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Legacy of Love #1
The Best Gift
She’s thrilled with her bequest—
but claiming it could be tricky.
Free spirit AJ Williams couldn’t be happier with the legacy her Aunt Jo left her. She’s ready for a new adventure—and who wouldn’t want to own a bookshop? There’s just one little problem. She has to share her bequest with the picky, no-nonsense manager, Blake Sullivan. Even worse? They have to work together for six months in order to claim their inheritance.
Blake isn’t any more thrilled about Jo’s stipulation than AJ is. He runs a tight ship, which is why he’s made a success of the business Jo hired him to straighten out. He doesn’t need her inexperienced niece butting in and wreaking havoc. As far as he’s concerned, this is not a partnership made in heaven.
Yet when they’re forced to team up to fight an unexpected threat to their inheritance, friendship takes root. And as the six-month mark approaches, might Aunt Jo’s legacy lead not only to a business partnership, but the love of a lifetime?
Bestselling author Irene Hannon delivers another delightful tale that showcases how love can bloom in unexpected places—and the importance of never judging a book by its cover.
“A well-plotted tale and an engaging love story.”
—RT Book Reviews on The Best Gift
but claiming it could be tricky.
Free spirit AJ Williams couldn’t be happier with the legacy her Aunt Jo left her. She’s ready for a new adventure—and who wouldn’t want to own a bookshop? There’s just one little problem. She has to share her bequest with the picky, no-nonsense manager, Blake Sullivan. Even worse? They have to work together for six months in order to claim their inheritance.
Blake isn’t any more thrilled about Jo’s stipulation than AJ is. He runs a tight ship, which is why he’s made a success of the business Jo hired him to straighten out. He doesn’t need her inexperienced niece butting in and wreaking havoc. As far as he’s concerned, this is not a partnership made in heaven.
Yet when they’re forced to team up to fight an unexpected threat to their inheritance, friendship takes root. And as the six-month mark approaches, might Aunt Jo’s legacy lead not only to a business partnership, but the love of a lifetime?
Bestselling author Irene Hannon delivers another delightful tale that showcases how love can bloom in unexpected places—and the importance of never judging a book by its cover.
“A well-plotted tale and an engaging love story.”
—RT Book Reviews on The Best Gift
215 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2005
503 people are currently reading
710 people want to read
About the author
Irene Hannon
126 books3,030 followersIrene Hannon, who writes both contemporary romance and romantic suspense, is the author of more than 65 novels. Her books have been honored with three coveted RITA awards from Romance Writers of America (the “Oscar” of romance fiction) and she is a member of that organization's elite Hall of Fame. She has also received a Career Achievement award from RT Book Reviews for her entire body of work. Other awards for individual books include National Readers' Choice, HOLT Medallion, Daphne du Maurier, Retailers Choice, Booksellers' Best, and Reviewers' Choice from RT Book Reviews. She is also a two-time Christy award finalist.
Millions of her books have been sold worldwide, and her novels have been translated into multiple languages.
A former corporate communications executive with a Fortune 500 company, Irene now writes full time. To learn more about Irene and her books, visit www.irenehannon.com.
Millions of her books have been sold worldwide, and her novels have been translated into multiple languages.
A former corporate communications executive with a Fortune 500 company, Irene now writes full time. To learn more about Irene and her books, visit www.irenehannon.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
September 7, 2012
Loved the story. It was a christian romance and very well done. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. This is the first one in a series of three and I will be adding the other two books to my to-read list.
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September 21, 2012
Two-haiku review:
They will inherit
If they will work together
From strangers to love
Sweet Christian romance
Great characters, each with flaws
Nice resolution
They will inherit
If they will work together
From strangers to love
Sweet Christian romance
Great characters, each with flaws
Nice resolution
January 19, 2025
Nice start to a trilogy. No cliffhanger. Contemporary Christian romance set in St Louis.
May 16, 2025
A sweet, quick read. A bit predictable. I didn’t know it was a Christian love story when it started but it wasn’t too overwhelmingly Christian.
December 19, 2012
I really enjoyed this book and I didn't think I would. I had purchased this book in a lot of Love Inspired books and it was one of the last I chose to read. I thought the Aunt Jo's will stipulation was kind of silly but once you get past that part of the book and start to learn about the characters, the book draws you in. I really liked how Hannon developed the romance between A.J. and Blake. She took it at a realistic pace and the characters acted like adults throughout their relationship, it was refreshing. Will most likely read again.
October 1, 2025
She’s thrilled with her bequest—
but claiming it could be tricky.
Free spirit AJ Williams couldn’t be happier with the legacy her Aunt Jo left her. She’s ready for a new adventure—and who wouldn’t want to own a bookshop? There’s just one little problem. She has to share her bequest with the picky, no-nonsense manager, Blake Sullivan. Even worse? They have to work together for six months in order to claim their inheritance.
Blake isn’t any more thrilled about Jo’s stipulation than AJ is. He runs a tight ship, which is why he’s made a success of the business Jo hired him to straighten out. He doesn’t need her inexperienced niece butting in and wreaking havoc. As far as he’s concerned, this is not a partnership made in heaven.
Yet when they’re forced to team up to fight an unexpected threat to their inheritance, friendship takes root. And as the six-month mark approaches, might Aunt Jo’s legacy lead not only to a business partnership, but the love of a lifetime?
Bestselling author Irene Hannon delivers another delightful tale that showcases how love can bloom in unexpected places—and the importance of never judging a book by its cover.
My comments:
I am a massive fan of this authors work, everything I have read by her I have enjoyed. This book was no exception.
This was the first book in the sisters and brides series, the series is about 3 sisters AJ, Claire and Morgan. All 3 sisters have been left bequests in their great aunts will with unusual stipulations, this is AJ's story.
AJ has been made part owner of the bookstore her aunt owned however to claim her inheritance she is not allowed to sell it for 6 months and she has to work full time in the store with the other part owner Blake Sullivan. AJ who is free spirited and always up for an adventure however Blake is very organised and is not thrilled to have Joe's inexperienced niece coming in to shake things up. However when they are forced to work together to protect their inheritance and AJ's suggestions start to make positive changes Blake starts to warm more to her.
This was a fantastic story and I loved AJ and Blake's story and the way they started to explore their differences. I'm ooking forward to Clair and Moran's stories next.
but claiming it could be tricky.
Free spirit AJ Williams couldn’t be happier with the legacy her Aunt Jo left her. She’s ready for a new adventure—and who wouldn’t want to own a bookshop? There’s just one little problem. She has to share her bequest with the picky, no-nonsense manager, Blake Sullivan. Even worse? They have to work together for six months in order to claim their inheritance.
Blake isn’t any more thrilled about Jo’s stipulation than AJ is. He runs a tight ship, which is why he’s made a success of the business Jo hired him to straighten out. He doesn’t need her inexperienced niece butting in and wreaking havoc. As far as he’s concerned, this is not a partnership made in heaven.
Yet when they’re forced to team up to fight an unexpected threat to their inheritance, friendship takes root. And as the six-month mark approaches, might Aunt Jo’s legacy lead not only to a business partnership, but the love of a lifetime?
Bestselling author Irene Hannon delivers another delightful tale that showcases how love can bloom in unexpected places—and the importance of never judging a book by its cover.
My comments:
I am a massive fan of this authors work, everything I have read by her I have enjoyed. This book was no exception.
This was the first book in the sisters and brides series, the series is about 3 sisters AJ, Claire and Morgan. All 3 sisters have been left bequests in their great aunts will with unusual stipulations, this is AJ's story.
AJ has been made part owner of the bookstore her aunt owned however to claim her inheritance she is not allowed to sell it for 6 months and she has to work full time in the store with the other part owner Blake Sullivan. AJ who is free spirited and always up for an adventure however Blake is very organised and is not thrilled to have Joe's inexperienced niece coming in to shake things up. However when they are forced to work together to protect their inheritance and AJ's suggestions start to make positive changes Blake starts to warm more to her.
This was a fantastic story and I loved AJ and Blake's story and the way they started to explore their differences. I'm ooking forward to Clair and Moran's stories next.
September 26, 2021
A friend sent me this in a box of books. I've read Irene Hannon before and usually enjoy her books. I'm glad to say that this one did not disappoint.
The story opens with three women hearing the terms of their aunt's will. (I suspect this opening is the same in all 3 books of the series.)
This book centers on A.J. Her bequeath is half interest in a St. Louis bookstore as long as she works there (with the man who was her aunt's business partner) for 6 months.
A.J. had a pretty conventional life growing up until a tragedy took away the man she'd planned to spend the rest of her life with. Since then, she's resisted putting down roots and told herself it was so she could be open to wherever God's leading took her.
Blake had a nomadic lifestyle growing up and learned early on to depend only on himself. He prefers stability.
I think they both approached their business partnership and their budding relationship in a realistic manner. Yes, they both made some assumptions about the other, but they also weren't afraid to talk about what they thought or what bothered them. As A.J. said--knowing that Blake was going to question her about any changes she might want to make made her think through them more thoroughly than she might otherwise have.
Though the terms of the aunt's will seem odd at first, I have a feeling the aunt very carefully considered her nieces and the people/situations she knew and chose these deliberately--of course, knowing that the outcome wasn't guaranteed (but since this is fiction, we know what will happen), but at the very least hopeful that her nieces would learn life lessons from the process if nothing else.
The story opens with three women hearing the terms of their aunt's will. (I suspect this opening is the same in all 3 books of the series.)
This book centers on A.J. Her bequeath is half interest in a St. Louis bookstore as long as she works there (with the man who was her aunt's business partner) for 6 months.
A.J. had a pretty conventional life growing up until a tragedy took away the man she'd planned to spend the rest of her life with. Since then, she's resisted putting down roots and told herself it was so she could be open to wherever God's leading took her.
Blake had a nomadic lifestyle growing up and learned early on to depend only on himself. He prefers stability.
I think they both approached their business partnership and their budding relationship in a realistic manner. Yes, they both made some assumptions about the other, but they also weren't afraid to talk about what they thought or what bothered them. As A.J. said--knowing that Blake was going to question her about any changes she might want to make made her think through them more thoroughly than she might otherwise have.
Though the terms of the aunt's will seem odd at first, I have a feeling the aunt very carefully considered her nieces and the people/situations she knew and chose these deliberately--of course, knowing that the outcome wasn't guaranteed (but since this is fiction, we know what will happen), but at the very least hopeful that her nieces would learn life lessons from the process if nothing else.
October 22, 2016
Quaint Fireside Read
Three sisters are recipients of a benevolent aunts will. Each sister has stipulations to what was bequeathed to them. This story follows A.J. A vagabond, free spirited, non committal woman whose past hurts have her jumping at the chance to go work at her aunts bookstore in St. Louis. What she didn't count on was her aunts partner in business, Blake. Blake and A.J. are like oil and water. Over the course of the six months, a fight by the community to hold onto their home town feel with the planning commission, A.J.'s dealings with her traumatic past, Blake coming to terms with the manner his parents chose to raise him and trying to place a God at the center of all their lives, happiness blooms.
This book is worth the read, has enjoyable and engaging characters and has you asking yourself, do you really have unshakeable faith? So curl up and enjoy the journey.
Three sisters are recipients of a benevolent aunts will. Each sister has stipulations to what was bequeathed to them. This story follows A.J. A vagabond, free spirited, non committal woman whose past hurts have her jumping at the chance to go work at her aunts bookstore in St. Louis. What she didn't count on was her aunts partner in business, Blake. Blake and A.J. are like oil and water. Over the course of the six months, a fight by the community to hold onto their home town feel with the planning commission, A.J.'s dealings with her traumatic past, Blake coming to terms with the manner his parents chose to raise him and trying to place a God at the center of all their lives, happiness blooms.
This book is worth the read, has enjoyable and engaging characters and has you asking yourself, do you really have unshakeable faith? So curl up and enjoy the journey.
January 16, 2021
Irene does a beautiful job of creating two flawed people who want to protect their hearts from any further pain in their lives. However, they soon come to realize that God has other plans for them, and they recognize themselves in each other. A.J. and Blake begin to change through the actions of each other, and they understand that God knows what's best for them both. Irene shows through their story, that though we endure trauma and pain, our hearts have a great capacity for love. God knows us intimately, He knows our hearts, and He will never betray our trust in Him. We must trust in Him, and when Blake and A.J. do this, their lives are so much better. God saw the pain in their hearts, and He gave them each other to heal it.
February 19, 2025
The Best Gift by Irene Hannon is a love story with no sex. !!!!! How refreshing! The gift to AJ is an inheritance of half a book store. The other half belongs to a man. Mmmmm. Could be. Nah, they're opposites. She's an outgoing extrovert. He's somber and introverted.
There was a little caveat in the will. The two have to work together for six months before they could inherit. Fortunately, a threat to the bookstore business necessitated that they work together. Their neighbors and AJ and Blake went to their town hall and expressed their point of views.
The merchants won and so did romance. Not only did AJ and Blake inherit the bookstore legitimately, they became engaged. Nice story and nicely written.
There was a little caveat in the will. The two have to work together for six months before they could inherit. Fortunately, a threat to the bookstore business necessitated that they work together. Their neighbors and AJ and Blake went to their town hall and expressed their point of views.
The merchants won and so did romance. Not only did AJ and Blake inherit the bookstore legitimately, they became engaged. Nice story and nicely written.
March 3, 2025
I find it hard to imagine being forced into a partnership with someone I had never met in order to claim a bequest. AJ finds herself in that situation when the lawyer reads the will after her aunt’s death. Neither she nor the new partner are very keen on the arrangement, but they must abide by the terms or lose everything. I like the way the author describes the two through the eyes and perceptions of the other. They certainly do not sound like a match made in heaven for any purpose. The story shares some great lessons in dealing with others and in rebuilding bridges. Be sure to watch for the lessons as you read. You may find that one of them fits your own situation. I read the Encore Edition which is an updated version of a book published about twenty years ago.
April 8, 2025
Part of the author's Encore Edition line originally published in 2005. So excited to have the opportunity to catch up on Irene Hannon's earlier works through these re-releases! Love the hint of whimsy AJ brings to the story -- a perfect foil for staid (some might say stuffy) Blake. Throw in a bookstore setting and I'm all in! An opposites attract romance with emotional depth and heart-felt faith.
"So all we can do is live each day to the best of our ability, accept the gifts God sends our way, and trust he'll be with us if things don't work out as we plan."
"So all we can do is live each day to the best of our ability, accept the gifts God sends our way, and trust he'll be with us if things don't work out as we plan."
January 15, 2025
AJ Williams and her sisters are waiting for the will to be read of their aunt Jo.
Each of the girls are left with part of the estate, but their are conditions that
must be meant before they obtain what is left to them.
AJ has been given her Aunt's book store, Turning Leaf but she must work with
Blake for six moths to learn the book store business.
Their first meeting is not what each of them were expecting.
Can either of them stick it out for the sux months.
Each of the girls are left with part of the estate, but their are conditions that
must be meant before they obtain what is left to them.
AJ has been given her Aunt's book store, Turning Leaf but she must work with
Blake for six moths to learn the book store business.
Their first meeting is not what each of them were expecting.
Can either of them stick it out for the sux months.
January 21, 2025
Love Story with a twist!
At first, these two seem as different as chalk and cheese but they have to work as partners, managing a bookshop. Both have had difficult childhoods. Can they overcome and leave things behind, as they find new ways to trust and rebuild, or will his parents needs drive a wedge. Can she weather another major uphheavel.
A compelling read with turns in the trail!!
At first, these two seem as different as chalk and cheese but they have to work as partners, managing a bookshop. Both have had difficult childhoods. Can they overcome and leave things behind, as they find new ways to trust and rebuild, or will his parents needs drive a wedge. Can she weather another major uphheavel.
A compelling read with turns in the trail!!
July 26, 2018
ebook from the library. I've read the series with Morgan, Clare and AJ as sisters getting their legacy left by Aunt Jo with conditions. This is AJ and Blake's story. Some deep matters of past grief and hurts needed to be addressed before moving forward. Running and facing our fears. But God is good.
October 4, 2020
I found this an excellent, inspiring book. I loved both Blake and AJ, and watching them work through some of their deepest fears with the help of the Lord was very encouraging. The reader can guess from the beginning where the plot might be going, but the way Irene Hannon takes you there is even better than I envisioned. I highly recommend this story.
January 11, 2025
Good
I like the bookstore scene. Books are a favourite. The relationship sure starts off rough. Prejudging never does anyone a good service. The storyline was well done. The developing attraction subtle yet believable. I most enjoyed the David versus Goliath issue. That was the highlight for me. The rest was well done. A good afternoon read, with a happy ending.
I like the bookstore scene. Books are a favourite. The relationship sure starts off rough. Prejudging never does anyone a good service. The storyline was well done. The developing attraction subtle yet believable. I most enjoyed the David versus Goliath issue. That was the highlight for me. The rest was well done. A good afternoon read, with a happy ending.
January 11, 2025
AJ ❤️ Blake
A very sweet story of suffering, abuse, loneliness, and two souls meant for each other. Really? Maybe not. Oil and water, you know. Due to an inheritance and a stipulation to the will, AJ sold out and went to St. Louis to claim her future. Little did she know that inheritance included a matchmakers dream.
A very sweet story of suffering, abuse, loneliness, and two souls meant for each other. Really? Maybe not. Oil and water, you know. Due to an inheritance and a stipulation to the will, AJ sold out and went to St. Louis to claim her future. Little did she know that inheritance included a matchmakers dream.
February 18, 2025
The joint adventure in the bookstore
This was a lively contemporary romance where two very different people inherited a bookstore. They had to work together for six months for the inheritance to be legal. so many changes to the store and their lives happened in that six !months. A great read!
This was a lively contemporary romance where two very different people inherited a bookstore. They had to work together for six months for the inheritance to be legal. so many changes to the store and their lives happened in that six !months. A great read!
April 10, 2025
The characters, AJ and Blake, need to work together in AJ's grandmother's bookstore for six months for one of them to inherit it. The stipulation seems a little unusual to them, especially since they are at odds with each other from the start.
This is a story of a new-found faith, reconciliation and a surprise twist at the end which I did see coming.
This is a story of a new-found faith, reconciliation and a surprise twist at the end which I did see coming.
October 23, 2025
Can you find love in a Bookshop? 😊
What a fun read. I enjoyed AJ and Blake’s story very much.
Lovely characters and storyline, with faith playing a strong part in this very sweet, clean book.
The culmination being a heartfelt ending, but you’ll need to read the whole story til the end, to see that. I’m still smiling 😊
Recommended.
What a fun read. I enjoyed AJ and Blake’s story very much.
Lovely characters and storyline, with faith playing a strong part in this very sweet, clean book.
The culmination being a heartfelt ending, but you’ll need to read the whole story til the end, to see that. I’m still smiling 😊
Recommended.
March 17, 2022
Looking forward to the next two
It's about coming to grips with fears and letting go. It's about a second chance at love! I was glad that A.J. was not the airhead that she initially projected.
It's about coming to grips with fears and letting go. It's about a second chance at love! I was glad that A.J. was not the airhead that she initially projected.
December 31, 2022
When A. J. Williams great aunt died and left her1/2 co-owner of a bookstore she is confused by it. This is worse than vinegar and water. Blake Williams and A.J. must make this business relationship or they both lose the store.
January 10, 2025
2025 Book Quest category: Baggage (both main characters had some emotional baggage to get over before they could fully commit to each other)
I love Irene Hannon's books and this was another good one. A quick read and a sweet Christian romance.
I love Irene Hannon's books and this was another good one. A quick read and a sweet Christian romance.
February 10, 2025
Thoughtful and engrossing story
I enjoyed the character progression in this book, and the faith messages. I plan to read the others in the series. I’m definitely glad I gave this one a chance.
I enjoyed the character progression in this book, and the faith messages. I plan to read the others in the series. I’m definitely glad I gave this one a chance.
February 15, 2025
This is a cute, feel good story dealing with loss, family relationships, overcoming past hurts and fears, and being open to love and change. Throw in a cool,book store, a case of opposites learning to navigate a new partnership, and plenty of emotion and it was a heartwarming and compelling read.
February 25, 2025
Really good book!
This was a new author to me but I will definitely be reading more of her books! The characters are people I would like as friends. It is a little different from the books I have been reading lately. A refreshingly good story.
This was a new author to me but I will definitely be reading more of her books! The characters are people I would like as friends. It is a little different from the books I have been reading lately. A refreshingly good story.
March 27, 2025
So authentic
This book was beautifully written. The main characters and townspeople wove together like a blanket. The attention to details was so important as they, too, became important to the story.
A must read!!
This book was beautifully written. The main characters and townspeople wove together like a blanket. The attention to details was so important as they, too, became important to the story.
A must read!!
June 7, 2025
Ok, 4.5 stars. This story hit everything that makes a good read: characters, storyline, and a lovely ending. A sweet story filled with real situations that we all can end up facing in our lives. And, two more books in this series. Can’t wait!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews