends Trish Masten's bacchanalia, held to celebrate her impending marriage to David. At his former lover's home, he would free the wild party animal locked up inside him.
On the same night, Trish's younger sister, Wendy arrives unexpectedly to announce the death of their grandmother. Wendy is not welcomed at Trish's home by David and is sent to the guest room during their engagement party. Wendy feels rejected by her only living relative and disappointed at Trish's lack of affection for her. After hearing loud voices, arguments and a fight, Wendy is scared and nervous. She decides to seek shelter elsewhere.
As she leaves Trish's house, Wendy meets Joe, who is extremely drunk and incapable of getting himself home. Out of pity she drives him home and cares for him all night long. This would mark the beginning of a new life for the two of them.
Having suffered a relapse, Joe must earn back his family's trust. At the same time, he must learn to control his addictions to conquer the heart of the woman he loves. For her part, Wendy would have to deal with discrimination by Joe's relatives for her relationship to Trish.
Joe's and Wendy's traumatic childhoods left deep wounds in them. As a result, they blamed God for their misfortune and abandoned the Church. But, it is through His Divine Mercy that Joe and Wendy find the peace and stability they so desperately seek and need.
I have been reviewing books for several years and must confess that I am always skeptical about the quality of self-published books that use venues like lulu.com. However, Lisa Barker has produced a professional quality book without any of the problems often associated with self publishing. The first item that captured my attention was the simple but profound symbolism of the book cover. She chose a picture of a single white lily on a dark background. Lilies are a symbol of redemption and rebirth while black is a symbol of death and evil. It is the perfect image to summarize the story's plot.
Although the author rated her book R for mature topics, language and some brief sexual depictions, I never felt uncomfortable with the explicit scenes. All of them were tastefully written. The author's depiction of the characters' struggles, soul searching and family relationships will keep the reader engaged throughout the story.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoy a great novel with a real-life story and lively characters. Although the book is fictional, the characters’ dilemmas and how they are resolved will seem very authentic to anyone struggling with addictions. For them, Lisa Barker does more than tell a good story; she brings a glimmer of hope.
Joe Taylor has been single and sober for four years despite the lack of support from his family. But this year on his birthday, unable to control his loneliness and rapidly increasing lust, he attends Trish Masten's bacchanalia, held to celebrate her impending marriage to David. At his former lover's home, he would free the wild party animal locked up inside him.
On the same night, Trish's younger sister, Wendy arrives unexpectedly to announce the death of their grandmother. Wendy is not welcomed at Trish's home by David and is sent to the guest room during their engagement party. Wendy feels rejected by her only living relative and disappointed at Trish's lack of affection for her. After hearing loud voices, arguments and a fight, Wendy is scared and nervous. She decides to seek shelter elsewhere.
As she leaves Trish's house, Wendy meets Joe, who is extremely drunk and incapable of getting himself home. Out of pity she drives him home and cares for him all night long. This would mark the beginning of a new life for the two of them.
Having suffered a relapse, Joe must earn back his family's trust. At the same time, he must learn to control his addictions to conquer the heart of the woman he loves. For her part, Wendy would have to deal with discrimination by Joe's relatives for her relationship to Trish.
Joe's and Wendy's traumatic childhoods left deep wounds in them. As a result, they blamed God for their misfortune and abandoned the Church. But, it is through His Divine Mercy that Joe and Wendy find the peace and stability they so desperately seek and need.
I have been reviewing books for several years and must confess that I am always skeptical about the quality of self-published books that use venues like lulu.com. However, Lisa Barker has produced a professional quality book without any of the problems often associated with self publishing. The first item that captured my attention was the simple but profound symbolism of the book cover. She chose a picture of a single white lily on a dark background. Lilies are a symbol of redemption and rebirth while black is a symbol of death and evil. It is the perfect image to summarize the story's plot.
Although the author rated her book R for mature topics, language and some brief sexual depictions, I never felt uncomfortable with the explicit scenes. All of them were tastefully written. The author's depiction of the characters' struggles, soul searching and family relationships will keep the reader engaged throughout the story.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoy a great novel with a real-life story and lively characters. Although the book is fictional, the characters’ dilemmas and how they are resolved will seem very authentic to anyone struggling with addictions. For them, Lisa Barker does more than tell a good story; she brings a glimmer of hope.
January 21, 2014
Reviewed by Stephanie
Book provided by the author for review
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
I wouldn’t exactly rate this book R, even though there are mature topics, mild language, and brief sexual depictions. Its material definitely isn’t light, but none of it is particularly graphic either — most themes are either pondered upon, or merely insinuated. I would say there are maybe one or two disturbing scenes (like the details of a suicide, as well as a parent hitting a child), but the majority of the book is very PG.
The budding relationship between Wendy and Joe, especially, qualifies as a ‘sweet’ romance. Joe has had a rocky past involving sex addiction, so occasionally he does have fleeting thoughts of her sexually, but their relationship is never fully consummated, so Inheritance isn’t at all sexually explicit. Its heavier themes mostly revolve around both of the characters’ troubled pasts, as well as their struggles to cope and recover from them in the present. As a whole, there’s a Christian undertone to it, and the ending, as well as the traditional ‘no sex before marriage’ motif, both make Inheritance, in the end, an inspirational romance.
