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Martin Generations #2
Martin Legacy
Gemma Ebworthy is a struggling single mother—but not for much longer. Engaged to a kind-hearted farmer boy, her turbulent life is looking more stable at last, but troubles are still on the horizon. It seems their efforts to build a legacy for their unique family are constantly under siege.
Farris cherishes the only life he’s ever known, even though he feels more called to the mission field than his adoptive father’s fields. Growing up among extended family and in the Christian faith, he’s always had a firm foundation.
Yet when the past Gemma is so ashamed of—the one Farris can’t even remember—comes calling again, the life they’ve built is put to the test. For it to remain standing, Gemma is going to have to silence her demons once and for all. But this time, she’s not alone.
Farris cherishes the only life he’s ever known, even though he feels more called to the mission field than his adoptive father’s fields. Growing up among extended family and in the Christian faith, he’s always had a firm foundation.
Yet when the past Gemma is so ashamed of—the one Farris can’t even remember—comes calling again, the life they’ve built is put to the test. For it to remain standing, Gemma is going to have to silence her demons once and for all. But this time, she’s not alone.
Kindle Edition
Published November 12, 2019
4 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
About the author
Abigayle Claire
12 books226 followersAbigayle has been a writer ever since her mother taught her how to hold a pencil. However, she devoted more time to reading words with her green eyes than penning them with her left hand. Inspired by a crazy dream at the age of sixteen, she set off on a journey to self-publish her first novel, Martin Hospitality.
Since then, Abigayle has devoted herself to sharing what she has learned through the mediums of freelance editing and her blog The Left-Handed Typist ... when period drama films are not calling more loudly. Now she is committed to providing a community where real-world stories resound and prose has purpose.
None of her successes, including winning a 2017 Readers’ Favorite Award, would be possible without the support of her Savior, large family, and online community.
Since then, Abigayle has devoted herself to sharing what she has learned through the mediums of freelance editing and her blog The Left-Handed Typist ... when period drama films are not calling more loudly. Now she is committed to providing a community where real-world stories resound and prose has purpose.
None of her successes, including winning a 2017 Readers’ Favorite Award, would be possible without the support of her Savior, large family, and online community.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
May 28, 2019
I got to read this book as Abi's critique partner...and I'm just saying, y'all are gonna love this. ;)
June 18, 2019
*happy sigh* Full review coming on publication.
April 25, 2020
"None of us here deserved God's grace either, but we accepted it anyway because we needed it," he continued. "Life isn't about deserving things. It's about doing the best we can with what we have."
I knew I was gonna cry and I was right. This was beautiful.
I have this bad habit of reading and enjoying first books in series and then putting off the sequel for... some reason. I don't know why. I loved "Martin Hospitality" when I read it last year, and I knew I was going to love this one. Abigayle has a way of writing slice-of-life stories that grip your heart and don't let go until it's over. And it's a roller coaster of emotions along the way.
I fell in love with Gemma and Josiah's relationship in the first book, and even more so in this one. Don't mind me I'll just be over here in the corner crying over how supportive they are of each other I'm fine. And the family they build, I'm just so proud of them? I'm so sad to say goodbye for now?
Also Farris! I loved watching him grow up! Sweet baby angel! I'm so proud of him too, gosh.
Okay I'm done... There's just a lot to love about this series. The faith content is on point. The Martins are amazing as always. You should definitely read it if you haven't. Five stars from me.
I knew I was gonna cry and I was right. This was beautiful.
I have this bad habit of reading and enjoying first books in series and then putting off the sequel for... some reason. I don't know why. I loved "Martin Hospitality" when I read it last year, and I knew I was going to love this one. Abigayle has a way of writing slice-of-life stories that grip your heart and don't let go until it's over. And it's a roller coaster of emotions along the way.
I fell in love with Gemma and Josiah's relationship in the first book, and even more so in this one. Don't mind me I'll just be over here in the corner crying over how supportive they are of each other I'm fine. And the family they build, I'm just so proud of them? I'm so sad to say goodbye for now?
Also Farris! I loved watching him grow up! Sweet baby angel! I'm so proud of him too, gosh.
Okay I'm done... There's just a lot to love about this series. The faith content is on point. The Martins are amazing as always. You should definitely read it if you haven't. Five stars from me.
Want to read
May 25, 2019*sings* I AM SO EXCITED I AM SO EXCITED lalalaaa
October 17, 2019
Now I know why there's cotton on the cover. ;)
I've been waiting for this book to come out ever since I read Martin Hospitality. I couldn't wait for all the loose ends to tie up, to finish out the romance between Josiah and Gemma, to see adorable Farris grow up.
And so I binged this book last night in a couple of hours. My thoughts? It's good. Everyone who was waiting for a nice ending will be satisfied. It doesn't leave a stone unturned. The characters grow through struggles and hardship, with interesting plot twists. I especially thought that the .
However. Somehow this just didn't have the spark that Martin Hospitality had. I started expecting plot twists to come about. It almost felt like the book was just there to develop some characters and tie up ends. Also I wasn't really a fan of the perspectives changing later on in the book.
All in all, I think all the fans of Martin Hospitality will like this. I'm just getting picky, I guess. I wanted to love it, and it is solidly good and answers all the questions raised in the first book! It was a good read, and I did like it. It was a good finish.
I received an ARC for my review. My thoughts were not required to be positive.
I've been waiting for this book to come out ever since I read Martin Hospitality. I couldn't wait for all the loose ends to tie up, to finish out the romance between Josiah and Gemma, to see adorable Farris grow up.
And so I binged this book last night in a couple of hours. My thoughts? It's good. Everyone who was waiting for a nice ending will be satisfied. It doesn't leave a stone unturned. The characters grow through struggles and hardship, with interesting plot twists. I especially thought that the .
However. Somehow this just didn't have the spark that Martin Hospitality had. I started expecting plot twists to come about. It almost felt like the book was just there to develop some characters and tie up ends. Also I wasn't really a fan of the perspectives changing later on in the book.
All in all, I think all the fans of Martin Hospitality will like this. I'm just getting picky, I guess. I wanted to love it, and it is solidly good and answers all the questions raised in the first book! It was a good read, and I did like it. It was a good finish.
I received an ARC for my review. My thoughts were not required to be positive.
October 3, 2019
My favorite character?
Farris.
I loved getting to watch him grow up, and I especially adored him as a four- and five-year-old.
Martin Legacy is a lovely book with a laid-back pace that matched the mood of its Midwest farming community setting. I felt like I got to follow along in the characters' everyday normal lives and watch them change and grow. . . without it being slow or boring at all. By the end of the book the Martins were like old friends.
This book was the perfect sequel to Martin Hospitality. It matched. And I absolutely loved how it covered a longer time-span. I love getting to have a history with the characters - to share memories, so to speak.
As I was reading I had no idea how the book was going to end, but when it did. . . <3 It was like a happy little package decorated with tulips . . . or something like that.
Basically, I liked this book - even more than I liked the first one. If you enjoyed Martin Hospitality, I'm confident you'll love Martin Legacy.
Farris.
I loved getting to watch him grow up, and I especially adored him as a four- and five-year-old.
Martin Legacy is a lovely book with a laid-back pace that matched the mood of its Midwest farming community setting. I felt like I got to follow along in the characters' everyday normal lives and watch them change and grow. . . without it being slow or boring at all. By the end of the book the Martins were like old friends.
This book was the perfect sequel to Martin Hospitality. It matched. And I absolutely loved how it covered a longer time-span. I love getting to have a history with the characters - to share memories, so to speak.
As I was reading I had no idea how the book was going to end, but when it did. . . <3 It was like a happy little package decorated with tulips . . . or something like that.
Basically, I liked this book - even more than I liked the first one. If you enjoyed Martin Hospitality, I'm confident you'll love Martin Legacy.
March 27, 2020
I haven’t been this excited to read a book in a looooong time. I loved every little bit of this continuation of Gemma’s story. So many parts made me smile and at leas one even made me cry. It ended so perfectly. I honestly don’t know if I can pick a favorite between the two Martin Generations books.
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July 7, 2019I read a beta copy, so I will not rate or review that copy.
If I rate/review, it will be a final copy, but I'm not sure if I will.
If I rate/review, it will be a final copy, but I'm not sure if I will.
November 14, 2019
So, I read Martin Hospitality soon after it first released, and while I enjoyed it, it didn't really keep my attention.
Martin Legacy, however, was a different story. (Pun unintended, muahaha)
Probably because it didn't cover a short time span like MH did. The first two or three chapters really made me kiiiinda dread the rest of the book, because (this might be considered a minor spoiler here) Gemma and Josiah went from madly in love + engaged to Gemma calling the wedding off + getting engaged again in just a few pages. I didn't care for all the drama with Gemma.
Well, okay, let's stop here and talk about Gemma for a moment. I . . . well, she was honestly one of my least favorite characters? I honestly didn't get her. I mean, she was sweet and all . . . but nah. Get this: Josiah was my favorite this time. In Martin Hospitality, Josiah was one of my least favorites because he was too perfect. But in Martin Legacy? He was great! As imperfect as anyone, haha!
Also I know that Farris is the heartthrob and everything, and although I loved his character, he was . . . idk. So different from his mom and biological dad, he didn't really seem to fit. Though he was soooo adorable around age 4/5.
Katherine was . . . a temperamental brat, really. I didn't really like her character; she was awfully, idk, shallow? Though I did love that her nickname was Kat instead of Katie!
So, anyway. There were a couple aspects about the farming I found a bit strange, but not necessarily unrealistic. The overall setting was fabulous—I loved the country vibes!—though there wasn't a wholllle lot of description? All in all, though, I loved how Abi took seemingly mundane lives and wove a whimsical tale!
The thing I most appreciate about the romance in the book is that it was realistic. Josiah and Gemma's relationship was the sweetest thing! Their 'I love you's didn't come after stomach flutters and physical touch; if anything, they came the most after their arguments. If they ever had angry words, they wouldn't part without a kiss and saying 'I love you.' This spoke more about the book than anything else ever could.
The ending was good . . . I feel like there was a huge gap between the last chapter and the epilogue, but I suppose that's the purpose of an epilogue, right? There were a couple things I wish would've been resolved (like what happened to Travis? And DID ANNALIESE EVER GET MARRIED?), but they were minor and could be left to the reader's imagination.
All in all, the finale to the Martin Generations duology was fabulous and kept me hooked once I got into it! Congratulations on your new release, Abi!
*I was given an e-copy of this book by the author in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts are my own.
Martin Legacy, however, was a different story. (Pun unintended, muahaha)
Probably because it didn't cover a short time span like MH did. The first two or three chapters really made me kiiiinda dread the rest of the book, because (this might be considered a minor spoiler here) Gemma and Josiah went from madly in love + engaged to Gemma calling the wedding off + getting engaged again in just a few pages. I didn't care for all the drama with Gemma.
Well, okay, let's stop here and talk about Gemma for a moment. I . . . well, she was honestly one of my least favorite characters? I honestly didn't get her. I mean, she was sweet and all . . . but nah. Get this: Josiah was my favorite this time. In Martin Hospitality, Josiah was one of my least favorites because he was too perfect. But in Martin Legacy? He was great! As imperfect as anyone, haha!
Also I know that Farris is the heartthrob and everything, and although I loved his character, he was . . . idk. So different from his mom and biological dad, he didn't really seem to fit. Though he was soooo adorable around age 4/5.
Katherine was . . . a temperamental brat, really. I didn't really like her character; she was awfully, idk, shallow? Though I did love that her nickname was Kat instead of Katie!
So, anyway. There were a couple aspects about the farming I found a bit strange, but not necessarily unrealistic. The overall setting was fabulous—I loved the country vibes!—though there wasn't a wholllle lot of description? All in all, though, I loved how Abi took seemingly mundane lives and wove a whimsical tale!
The thing I most appreciate about the romance in the book is that it was realistic. Josiah and Gemma's relationship was the sweetest thing! Their 'I love you's didn't come after stomach flutters and physical touch; if anything, they came the most after their arguments. If they ever had angry words, they wouldn't part without a kiss and saying 'I love you.' This spoke more about the book than anything else ever could.
The ending was good . . . I feel like there was a huge gap between the last chapter and the epilogue, but I suppose that's the purpose of an epilogue, right? There were a couple things I wish would've been resolved (like what happened to Travis? And DID ANNALIESE EVER GET MARRIED?), but they were minor and could be left to the reader's imagination.
All in all, the finale to the Martin Generations duology was fabulous and kept me hooked once I got into it! Congratulations on your new release, Abi!
*I was given an e-copy of this book by the author in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts are my own.
June 6, 2019
This book. THIS BOOK. I read all 300+ pages in 4 days. Abigayle Claire does amazing things in this second and final book of the Martin Generations series.
The story of Gemma, Josiah, and their family sucks you in from the beginning of their engagement to the end of their story. The characters are not only realistic, but they also struggle through raw emotions and relatable situations that test their limits. Heartbreak. Loss. Hope. Love. Helplessness. Trust.
I loved the Martin family in the first book, and this story develops the characters into men and women who are struggling to find their place and role in the world while working through the many obstacles that stand in their way. They learn to trust God in everything they do while building each other up in their small town, loving community.
Everything from Martin Hospitality comes together to create a rich, complete story that leaves you satisfied and connected with so many characters. The relationships are amazing. The plot twists (OH THE PLOT TWISTS) will keep you turning the page. The heartbreaking scenes will leave you connected to the struggling characters. And, most importantly, the story ties everything together in unexpected, yet inevitable ways. You won't be disappointed!
The story of Gemma, Josiah, and their family sucks you in from the beginning of their engagement to the end of their story. The characters are not only realistic, but they also struggle through raw emotions and relatable situations that test their limits. Heartbreak. Loss. Hope. Love. Helplessness. Trust.
I loved the Martin family in the first book, and this story develops the characters into men and women who are struggling to find their place and role in the world while working through the many obstacles that stand in their way. They learn to trust God in everything they do while building each other up in their small town, loving community.
Everything from Martin Hospitality comes together to create a rich, complete story that leaves you satisfied and connected with so many characters. The relationships are amazing. The plot twists (OH THE PLOT TWISTS) will keep you turning the page. The heartbreaking scenes will leave you connected to the struggling characters. And, most importantly, the story ties everything together in unexpected, yet inevitable ways. You won't be disappointed!
July 1, 2020
This was a very nice extension/epilogue for Gemma and Farris.
I love who Farris grew up to become.
I never grew to love Josiah, just like in the first book. But I appreciate his love for Gemma, because she deserves that.
I feel like introducing a character with Down Syndrome should have been a little bit bigger, a little bit more important, and a little bit more elaborated. But either way, it was beautiful to see Gemma's family and life.
I.... Don't know how I feel about Travis and who everything played out. I didn't feel like I came to terms with who he became and who he was. I didn't get the closure I should have considering everything that Gemma went through because of him. But I don't know how it could have been better. XD
Thanks Abi for writing this story! I was glad to see our precious Farris grow up happy and healthy and loved.
I love who Farris grew up to become.
I never grew to love Josiah, just like in the first book. But I appreciate his love for Gemma, because she deserves that.
I feel like introducing a character with Down Syndrome should have been a little bit bigger, a little bit more important, and a little bit more elaborated. But either way, it was beautiful to see Gemma's family and life.
I.... Don't know how I feel about Travis and who everything played out. I didn't feel like I came to terms with who he became and who he was. I didn't get the closure I should have considering everything that Gemma went through because of him. But I don't know how it could have been better. XD
Thanks Abi for writing this story! I was glad to see our precious Farris grow up happy and healthy and loved.
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June 24, 2019I’ll give a full review once I read a final version of the manuscript, but I enjoyed being a beta reader. Thanks, Abi, for the opportunity!
November 11, 2019
Wow -- this was well worth the wait!! Review to come soon . . . But when this book releases in a few days, y'all NEED to get it!
December 4, 2019
*I received a free copy of this book to read for review*
It was so fun to read the continuation of Gemma and Josiah's story. I really loved how their lives played out, over many years, instead of a short span of time. I felt closer to the characters and I really enjoyed Farris's POV. The spiritual content and certain topics that were dealt with made me happy. I appreciate when authors deal with tough subjects! The relationships, both romantic and otherwise, made me appreciate the people in my own life even more. Truly a book to pick up (after you've read the first) and I definitely enjoyed this one even more than Martin Hospitatlity. I would love to read more about Farris's missionary life, so maybe a third book, Abigayle? ;)
It was so fun to read the continuation of Gemma and Josiah's story. I really loved how their lives played out, over many years, instead of a short span of time. I felt closer to the characters and I really enjoyed Farris's POV. The spiritual content and certain topics that were dealt with made me happy. I appreciate when authors deal with tough subjects! The relationships, both romantic and otherwise, made me appreciate the people in my own life even more. Truly a book to pick up (after you've read the first) and I definitely enjoyed this one even more than Martin Hospitatlity. I would love to read more about Farris's missionary life, so maybe a third book, Abigayle? ;)
April 4, 2020
If you want a pleasant break from reality (looking at you, Covid-19), this book delivers.
Sometimes I read a romance story and wonder what the characters would be like when they're forty and their kids are teenagers - Abi took us there in this sequel.
It's the story of a family's everyday life through the years and gives us a glimpse of their growth and the development of their faith and relationships as time passes. It's a family that is unfailingly honest and constantly challenging each other to love better and trust God more fully. It's written in a very natural and realistic way so you leave the story feeling like you're leaving friends.
Sometimes I read a romance story and wonder what the characters would be like when they're forty and their kids are teenagers - Abi took us there in this sequel.
It's the story of a family's everyday life through the years and gives us a glimpse of their growth and the development of their faith and relationships as time passes. It's a family that is unfailingly honest and constantly challenging each other to love better and trust God more fully. It's written in a very natural and realistic way so you leave the story feeling like you're leaving friends.
August 11, 2019
Loved this book!!! It was a wonderful finish for this great duology!! So many things happened and AHH... no spoilers, so just go read it already!!
I think the characters have really just grown (wow) throughout this series and it was so fun to read. Especially since I read them pretty much back to back. (and the characters are super cool, so yeah.)
I don't really know what to say without spilling something big except GO READ IT ALREADY!! 😁
13+ 😉
**I read a beta copy and there were a few things that annoyed me, but I'm sure the author will fix them. 😉**
I think the characters have really just grown (wow) throughout this series and it was so fun to read. Especially since I read them pretty much back to back. (and the characters are super cool, so yeah.)
I don't really know what to say without spilling something big except GO READ IT ALREADY!! 😁
13+ 😉
**I read a beta copy and there were a few things that annoyed me, but I'm sure the author will fix them. 😉**
November 12, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. It was great to catch up with the characters again.
It's written so well and is very grabbing. The characters are all very real and open. At one point it felt like there was too much trouble going on but that happens in real life too.
I did feel like there was a few small inconsistencies in the characters, but it wasn't too much. I wished things worked out a little better with a few characters at the end (no names so I don't spoil it.).
I'd highly recommend this book if you're looking for a light but encouraging read.
It's written so well and is very grabbing. The characters are all very real and open. At one point it felt like there was too much trouble going on but that happens in real life too.
I did feel like there was a few small inconsistencies in the characters, but it wasn't too much. I wished things worked out a little better with a few characters at the end (no names so I don't spoil it.).
I'd highly recommend this book if you're looking for a light but encouraging read.
November 17, 2019
3.5 stars
a very sweet and adorable book, and i loved getting to see how the characters grew up after "Martin Hospitality". however, it didn't grab me as much as MH did?? idk, it might have been the long time gaps between chunks of the story, and how some plot lines remain unresolved (Annaliese, Travis, etc.)
all in all, a very sweet and wholesome duology, and i look forward to rereading them. ;)
a very sweet and adorable book, and i loved getting to see how the characters grew up after "Martin Hospitality". however, it didn't grab me as much as MH did?? idk, it might have been the long time gaps between chunks of the story, and how some plot lines remain unresolved (Annaliese, Travis, etc.)
all in all, a very sweet and wholesome duology, and i look forward to rereading them. ;)
December 6, 2021
4.5 stars & 5/10 hearts. I enjoyed this book more than the first book. Josiah was a great dad, and a great husband; and Gemma was an awesome mother, too. Farris was absolutely adorable as a teen; and I shipped him & Mila so hard. XD I still love Travis more than Josiah and WHOA! the last 15% of this book was AMAZING. The only reason I don’t give 5 stars is because of a few things—contraceptive measures, some kissing & touching before marriage, euphemisms. Though it shows married life, it stays very clean, although I still would prefer a little fewer talks in the bedroom personally. I think this would be best for girls 18+, like the first book, unless it was edited just a smidgen. I really enjoyed it and it was absolutely heartwarming.
A Favourite Quote: “It’s all right to be afraid, Gemma. But if you can’t give your fears to God, you’ll never find peace.’”
A Favourite Humorous Quote: “‘Gemma I-don‘t-know-your-middle-name Ebworthy, do you still agree to be my wife?’
“She giggled, feeling like a lightheaded schoolgirl. ‘Louise.’
“‘What?’
“‘My middle name is Louise.’
“‘Oh. Really? OK then.’ He took a deep breath. “‘Gemma Louise Ebworthy, will you be my wife?’”
*I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review but I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest opinions.*
A Favourite Quote: “It’s all right to be afraid, Gemma. But if you can’t give your fears to God, you’ll never find peace.’”
A Favourite Humorous Quote: “‘Gemma I-don‘t-know-your-middle-name Ebworthy, do you still agree to be my wife?’
“She giggled, feeling like a lightheaded schoolgirl. ‘Louise.’
“‘What?’
“‘My middle name is Louise.’
“‘Oh. Really? OK then.’ He took a deep breath. “‘Gemma Louise Ebworthy, will you be my wife?’”
*I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review but I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest opinions.*
November 12, 2019
Immediately after reading Martin Hospitality, I knew I couldn't wait for the next chapter in Gemma and Josiah's life -- and boy, was I in for a treat. Other fans of Martin Hospitality will love this book. It covers a range of multi-faceted issues smoothly and with tact -- marital and relational conflicts, the sadness of loss, forgiving the seemingly unforgivable, and the struggle that is called life. I could say a LOT more, but I won't spoil it. I have to applaud Claire for her eloquence in writing about these topics in a way that is realistic. While the Martins don't always find their happy ending, they find acceptance, peace, and love for one another despite the circumstances that life throws their way. I loved this book and couldn't put it down. I beamed with happiness over these characters and I cried with them too. Any book that can do that deserves at least sixteen stars out of five, in my opinion!
March 30, 2023
Ahh, I LOVED meeting up with the Martins again in this sequel!! I can't be happier with how things ended up for everyone. And I mean everyone!! We get to see Farris grow up, and- Ok, that would be a spoiler XD
But I love this duology with all my heart, and I am proud to have them on my bookshelf!
But I love this duology with all my heart, and I am proud to have them on my bookshelf!
November 26, 2019
An absolutely wonderful story of two people who want nothing more than a good life together. Struggles are always in the way. Magnificent.
December 16, 2019
Martin Hospitality was one of my favorite books that I discovered in 2017, and it holds a special place in my heart. So when Martin Legacy released, I was chomping at the bit to rejoin Gemma and read the latest addition to the Martins' story.
And it was as sweet and heartwarming as I'd hoped it would be.
The characters in this book captured me and were honestly my favorite parts of the book. It did take me a minute to remember just who everyone was (there are a lot of kids in the Martin family!), but this book took the time to flesh out several of the characters that we'd only gotten to see a little of in the first book. It also gave us the opportunity to watch certain characters grow up (Farris!!) and mature as time goes on (Gemma, Josiah . . . pretty much everyone!). But these characters were fleshed out beings, not cardboard cutouts. They had their own struggles and their own goals and triumphs as time went on and I cared for them, and what happened to them mattered to me.
Martin Hospitality tackled a lot of big issues - and Martin Legacy continues to explore ideas that some people might want to sweep under the rug. Gently, tactfully, the author weaves in several different questions problems applicable to modern life. It was enjoyable to watch Gemma and crew handle them, but it also gave the book that little something extra that its processor had: it made me think without being preachy. And that is always a plus for me.
The only thing I didn't like as much about this book was that it seemed to fall into a predictable pattern (or, I felt it did). There would be a big scary problem that would be resolved within a few chapters; just in time for another big scary problem to replace the last one. Yes, some of the problems seemed worse because they were cliffhangers (a technique that Abigayle Claire uses very well!), but the constant pattern of problem, simple fix, repeat grated on my nerves just a bit by the end.
But overall, this was a book I was very excited to read that I'm so glad did not disappoint! Readers who enjoyed Martin Hospitality will enjoy this new addition I think, and newcomers to the series will find this a heartwarming book about family and faith enduring despite challenges.
And it was as sweet and heartwarming as I'd hoped it would be.
The characters in this book captured me and were honestly my favorite parts of the book. It did take me a minute to remember just who everyone was (there are a lot of kids in the Martin family!), but this book took the time to flesh out several of the characters that we'd only gotten to see a little of in the first book. It also gave us the opportunity to watch certain characters grow up (Farris!!) and mature as time goes on (Gemma, Josiah . . . pretty much everyone!). But these characters were fleshed out beings, not cardboard cutouts. They had their own struggles and their own goals and triumphs as time went on and I cared for them, and what happened to them mattered to me.
Martin Hospitality tackled a lot of big issues - and Martin Legacy continues to explore ideas that some people might want to sweep under the rug. Gently, tactfully, the author weaves in several different questions problems applicable to modern life. It was enjoyable to watch Gemma and crew handle them, but it also gave the book that little something extra that its processor had: it made me think without being preachy. And that is always a plus for me.
The only thing I didn't like as much about this book was that it seemed to fall into a predictable pattern (or, I felt it did). There would be a big scary problem that would be resolved within a few chapters; just in time for another big scary problem to replace the last one. Yes, some of the problems seemed worse because they were cliffhangers (a technique that Abigayle Claire uses very well!), but the constant pattern of problem, simple fix, repeat grated on my nerves just a bit by the end.
But overall, this was a book I was very excited to read that I'm so glad did not disappoint! Readers who enjoyed Martin Hospitality will enjoy this new addition I think, and newcomers to the series will find this a heartwarming book about family and faith enduring despite challenges.
December 15, 2020
This . . . was a hard book to get into. Hard to truly read and enjoy. The only thing that kept me from pressing one star was that I managed to reach the end without totally losing it.
After enjoying Abigayle Claire's first book in the Martin Generation series, "Martin Hospitality," I was eager to get ahold of this one, "Martin Legacy." I expected the same gorgeous writing style and amazing characters I encountered in the previous novel. Instead, it seemed like everything had changed. Josiah and Gemma's relationship was a definite bummer. Their daughter, Kat, made me cringe several times over. Farris grew up too fast.
And then the mention of contraceptives.
When the term was first used, my thoughts ran in approximately one hundred different directions. I hoped the author had included this tidbit so at the end her characters could learn the value of life . . . and the purpose behind sex. It's meant for a husband and wife alone, and in this moment they're instructed to give each other their ALL (not just the choicest bits and pieces). Pills shouldn't hold back the "oneness" God designed long ago for all couples to retain.
And it never has been nor will it ever be your privilege or right to trick your body so YOU can decide if/when you want another child.
Yet throughout the whole book Gemma and Josiah continued to journey the path they were on: putting their ideas and control handles in front of God's. Praying occasionally, reading the Bible, going to church. I felt like that was the extent of things as far as their Christianity went. I wish they had APPLIED God's Word more to the day-in, day-out course of life.
When their youngest was in her teens, THEN they decided to shoot for another baby. And what do you know? Gemma became pregnant in an unrealistically short amount of time.
The gaps between the years also threw me off. As did Gemma's matchmaking adventure. So, so many questions left unanswered about the Longs and Gemma's (temporary) job.
I'm sorry, but this book just didn't do it for me. I would not recommend it, especially for younger readers.
After enjoying Abigayle Claire's first book in the Martin Generation series, "Martin Hospitality," I was eager to get ahold of this one, "Martin Legacy." I expected the same gorgeous writing style and amazing characters I encountered in the previous novel. Instead, it seemed like everything had changed. Josiah and Gemma's relationship was a definite bummer. Their daughter, Kat, made me cringe several times over. Farris grew up too fast.
And then the mention of contraceptives.
When the term was first used, my thoughts ran in approximately one hundred different directions. I hoped the author had included this tidbit so at the end her characters could learn the value of life . . . and the purpose behind sex. It's meant for a husband and wife alone, and in this moment they're instructed to give each other their ALL (not just the choicest bits and pieces). Pills shouldn't hold back the "oneness" God designed long ago for all couples to retain.
And it never has been nor will it ever be your privilege or right to trick your body so YOU can decide if/when you want another child.
Yet throughout the whole book Gemma and Josiah continued to journey the path they were on: putting their ideas and control handles in front of God's. Praying occasionally, reading the Bible, going to church. I felt like that was the extent of things as far as their Christianity went. I wish they had APPLIED God's Word more to the day-in, day-out course of life.
When their youngest was in her teens, THEN they decided to shoot for another baby. And what do you know? Gemma became pregnant in an unrealistically short amount of time.
The gaps between the years also threw me off. As did Gemma's matchmaking adventure. So, so many questions left unanswered about the Longs and Gemma's (temporary) job.
I'm sorry, but this book just didn't do it for me. I would not recommend it, especially for younger readers.
December 30, 2019
3.5 stars
This is a tough one to review. After loving Martin Hospitality I was super excited for this one. Now that I'm done, I'm still not sure what to think.
This book covers a massive amount of time, and that was a bit daunting for me. I love seeing what happened to the characters, but to have one book take us from the wedding to when Farris is in his twenties is just a lot of info. Also, there was never really a chance to slow down and enjoy how far the characters had come. Or really follow one story thread. Things would happen, we would skip time, and the previous thread would be in the past and we would start a whole new one.
I really did love seeing Farris grow up, he was a good character. I felt like Kat was a bit flat and just a bit ignored. I mean, no one ever bothers to figure out why shes frustrated all the time. They just tell her to get over it.
Overall, this was not nearly as good as the first one. While the story was good, there was just to much of it for me.
This is a tough one to review. After loving Martin Hospitality I was super excited for this one. Now that I'm done, I'm still not sure what to think.
This book covers a massive amount of time, and that was a bit daunting for me. I love seeing what happened to the characters, but to have one book take us from the wedding to when Farris is in his twenties is just a lot of info. Also, there was never really a chance to slow down and enjoy how far the characters had come. Or really follow one story thread. Things would happen, we would skip time, and the previous thread would be in the past and we would start a whole new one.
I really did love seeing Farris grow up, he was a good character. I felt like Kat was a bit flat and just a bit ignored. I mean, no one ever bothers to figure out why shes frustrated all the time. They just tell her to get over it.
Overall, this was not nearly as good as the first one. While the story was good, there was just to much of it for me.
November 14, 2019
I read this story as an ARC and I loved it!! Reading about Farris growing up was amazing! I can honestly say that I enjoyed this book more than the first. Abigayle Claire is truly an amazing author that has a way with words. Not once while reading this story was a bored. Great job Abigayle!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 12, 2022
*blinks back tears as the finished book gets set aside*
What a beautiful book! (And I don't just mean the cover--though its utterly gorgeous!)
A satisfactory ending to the "Martin books"!
Inspiring, heart-wrenching, funny, sad, nerve-wracking, giggle-worthy...this book had it all, and it was the perfect sequel to Martin Hospitality.
Thank you, Abi, for writing such a wonderful two-book series!
5 stars. More, if that were possible!
What a beautiful book! (And I don't just mean the cover--though its utterly gorgeous!)
A satisfactory ending to the "Martin books"!
Inspiring, heart-wrenching, funny, sad, nerve-wracking, giggle-worthy...this book had it all, and it was the perfect sequel to Martin Hospitality.
Thank you, Abi, for writing such a wonderful two-book series!
5 stars. More, if that were possible!
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