Claiming Her Inheritance: A Contemporary Women's Fiction Book

Her Inheritance #1

by Debra L. Butterfield

A secret beyond her wildest imagination. Will this fierce loner finally find love and acceptance?

Kansas City. Trust comes hard for Sally Clark. Stuck in a publishing job she’s grown to loathe, the fifty-eight-year-old Marine Corps veteran is biding her time and praying for a fresh start. But she’s not sure her prayers have been answered when she learns she’s inherited a substantial sum… with serious strings attached.

Flying out to the luxurious ranch in Montana to work alongside the late multi-millionaire’s kids and grandkids for a month, Sally suspects someone wants her out when she’s nearly killed by a series of dubious accidents. And though the strong Christian is more than willing to serve others, she can't bear the heartache of staying where she’s clearly unwanted.

Can Sally dig deep and find the faith to stay the course?

Claiming Her Inheritance is the fast-moving first book in the contemporary Her Inheritance Christian fiction series. If you like confident women, light-hearted humor, and hints of romance, then you’ll adore Debra L. Butterfield’s suspenseful twists and turns.

Buy Claiming Her Inheritance to saddle up for a fun ride today!

235 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 10, 2021

About the author

Debra began her writing career in 2002 as a junior copywriter for Focus on the Family. She began freelance writing in 2006 and freelance editing in 2010.

In 2014, she joined CrossRiver Media Group, a traditional publishing house, as an editor. In 2019 she became their Editorial Director.

Her favorite genre to read is cozy mystery with historical fiction a close second. She enjoys summertime, hiking, and being outdoors.

Debra is the author of ten books, blogs for writers at TheMotivationalEditor.com and for readers at DebraLButterfield.com

Reviews

[Pamella Bowen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was a sort of beta reader on this book, reading just to advise on a title. Therefore, I was able to read it for the fun of it, just to get a feel of the characters, the setting, and the plot. In other words, I was not worried about typos or continuity errors (anyway there weren't any).
I immediately felt for Sally and her predicament, having to test her mettle as a westerner to prove she deserves to inherit. Chase was obviously prince charming, but the hurdles to their union were many and exciting. The pace of the action keeps the book moving towards its satisfying conclusion.
I really loved the Montana setting which Butterfield describes vividly and beautifully, so I was glad to see the boots on the cover. It's a mysterious romance of the modern West, just the thing I like.

[Susan Miura · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beloved patriarch dies and his will unveils a shocking revelation – a portion of his money and business will go to a mystery woman. It isn’t the first book to begin with such a premise, but for me, it’s always an attention-grabber. I instantly want to know what the family wants to know: Who is this woman? What’s her connection to the family? Why didn’t anyone hear about her before now? I love the way the author reveals the answers to those questions and more with unexpected twists in the ensuing chapters, told from the perspectives of Chase, one of the heirs to the family fortune, and Sally, the mystery woman, who wonders if this whole inheritance thing is just a scam. To receive it, she must spend four weeks on the family’s Montana ranch, working side-by-side with her benefactor’s family. But not everyone is open to this plan. In fact, it appears that someone is trying to kill Sally. This book drew me in from the first chapter and kept me reading til the end. With its beautiful Montana setting, strong female main character and very likable male main character, intriguing twists and Christian worldview, I found it to be an enjoyable read from beginning to end.

[Robin Melvin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I connected with the main character. Claiming Her Inheritance is great for a relaxing evening of reading. I like how it doesn't get bogged down in a lot of description. It is character-driven and just the right amount of intrigue and light-hearted humor (oh, and a touch of romance). Waiting for the sequel :)

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sally is fed up with her job and boss, so she quits when informed she's been left an inheritance by an unknown stranger and her boss won't give her time off to collect. Of course, she's not irresponsible enough to travel to Montana without a backup plan which she makes with her best friend and coworker. When arriving in Montana for the reading of the will, Sally's ride is a no-show, so she arranges for her own transportation. Obviously, Sally, a former Marine, is a strong, responsible and independent woman. When the Reynolds family learns that a mysterious and unknown stranger will be inheriting a portion of their grandfather's money and business, there's mixed reactions.
After meeting the Reynolds family, Sally has some doubts but accepts the condition of the inheritance, which is to live and work on the family ranch for 1 month. Can Sally handle the challenges of working on a ranch, especially when it seems someone is out to kill her? There's plenty of family drama and secrets, twists and turns, a slow-burn romance, and in the end Sally finds out that she's inheriting more than just money and a magazine business.
I enjoyed the reunion of long-lost family, healing, and encouragement by family members as well as scripture (Isaiah 61:7 especially touched my heart!). Sally was a strong woman, but her weaknesses and self-doubts were touchingly portrayed. I enjoyed the humor and protective relationship between Chase Reynolds and Sally as he tried to defend Sally while being a father figure to his children. Overall, I found "Claiming Her Inheritance" to be a heartwarming and exciting story that I highly recommend! I will definitely read more by this new (to me) author! I received a complimentary ARC of this book and have voluntarily given my honest opinion in this review.

[Carol Ackerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story starts out with what sounds like the biggest scam ever. Except it isn't. It's actually legitimate.
Sally is offered an inheritance if she will just spend 4 weeks living and working on a Montana cattle ranch. How will the family of the deceased who made this stipulation in his will react to this? This book is filled with mystery, intrigue, attempted murder, and secrets. How will Sally react to all of this?
Just when the book was getting to the best part, it abruptly ended. I can't wait for a sequel!! This was my first book by this author, but it won't be my last!
I love how this book shows how we can rely on God's guidance and protection no matter what we experience in life.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. The opinions and comments are entirely my own.

[Debra Butterfield]

A shooting, a stampede, a snakebite. Nothing seems to stop Sally Clark.

Sally Clark has received an inheritance, but one with strings attached--spending four weeks at the family ranch in Montana. After all the troubles she faces, a secret beyond her imagination might derail her.

If you like strong female protagonists and laugh-out-loud fun, you'll enjoy Claiming Her Inheritance.

Available in paperback and ebook.

[Donna]

This book kept me intrigued so I had to keep reading.

A reading of the first chapter on the publisher's website had me hooked. When I purchased a new Amazon Fire, Claiming her Inheritance was my first download. The short chapters from different viewpoints move the action along so the reader needs to know what happens next. Sally's life has a dramatic twist. Is it a scam? How could it possibly be real? Highly recommend!

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by this author and I found it to be a delightful read.

The characters were realistic and engaging. The story flowed well and I was engaged from page 1.

I loved the dual POV, as well as the drama & intrigue.

I would have liked a prologue as I felt the ending was kind of abrupt.

I received an advance review copy courtesy of BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Elizabeth Daghfal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deb Butterfield does a great job of weaving quick-witted banter, a mature female lead, strong family connections, and faith in this debut novel. Fun and fast-moving with touches of mystery in every chapter, it’ll keep you guessing. I hope to see a sequel sometime soon.

[Diana Kay Graham Hostettler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished this book, and my only complaint is that there doesn't seem to be a sequel! I LOVED the book, and its faith-filled story line really spoke to me. I highly recommend it for anyone seeking a story with adventure, Biblical references, and a satisfying ending.

[Katherine Hayward Pérez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Montana was immersive and I enjoyed the character's journey.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

4 stars

[Denise A · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book!! I love the fact that the main characters are openly Christian, and there is prayer and scriptures mentioned throughout the book. The characters were well developed and came alive, with spiritual growth as well. It was fairly easy to figure out who the villain was, but everything was nicely resolved at the end. Well written story! I would recommend this book!!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lana Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating! I loved the suspense, romance, and playfulness in Claiming Her Inheritance. Reading this book was like taking a holiday.