I feel the characters were pretty likable, although shallow. Their deepest intimacies are displayed, so I felt I should have related to or sympathized with them better, but to me, they seemed too superficial. Wendy and Joe’s relationship was not believable. Within months of meeting, they decided to become engaged… but THEN started dating? Do relationships nowadays (or, ever) even work that way? Joe says, when asked about wedding plans, quote-unquote: “We’re going to court [as in, date], Father. We just met.” You don’t become engaged after just meeting. Regardless of Wendy’s immediate understanding of Joe’s bitter inner battles, I feel he didn’t have to propose to her right then and there. I have never heard of a relationship that works that way — don’t people usually date for a while first?? So this kind of was unrealistic and frankly, a bit difficult to take seriously. It seemed straight from a cheap paperback romance… and it didn’t even make sense.
Other than the basis of the romance, though, I liked this book. The secondary characters are extremely well-crafted: I either hated them or loved them, just as Barker would have wanted. Her voice is smooth and sentimental; she’s definitely an author to keep an eye on! The story moves swiftly, and is overall enjoyable. Human sins, and the raw desperation to vindicate oneself of them are beautifully portrayed. As a Christian romance, this one is a bit preachy, but I loved the turmoils and deep afflictions Wendy and Joe suffer and heal themselves from eventually. If you can stomach flawed characters and the slow (and often frustrating) journey of redemption, but still appreciate a good, chaste romance, I recommend Inheritance by Lisa Barker.
Book provided by the author for review
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
I wouldn’t exactly rate this book R, even though there are mature topics, mild language, and brief sexual depictions. Its material definitely isn’t light, but none of it is particularly graphic either — most themes are either pondered upon, or merely insinuated. I would say there are maybe one or two disturbing scenes (like the details of a suicide, as well as a parent hitting a child), but the majority of the book is very PG.
The budding relationship between Wendy and Joe, especially, qualifies as a ‘sweet’ romance. Joe has had a rocky past involving sex addiction, so occasionally he does have fleeting thoughts of her sexually, but their relationship is never fully consummated, so Inheritance isn’t at all sexually explicit. Its heavier themes mostly revolve around both of the characters’ troubled pasts, as well as their struggles to cope and recover from them in the present. As a whole, there’s a Christian undertone to it, and the ending, as well as the traditional ‘no sex before marriage’ motif, both make Inheritance, in the end, an inspirational romance.
I feel the characters were pretty likable, although shallow. Their deepest intimacies are displayed, so I felt I should have related to or sympathized with them better, but to me, they seemed too superficial. Wendy and Joe’s relationship was not believable. Within months of meeting, they decided to become engaged… but THEN started dating? Do relationships nowadays (or, ever) even work that way? Joe says, when asked about wedding plans, quote-unquote: “We’re going to court [as in, date], Father. We just met.” You don’t become engaged after just meeting. Regardless of Wendy’s immediate understanding of Joe’s bitter inner battles, I feel he didn’t have to propose to her right then and there. I have never heard of a relationship that works that way — don’t people usually date for a while first?? So this kind of was unrealistic and frankly, a bit difficult to take seriously. It seemed straight from a cheap paperback romance… and it didn’t even make sense.
Other than the basis of the romance, though, I liked this book. The secondary characters are extremely well-crafted: I either hated them or loved them, just as Barker would have wanted. Her voice is smooth and sentimental; she’s definitely an author to keep an eye on! The story moves swiftly, and is overall enjoyable. Human sins, and the raw desperation to vindicate oneself of them are beautifully portrayed. As a Christian romance, this one is a bit preachy, but I loved the turmoils and deep afflictions Wendy and Joe suffer and heal themselves from eventually. If you can stomach flawed characters and the slow (and often frustrating) journey of redemption, but still appreciate a good, chaste romance, I recommend Inheritance by Lisa Barker.
January 9, 2021
This is a rave review of Lisa Barker's book Inheritance. There are many aspects of this book that show Lisa did excellent research. The characters are three-dimensional, believable and are in believable situations.
Many readers will be able to identify with them and gain some self-insight. The issues dealt with are domestic violence, alcoholism, power imbalance, codependency, and family issues among a few. She does a good job weaving the backstories of each character.
She used strong literary techniques in her descriptions and imagery. There are many parallels between the characters. She demonstrates a strength in using foreshadowing.
This book is of high quality and I strongly recommend it to readers.
Liz K. ONeill
Many readers will be able to identify with them and gain some self-insight. The issues dealt with are domestic violence, alcoholism, power imbalance, codependency, and family issues among a few. She does a good job weaving the backstories of each character.
She used strong literary techniques in her descriptions and imagery. There are many parallels between the characters. She demonstrates a strength in using foreshadowing.
This book is of high quality and I strongly recommend it to readers.
Liz K. ONeill
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews