The Legacy - Dan Walsh and Gary Smalley

Genre: Christian Fiction

Publisher: Revell

Publication Date: April 7, 2015

Number of Pages: 336

Series: The Restoration Series

Reviewer’s Choice: Yes

Summary Statement 1:  The Legacy, along with the entire series, is not afraid to tackle the tough subjects that many families are facing today. 

Summary Statement 2:  The authors do an excellent job in developing the characters, building and unfolding the multi-layers that are required for each of their characters. 

Summary Statement 3:  The Restoration would be a great series to wrap up and give to those needing to experience hope in their lives, with a gentle nudging from the only One that can give it to them. 

Doug Anderson has grown up in a Christian family, always doing what is expected of him. He knew right from wrong, and could usually be counted on to make the right decision. But then he went away to college, finally out on his own and able to make decisions based on what he believes and what he wants. But what does he believe? Has he just been living his parents’ faith or is it truly his also? One tragic night brings everything caving in, and all Doug's questions are finally answered.

Christina has loved every minute spent with the Anderson's, and is very grateful for their unfailing generosity they've shown her. The one drawback to renting the apartment above their garage? Being in love with their son Doug, and knowing he doesn't return her same feelings. It's evident from his Facebook posts that once he left home he may have left his conservative behavior behind as well. Christina hopes he comes to his senses and somehow they are able to find their way back to the friendship they once shared.

Dan Walsh and Gary Smalley are 2 multi-talented individuals who seem to work well together.  Walsh is an author of many well-known books, and Smalley is a family counselor and a well-known author as well.  This time they are back with book 4 in their Restoration Series, entitled, The Legacy. Throughout the novels, we have gradually come to know (and love), each member of the Anderson family.  The authors do an excellent job in developing the characters, building and unfolding the multi-layers that are required for each of their characters.  I love how they have delved deeper in to the lives of each family member throughout the series, yet they keep us connected with the older ones they have introduced us to along the way.  Connecting with the characters can be vital for a reader as they work their way through a series!

Let's face it...families can be messy.  Relationships are not always easy, and life is downright hard sometimes.  The Legacy, along with the entire series, is not afraid to tackle the tough subjects that many families are facing today.  Infidelity, Bankruptcy, International Adoption, the Prodigal Son...Walsh and Smalley tactfully cover each and every one of those situations, and delicately provide answers along the way.  The novel reads in such a way that the reader is not bogged down with feelings of hopelessness or despair.  Moments of lighter topics are intermingled, providing page after page of pure entertainment and enjoyment.  Readers walking along the same road of life as the characters may just find some answers that are gently sprinkled in (I can only guess) from Smalley. 

The big question remains…is this the end of the Anderson family?  With the title of the book, and the nicely wrapped ending, I’m afraid it’s the end for this beloved series.  After being there from the beginning, I can only hope these two men team up together again to bring us the promise of something new.  The Restoration would be a great series to wrap up and give to those needing to experience hope in their lives, with a gentle nudging from the only One that can give it to them.