The Inheritance

by Pat Nichols

Deception, betrayal, and a fresh start in the picturesque town of Blue Ridge, Georgia.

Following life-changing decisions, Amanda, Erica, and Wendy band together to turn an abandoned house into a successful business. But their newfound partnership is put to the test when Amanda clashes with her youngest partner and their neighbor threatens to sabotage their efforts. As Erica struggles to maintain peace among the group, her dream for a marketable skill opens the door to a new opportunity. A sonogram of her unborn child forces Wendy to question her fate as a single parent. Will her relationship with Chris Armstrong evolve beyond attorney and client?

When a phone call reveals shocking news and throws them into chaos, Amanda, Erica, and Wendy must rely on their friendship remaining a strong enough bond to keep their lives from falling apart.

The gripping story of three women who faced their pasts and embraced their futures following a blizzard at the Blue Ridge Inn. Fans of heartwarming women’s fiction with the deep sense of friendship and family dynamics will love this second book in the Blue Ridge series.

292 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 9, 2024

About the author

Welcome to my author page. I'm delighted you stopped by.
Pat Nichols is an award-winning author who is proving it’s never too late to follow your dreams. Having retired from a corporate career, she draws on her experiences working with women from all walks of life to write emotion-filled, faith-driven contemporary women’s fiction. Book one in her new multiple-book series, Blizzard at Blue Ridge Inn, introduces three women who meet for the first time at a historic inn where secrets unravel, destinies collide, and nothing is as it seems. Pat and her high-school sweetheart husband of fifty-plus years live in the Atlanta area. They have two children and four grandchildren. One precious granddaughter lives with the angels. Pat enjoys riding in her hubby’s corvette, watching movies, and spending time with family and friends. Her favorite indulgence? Dark chocolate.

I'd love to give you a free copy of my award-winning short story. Simply come on over to www.patnicholsauthor.blog and sign up for my newsletter. Connect with me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram

Reviews

[Taylor Segen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Inheritance by Pat Nichols is the second in a series set in the Blue Ridge Mountains. I don’t
usually suggest reading her series in order but in this case I think the reader will benefit by
first reading Blizzard at Blue Ridge Inn where we meet Emily, Amanda and Wendy.

These three women find themselves in an unusual and heart-breaking situation that soon has them creating a bond that will see them through the worst of it and moving forward together. This is where
“women’s fiction” finds its home.

This book seems to focus primarily on Wendy, my least favorite of the three. I find myself
feeling bad about not liking her more and tell myself it’s a fictional character. Yet I still want to
like her in spite of her being petulant and self-centered, and more than a little fickle as she
moves far too quickly to falling in love just months after declaring her love for the first man she
married. Is she only interested in a father for her child or will we see some depth to her in future
books?

My favorite character was a newcomer, Millie. She is outspoken to a fault with no qualms about
expressing her thoughts and feelings. The best decision the women make is hiring her as a
chef for their planned B&B. She soon reveals other talents besides baking and, in spite of her
own rocky past, becomes a compassionate supporter, just don’t expect her to start
sugar-coating things. And, my hope is, she never does.

Millie basically joins the other three as a woman who gets the opportunity to remake her life.
The book should touch a lot of women who recognize the need to start over, in some sense,
just as these women did.

As with all of Nichols’ books, I look forward to the next in the series
and I’m secretly pulling for Amanda to have more say and, hopefully, see her vision for the B&B explored more fully.

[Lia Lorimer · Rating 5 out of 5]

“…full of unexpected twists and turns”: Erica (p 239)
References to the events in Book 1 are included where relevant in this second book; however, reading the first book of the Blue Ridge series will ensure full enjoyment of “The Inheritance”.
As Amanda, Erica and Wendy take on the herculean task of making their ‘inheritance’ home habitable and formulate plans for the mansion included in the deal, they are given one surprise after another: some good and some not so good.
Ms Nichols keeps the reader fully immersed in the lives of these three very different women: Amanda: hiding her insecurity behind her feisty, often impatient façade, she is the natural leader, but sometimes lacks leniency and compassion for others; Erica: gentle and the more moderate, spiritual thinker who inherits the title of referee for her ability to mediate and find resolutions in arguments; and Wendy: young, impulsive, desperately seeking love and acceptance, yet with an inner core of steel that enables her to take adversity in her stride.
The storyline moves at a steady pace with the various threads being woven together in a skilful manner. The author segues the story easily between the Awesam group’s current activities, the resolution of the reason they first met and the prospective future for all those involved in the new Hilltop Inn.
This is my honest review of the book I received from the author.

[Alice Murray · Rating 4 out of 5]

In The Inheritance, Amanda, Erica, and Wendy have joined together to forge a new future for themselves after their lives were blown up in Book 1. But they encounter bumps and challenges along the way. A cantankerous neighbor wants to stop the women's plans for an inn. Wendy's pregnancy isn't going the way she anticipated. Amanda has difficulty ceding control. Gunter re-enters the picture. Chris and Wendy try to figure out their relationship. Wendy digs into her past, but can she handle what she finds? This book contains several storylines to engage the reader and tug on their heartstrings. I couldn't put it down and read the last 200 or so pages in one sitting. You don't need to go to the ladies' Hilltop Inn to feel good; just read Pat Nichols' latest installment in the Blue Ridge Series.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these ladies. Things don’t always go as planned, but they find a way to keep on keeping on. We are introduced to Millie in this book. I think she is going to be a hoot and a much-loved addition. It’s fun to be with these ladies as they deal with whatever life throws at them. Blue Ridge is a typical small town and seeing their reactions to some of their situations are pretty entertaining. I love small towns. I would love to visit The Hilltop Inn and Spa when it’s finished. I know it’s going to be beautiful. Now to be patient for the next book to come out. I received an ARC of this book, but my opinions are my own.

