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The Inheritance
He struggles with bitterness and betrayal. She wants to follow God's way. To be together seems impossible. Michael Trevelyan is determined to claim his inheritance at all costs. Bitterness consumes him and he refuses to forgive those who have betrayed him. Yet, when he meets Alexandra Hope, things begin to change. She challenges his views but also listens while he shares his pain. Can Michael move on from the past and learn to forgive? Can Alexandra hold onto her faith in God as she deals with their deepening relationship? Can they both learn to trust each other-and God? The Inheritance is a stirring story of family secrets, forgiveness and faith-of leaving behind a dark, painful legacy and walking into the light of God's eternal inheritance.
- GenresChristian
238 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2013
191 people want to read
About the author
Jo-Anne Berthelsen
17 books20 followersJo-Anne Berthelsen lives in Sydney but grew up in Brisbane. She holds degrees in Arts and Theology and has worked as a high school teacher, editor and secretary, as well as in local church ministry. Jo-Anne loves communicating through both the written and spoken word. She is the author of seven published novels – Heléna, All the Days of My Life, Laura, Jenna, Heléna’s Legacy, The Inheritance and Down by the Water, as well as three non-fiction works, Soul Friend: The story of a shared spiritual journey; Becoming Me: Finding my true self in God; and Swansong: Start creating your legacy of life-giving words today. Jo-Anne loves music, reading, blogging, mentoring younger women, and sharing with community groups about writing. She is married to a retired minister and has three grown-up children and four grandchildren.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
October 20, 2013
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.
Loved the cover of this book too.
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.
Loved the cover of this book too.
April 21, 2014
Two reviews from our CALEB reviewers:
(1)
Michael Trevelyan is estranged from his family and consumed with unforgiveness, resentment and unpleasantness. His medical practise has first call on his life but he is determined to maintain his claim to the family legacy regardless. And then he meets his mother’s doctor - Alexandra Hope. Can his deepening relationship with Alexandra ever erase decades of bitterness that have left such a deep scar on Michael’s soul?
In The Inheritance Jo-Anne Berthelsen once again captures the reader’s imagination with graphic images and strong Christian principles throughout the book.
Those of us who have read, been fascinated by and have delighted in Jo-Anne’s previous novels are sure to become quickly absorbed by The Inheritance. DS
(2)
The Inheritance is a poignant family saga and romance about faith, forgiveness, and the frailty of human life.
Forgiveness is troublesome for many, and the power of the past to hold Dr Michael Trevelyan in its grip is palpable. What he wants is his inheritance. What he doesn’t want is any interference from God.
His encounter with Dr Alexandra Hope is disastrous – forcing him to confront the pain of his past and re-evaluate his future. He knows the anguish wrought by the ‘bitter root’ (Hebrews 12:15) when it is allowed to grow unchecked in his life and relationships.
Is it possible that there is another type of inheritance, one that ‘can never perish, spoil or fade’ (1 Peter)?
A very satisfying read for lovers of quality Christian fiction. KL
(1)
Michael Trevelyan is estranged from his family and consumed with unforgiveness, resentment and unpleasantness. His medical practise has first call on his life but he is determined to maintain his claim to the family legacy regardless. And then he meets his mother’s doctor - Alexandra Hope. Can his deepening relationship with Alexandra ever erase decades of bitterness that have left such a deep scar on Michael’s soul?
In The Inheritance Jo-Anne Berthelsen once again captures the reader’s imagination with graphic images and strong Christian principles throughout the book.
Those of us who have read, been fascinated by and have delighted in Jo-Anne’s previous novels are sure to become quickly absorbed by The Inheritance. DS
(2)
The Inheritance is a poignant family saga and romance about faith, forgiveness, and the frailty of human life.
Forgiveness is troublesome for many, and the power of the past to hold Dr Michael Trevelyan in its grip is palpable. What he wants is his inheritance. What he doesn’t want is any interference from God.
His encounter with Dr Alexandra Hope is disastrous – forcing him to confront the pain of his past and re-evaluate his future. He knows the anguish wrought by the ‘bitter root’ (Hebrews 12:15) when it is allowed to grow unchecked in his life and relationships.
Is it possible that there is another type of inheritance, one that ‘can never perish, spoil or fade’ (1 Peter)?
A very satisfying read for lovers of quality Christian fiction. KL
September 22, 2013
Michael Trevelyan is thirty-four and a successful orthopaedic surgeon, but still hasn’t forgiven his mother (or himself) for the accident that killed his sister when he was a teenager, and his mother’s deathbed revelation makes forgiveness even less likely. He will inherit Whitecross, the family estate near Winchester, England, but if he doesn’t live there, it will go to his younger brother, Geoffrey, a Christian do-gooder who will turn it into a half-way house.
Dr Alexandra Hope is the locum GP for Cranton while her father takes a holiday and she waits for her Ethiopian visa to arrive—she’s planning on being a medical missionary. She meets Justine Trevelyan and her son, and develops relationships with both as the story progresses.
While the story and characters had potential, I don’t entirely think they delivered on that promise. I didn’t ever get the sense that Michael had fully come to grips with the implications of his mother’s revelation, and while his character underwent a great deal of emotional and spiritual change and maturation during the story, I never saw it happening. Rather, it simply appeared at some point as having happened.
I also found Alexandra’s story was missing something, particularly in the later portions of the book where she disappeared entirely. This was a shame, as she was a strong and likeable character who had a great impact on others. There were some factual errors and timing inconsistencies that I found distracting, as well as some annoying creative dialogue tags and excessive punctuation (I don’t like the use of italics for emphasis, and exclamation marks only make it worse!).
Thanks to Even Before for providing a free ebook for review.
Dr Alexandra Hope is the locum GP for Cranton while her father takes a holiday and she waits for her Ethiopian visa to arrive—she’s planning on being a medical missionary. She meets Justine Trevelyan and her son, and develops relationships with both as the story progresses.
While the story and characters had potential, I don’t entirely think they delivered on that promise. I didn’t ever get the sense that Michael had fully come to grips with the implications of his mother’s revelation, and while his character underwent a great deal of emotional and spiritual change and maturation during the story, I never saw it happening. Rather, it simply appeared at some point as having happened.
I also found Alexandra’s story was missing something, particularly in the later portions of the book where she disappeared entirely. This was a shame, as she was a strong and likeable character who had a great impact on others. There were some factual errors and timing inconsistencies that I found distracting, as well as some annoying creative dialogue tags and excessive punctuation (I don’t like the use of italics for emphasis, and exclamation marks only make it worse!).
Thanks to Even Before for providing a free ebook for review.
November 17, 2015
A family saga with romantic elements.
Michael Trevelyan discovers that his mother has a significant secret to disclose before she dies: the man he thinks is his father is not. Instead it's the uncle he hates and despises: Edward.
In one respect, Michael is not entitled to inherit the estate of Whitecross. But his mother knows that to reveal all and bypass Michael in favour of his legitimate younger brother Geoffrey would tear the family apart. So she puts a careful stipulation in her will - Michael has to live at Whitecross for at least six months each year or the estate will automatically go to Geoffrey, with no financial recompense.
Michael is horrified. Geoffrey is likely to turn the estate into a haven and rehabilitation centre for drug addicts and the like. He'll do anything to stop it. He's bitter too that the man who he knows sexually abused his sister is his father.
Into Michael's disintegrating life steps Alexandra, a woman of strong faith, and the daughter of the local GP. She has plans to go to Ethiopia as a medical missionary. And Michael's lack of faith makes it unthinkable that she accept his proposal.
The romance seemed to lack true spark by the end - mainly because Alexandra was missing for so long when, at one point, she seemed such a pivotal character.
Michael Trevelyan discovers that his mother has a significant secret to disclose before she dies: the man he thinks is his father is not. Instead it's the uncle he hates and despises: Edward.
In one respect, Michael is not entitled to inherit the estate of Whitecross. But his mother knows that to reveal all and bypass Michael in favour of his legitimate younger brother Geoffrey would tear the family apart. So she puts a careful stipulation in her will - Michael has to live at Whitecross for at least six months each year or the estate will automatically go to Geoffrey, with no financial recompense.
Michael is horrified. Geoffrey is likely to turn the estate into a haven and rehabilitation centre for drug addicts and the like. He'll do anything to stop it. He's bitter too that the man who he knows sexually abused his sister is his father.
Into Michael's disintegrating life steps Alexandra, a woman of strong faith, and the daughter of the local GP. She has plans to go to Ethiopia as a medical missionary. And Michael's lack of faith makes it unthinkable that she accept his proposal.
The romance seemed to lack true spark by the end - mainly because Alexandra was missing for so long when, at one point, she seemed such a pivotal character.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 1, 2014
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 the 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.
Thanks to Even Before Publishing for providing a free book for review.
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 the 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.
Thanks to Even Before Publishing for providing a free book for review.
January 6, 2014
By Rita Stella Galieh.
A beautiful story. This is my favourite of all Jo-Anne's books. The characters are well drawn with great attention to detail ... however just when I'd figured how they were going to act, they surprised me.
It has a good plot but I'd say it is mostly a character-driven novel. In fact, half way through I thought about the main characters when I should have been sleeping! They grabbed me that much. And at times I teared up.
Yes, it was fiction, but I suspect with Jo-Anne's background a good deal was based on actual cases. That's what makes it an important read. Especially to a reader who struggles with nursing a grudge and the bitterness it fosters. And I guess we've all had a problem with an unforgiving spirit at various times in our lives.
A beautiful story. This is my favourite of all Jo-Anne's books. The characters are well drawn with great attention to detail ... however just when I'd figured how they were going to act, they surprised me.
It has a good plot but I'd say it is mostly a character-driven novel. In fact, half way through I thought about the main characters when I should have been sleeping! They grabbed me that much. And at times I teared up.
Yes, it was fiction, but I suspect with Jo-Anne's background a good deal was based on actual cases. That's what makes it an important read. Especially to a reader who struggles with nursing a grudge and the bitterness it fosters. And I guess we've all had a problem with an unforgiving spirit at various times in our lives.
February 17, 2014
The primary setting of an old manor in country England was a pleasant surprise. While Michael was initially unlikable, he had the redeeming factor of his love for his home. I also liked a little bit of Africa and the visit to Australia. Alexandra was a gentle yet strong woman whose character invoked change in Michael. However a role reversal was required when Alexandra struggled with life's questions and it was very moving to watch him rise to the occasion.
November 9, 2013
It's been a while since I read a Christian novel and I enjoyed this. Often Christian fiction can be a bit over-sentimental, but I didn't feel that with this story. I became involved in the struggles of the 2 main characters and was able to see bits of me and my struggles in them.
It was also a nice change to read a Christian fiction novel not set in the States!
I will definitely be looking out for more of this author's works!
It was also a nice change to read a Christian fiction novel not set in the States!
I will definitely be looking out for more of this author's works!
April 4, 2014
"The Inheritance" by Jo-Anne Berthelsen which I won from Goodreads Giveaways is a poignant romance that blends in the dynamics of a family relationship, a secret betrayal, and the search for forgiveness and grace. It begins when Michael Trevelyan has dinner with his estranged mother Justine. With her health declining she hopes for forgiveness and a peaceful reunion with her eldest son, but instead is confronted by further animosity when she advises him of the strings attached to his inheritance - Whitecross Manor.
When Michael meets Alexandra (Alex) Hope, his mother's doctor, his bitterness and resentment are all too palatable, but what he doesn't know is that all that is about to change. When Alex begins to challenge his view of God and share the root of his pain, both embark on a journey of faith that will take one to Australia to reconcile with his brother, and the other to the death and disease of a village in Ethiopia. As Michael searches for faith in the God he abandoned and Alex struggles with doubt both will discover a road to the love, peace and happiness they long for.
The plot is fascinating and well-written as Michael and Alexandra learn to trust each other and God. The theme holds messages about relying on God's purpose and direction for our lives when we walk the tightrope of life. How shattered lives past and present, love and hate, hope and despair are healed and reconciled through God's grace.
The characters are well-developed and complex with all their flaws, faults and strengths. Michael Trevelyan is a orthopaedic surgeon who resents God and wants nothing more to do with Him after his sister Miriam's death. He's strong-willed, arrogant, callous and cynical, hiding a loving and compassionate heart behind a wall of anger and bitterness. His mother Justine plagued by guilt, shame, pain and grief is a disciplined , well-mannered, reserved woman who has found mercy and forgiveness in her walk with God. Alexandra Hope, a general practitioner is a committed Christian who's honest, kind-hearted, independent and serious-minded. Haunted by the tragedy of life in Ethiopia she begins to question and doubt the love of God, but in her struggle finds her faith rekindled. All these characters and more bring strength, power and dimension to this riveting story.
" The Inheritance" is a testimony to the power of love, forgiveness, hope and faith. I highly recommend it.
When Michael meets Alexandra (Alex) Hope, his mother's doctor, his bitterness and resentment are all too palatable, but what he doesn't know is that all that is about to change. When Alex begins to challenge his view of God and share the root of his pain, both embark on a journey of faith that will take one to Australia to reconcile with his brother, and the other to the death and disease of a village in Ethiopia. As Michael searches for faith in the God he abandoned and Alex struggles with doubt both will discover a road to the love, peace and happiness they long for.
The plot is fascinating and well-written as Michael and Alexandra learn to trust each other and God. The theme holds messages about relying on God's purpose and direction for our lives when we walk the tightrope of life. How shattered lives past and present, love and hate, hope and despair are healed and reconciled through God's grace.
The characters are well-developed and complex with all their flaws, faults and strengths. Michael Trevelyan is a orthopaedic surgeon who resents God and wants nothing more to do with Him after his sister Miriam's death. He's strong-willed, arrogant, callous and cynical, hiding a loving and compassionate heart behind a wall of anger and bitterness. His mother Justine plagued by guilt, shame, pain and grief is a disciplined , well-mannered, reserved woman who has found mercy and forgiveness in her walk with God. Alexandra Hope, a general practitioner is a committed Christian who's honest, kind-hearted, independent and serious-minded. Haunted by the tragedy of life in Ethiopia she begins to question and doubt the love of God, but in her struggle finds her faith rekindled. All these characters and more bring strength, power and dimension to this riveting story.
" The Inheritance" is a testimony to the power of love, forgiveness, hope and faith. I highly recommend it.
January 13, 2016
An enjoyable read, loved the interplay of many well written characters...a great story well told.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews