Readers' comments - The Inheritance
Here's what some readers have commented (contact Jo-Anne by clicking here to give your feedback!)
At last, a book with real people, real Christians with real problems, and finally real hope. You have given me new faith in the great possibilities to be found in God. Thank you so much! Julie, Vic
I absolutely loved 'The Inheritance'. It was a beautiful love story but it also had many other deeper layers to it which made it a cut above the 'everyday love story'. I liked the way you made the characters so realistic, particularly Michael. It is good to read a Christian book where life isn't seen through rose tinted glasses and people are sinful, but God still loves them and brings about change in their lives. I loved the underlying themes of family dysfunction and how roots of sin planted in previous generations come to visit present generations, but how even this can be healed through God. I thought the characters were very authentic and I became quite attached to them. Kerry Osborne, author, NSW
Jo-Anne, just finished reading 'The Inheritance’ and have to tell you at once how very much I've enjoyed it. I was also challenged as a fellow writer by it too. While I've liked all your stories, I have to say I think this is even better written. Your characterisation is fantastic. I love the way the main characters are so
real—their "character arcs" are simply wonderful. I found that this one is very well written in other ways too, including structure and spiritual content.
Sincere congratulations, Jo-Anne. Thank you for the best read I've had for quite a while.
Mary Hawkins, author, Tasmania
Just finished your latest, 'The Inheritance', last night. I thought it was great and found it hard to put down. You are a very gifted writer, Jo. Keep it up.
Rhondda, NSW
I've just read 'The Inheritance' and loved it. It captured me right from page one and I found I could not put it down. Thank you - I personally think it's
your best, however I have not read 'Soul Friend'. I was wondering if there is going to be a 'sequel'??
Jackie, NSW
I downloaded ‘The Inheritance’ to read on my Kindle. I really enjoyed reading Jo-Anne’s book and I think this is her best book yet. Jo-Anne has developed a
real depth to the characters of Michael and Alexandra. It’s a great read.
Sue, NSW
Loved 'The Inheritance'!! Your best novel yet, I reckon.
Becky, QLD
At last, a book with real people, real Christians with real problems, and finally real hope. You have given me new faith in the great possibilities to be found in God. Thank you so much! Julie, Vic
I absolutely loved 'The Inheritance'. It was a beautiful love story but it also had many other deeper layers to it which made it a cut above the 'everyday love story'. I liked the way you made the characters so realistic, particularly Michael. It is good to read a Christian book where life isn't seen through rose tinted glasses and people are sinful, but God still loves them and brings about change in their lives. I loved the underlying themes of family dysfunction and how roots of sin planted in previous generations come to visit present generations, but how even this can be healed through God. I thought the characters were very authentic and I became quite attached to them. Kerry Osborne, author, NSW
Jo-Anne, just finished reading 'The Inheritance’ and have to tell you at once how very much I've enjoyed it. I was also challenged as a fellow writer by it too. While I've liked all your stories, I have to say I think this is even better written. Your characterisation is fantastic. I love the way the main characters are so
real—their "character arcs" are simply wonderful. I found that this one is very well written in other ways too, including structure and spiritual content.
Sincere congratulations, Jo-Anne. Thank you for the best read I've had for quite a while.
Mary Hawkins, author, Tasmania
Just finished your latest, 'The Inheritance', last night. I thought it was great and found it hard to put down. You are a very gifted writer, Jo. Keep it up.
Rhondda, NSW
I've just read 'The Inheritance' and loved it. It captured me right from page one and I found I could not put it down. Thank you - I personally think it's
your best, however I have not read 'Soul Friend'. I was wondering if there is going to be a 'sequel'??
Jackie, NSW
I downloaded ‘The Inheritance’ to read on my Kindle. I really enjoyed reading Jo-Anne’s book and I think this is her best book yet. Jo-Anne has developed a
real depth to the characters of Michael and Alexandra. It’s a great read.
Sue, NSW
Loved 'The Inheritance'!! Your best novel yet, I reckon.
Becky, QLD
Reviews - The Inheritance
Susan Barnes 'A Book Look--seehttp://abooklook.blogspot.com.au/2013/10/book-review-inheritance.html
The inheritance by Jo-Anne Berthelsen is a moving story about unfaithfulness, tragedy, bitterness and how faith in God can bring love, forgiveness and hope.
Michael Trevelyan is bound by his unhappy childhood and refuses to let go his resentment despite the attempts of his deathly ill mother. The conditions of her will only increases his resentment as he struggles to hold onto the family estate and maintain a busy medical practice. Meanwhile he is drawn to the local doctor’s daughter, Alexandra, but their different world views create impossible grounds for a long term relationship.
This is a strongly Christian story, but it needs to be to deal with the consequence of shocking past failures. Only in God is there hope for restoration and healing. The thing I liked most about this book is the raw emotion which draws you into the story. I could feel their pain. I liked the reality of people putting on a good façade but seeing their emotions play out in their relationships. I also liked the slow leak of information and the surprising contrasts that developed through the story.
Overall a great story.
Dale Harcombe--see http://orangedale.livejournal.com/
Michael Trevelyan and his mother have never got along. That relationship was further destroyed by his bitterness over his mother’s refusal to believe his sister Miriam’s accusations about Uncle Edward and take appropriate action. He also carries his own share of guilt for what he receives as his part in Miriam’s death. Michael, a successful orthopaedic surgeon, is bitter and resentful with no time for anyone who does not hold similar views to his own.
When his mother, Justine Trevelyan, becomes critically ill, Dr. Alexandra Hope comes into her life. Alexandra is a God fearing young woman who yearns to be a missionary and who is waiting for her visa to go to Ethiopia. Needless to say Michael and Alexandra clash in their views about God, life and his mother, especially given Justine’s recent revelations of long held secrets.
When Justine tells Michael her conditions for him inheriting Whitecross, the family estate, Michael is livid. The conditions must be met. Otherwise it will go to his younger brother Geoffrey. Michael is determined Geoffrey will not get Whitecross and be able to set up another Christian run drug and alcohol recovery centre.
Even though he wasn’t always pleasant at times, I found myself easily drawn into Michael’s story. Alexandra is a spirited yet committed believer and I warmed to her immediately. Her father John, also a doctor, is a lovely character too. As a reader I had a sense of where the story was heading but that was okay. The story is really more about the journey these people take.
I don’t read a lot of Christian fiction but I thought this novel handled some tough issues in a sensitive and honest way. The Christian emphasis may put some non believers off. But I thought it was handled well and Michael in his anger was someone a lot of people could relate to. My only reservations were that
non-believers may choose not to read it and that would be a shame. But since, as this novel points out, God can do anything we should not underestimate the power of God to bring this book to the right person who needs to read it at the right time.
My only other quibble was that the ending seemed to be wrapped up in a bit of a hurry. That aside I became emotionally involved in the lives of these characters and thoroughly enjoyed this book. Perhaps that was the problem. I was enjoying it so I didn’t want it to end too quickly.
Book Lovers 1--see http://booklovers1.wordpress.com/2013/10/07/acrba-tour-the-inheritance-jo-anne-berthelsen/
Requesting this book to review, I had no idea what I was in for! Reading the blurb, I was hoping for a romance novel, however those were only my hopes. Yet
the quote “He struggles with bitterness and betrayal. She wants to follow God’s way. To be together seems impossible” allowed it to be plausible. But the more I read the book, the more I enjoyed the story, I discovered that it was far from my expectations!!
It only took me the first couple chapters, really only the first, to be hooked. Berthelsen didn’t waste any time in making her way to the heart of the matter, which was Michael’s bitterness towards his mother, himself and his ‘uncle’. And I have to confess, I didn’t side with him to begin with. But Berthelsen’s gift of writing smoothly and very competently made the characters and story come to life, causing me to side with Michael, to some extent. However have to confess, that I found his outgoing ways a little confronting, causing me to be cautious around him, especially where Alexandra was concerned. This was mainly caused by his lack of faith, hence Alexandra’s strong faith. Although that said, I find it to be a crucial aspect, because it highlights Michael’s transformation! This is the essence of the story. Yes, romance played a role, however minor and I did feel a connection between them, which really highlighted to power of such a relationship. Yet the whole time, I was reminded that the essence of this story is about trusting God; turning from a life of bitterness, unforgiveness and resentment, to a life filled with God, where he is in control. Michael is a prime example of this for he represents the challenges faced in doing so. Reading his experience, I was greatly challenged in my own walk with Christ and know my life has been changed. Basically said, this novel artistically illustrates the power of God’s transformation in one’s life. It is clear that God guided and had a really big input in the construction of this novel to further his kingdom!! Be blessed as you read this story!! Rating: 4.5 stars
Amanda Deed 'Romancing the Rock'--see http://amanderings.wordpress.com/
First of all, while The Inheritance did not take me on a thrill ride of adventure like most books I tend to read, it did take me on a different kind of journey. An inward journey — an insight into the way bitterness and unforgiveness can wear away at a heart and life until it even affects a person physically.
Michael Trevelyan’s character is entirely believable in that way, and it was good to watch him discover things about himself and learn to change and grow,
leaving the past behind him gradually. Alexandra was a warm character although I missed her not being there for much of the second half of the book.
Strangely, I did feel like I’d come to a satisfying conclusion just past two chapters from the end, when Michael finally let go of the past. From there on it
just felt like winding up details, and I don’t think I would have missed that if it wasn’t there. All in all, though an enjoyable read.
The Inheritance would be a great tool for those who are struggling with a painful past and how to move forward.
Beth Stitch--see http://bethstitch.blogspot.com.au/
I think this is Jo-Anne's best book so far! I liked it that the book is set in England with a little bit in Australia. And I particularly liked how Jo-Anne developed the faith journey of the characters - both before and after salvation. She sensitively touched on difficult issues and made it clear that, despite our protests, God is drawing us closer and closer to Himself.
The inheritance by Jo-Anne Berthelsen is a moving story about unfaithfulness, tragedy, bitterness and how faith in God can bring love, forgiveness and hope.
Michael Trevelyan is bound by his unhappy childhood and refuses to let go his resentment despite the attempts of his deathly ill mother. The conditions of her will only increases his resentment as he struggles to hold onto the family estate and maintain a busy medical practice. Meanwhile he is drawn to the local doctor’s daughter, Alexandra, but their different world views create impossible grounds for a long term relationship.
This is a strongly Christian story, but it needs to be to deal with the consequence of shocking past failures. Only in God is there hope for restoration and healing. The thing I liked most about this book is the raw emotion which draws you into the story. I could feel their pain. I liked the reality of people putting on a good façade but seeing their emotions play out in their relationships. I also liked the slow leak of information and the surprising contrasts that developed through the story.
Overall a great story.
Dale Harcombe--see http://orangedale.livejournal.com/
Michael Trevelyan and his mother have never got along. That relationship was further destroyed by his bitterness over his mother’s refusal to believe his sister Miriam’s accusations about Uncle Edward and take appropriate action. He also carries his own share of guilt for what he receives as his part in Miriam’s death. Michael, a successful orthopaedic surgeon, is bitter and resentful with no time for anyone who does not hold similar views to his own.
When his mother, Justine Trevelyan, becomes critically ill, Dr. Alexandra Hope comes into her life. Alexandra is a God fearing young woman who yearns to be a missionary and who is waiting for her visa to go to Ethiopia. Needless to say Michael and Alexandra clash in their views about God, life and his mother, especially given Justine’s recent revelations of long held secrets.
When Justine tells Michael her conditions for him inheriting Whitecross, the family estate, Michael is livid. The conditions must be met. Otherwise it will go to his younger brother Geoffrey. Michael is determined Geoffrey will not get Whitecross and be able to set up another Christian run drug and alcohol recovery centre.
Even though he wasn’t always pleasant at times, I found myself easily drawn into Michael’s story. Alexandra is a spirited yet committed believer and I warmed to her immediately. Her father John, also a doctor, is a lovely character too. As a reader I had a sense of where the story was heading but that was okay. The story is really more about the journey these people take.
I don’t read a lot of Christian fiction but I thought this novel handled some tough issues in a sensitive and honest way. The Christian emphasis may put some non believers off. But I thought it was handled well and Michael in his anger was someone a lot of people could relate to. My only reservations were that
non-believers may choose not to read it and that would be a shame. But since, as this novel points out, God can do anything we should not underestimate the power of God to bring this book to the right person who needs to read it at the right time.
My only other quibble was that the ending seemed to be wrapped up in a bit of a hurry. That aside I became emotionally involved in the lives of these characters and thoroughly enjoyed this book. Perhaps that was the problem. I was enjoying it so I didn’t want it to end too quickly.
Book Lovers 1--see http://booklovers1.wordpress.com/2013/10/07/acrba-tour-the-inheritance-jo-anne-berthelsen/
Requesting this book to review, I had no idea what I was in for! Reading the blurb, I was hoping for a romance novel, however those were only my hopes. Yet
the quote “He struggles with bitterness and betrayal. She wants to follow God’s way. To be together seems impossible” allowed it to be plausible. But the more I read the book, the more I enjoyed the story, I discovered that it was far from my expectations!!
It only took me the first couple chapters, really only the first, to be hooked. Berthelsen didn’t waste any time in making her way to the heart of the matter, which was Michael’s bitterness towards his mother, himself and his ‘uncle’. And I have to confess, I didn’t side with him to begin with. But Berthelsen’s gift of writing smoothly and very competently made the characters and story come to life, causing me to side with Michael, to some extent. However have to confess, that I found his outgoing ways a little confronting, causing me to be cautious around him, especially where Alexandra was concerned. This was mainly caused by his lack of faith, hence Alexandra’s strong faith. Although that said, I find it to be a crucial aspect, because it highlights Michael’s transformation! This is the essence of the story. Yes, romance played a role, however minor and I did feel a connection between them, which really highlighted to power of such a relationship. Yet the whole time, I was reminded that the essence of this story is about trusting God; turning from a life of bitterness, unforgiveness and resentment, to a life filled with God, where he is in control. Michael is a prime example of this for he represents the challenges faced in doing so. Reading his experience, I was greatly challenged in my own walk with Christ and know my life has been changed. Basically said, this novel artistically illustrates the power of God’s transformation in one’s life. It is clear that God guided and had a really big input in the construction of this novel to further his kingdom!! Be blessed as you read this story!! Rating: 4.5 stars
Amanda Deed 'Romancing the Rock'--see http://amanderings.wordpress.com/
First of all, while The Inheritance did not take me on a thrill ride of adventure like most books I tend to read, it did take me on a different kind of journey. An inward journey — an insight into the way bitterness and unforgiveness can wear away at a heart and life until it even affects a person physically.
Michael Trevelyan’s character is entirely believable in that way, and it was good to watch him discover things about himself and learn to change and grow,
leaving the past behind him gradually. Alexandra was a warm character although I missed her not being there for much of the second half of the book.
Strangely, I did feel like I’d come to a satisfying conclusion just past two chapters from the end, when Michael finally let go of the past. From there on it
just felt like winding up details, and I don’t think I would have missed that if it wasn’t there. All in all, though an enjoyable read.
The Inheritance would be a great tool for those who are struggling with a painful past and how to move forward.
Beth Stitch--see http://bethstitch.blogspot.com.au/
I think this is Jo-Anne's best book so far! I liked it that the book is set in England with a little bit in Australia. And I particularly liked how Jo-Anne developed the faith journey of the characters - both before and after salvation. She sensitively touched on difficult issues and made it clear that, despite our protests, God is drawing us closer and closer to Himself.