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Legacy
"Tantalizing...Ms. Baker kept me intrigued and enthralled...a thought-provoking novel not to be missed."
-Rendezvous The last of the Murrays... Christina Murray is elated to inherit her family's ancestral home in Scotland. But upon her arrival she is confronted by her breathtakingly handsome new neighbor, Ian Douglas...and an ancient family curse that comes with the castle. A violent legacy of passion... Seduced by Ian's easy Scottish charm by day, Christina dreams at night of three raven-haired beauties, ancestors who fell victim to the curse one generation after Katrine, the fiery Jacobite supporter who lost her heart to an Englishman; Jeanne, an accused witch; and Mairi, who shared a forbidden passion with the King of England. Now it's Christina's turn to lie in that cursed bed... and loving Ian might just cost her life. What Readers "One of the most fascinating books I've ever read...Kept me up until 3 am!" "I'm delighted with Ms. Baker's style. It isn't often you find an author so adept at storytelling who also has a unique and beautiful command of the English language."
-Rendezvous The last of the Murrays... Christina Murray is elated to inherit her family's ancestral home in Scotland. But upon her arrival she is confronted by her breathtakingly handsome new neighbor, Ian Douglas...and an ancient family curse that comes with the castle. A violent legacy of passion... Seduced by Ian's easy Scottish charm by day, Christina dreams at night of three raven-haired beauties, ancestors who fell victim to the curse one generation after Katrine, the fiery Jacobite supporter who lost her heart to an Englishman; Jeanne, an accused witch; and Mairi, who shared a forbidden passion with the King of England. Now it's Christina's turn to lie in that cursed bed... and loving Ian might just cost her life. What Readers "One of the most fascinating books I've ever read...Kept me up until 3 am!" "I'm delighted with Ms. Baker's style. It isn't often you find an author so adept at storytelling who also has a unique and beautiful command of the English language."
448 pages, Paperback
First published December 31, 1984
35 people are currently reading
701 people want to read
About the author
Jeanette Baker
22 books83 followersI love all things Irish, the language, a good cup of tea, soda bread, stew, smoked salmon, banoffee pie, green hills, happy cows, chedder cheese,... and all things Southern, sweet iced tea, southern hospitality, everything written by Anne Rivers Siddons and Johanna Trollope, blazing sunsets, driving through hot desert nights with the windows open, coffee and conversation with good friends, Katherine Hepburn movies, dessert, intimate gatherings and bright breezy days.
I live in Southern California during the winter months where I teach school to remarkably well-behaved 6th graders. During the summer months I live in County Kerry, Ireland where I take long walks, listen to traditional music, sigh over gray skies and write, write, write.
I live in Southern California during the winter months where I teach school to remarkably well-behaved 6th graders. During the summer months I live in County Kerry, Ireland where I take long walks, listen to traditional music, sigh over gray skies and write, write, write.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
February 24, 2022
Christina Murray is surprised to find that she has inherited an estate in Scotland from a distant relative. She teaches Scottish history and finds she has lots in common with her handsome neighbor, Ian Douglas, another Scottish history buff. Christina begins to get headaches, and have strange nightmares about important events in the lives of three of her ancestors in the 13th, 16th, and 18th Centuries. She has the same black hair, grey eyes, and diabetes condition as the three female ancestors that haunt her dreams. Christina learns that a curse has fallen upon certain women in her family, and fears that she herself will fall under the curse. Scottish history, mostly involving conflicts with England, is woven into the story.
The book is a historical romance with paranormal, time travel, and gothic elements. The story has a huge number of characters since it is set during four time periods, and includes four love stories, various family members, military leaders, and leading political figures of the eras. Historical romance readers would probably enjoy the story if they were comfortable with remembering the large cast of characters.
The book is a historical romance with paranormal, time travel, and gothic elements. The story has a huge number of characters since it is set during four time periods, and includes four love stories, various family members, military leaders, and leading political figures of the eras. Historical romance readers would probably enjoy the story if they were comfortable with remembering the large cast of characters.
October 19, 2013
Legacy is an emotional and at times riveting read centered around four women, the men they love and the devastating effects of an ancient curse on their bloodline. The book has four parallel stories, each spanning different eras of history, and gives a poignant, heart-rending tale for each protagonist.
The book opens with a Prologue, the year is 1298 and the setting is lovely Scotland. From there, the reader is taken to late twentieth century (1993) where we meet Christina Murray. She’s just arriving at one of Scotland’s oldest landmarks, eight-hundred year old Traquair House. It’s not by accident that she’s been summoned and quite soon receives information that is shocking.
As Christina settles in to her new surroundings, she meets the enticing Ian Douglas. He’s a beautiful man and it wasn’t a surprise to see these two becoming an item. As she explores the rich historical elements of Traquair House, she becomes consumed by events from the past. She begins to experience “visions” which takes her back in time to witness the truth rather than what’s merely recorded in historical journals. With the discovery of each new piece of information she soon realizes the legacy passed down through the centuries must be solved or her future is doomed.
While Christina and Ian’s romance was good, the pull for me were the details of the love and lives of Christina’s three ancestors, Mairi (b. 1271), Jeanne (b. 1488), and Katrine (b. 1726) as well as the unraveling of the mystery. The author’s talent of taking the reader from present to past was perfectly executed ensuring the story flowed flawlessly. Each of the women are given adequate page time and with each tale, I became more absorbed. The writing is very well done and I felt each moment of happiness as well as the bleak feelings of despair. The heartache at times is gripping and will leave the reader struggling to hold back tears.
This was a Kindle freebie and my first read by Jeanette Baker. I keep asking myself how have I missed this author?! I loved that Legacy is deeply rooted in Scottish history. The author’s descriptive writing easily creates a fascinating picture of present and past Scotland.
The only quibble I had came near the end. The conclusion of the mystery was somewhat anticlimactic. However, the author does give an epilogue, which helped with any minor disappointments.
Steam Factor: 2.5 There are no descriptive love scenes but each of the MC stories are engaging and romantic. Due to the nature of the curse, many parts have a dark, gothic feel.
The book opens with a Prologue, the year is 1298 and the setting is lovely Scotland. From there, the reader is taken to late twentieth century (1993) where we meet Christina Murray. She’s just arriving at one of Scotland’s oldest landmarks, eight-hundred year old Traquair House. It’s not by accident that she’s been summoned and quite soon receives information that is shocking.
As Christina settles in to her new surroundings, she meets the enticing Ian Douglas. He’s a beautiful man and it wasn’t a surprise to see these two becoming an item. As she explores the rich historical elements of Traquair House, she becomes consumed by events from the past. She begins to experience “visions” which takes her back in time to witness the truth rather than what’s merely recorded in historical journals. With the discovery of each new piece of information she soon realizes the legacy passed down through the centuries must be solved or her future is doomed.
While Christina and Ian’s romance was good, the pull for me were the details of the love and lives of Christina’s three ancestors, Mairi (b. 1271), Jeanne (b. 1488), and Katrine (b. 1726) as well as the unraveling of the mystery. The author’s talent of taking the reader from present to past was perfectly executed ensuring the story flowed flawlessly. Each of the women are given adequate page time and with each tale, I became more absorbed. The writing is very well done and I felt each moment of happiness as well as the bleak feelings of despair. The heartache at times is gripping and will leave the reader struggling to hold back tears.
This was a Kindle freebie and my first read by Jeanette Baker. I keep asking myself how have I missed this author?! I loved that Legacy is deeply rooted in Scottish history. The author’s descriptive writing easily creates a fascinating picture of present and past Scotland.
The only quibble I had came near the end. The conclusion of the mystery was somewhat anticlimactic. However, the author does give an epilogue, which helped with any minor disappointments.
Steam Factor: 2.5 There are no descriptive love scenes but each of the MC stories are engaging and romantic. Due to the nature of the curse, many parts have a dark, gothic feel.
October 9, 2011
When i started this book, I had no idea that is would be the second 5 star book I have read in the month of Sept. when Christina is called to Scotland by a dying woman, she has no idea that she is to inherit Traquair House, a rambling 800 year old home outside of Edinburgh.
suddenly, she starts having dreams about several previous inhabitants of this house and also meets a man to whom she is very attracted, but seems to have some secrets too. They she realizes someone is trying to harm her, and realizes that the key to the puzzle is in her dreams. A hard to put down exciting read. Highly recommended.
suddenly, she starts having dreams about several previous inhabitants of this house and also meets a man to whom she is very attracted, but seems to have some secrets too. They she realizes someone is trying to harm her, and realizes that the key to the puzzle is in her dreams. A hard to put down exciting read. Highly recommended.
May 7, 2012
“I curse you, Mairi of Shiels and Traquair and all the daughters of your line. For your treachery they will never rest. Cursed to pay for your deed, their sleep will be haunted by the dead until they die of foul and tragic means. Only when Scotland’s Stone of Destiny is found, will the curse be lifted.”
Recently divorced Christine Murray is called to Traquair House in Scotland, where the bed-ridden owner drops dead at the site of her. The will is read and Christine is surprised to find she's named soul heir to the ancient estate - she's not related to them is she? Well, it seems she just might be the last of a long line of women, and the latest victim of an ancient curse; a curse that only be stopped by proving what really happened to the *real* Stone of Destiny.
This is your basic time slip book - Christine nods off to sleep and finds herself observing things that happened in the past lives of various Murray women. There's one visit to the 1700s, another the early 1500s, and the last beginning in 1278 during the reign of Edward I. Things were going well for about 2/3 of the way through; I liked the present day storyline with Christine and Ian, and the first two stories in the past were pretty gut-wrenching, especially John and Jeanne's story. Sniff. But then, we get to Mairi's story during the reign of Edward I and things went downhill. I can't spoil by giving away the details, but let's just say that Baker's knowledge of the medieval period and mindset could perhaps use a bit of brushing up. Fiction that may be, but I'm one of those readers who prefer a bit of realism in their fiction, and I don't believe that *love affair* could have happened like that. No way. No how. The first 2/3 of the book get a solid four stars, with two stars for the latter third, rounding it out to three.
Recently divorced Christine Murray is called to Traquair House in Scotland, where the bed-ridden owner drops dead at the site of her. The will is read and Christine is surprised to find she's named soul heir to the ancient estate - she's not related to them is she? Well, it seems she just might be the last of a long line of women, and the latest victim of an ancient curse; a curse that only be stopped by proving what really happened to the *real* Stone of Destiny.
This is your basic time slip book - Christine nods off to sleep and finds herself observing things that happened in the past lives of various Murray women. There's one visit to the 1700s, another the early 1500s, and the last beginning in 1278 during the reign of Edward I. Things were going well for about 2/3 of the way through; I liked the present day storyline with Christine and Ian, and the first two stories in the past were pretty gut-wrenching, especially John and Jeanne's story. Sniff. But then, we get to Mairi's story during the reign of Edward I and things went downhill. I can't spoil by giving away the details, but let's just say that Baker's knowledge of the medieval period and mindset could perhaps use a bit of brushing up. Fiction that may be, but I'm one of those readers who prefer a bit of realism in their fiction, and I don't believe that *love affair* could have happened like that. No way. No how. The first 2/3 of the book get a solid four stars, with two stars for the latter third, rounding it out to three.
August 5, 2012
It's a wonderful thing to discover a new author (at least new to me) and wonder why I've never read her before, and then just feel so happy that I now have! Legacy is a very mixed genre story of Christine Murray, who discovers she has inherited a manor house in Scotland. The story follows her arrival at the house, meeting her neighbor Ian Maxwell and her immersion in the secrets and history of the house and the curse that was placed on her family. There are wonderful gothic overtones to the story, a brooding housekeeper (don't all gothic stories need one of these!) and visions into the past women who have lived in the house all tied up in the coronation stone of Scotland. Christine is an interesting character, but the story really comes to life when she is visited by the past. She and Ian develop a relationship and this also helps to bring the modern story to life but his role in everything is slightly muddled. As the story heads to the conclusion, the tension becomes very tight and the ending is unexpected. I loved this story and the only reason I give it 4 stars is because the modern characters could've been better. The writing is beautiful and it flows easily from the past to the present and back again. Highly recommend to anyone who loves gothic romances or historical romances with supernatural elements.
March 6, 2016
Was this a romance? Must have been romantic fiction then cos it was sad, and kind of depressing.
I guess it was Christina's story that had the romance, which it had. But it was also foreshadowed by the other tragic stories. See, she is cursed. A very old curse. She has inherited an estate. She meets a hunky man named Ian. She gets visions of other women through out time. And they all met nasty endings.
The first vision is of Katrine. A sad story about a woman falling for an Englisman around the time of Culloden.
The second is of Jeanne. A woman falling for a relative. She is happy, until. This one was so unfair.
And the last one, the one I waited for. Mairi if Shiels, the woman who (well in this story) was the mistress of Edward, the hammer of the Scots. This one was the most sad one. It was the one I liked the most and the most depressing one.
So yes lots of tragedy, heartache and deaths, and Christina is heading that way. Still, I enjoyed it, but yeah, sad.
I have been thinking, what to rate it? Would I read more? It was just so depressing. So no.
I guess it was Christina's story that had the romance, which it had. But it was also foreshadowed by the other tragic stories. See, she is cursed. A very old curse. She has inherited an estate. She meets a hunky man named Ian. She gets visions of other women through out time. And they all met nasty endings.
The first vision is of Katrine. A sad story about a woman falling for an Englisman around the time of Culloden.
The second is of Jeanne. A woman falling for a relative. She is happy, until. This one was so unfair.
And the last one, the one I waited for. Mairi if Shiels, the woman who (well in this story) was the mistress of Edward, the hammer of the Scots. This one was the most sad one. It was the one I liked the most and the most depressing one.
So yes lots of tragedy, heartache and deaths, and Christina is heading that way. Still, I enjoyed it, but yeah, sad.
I have been thinking, what to rate it? Would I read more? It was just so depressing. So no.
March 24, 2011
I just finished reading my first book by Jeanette Baker, Legacy, and now have another author to add to my favorites list. This book was enchanting and kept me up reading late. The author’s style is elegant, which added to my enjoyment of the book. Her words flowed with beauty. The characters are three dimensional and well written. It was easy to be drawn into their situations and care a great deal about them.
Legacy is a book with parallel stories, a main one set in the late twentieth century, and three others set in different and fascinating eras in history. The present-day heroine, Christina, and her new love, Ian, are in serious danger due to an ancient curse on Christina’s bloodline. Christina must get to the root of things, going back seven hundred years in discovery, or she is doomed.
Technically, this book can be considered a time travel, but Christina only goes to the past for about five minutes.
As she delves into the past and gets to know the stories of her tragic ancestors, she gets drawn deeper and deeper into their sad legacy. Can she possibly escape their fate? Their stories were heartbreaking, and as I read, I kept hoping she wouldn’t follow in their footsteps.
The setting is important to this book: Scotland, present day and past. The reader is in for a treat, getting such an excellently drawn picture of this beautiful country and its exciting history. An author with a mastery of the language provokes a gorgeous but tragic atmosphere with her words.
Magic, love, and misfortune are themes woven well into the plot. It’s quite entertaining and thought provoking. The various elements of plot are top notch. The subplots create great tension as the book races to its climax. Dialogue is realistic and exposition is excellent.
There may have been one or two small questions I had about the characters or scenes that didn’t seem to be answered, so I read between the lines.
This is a wonderful book, and I’d highly recommend it.
Originally posted at http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.c...
Legacy is a book with parallel stories, a main one set in the late twentieth century, and three others set in different and fascinating eras in history. The present-day heroine, Christina, and her new love, Ian, are in serious danger due to an ancient curse on Christina’s bloodline. Christina must get to the root of things, going back seven hundred years in discovery, or she is doomed.
Technically, this book can be considered a time travel, but Christina only goes to the past for about five minutes.
As she delves into the past and gets to know the stories of her tragic ancestors, she gets drawn deeper and deeper into their sad legacy. Can she possibly escape their fate? Their stories were heartbreaking, and as I read, I kept hoping she wouldn’t follow in their footsteps.
The setting is important to this book: Scotland, present day and past. The reader is in for a treat, getting such an excellently drawn picture of this beautiful country and its exciting history. An author with a mastery of the language provokes a gorgeous but tragic atmosphere with her words.
Magic, love, and misfortune are themes woven well into the plot. It’s quite entertaining and thought provoking. The various elements of plot are top notch. The subplots create great tension as the book races to its climax. Dialogue is realistic and exposition is excellent.
There may have been one or two small questions I had about the characters or scenes that didn’t seem to be answered, so I read between the lines.
This is a wonderful book, and I’d highly recommend it.
Originally posted at http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.c...
May 21, 2012
Legacy by Jeanette Baker was originally published in 1996, re-issued in 2011. This is an interesting book. It had one very small time travel moment, but I really wouldn't classify it as such. In fact, it's hard to put in a time frame, or specific romance genre. It's part paranormal, part contemporary, and part Scottish historical.
Christina Murray, ( in modern day- 1993), coming off a bitter divorce, unable to have children and living with diabetes, inherits Traquair House in Scotland. Upon her arrival, the woman who wrote informing her of her inheritance dies. That same day, Christiana meets Ian while walking the grounds. There's a connection between them that takes off quickly.( I thought too quickly). But Christiana begins to have nightmares that turn into terrifying visions. In these visions, we go back in time to 1298 Scotland where Mairi secures the Stone of Destiny and hides it, for reasons you will wonder about until the end of the book, and a curse is placed on all the women of her line. You are later introduced to Katrine Murray, who meets with tragedy, and Jeanne Maxwell, who also meets with tragedy. Christina, finding out that she bears a striking resemblance to two of these women, begins to research the backgrounds of the Murray/ Maxwell's/Stuarts/ and Douglas lines.
Christina must also deal with Kate, the maid that was raised at Traquair House, and makes her disapproval clear, with her parents , shocking revelations regarding her mother, and with Ian who may not have pure motives.
The reason I didn't give the book a higher rating was because the romance in the 1993 sections just didn't have the all consuming urgency that the other stories had. I just didn't feel the chemistry there. The historical sections were wonderful! But, the author wrote the historical parts, which were Christina's visions, in third person, while the contemporary parts were written in first person. It was hard to switch it back and forth. Very interesting concept though, which makes it worth checking out.
Christina Murray, ( in modern day- 1993), coming off a bitter divorce, unable to have children and living with diabetes, inherits Traquair House in Scotland. Upon her arrival, the woman who wrote informing her of her inheritance dies. That same day, Christiana meets Ian while walking the grounds. There's a connection between them that takes off quickly.( I thought too quickly). But Christiana begins to have nightmares that turn into terrifying visions. In these visions, we go back in time to 1298 Scotland where Mairi secures the Stone of Destiny and hides it, for reasons you will wonder about until the end of the book, and a curse is placed on all the women of her line. You are later introduced to Katrine Murray, who meets with tragedy, and Jeanne Maxwell, who also meets with tragedy. Christina, finding out that she bears a striking resemblance to two of these women, begins to research the backgrounds of the Murray/ Maxwell's/Stuarts/ and Douglas lines.
Christina must also deal with Kate, the maid that was raised at Traquair House, and makes her disapproval clear, with her parents , shocking revelations regarding her mother, and with Ian who may not have pure motives.
The reason I didn't give the book a higher rating was because the romance in the 1993 sections just didn't have the all consuming urgency that the other stories had. I just didn't feel the chemistry there. The historical sections were wonderful! But, the author wrote the historical parts, which were Christina's visions, in third person, while the contemporary parts were written in first person. It was hard to switch it back and forth. Very interesting concept though, which makes it worth checking out.
March 10, 2011
A decent time travel book about an American named Christina Murray who inherits her family's ancestral home in Scotland.
Christina feels connected to three different female ancestors from three different time periods: 13th century; 16th century; and 18th century. Besides a bloodline, what connects all these women is an ancient family curse, and Christina fears she may be next if she doesn't crack a centuries' old family mystery.
Christina was able to see the events happening in her ancestors' lives in her dreams, and one time she changed places with one, but that was only for a short time. I thought that was kind of random.
One thing that caught me off guard: children in the 13th century singing Ring Around the Rosie. I'm pretty sure that song didn't exist back then.
I must admit the modern day romance of Christina and her hunky neighbor didn't do a whole lot for me. And seeing how there were basically four different storylines going in this book, we didn't spend a whole lot of time with them, especially the three historical ones. However, the historical stories had more depth, it seemed. Each story of Christina's ancestors ended heartbreakingly.
Christina feels connected to three different female ancestors from three different time periods: 13th century; 16th century; and 18th century. Besides a bloodline, what connects all these women is an ancient family curse, and Christina fears she may be next if she doesn't crack a centuries' old family mystery.
Christina was able to see the events happening in her ancestors' lives in her dreams, and one time she changed places with one, but that was only for a short time. I thought that was kind of random.
One thing that caught me off guard: children in the 13th century singing Ring Around the Rosie. I'm pretty sure that song didn't exist back then.
I must admit the modern day romance of Christina and her hunky neighbor didn't do a whole lot for me. And seeing how there were basically four different storylines going in this book, we didn't spend a whole lot of time with them, especially the three historical ones. However, the historical stories had more depth, it seemed. Each story of Christina's ancestors ended heartbreakingly.
March 18, 2011
I will start by saying I don't think this cover did this book any good. If I had been book shopping I would have walked right by without picking it up and that would have been a shame. I would have missed out on a very enjoyable book.
I love time travel books and while this is technically not time travel it does involve people from the present tied to actions from the past and the need to correct wrongs to live happily ever after.
Fantastical fun all around.
The story is told in back and forth fashion starting in the past and bouncing between there and the present. Events surrounding the heroine, Christina Murray call her to the mysteries of her ancestors and how that past is impacting her present. Christina finds out that she has inherited an 800 year old Scottish manor house and has no idea why. She meets her neighbor, Ian Douglas and falls in love with him not knowing that his motives might not be pure.
The characters were very likeable - well except for the evil ones - and I found myself whipping through this book to get to the end. The mystery was quite satisfying and the magical aspects were fun. I would definitely seek out more books by Ms. Baker.
I love time travel books and while this is technically not time travel it does involve people from the present tied to actions from the past and the need to correct wrongs to live happily ever after.
Fantastical fun all around.
The story is told in back and forth fashion starting in the past and bouncing between there and the present. Events surrounding the heroine, Christina Murray call her to the mysteries of her ancestors and how that past is impacting her present. Christina finds out that she has inherited an 800 year old Scottish manor house and has no idea why. She meets her neighbor, Ian Douglas and falls in love with him not knowing that his motives might not be pure.
The characters were very likeable - well except for the evil ones - and I found myself whipping through this book to get to the end. The mystery was quite satisfying and the magical aspects were fun. I would definitely seek out more books by Ms. Baker.
September 10, 2015
I found this book a bit confusing and choppy - three different time periods added to a present day story of a young American woman who finds out she's inherited an estate in Scotland. Turns out she's memory channeling three ancestors of hers (who she closely resembles) who all were cursed and died violently. The separate stories in the past were good and held my attention, but they ended abruptly (you'll see why). There was a lack of development regarding their involvements with the loves of their lives and the present day romantic storyline was much too fast and unbelievable as well. It had it's plus's and negatives. 3.5/5
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This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 10, 2011
Legacy combines historical romance with time travel and mystery. I was quickly drawn into the stories of the four women of different eras and their ill fated romances. The lead character Christina Murray is easy to like and sympathize with and her uncanny similarities with the three ancestors gives the Murray/Douglas mystery come to a head.
If you enjoy historical romances and unusual time travel novels, I recommend checking out Legacy by Jeanette Baker.
ISBN-10: 9781402255830 - Paperback $9.99
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca; Reprint edition (March 1, 2011), 384 pages.
Review copy provided by the publisher.
If you enjoy historical romances and unusual time travel novels, I recommend checking out Legacy by Jeanette Baker.
ISBN-10: 9781402255830 - Paperback $9.99
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca; Reprint edition (March 1, 2011), 384 pages.
Review copy provided by the publisher.
August 15, 2011
This was a very interesting book and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Slipping in and out of the different women's lives and learning their fate was heart wrenching. I had no problem at all following their different stories which is due to the excellent writing here. It was definitely a page turner and held me spellbound.
December 13, 2011
I read this book in one day. I absolutely loved it. Why in the world am I so obsessed with historical fiction? I have no idea. This book was so good. It had everything, romance, intrigue, suspense, mystery. Excellent read.
December 22, 2011
Interesting book. I would read others by this author. I wouldn't consider it a time travel book though. The main character dreams about her ancestors, she doesn't really travel back in time. (Other than one brief few minutes in one lifetime.)
October 27, 2015
Legacy was a pleasant surprise for me and kept me riveted. I did not want to put the book down. I thought it was very well done, with only a few minor quibbles. 4.5/5 stars
November 4, 2018
This book is not something I recommend. I give it two stars for researched history, but I felt that even that left much to be desired. I felt strongly that there was false portrayal of some historical figures, and a definite fail on the day to day life of average people in the middle ages and on towards the 1700s. For instance, while England was rife with immorality amongst the so called noblemen, the average person considered it anathema, and you sure as heck wouldn't be seeing well born Highlanders indulging in casual promiscuity for the world to see. 89% failure.
June 5, 2019
My Review
History is a wonderful way to learn about our past, the outcome of the decisions and challenges we take on our journeys through life affects those in the future. Those who created the world we live in now can never know how their choices decided some of our paths and how our choices in the now will be altered by them. Beautiful story.❤️
History is a wonderful way to learn about our past, the outcome of the decisions and challenges we take on our journeys through life affects those in the future. Those who created the world we live in now can never know how their choices decided some of our paths and how our choices in the now will be altered by them. Beautiful story.❤️
October 15, 2019
Definitely worth the time
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. It is a combination of historical and mystical romance. I would have given 5 stars but I found the ending to be a bit abrupt.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. It is a combination of historical and mystical romance. I would have given 5 stars but I found the ending to be a bit abrupt.
January 2, 2019
My favorite!
March 21, 2011
My Review:
Christina Murray has been summoned to Traquair House and after the death of Lady Maxwell, Christina now finds that, she has inherited this piece of history. Little did she know she has also inherited the curse that comes along with the house. It seems that Christina has also fallen under the spell of her gorgeous neighbor, Ian Douglas. Although, it is not the handsome that haunts her dreams, instead she is plagued with vision of the past. Visions of three women who look exactly like Christina and who have suffered greatly for the men they chose to love.
Each one of the three women fell victim to the curse, first it was Mairi. She suffered at the hand of the Bruce for her forbidden love of an English King. Next in line is Katrine, a loyal Jacobite supporter who fell hopelessly in love Richard an Englishmen in the Kings Army. The third woman to share this ill-fated destiny is Jeanne; once again, she marries only to find that the stars are set against her. Now it is Christina’s time to fall in love, will she escape the curse and change her destiny? Or, will loving Ian Douglas cost Christina her life?
My Thoughts:
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It reads as four books in one, each one taking you on a journey throughout Scotland’s history, and each one more intriguing than the next. The characters were intriguing as well, and I found that I could not put this book down; if I would have had the time, I could have finished this book in one sitting. Although I should warn you this book has its share of heartbreak as the curse is explained, it also has its share of twists and turns that I did not see coming. I also enjoyed the plot.
While I enjoyed the story, I would have enjoyed a deeper look into the storyline especially when the plot reverted to the past. I felt that bits and bobs of the story rushed from one point to the other. Although I did find that I truly enjoyed this book, and I highly recommend it to those of you who like Scottish history.
For a romance book, it was light on the romance, of course it was still there it was just tuned down allowing the focus to be on the story itself rather than the falling into bed aspect of it.
Cover Thoughts:
I am not sure what to think of the cover, I like that it gives off an air of mystery although I think it fails to covey the story. In addition, I would have liked the strip of tartan that is down the side of the book to have either been a Maxwell, Murray, or Douglas color rather than a Stewart tartan.
Overall:
This was one of my favorite books. I thoroughly enjoyed the stories of the four women, although I believe that my favorite would have to be the story of Katrine, the Jacobite supporter and her doomed love. Not that the others fail in comparison, I just have a soft spot for the Jacobite cause and those who have suffered for it. Jeanette Baker also conjures up a gripping account of Culloden Moor.
Christina Murray has been summoned to Traquair House and after the death of Lady Maxwell, Christina now finds that, she has inherited this piece of history. Little did she know she has also inherited the curse that comes along with the house. It seems that Christina has also fallen under the spell of her gorgeous neighbor, Ian Douglas. Although, it is not the handsome that haunts her dreams, instead she is plagued with vision of the past. Visions of three women who look exactly like Christina and who have suffered greatly for the men they chose to love.
Each one of the three women fell victim to the curse, first it was Mairi. She suffered at the hand of the Bruce for her forbidden love of an English King. Next in line is Katrine, a loyal Jacobite supporter who fell hopelessly in love Richard an Englishmen in the Kings Army. The third woman to share this ill-fated destiny is Jeanne; once again, she marries only to find that the stars are set against her. Now it is Christina’s time to fall in love, will she escape the curse and change her destiny? Or, will loving Ian Douglas cost Christina her life?
My Thoughts:
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It reads as four books in one, each one taking you on a journey throughout Scotland’s history, and each one more intriguing than the next. The characters were intriguing as well, and I found that I could not put this book down; if I would have had the time, I could have finished this book in one sitting. Although I should warn you this book has its share of heartbreak as the curse is explained, it also has its share of twists and turns that I did not see coming. I also enjoyed the plot.
While I enjoyed the story, I would have enjoyed a deeper look into the storyline especially when the plot reverted to the past. I felt that bits and bobs of the story rushed from one point to the other. Although I did find that I truly enjoyed this book, and I highly recommend it to those of you who like Scottish history.
For a romance book, it was light on the romance, of course it was still there it was just tuned down allowing the focus to be on the story itself rather than the falling into bed aspect of it.
Cover Thoughts:
I am not sure what to think of the cover, I like that it gives off an air of mystery although I think it fails to covey the story. In addition, I would have liked the strip of tartan that is down the side of the book to have either been a Maxwell, Murray, or Douglas color rather than a Stewart tartan.
Overall:
This was one of my favorite books. I thoroughly enjoyed the stories of the four women, although I believe that my favorite would have to be the story of Katrine, the Jacobite supporter and her doomed love. Not that the others fail in comparison, I just have a soft spot for the Jacobite cause and those who have suffered for it. Jeanette Baker also conjures up a gripping account of Culloden Moor.
March 27, 2011
I knew that I had read this book back in 1996 when it was first published from the moment I read the first chapter. I usually do not re-read a book but I wanted to read this one again as I am fascinated with anything to do with Ireland and Scotland as I am a bit of both and the history portrayed in this book kept me turning the pages. The story takes place in four different time periods, late 1300's. 1500's, 1700's and 1993-95. The story revolves around The Stone of Scone and the Traquair House, which is said to be the oldest inhabited house in Scotland.
"The Stone of Scone , more commonly known as the Stone of Destiny and often referred to in England as the Coronation Stone, is an oblong block of red sandstone, used for centuries in the coronation of the monarchs of Scotland, later the monarchs of England and since 1603, British monarchs. Historically, the artifact was kept at the now-ruined Scone Abbey in Scone, near Perth, Scotland." source: wiki
The Murray and Maxwell families lives and history's are intertwined with all the women in the Murray/Maxwell family's having a curse put on them, that each female member would have terrible hauntings and nightmares and eventually die horrible deaths. The story is well so researched and written that as each woman's story was told I felt as if I could imagine myself right in the story, which may be silly to some, but I often feel that way when reading a great historical story. I had to have the tissue box close by also..I highly recommend this book to anyone who has any interest in the history of Scotland/England in the four time periods portrayed.
"The Stone of Scone , more commonly known as the Stone of Destiny and often referred to in England as the Coronation Stone, is an oblong block of red sandstone, used for centuries in the coronation of the monarchs of Scotland, later the monarchs of England and since 1603, British monarchs. Historically, the artifact was kept at the now-ruined Scone Abbey in Scone, near Perth, Scotland." source: wiki
The Murray and Maxwell families lives and history's are intertwined with all the women in the Murray/Maxwell family's having a curse put on them, that each female member would have terrible hauntings and nightmares and eventually die horrible deaths. The story is well so researched and written that as each woman's story was told I felt as if I could imagine myself right in the story, which may be silly to some, but I often feel that way when reading a great historical story. I had to have the tissue box close by also..I highly recommend this book to anyone who has any interest in the history of Scotland/England in the four time periods portrayed.
June 20, 2011
Legacy is a beautiful written story that travels from present day Scotland to the various times in the past. This is one of those books that I just wanted to fall in love with, but just couldn't.
Normally I can list a ton of reasons why a book didn't work for me, but not with this one. The first half of the book really captured my attention and I loved how it went back and forth from the present day to the past. Somewhere along the way though, both stories started to lose me and no matter how hard I tried I just couldn't regain the feelings for the book that I had in the beginning.
One of the things I did like about this book was the heroine, Christina is older. She is 38 and is recovering from a painful divorce. It's such a rarity to have a heroine who is past the age of 35. The romance between her and Ian was sweet, and I found myself wanting more of that then the story happening in the past. I think that combined with the fact that I thought I knew where the story set in the past was headed is what made me not love the book as much as I wanted to.
While I lost patience with this book, it's one like Undertow I definitely want to give it another chance at another time.
Normally I can list a ton of reasons why a book didn't work for me, but not with this one. The first half of the book really captured my attention and I loved how it went back and forth from the present day to the past. Somewhere along the way though, both stories started to lose me and no matter how hard I tried I just couldn't regain the feelings for the book that I had in the beginning.
One of the things I did like about this book was the heroine, Christina is older. She is 38 and is recovering from a painful divorce. It's such a rarity to have a heroine who is past the age of 35. The romance between her and Ian was sweet, and I found myself wanting more of that then the story happening in the past. I think that combined with the fact that I thought I knew where the story set in the past was headed is what made me not love the book as much as I wanted to.
While I lost patience with this book, it's one like Undertow I definitely want to give it another chance at another time.
September 27, 2011
Baker has carefully mixed fact with myth with fiction, and the several sub-stories set in various points of the past provide a wonderful scope of Scottish history. Each sub-story comes alive with the essence the period is known for, political turmoil included.
Unfortunately, the ending is riddled with problems. Some may be my personal opinion, such as the conclusion of the love story between the main characters leading the modern day plot, but others are flat out plot problems. The entire book hinges on a curse that is connected to Scotland's missing Stone of Destiny, and the resolution to this major plot point had holes all over the place.
If you want to get absorbed into Scotland, this book provides a wonderful exploration of four distinct eras. If you want a love story, there are four romances that are engaging, though tragic. If you want mystery mingled with fantasy, there's plenty, so long as you don't mind overlooking the flaws. Until the ending, this book was hovering at a 4.5 star rating, but the ending drops it down to a 3.
Unfortunately, the ending is riddled with problems. Some may be my personal opinion, such as the conclusion of the love story between the main characters leading the modern day plot, but others are flat out plot problems. The entire book hinges on a curse that is connected to Scotland's missing Stone of Destiny, and the resolution to this major plot point had holes all over the place.
If you want to get absorbed into Scotland, this book provides a wonderful exploration of four distinct eras. If you want a love story, there are four romances that are engaging, though tragic. If you want mystery mingled with fantasy, there's plenty, so long as you don't mind overlooking the flaws. Until the ending, this book was hovering at a 4.5 star rating, but the ending drops it down to a 3.
April 15, 2011
Scotland. History. Suspense. A Family Curse. Time Travel. Legacy by Jeanette Baker has all of the individual elements that I love in a novel, and Baker was able to combine these elements into one fantastic story. And even better, it was a story that kept me awake when I was feeding my infant at night!
Christina Murray is a 38-year old American scholar on Scottish history. After her recent painful divorce, she is excited to discover that she is the heiress of Traquiar House, the oldest continuously habited house in Scotland. After she starts living in Traquiar House, strange things start to happen to Christina and she starts to remember past lives of the women who came before her at Traquiar House. These women look eerily like Christina and all carry shared traits that pass down the family curse.
For the rest of my review, please check out my blog at: http://lauragerold.blogspot.com/2011/...
Christina Murray is a 38-year old American scholar on Scottish history. After her recent painful divorce, she is excited to discover that she is the heiress of Traquiar House, the oldest continuously habited house in Scotland. After she starts living in Traquiar House, strange things start to happen to Christina and she starts to remember past lives of the women who came before her at Traquiar House. These women look eerily like Christina and all carry shared traits that pass down the family curse.
For the rest of my review, please check out my blog at: http://lauragerold.blogspot.com/2011/...
September 6, 2011
This book has very good reviews and they are probably well deserved. The story is well written, her characters are developed.
For me, I had a hard time keeping interest in the first few hundred pages. (There is 335 pages for the nook) It wasn't until the last hundred pages that I wanted to see what the outcome would be for these characters.
The book is written in a format that starts in 1298 Scotland then jumps to the present, then back to the past, then to the present. with a lot of history surrounding the historical characters.
It took me a long time to be able to finish the book, I was easily distracted from it. But to be fair that was just my experience. Not every book will catch or hold the attention of every reader. Doesn't make it a bad book, just a book that isn't for everyone.
I have read other Jeanette Baker books I have really enjoyed, and will read her books in the future.
For me, I had a hard time keeping interest in the first few hundred pages. (There is 335 pages for the nook) It wasn't until the last hundred pages that I wanted to see what the outcome would be for these characters.
The book is written in a format that starts in 1298 Scotland then jumps to the present, then back to the past, then to the present. with a lot of history surrounding the historical characters.
It took me a long time to be able to finish the book, I was easily distracted from it. But to be fair that was just my experience. Not every book will catch or hold the attention of every reader. Doesn't make it a bad book, just a book that isn't for everyone.
I have read other Jeanette Baker books I have really enjoyed, and will read her books in the future.
August 21, 2011
If I rated based solely on concept and plot this would get a 5 however the writing wasn't great and the flow at times just wasn't right. I loved the historical references and the way it was incorporated into the present day. It has great bones but I think it could of used a little more editing to make it flow better and not make readers think "Wait where did that come from? Did I miss something?" Then have the reader flipping back pages to see if something was missed. I did this a few times and it was annoying. But again the romance was great and the the historical aspects were fantastic.
February 14, 2012
Along the lines of The Face of the Maiden, this is another ghostly tale (albeit set in the early 1990′s) where the story appears through dreams/visions to the heroine. The book tells the story of 4 women, related by ancestry, a curse, and the Famed Destiny Stone of Scotland. Essentially, it seems like the same set of lovers repeating their tragic lives over and over until they get it right. While I found the first tale to drag on, it was understandable as the focus was also on the present day hero/heroine. The book was very well written and did not give away some of the twists immediately when they appeared (though many will figure them out before they are completely revealed)
August 11, 2011
I'd say this was more a 3 1/2, but I'm rounding up rather than down.
Here's the thing, I loved the flashbacks of Christina's ancestors. I adored them. As tragic as they all ended up, I wanted to take them to bed and snuggle them. Christina and Ian? Not so much. In fact, I'd find myself disappointed every time it would flash back to 1993, having gotten so engrossed in the past I completely forgot about Christina's present.
Here's the thing, I loved the flashbacks of Christina's ancestors. I adored them. As tragic as they all ended up, I wanted to take them to bed and snuggle them. Christina and Ian? Not so much. In fact, I'd find myself disappointed every time it would flash back to 1993, having gotten so engrossed in the past I completely forgot about Christina's present.
September 28, 2011
This was a free book on Kindle. I got it because of the high ratings and it was described as a historical novel. It turned out to be a romance novel with too many descriptive sex scenes. To be fair, it was loosely based on Scottish history and I did find that interesting. The time travel was confusing at times but I was able to work through that. This was definitely not my type of book...
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