Unclaimed Legacy

I figured I should get back to blogging. After all, I read about 5 books that need reviewing!

Unclaimed Legacy
by Deborah Heal

Description

It's like being there. . . only you can fast-forward and rewind.

"I call it time-surfing," Abby said. "It's like being there,
except no one can see or hear us."

"Whatever you call it," John said, "that was crazy--what we just did.
Beyond realistic. I mean, I was in that guy's head
and knew everything he was thinking."

Abby's weird computer program is working again. And it comes
in handy when she and her friends agree to help the Old Dears with their family
tree.

Except Abby and John learn more about one of the ladies'
ancestors than they ever wanted to know. Convicted in 1871 of murder and arson,
Reuben Buchanan is a blight on the family's reputation. But was he really
guilty? Abby and John must get inside the mind of a murderer to find out.

And while they're rummaging around in the Old Dears' family
history, they also find Nathan Buchanan, a heroic relative connected to the
Lewis and Clark Expedition--and a legacy waiting to be reclaimed. But the most important discovery they make is that God's
promise to bless a thousand generations is true.
Amazon

My Review

After Abby and Merry agree to dog-sit for John's cousin (with his help, of course), they meet their new neighbors, the twins Eulah and Beulah. These old women, who are endearingly called the Old Dears, are trying to put together a family tree. But since they don't know much of their family on their grandfather's side, it proves difficult. Abby, Merry, and John decide to help them by time-surfing in other old or even rotting houses in the area. One clue soon leads to another, and as they unearth the mysteries behind the Old Dears family tree. An illegitimate son? Murder? Or what?

I really enjoyed this book. There was the mystery, the sort of "time travel", and the growing romance between Abby and John. I loved the history! And the Old Dears were quite hilarious sometimes, especially Beulah and her pranks. It makes me want to do my own family tree.

I only would have appreciated more time-surfing. The characters do it quite often, but the story revolves more around the present time than the past.

Overall, a very interesting and unique story.

Things you should know: *Spoiler alert
There a little violence in this book. The violence is not described in detail, but mainly features an abusive husband beating his wife to death then burning her body. Also, there is kissing and even an assumed affair (not described) that is later cleared up. And a minor character is arrested for using and selling drugs. The author clearly does not promote these things (except kissing).

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for and honest review.

Note: I was unable to post a picture of the most updated front cover, which features a rusty doorknob.