Legacy Letters

by Darlene Franklin, Jessica Roach Ferguson, Ruth Collins

Seven pink envelopes, addressed in Wanda Taylor’s spiky handwriting, represented her legacy to seven people she held dear. Legacy letters—that’s what they were. A last gift, though some might call it interference. People often sought her advice and her God-given gift of discernment. But not these seven, and her heart ached for them. They were good people who loved God and their families, but she saw patterns in their lives that could harm them in the future if left unchecked. Monica was the lynch pin to the entire project. The mantle of the matriarch fit her, and everyone in the family recognized it. But she needed to learn how to let go before she could take charge.

Monica would receive the first letter, one month after Wanda’s death. The others—to friends, siblings, children and grandchildren—would receive their letters in the six months following.

Wanda sealed the last letter and whispered a prayer. “Lord, use my words a final time to do Your work in the lives of those I leave behind.”

82 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 27, 2016

About the author

Award-winning author and speaker Darlene Franklin lives in cowboy country—Oklahoma and loves writing about the American West. Oklahoma also has the benefit of being the home to her son, his wife, and their four beautiful children. Darlene loves music, needlework, reading and reality tv. Talia, a Lynx point Siamese cat, proudly claims Darlene as her person. Darlene is the author of seventeen contracted books and novellas, as well as several hundred short pieces. Two of her books have finaled in ACFW’s Book of the Year (now the Carol award) contest: her novella, Dressed in Scarlet, and her cozy mystery, A String of Murders.

Reviews

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has been sitting on my shelf for quite a while. Lately I have been choosing books that I already have to read and OH!!! what a gem this one is! It left me pondering many thoughts that I am sure will sit with me for days and days. What will my children and grandchildren think of me after I am gone? What legacy do I have to leave them, and have I earned the right to voice my concerns for them?
Don't let my thoughts discourage you, this story is full of inspiration and hope! I wish I had read it sooner, but I'm so grateful I picked it up now!

[Trixi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wanda Taylor has no idea why God asked her to write letters to seven people, she only knows she’s been called to do it. Upon her eminent death, she pens what God has her to say to each person. A challenge to each one, specific in nature to the individual. She has no idea the impact they will make in changing the course of each life. God uses her to prod each one into the blessings He has in store for them!

I thoroughly enjoyed this collection of short stories each author wrote! I loved seeing how the lives of seven people changed and how they grew from it. It even challenged me in a couple of areas of my own life! I also liked how the authors collaborated to make a seamlessly smooth story that didn’t feel disconnected in any way. The characters were real in their struggles, seeing the relationships develop in each one was heartwarming. The faith theme was refreshing; this is why I love reading Christian fiction. How each author portrayed their own faith walk in their stories. And I loved reading the conclusion at the end, it gave hope for a brighter future for each character! A great set of stories I think anyone would enjoy reading.

*I received a complimentary copy from the author in exchange for my honest review which I have provided here. Thank you Darlene for a wonderful set of stories! *

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very different kind of book. Seven different women each receive a letter from Wanda Taylor after her death. I was engaged from the beginning and couldn't stop reading until I had finished it. What wonderful advice was in each letter. Well done. I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.

[TJ R · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful, well written compilation.