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The Inheritance
Jennifer Stoddard is a 35-year-old widow who has just found out she is the sole heir of her grandmother’s estate, located in the midwest town she grew up in. But there is a catch; she must live in the house for two years before she can claim the estate and someone doesn’t want her there. The threats begin soon after her return. A rifle shot whizzes through her car window, her brakes are tampered with, and her tires are slashed. Police Chief, Grant Coleman, is called upon to investigate. Unfortunately, the history between Jen and Grant from high school causes them to mistrust each other. However, Grant is a professional and intends to do his job. Together they explore who might want to drive Jen out of the house, while trying to understand their feelings of anger, mistrust and desire for each other. With Jen’s life on the line, will they be able to put the past behind them to work together and save her and her son’s lives?
224 pages, Paperback
Published December 1, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
February 3, 2017
If you enjoy a well-paced mystery with plenty of romance (nothing spicy), you'll enjoy The Inheritance. The premise of this novel interested me first and foremost. Jennifer Stoddard is a 35-year-old widow living in New York City who has just found out she is the sole heir of her grandmother's estate, located in the midwest town she grew up in. But there is a catch; she must live in the house for two years before she can claim the estate and someone doesn't want her there. The threats begin soon after her return. A rifle shot whizzes through her car window, her brakes are tampered with, and her tires are slashed. Police Chief, Grant Coleman, is called upon to investigate. Unfortunately, there is animosity between Grant and Jennifer, each one blaming the other for their high school break-up, and each one clearly still attracted to one another. Jennifer's best friend also plays a major role in the story, adding to the storyline and romance as she finds herself falling for Grant's brother. An entirely enjoyable read with a plausible, if somewhat predictable, ending. This book has more romance than is my particular taste, but if you enjoy romantic suspense, this book is a must-read.
July 21, 2019
The Inheritance
By: Jacqueline Seewald
Narrated by: Lili Dubuque
Intrigue Publishing, LLC
There is nothing like a good second chance romance with a good backstory. This one let's us take the chance with Jennifer. She finds out her grandmother has died, and instead of her mother inheriting the estate, she does...with a catch. She must live in the house for 2 years. While now a city girl with a child, she decides this would be the best decision. But after meeting her high school crush, Grant as gives her a ticket, maybe it isn't! Grant is not at all excited to have her back in town. But as things begin to happen to Jennifer and the house, his feelings and protectiveness come front and center. This story not only has the love element, but there is a family turbulence, and greed in the background that creates some chaos and suspense. Add in an additional love interest with Jennifer's best friend, and this will keep you listening!
Lili Dubuque does a wonderful performance. I love her voice, always sultry and expressive. She gives all the characters the perfect sound and makes for an entertaining listen.
https://adbl.co/2JX70KT
By: Jacqueline Seewald
Narrated by: Lili Dubuque
Intrigue Publishing, LLC
There is nothing like a good second chance romance with a good backstory. This one let's us take the chance with Jennifer. She finds out her grandmother has died, and instead of her mother inheriting the estate, she does...with a catch. She must live in the house for 2 years. While now a city girl with a child, she decides this would be the best decision. But after meeting her high school crush, Grant as gives her a ticket, maybe it isn't! Grant is not at all excited to have her back in town. But as things begin to happen to Jennifer and the house, his feelings and protectiveness come front and center. This story not only has the love element, but there is a family turbulence, and greed in the background that creates some chaos and suspense. Add in an additional love interest with Jennifer's best friend, and this will keep you listening!
Lili Dubuque does a wonderful performance. I love her voice, always sultry and expressive. She gives all the characters the perfect sound and makes for an entertaining listen.
https://adbl.co/2JX70KT
December 13, 2016
2.5 stars
January 3, 2017
Author, Jacqueline Seewald has out done herself in her latest novel, The Inheritance. this suspense thriller is fast paced. It's a true page turner, and I found myself not wanting to put it down. In order for Jennifer Stoddard, a 35 year old widow with an 8 year old son, to inherit her grandmother's substantial estate and home, she must leave NYC and return to her original midwest town, Bloomingvale, where she grew up. The condition being that she must live there for 2 years. Suspense develops when others have ulterior motives to insure Jennifer does not inherit. The romantic aspect is most appealing and interesting due to a longtime misunderstanding with a former high school love interest. The character development is excellent as is the descriptive element. The reader feels as if she/he "knows" the characters and their surrounding by the end of the book where the reader is rewarded with a solved mystery and unraveled misunderstanding.
I would highly recommend putting The Inheritance on your "to read list".
reviewed by Myrna Spinrad
I would highly recommend putting The Inheritance on your "to read list".
reviewed by Myrna Spinrad
December 12, 2016
A young woman's life changes forever when she learns her beloved grandmother passed away. The news came in a letter notifying her that she was the sole heir of her grandmother's estate. There was a condition to claim the estate, however, and it was one that would alter her life as she knew it -- she would be required to live in her grandmother's house for 2 years. After serious thought, she decided to embark on what would become the adventure of her life. She and her son moved from a big city to a small town in the Midwest where she grew up. Her eight year old son wasn't for it -- at least in the beginning. This decision led to a reconnection with her mother as well as with a man who broke her heart in high school. As sometimes with life, there are those who will stop at nothing to prevent Jennifer Stoddard from inheriting the estate.
This author, Jacqueline Seewald, never fails to make her characters come to life and this is no exception. A good read.
This author, Jacqueline Seewald, never fails to make her characters come to life and this is no exception. A good read.
August 1, 2019
Story: 4 Stars
Narrator: 1 star
I really liked this story. That is the story itself, not so much the narrator. Let’s start with her, shall we?
While the narrator has a very soothing voice, it was too much, in my opinion. Some of the time, she came across as sounding robotic, like I could easily imagine one of those computer programs that can talk. The “smile-in-her-voice” narrating was also annoying. I swear there were many times throughout the story in which she was obviously smiling while reading and it just didn’t make sense given what was going on in the scene. She didn’t really change her voice around that much either. For example, Jennifer and Marianne pretty much sounded the same; so oftentimes, it was hard to follow who was saying what. She also seemed to have issue with keeping the character’s voice the same. Again, there were times when Rob sounded distinctive from his brother, Grant, but then other times, he sounded like one of the female characters. It was very strange.
At this point, having only listened to this one book by this narrator, I can easily imagine her narrating a meditation-type book, not so much an actual story. I wouldn’t recommend her. The only reason I continued with this story (which was hard for me) was that the story itself was very interesting.
I think the biggest issue I had with this story, for me, was that I didn’t feel the author described the house that good. I mean, on the cover is this really big, cool-looking, old house. But the characters don’t really go exploring it, besides the kitchen, living room, grandma’s room, and attic. Even when the walls, furniture, mirrors, windows, etc. are brought up, there isn’t much detail. That was disappointing.
Questions/Comment:
I really can’t stand when people beat around the bush, so to speak. Grant obviously had issues with Jennifer, yet neither of them say anything to the other about what was going on when he didn’t show up for the date. That really annoyed me.
I get that Jennifer was going to end up with Grant from the beginning but still. Grant came across as an ass a good majority of the book, yet Jennifer is still all up in his business, if you know what I mean. I was so hoping that she would end up with Rob and then Marianne could have Grant.
Why was Grant always referring to Jennifer by her full name? Yes, he’s the sheriff but they grew up with each other, they live in the same town… Plus, his brother always referred to her by her last name. Yes, he was working for her but they were friends.
People that say, “s/he’s a horrible person but s/he’s still my mother/father, etc.” and basically allow these family members to continually get away with stuff, specifically treating that one person like garbage need to wake up. And I’m not talking about those who are having personal issues, but those who, in this book, haven’t seen their child/grandchild in over six years and doesn’t even care about them. Just because two people are blood, maybe one born from the other doesn’t justify one to be cruel to the other. Get what I’m saying. So, the fact Jennifer invites her mother to have dinner with them just irked me.
At first, I wasn’t sure who the bad guy was. That’s until Jennifer arrives at his office, then it was pretty obvious. You’d think he would have been a little smoother.
Whatever happened to the guy that tried to kill Jennifer? After his confession to her about having killed her grandmother, which she doesn’t seem to tell anyone else, nothing more is said once he’s caught.
In the end, what exactly was the point of Jennifer having to stay in the house for two years? Given she’d been living with her mother when she was interested in Grant, I guess I don’t understand how her grandmother would have known about him.
I received a free copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
Narrator: 1 star
I really liked this story. That is the story itself, not so much the narrator. Let’s start with her, shall we?
While the narrator has a very soothing voice, it was too much, in my opinion. Some of the time, she came across as sounding robotic, like I could easily imagine one of those computer programs that can talk. The “smile-in-her-voice” narrating was also annoying. I swear there were many times throughout the story in which she was obviously smiling while reading and it just didn’t make sense given what was going on in the scene. She didn’t really change her voice around that much either. For example, Jennifer and Marianne pretty much sounded the same; so oftentimes, it was hard to follow who was saying what. She also seemed to have issue with keeping the character’s voice the same. Again, there were times when Rob sounded distinctive from his brother, Grant, but then other times, he sounded like one of the female characters. It was very strange.
At this point, having only listened to this one book by this narrator, I can easily imagine her narrating a meditation-type book, not so much an actual story. I wouldn’t recommend her. The only reason I continued with this story (which was hard for me) was that the story itself was very interesting.
I think the biggest issue I had with this story, for me, was that I didn’t feel the author described the house that good. I mean, on the cover is this really big, cool-looking, old house. But the characters don’t really go exploring it, besides the kitchen, living room, grandma’s room, and attic. Even when the walls, furniture, mirrors, windows, etc. are brought up, there isn’t much detail. That was disappointing.
Questions/Comment:
I really can’t stand when people beat around the bush, so to speak. Grant obviously had issues with Jennifer, yet neither of them say anything to the other about what was going on when he didn’t show up for the date. That really annoyed me.
I get that Jennifer was going to end up with Grant from the beginning but still. Grant came across as an ass a good majority of the book, yet Jennifer is still all up in his business, if you know what I mean. I was so hoping that she would end up with Rob and then Marianne could have Grant.
Why was Grant always referring to Jennifer by her full name? Yes, he’s the sheriff but they grew up with each other, they live in the same town… Plus, his brother always referred to her by her last name. Yes, he was working for her but they were friends.
People that say, “s/he’s a horrible person but s/he’s still my mother/father, etc.” and basically allow these family members to continually get away with stuff, specifically treating that one person like garbage need to wake up. And I’m not talking about those who are having personal issues, but those who, in this book, haven’t seen their child/grandchild in over six years and doesn’t even care about them. Just because two people are blood, maybe one born from the other doesn’t justify one to be cruel to the other. Get what I’m saying. So, the fact Jennifer invites her mother to have dinner with them just irked me.
At first, I wasn’t sure who the bad guy was. That’s until Jennifer arrives at his office, then it was pretty obvious. You’d think he would have been a little smoother.
Whatever happened to the guy that tried to kill Jennifer? After his confession to her about having killed her grandmother, which she doesn’t seem to tell anyone else, nothing more is said once he’s caught.
In the end, what exactly was the point of Jennifer having to stay in the house for two years? Given she’d been living with her mother when she was interested in Grant, I guess I don’t understand how her grandmother would have known about him.
I received a free copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 10, 2019
I received this book for free. I am voluntarily leaving this review and all opinions expressed herein are my own.
Here, Jennifer learns about her grandmother's death about a month after her death. She then learns that her grandmother has left her a house but in order to inherit, she must live in the house for two years. The house needs lots of renovations and her grandmother has earmarked $250,000 for the work. Jennifer decides to accept and promptly hires a contractor tk begin work. As she drives around town, she is stopped by the Police Chief for running a stop sign. He is nothing short of a jerk and the brother of her contractor. Additionally, there are some attempts on her life and her angry disinherited mother to contend with while she tries to settle in.