[Sophie Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second story in the Blue Ridge series. It is the continued unfolding story of 3 women who are brought together by 1 man who has turned their different worlds upside down. How they handle working together to put the pieces of their lives back together in a new way shows a lot about their fortitude and drive not to let their betrayal by the man they trusted the most keep them from moving forward. The author does not shy away in revealing true conflict in female friendships where they learn to truly work together and rebuild trust in others.

I agree with another reviewer that while you could read this story as a standalone it's better to read the first book to truly understand where these women are at in their lives. I also agree that Wendy is my least favorite character but hoping to see her grow and mature as she becomes a mother.

Despite the drama, the series makes me want to plan another getaway to the Blue Ridge Mountains with my girlfriends!

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just like the first book in this charming series, I loved reading this story. The characters in this book meld well together and as you read about them you'd think that they were always together. This book may be full of deviousness, but it does have a feel good vibe to it too. I enjoyed having Millie added in as one of the newer characters and I feel like she will be another pleasurable one to read more about. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this series and I can't wait to read what happens next!



*I was provided a free copy from the author, but was not required to leave a positive review. All opinions are my own.

[Edwina Cowgill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved This Story!

The second book in the Blue Ridge series is just as delightful as the first book. “The Inheritance” continues the story begun in the first book of the series, and the storyline kept me reading into late in the night and finishing the book before I started my day. I fell in love with the characters more than I did in the first book. Ms. Nichols did a superb job in carrying the plot forward and developing the characters even more in this book! I’m already anticipating the publication of book three in the series. I give this book a rating of 10 out of 10!

[Nora St Laurent · Rating 4 out of 5]

What has captivated me most are the narratives of these women who were covertly married to the same man. The way this story developed intrigued me. These women are flourishing in this bizarre setting and unimaginable situation. Their ability to pull together and draw on their creative resources in the face of adversity is what moves me the most. I am eagerly anticipating the next adventure that these girls will embark on.

Disclosure of Material Connection: This novel was one I obtained from my Kindle Unlimited account.

Nora St Laurent
TBCN: Where Book Fun Begins

[Sue Librandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love series books. If you are planning on reading this one, you must get the background from the first story and you won't be disappointed. The girls are continuing fixing up their new b&b and befriended Millie the cankerous neighbor who will be the chef. Also the girls find themselves in court to testify against their "husband". I can definitely see a Hallmark series if the powers that be are listening.

[Beth Helm · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. This is the 2nd book in the series. It shows how the 3 strong women are growing and changing to make themselves independent. Plenty of obstacles get thrown their way for them to overcome.

[Jill K Willis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book’s overarching theme of forgiveness. In fact, I love this book better than the first. The pace is faster, the Blue Ridge setting changes with an intense trip to Vegas, and there’s a tinge more romance. Wendy’s character arc is especially well done. Can’t wait for the next series release!

[christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Inheritance

Three remarkably strong woman come together as they rebuild their tattered lives and a ramshackled Victorian home into a place of beauty and healing. You don't want to miss this uplifting and inspiring story. Couldn't put it down must read. Enjoy.

[Frances P Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Inheritance

This book was a good follow up to the first book in the series. It is light reading and this books lets the reader learn more about the characters. I am looking forward to the third book in the series.

[chris b · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dreams come true

Very good happy inspiring story, lots of ups and downs, with happy endings. Hard to stop reading because you want to know what happens next.

[Ginny Brawley · Rating 5 out of 5]

enjoyed

This book moved along at a fast pace. I enjoyed the characters evolving into great women. Recommend you spend a few hours with them!

[Melody Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great addition to the series

[Kathy Dryden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surprises

"The wives" have become great friends and partners! This is a fantastic series full of surprises and determined ladies. Millie is one of the surprises I didn't see coming.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome back to Blue Ridge, Georgia, the town where the lives of Amanda, Erica, and Wendy were shattered when learning that they share a common bond. They also discovered that the three of them have been given a couple of abandoned properties which are in serious need of renovation.

What are the chances these three ladies will be able to transform them and make their dream of creating a profitable inn come true?

Once again, the reader becomes absorbed in their lives. We reacquaint ourselves with these women and others introduced in the first book, meet their new neighbor, and even get a sniff of romance in the air. We find them united in the desire to forge ahead, but also remain aware that each has reached this point because of individual life experiences before making that fateful first visit to Blue Ridge. As a reader, I found that I was drawn into their lives and understood their emotions.

Pat Nichols presents her readers with the best of Southern Fiction. I heartily recommend that you take an armchair trip to the Georgia mountains and get to know if dreams really can come true.

I was provided with an advance copy of The Inheritance by the author with no promise of a positive review made or requested. I will be purchasing a print edition for my own library when it is available.