I am kind of mixed on this story. Parts are just silly and unbelievable - for instance, the Police Chief is so unlikeable but this is her love interest and for unknown reasons Jennifer believes she can quickly turn this jerk into a personable human being; then there are attempts made on Jennifer's life and she acts bizarrely non-chalant, especially with a chold in her house; and the storyline regarding Jennifer's friend and her romance/indecisiveness was unnecessary. I liked the premise of a fresh start and wanted to like this more but for me this was just ok.
I listened to this book - the narrator did a nice job.
Here, Jennifer learns about her grandmother's death about a month after her death. She then learns that her grandmother has left her a house but in order to inherit, she must live in the house for two years. The house needs lots of renovations and her grandmother has earmarked $250,000 for the work. Jennifer decides to accept and promptly hires a contractor tk begin work. As she drives around town, she is stopped by the Police Chief for running a stop sign. He is nothing short of a jerk and the brother of her contractor. Additionally, there are some attempts on her life and her angry disinherited mother to contend with while she tries to settle in.
I am kind of mixed on this story. Parts are just silly and unbelievable - for instance, the Police Chief is so unlikeable but this is her love interest and for unknown reasons Jennifer believes she can quickly turn this jerk into a personable human being; then there are attempts made on Jennifer's life and she acts bizarrely non-chalant, especially with a chold in her house; and the storyline regarding Jennifer's friend and her romance/indecisiveness was unnecessary. I liked the premise of a fresh start and wanted to like this more but for me this was just ok.
I listened to this book - the narrator did a nice job.
July 14, 2019
When widower and single mom, Jenn Stoddard, receives a call that her grandmother has passed away and has left her the family home and allowance, she is surprised...especially when she learns that her mother did not inherit anything. There is a catch of sorts...Jenn has to live in the house for 2 yrs before the estate can be passed on to her. While she loves her life in NY, Jenn agrees that this is just the break that she and her son need to recover from the loss of her husband. Home town girl is baaaaack! Except maybe not everyone is happy that Jenn has returned to claim her inheritance, including her mother, and it appears that someone is trying to make certain that she doesn't survive the 2 yr period!
Police chief Grant Coleman isn't as excited, as the rest of his family, to see Jenn return...they have a bit of history from HS and he still has ill feelings toward the snobbish woman. When he's called to investigate attempts on Jenn's life, he's not exactly friendly and has some doubts on the validity of the call. But as things escalate, so does Grant's feelings for Jenn...can he keep Jenn and her son safe and possibly have an HEA?
Love the sub story of Jenn's friend and Grant's brother and them finding their own HEA! Great book!
I accepted a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Police chief Grant Coleman isn't as excited, as the rest of his family, to see Jenn return...they have a bit of history from HS and he still has ill feelings toward the snobbish woman. When he's called to investigate attempts on Jenn's life, he's not exactly friendly and has some doubts on the validity of the call. But as things escalate, so does Grant's feelings for Jenn...can he keep Jenn and her son safe and possibly have an HEA?
Love the sub story of Jenn's friend and Grant's brother and them finding their own HEA! Great book!
I accepted a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 4, 2017
Not particularly original or well done. Characterization depends far too heavily on stereotypes. Names are used far too often in dialogue to feel natural, and names in the narrative are often first and last throughout the book, also not feeling natural.
There are two romances, where only one is needed. The first progresses only in that they clear up a misunderstanding from high school (one that was very obvious and persisted because they never spoke to one another again, despite being in the same class), but suddenly they're all marriage and babies. The second, which is unneeded, seems to exist only to put the woman in the far too overused position of choosing between her successful and hard earned career and the love of a good man. Nope, I've neeevvvvveeerrr seen that used in a book before. Nope, it's not trite and patriarchal. Nope, it doesn't piss me off every time I see it. Oh wait, yes it does.
I figured the villain out literally the first time they showed up in the novel. Literally the first time, it's that obvious.
All and all, a flop for me. The book does have a pretty cover though.
There are two romances, where only one is needed. The first progresses only in that they clear up a misunderstanding from high school (one that was very obvious and persisted because they never spoke to one another again, despite being in the same class), but suddenly they're all marriage and babies. The second, which is unneeded, seems to exist only to put the woman in the far too overused position of choosing between her successful and hard earned career and the love of a good man. Nope, I've neeevvvvveeerrr seen that used in a book before. Nope, it's not trite and patriarchal. Nope, it doesn't piss me off every time I see it. Oh wait, yes it does.
I figured the villain out literally the first time they showed up in the novel. Literally the first time, it's that obvious.
All and all, a flop for me. The book does have a pretty cover though.
November 27, 2017
Part mystery, part romance, this book was a great read. I loved the premise: a conditional inheritance and an initially a creepy encounter with the local law enforcement, a man the main character, Jennifer, once had a crush on in high school. Once I was drawn into this story I couldn't put it down and even though it has a few problems, I liked the ending. But it all seemed to neat and tidy in the end, I wanted some questions left open and wasn't sure how the main character was changed because of the conflict. I also thought Maryanne, Jen's friend, was an odd character. I wasn't crazy about her story line being parallel with the main character and why was going back to New York really so important? Also do we really need to celebrate people who hold down 3 jobs? The Inheritance isn't a book I'd read a second time and the characters weren't the most memorable for me, but I'd reccommend it because it was a fun read and I'd read another book by this author.
July 22, 2019
I have mixed views on this story. On one hand it wss very good, great characters, Great premise. On the other hand, I feel th he mystery could have used my build up and tension. The elements were there but Jennifer seemed to calm especially when most of it was happening when her son was in residence. Some of that may be due to how it was portrayed by Lili Dubuque. Hence the 4 stars instead of 5.
I do think Ms. Dubuque did a fine job. Her voices were pleasant to listen to and she seemed to keep the voices with the correct character. There were at least two times when the was either a time lapse and/or change of location without a pause or any indication. Took a few lines before I figured it out.
I recieved a Audible copy of this story, at my request, in exchange for a honest review.
I do think Ms. Dubuque did a fine job. Her voices were pleasant to listen to and she seemed to keep the voices with the correct character. There were at least two times when the was either a time lapse and/or change of location without a pause or any indication. Took a few lines before I figured it out.
I recieved a Audible copy of this story, at my request, in exchange for a honest review.
July 11, 2019
The Inheritance was a good read by Jacqueline Seewald. Jennifer is a 35-year-old widow who is set to inherit her grandmother’s estate. There is a catch that she must live in the house for two years or she has to forfeit her inheritance. Unfortunately threats begin to happen and it seems as though someone is trying to force her out of the house. The Police Chief, Grant, is called to investigate what is happening to Jen. They unfortunately don’t trust each other due to their history from high school. I enjoyed reading Jen and Grant’s story and can’t wait to read more by the author. Lili Dubuque did a great job of narrating the book and bringing a life to the characters.
December 23, 2021
The story was different than I thought it would be. Guess I thought it would be like Nora Roberts Innsboro Trilogy. Liked the twists and turns. I loved Maryann and Rob's romance it seemed a lot more natural and progressed the way I thought it would in real life. Also loved Grant and Rob's family dynamic.
The only thing that didn't make sense was Jen and Grant's romance, it seemed to kind of come out of nowhere for me. They went from disliking each other to all of a sudden making out. The romance just seemed to come out of nowhere. I understood they knew each other in high school but when they met again as adults it just seemed kind of weird.
The only thing that didn't make sense was Jen and Grant's romance, it seemed to kind of come out of nowhere for me. They went from disliking each other to all of a sudden making out. The romance just seemed to come out of nowhere. I understood they knew each other in high school but when they met again as adults it just seemed kind of weird.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 11, 2019
The Inheritance
: Jacqueline Seewald
A novel about coming home, second chance romance that's just a bit on the formal side. It caught my attention from the start and held it to the end. There were sparks, mystery, and new romance for supporting characters. I enjoyed it very much.
The narration was well done. The characters were well portrayed. Lili Dubuque made this an enjoyable listen.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
: Jacqueline Seewald
A novel about coming home, second chance romance that's just a bit on the formal side. It caught my attention from the start and held it to the end. There were sparks, mystery, and new romance for supporting characters. I enjoyed it very much.
The narration was well done. The characters were well portrayed. Lili Dubuque made this an enjoyable listen.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
February 13, 2020
Audible:I enjoyed this story.It was the typical girl inherits house only if she lives in it,kind of deal.It has mixed signals and her crazy mama tossed into the mix.It is good and I enjoyed narration by Lili Dubuque.I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.'
October 27, 2020
This novel was a pleasant escape. Engaging characters, a touch of romance, a bit of suspense, and some action made for an engaging ride through this whirlwind novel. If you are looking for a new author to try out, this book might be for you.
"I was given this free review copy book at my request and have voluntarily left this review."
"I was given this free review copy book at my request and have voluntarily left this review."
June 20, 2021
This was my first Jacqueline Seewald’s book. I liked the mystery, the little suspense, and the slow burn romance. The characters are great and interesting. Lili Dubuque did a good job with the narration. I was given a free review copy of the audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
March 12, 2020
A very enjoyable story. I loved that the chapters are short since I have about 15 min a day to read a physical book versus listening to one. The story is fast pace and enjoyable.
December 18, 2016
Jacqueline Seewald’s latest release, The Inheritance, quickly draws in the reader with an enticing premise: Protagonist, recently widowed Jen Stoddard, learns that she is the beneficiary of her grandmother’s extensive estate, but she is required to move from New York into her grandmother’s Mid-western house and live there for two years, uprooting Jen and her 8-year-old son, Aaron. Best friend, Maryann decides to accompany Jen for the first month.
Jen finds herself pleasantly at-home home in the friendly, well-maintained town of Bloomingvale where she had spent time as a youth. What a shock, then, when not long after her arrival, she becomes victim of a gunshot through her car window. Though unhurt, Jen is frightened enough to call on the help of police chief Grant Coleman, an old high school flame who had stood her up and humiliated her senior year. Oddly, Grant appears to harbor his own grudge toward Jen. Other attempts to injure Jen point to a plot to keep her from staying in Blomingvale and inheriting the estate.
As the story progresses, Maryann becomes attracted to Grant’s brother, Rob, the contractor for the deteriorating mansion. However, Maryann is a career girl who plans to return to the city to take a new job. Though romance seems a possibility for both women, complications keep arising until Jen’s life is truly threatened.
A compelling read, The Inheritance delivers with strong characters, convincing rural empathy, and fast-paced action. Author Seewald is at her best here. Highly recommended!
Jen finds herself pleasantly at-home home in the friendly, well-maintained town of Bloomingvale where she had spent time as a youth. What a shock, then, when not long after her arrival, she becomes victim of a gunshot through her car window. Though unhurt, Jen is frightened enough to call on the help of police chief Grant Coleman, an old high school flame who had stood her up and humiliated her senior year. Oddly, Grant appears to harbor his own grudge toward Jen. Other attempts to injure Jen point to a plot to keep her from staying in Blomingvale and inheriting the estate.
As the story progresses, Maryann becomes attracted to Grant’s brother, Rob, the contractor for the deteriorating mansion. However, Maryann is a career girl who plans to return to the city to take a new job. Though romance seems a possibility for both women, complications keep arising until Jen’s life is truly threatened.
A compelling read, The Inheritance delivers with strong characters, convincing rural empathy, and fast-paced action. Author Seewald is at her best here. Highly recommended!
December 2, 2016
Once in awhile a novel is so great that five stars doesn't seem adequate. "The Inheritance" by Jacqueline Seewald is one of those books. From the moment I started reading it, I was so drawn into the story that I didn't want to put it down.
When Jennifer Stoddard decides to return to her hometown of Bloomingvale to claim the inheritance from her grandmother, she has no idea how that one decision will change her life forever.
I highly recommend this romantic suspense thriller!
When Jennifer Stoddard decides to return to her hometown of Bloomingvale to claim the inheritance from her grandmother, she has no idea how that one decision will change her life forever.
I highly recommend this romantic suspense thriller!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews