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The Secondary Inheritance
Two wounded women fight for the love of a baby girl.
An inheritance leads Anna to relocate to Lake Tahoe, the city where her heart was broken by Bryson, the only man she ever loved. Family secrets emerge, along with a new relationship, but she doesn’t know if she can trust Bryson not to hurt her again.
Realizing most of her family have passed away, Anna decides to become a foster parent with the hopes of adopting a baby. When baby Ember is placed with her, all her hopes and dreams are wrapped up in the child, and she’s told it’s a slam-dunk adoption case.
That is until Delilah, the child’s birth mother, shows up and decides she wants her baby back.
Neither women expect to form an unlikely friendship, but nothing is impossible with God’s love. With both of their futures hanging in the balance, will Anna and Delilah be able to find peace in the path forward?
An inheritance leads Anna to relocate to Lake Tahoe, the city where her heart was broken by Bryson, the only man she ever loved. Family secrets emerge, along with a new relationship, but she doesn’t know if she can trust Bryson not to hurt her again.
Realizing most of her family have passed away, Anna decides to become a foster parent with the hopes of adopting a baby. When baby Ember is placed with her, all her hopes and dreams are wrapped up in the child, and she’s told it’s a slam-dunk adoption case.
That is until Delilah, the child’s birth mother, shows up and decides she wants her baby back.
Neither women expect to form an unlikely friendship, but nothing is impossible with God’s love. With both of their futures hanging in the balance, will Anna and Delilah be able to find peace in the path forward?
176 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 4, 2020
149 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
About the author
Evangeline Kelly
44 books211 followersEvangeline Kelly is the pen name I use to write contemporary Christian romance books. When I was a kid, I had two dreams. One was to work with at risk youth and the other was to write books. After pursuing my passion of working with foster children for over twenty years, I finally decided to pursue my childhood dream of writing.
I love a good book that draws you in and takes hold of your heart. When I write, I hope to show real life situations people go through and how God uses those situations to draw us closer to Himself.
I’ve witnessed suffering in my line of work, but I’ve also witnessed God’s redeeming love. A good Christian romance features both hardship and delight. My hope is that my stories not only entertain, but encourage, and most of all, that they bring glory and honor to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Visit my Amazon Author Page!
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Sign-up for my newsletter and receive my book, Matchmaker for free.
http://eepurl.com/cQsCTb
Visit my Author Facebook Page
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I love a good book that draws you in and takes hold of your heart. When I write, I hope to show real life situations people go through and how God uses those situations to draw us closer to Himself.
I’ve witnessed suffering in my line of work, but I’ve also witnessed God’s redeeming love. A good Christian romance features both hardship and delight. My hope is that my stories not only entertain, but encourage, and most of all, that they bring glory and honor to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Visit my Amazon Author Page!
https://www.amazon.com/Evangeline-Kel...
Sign-up for my newsletter and receive my book, Matchmaker for free.
http://eepurl.com/cQsCTb
Visit my Author Facebook Page
https://www.facebook.com/EvangelineKe...
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
December 28, 2020
An Excellent Read
A hard review to put into words. This book took some amazingly beautiful turns and left me almost speechless. All of the characters are so excellently portrayed. They just took residence in my mind and my heart reached out particularly to both of these women. Little Ember was precious as she struggles with being moved around through the "system" floating from one person to another. God's steadfast love and unfailing Grace shine repeatedly throughout this tender and touching story. Spiritually moving, IMO, a must read if you enjoy Christian romance. The storyline is unique and with enough twists and turns to keep you engaged for the entire book. Definitely a hard to put down book. I would highly recommend this book.
I received an ARC copy of this book, but this is my voluntary and honest review with my own personal opinions.
Vicki Johnson
A hard review to put into words. This book took some amazingly beautiful turns and left me almost speechless. All of the characters are so excellently portrayed. They just took residence in my mind and my heart reached out particularly to both of these women. Little Ember was precious as she struggles with being moved around through the "system" floating from one person to another. God's steadfast love and unfailing Grace shine repeatedly throughout this tender and touching story. Spiritually moving, IMO, a must read if you enjoy Christian romance. The storyline is unique and with enough twists and turns to keep you engaged for the entire book. Definitely a hard to put down book. I would highly recommend this book.
I received an ARC copy of this book, but this is my voluntary and honest review with my own personal opinions.
Vicki Johnson
December 6, 2020
A compelling story about Fostering and Adoption. the story opens with a young mother single mother going to a clinic for a pain in her shoulder. Unable to get something stronger than Ibuprofen because she's a former addict, Delilah leaves and goes home. Still in pain and needing she takes an offer of drugs from a friend but after passing out and with the baby crying the authorities are notified by neighbors. The baby is removed and placed in a home for fostering/adoption. The reader is also introduced to Anna, a well off young woman, who was adopted and raised by a loving couple (now deceased). Anna has one remaining relative an aunt (her mother's sister) who is being cared for in a senior facility. The story continues with what is involved with adopting and fostering, the relationship of the birth mother and the foster mother, the background information of the foster mother's adoption, and a romance with its own set of circumstances. The story ends quite satisfactorily. I found this story quite thought provoking. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review which I am freely giving.
December 10, 2020
One of my favourite books I've read this year
This moving book centers around an adorable baby in child protective services custody. It tells the stories of both the birth mother who is trying to get her baby back and the first-time foster mother who hopes to adopt her. I could really feel the strain and emotion from both sides. The backstories of the two very different women are interesting and contain some surprises. The author really did her homework on the process that each must go through. She was able to make me feel as though I were those characters, feeling their emotions. I even found myself thinking about the social workers and taking an interest in their roles. There were some surprising plot twists, a second chance romance, a lively grandmother and a very heartwarming, unexpected conclusion
This moving book centers around an adorable baby in child protective services custody. It tells the stories of both the birth mother who is trying to get her baby back and the first-time foster mother who hopes to adopt her. I could really feel the strain and emotion from both sides. The backstories of the two very different women are interesting and contain some surprises. The author really did her homework on the process that each must go through. She was able to make me feel as though I were those characters, feeling their emotions. I even found myself thinking about the social workers and taking an interest in their roles. There were some surprising plot twists, a second chance romance, a lively grandmother and a very heartwarming, unexpected conclusion
December 11, 2020
Wonderful I loved the biblical reference. My children are both adopted and I really understood the fear and worry. I also have a great grand son.He started out as a foster child with a mother unable to meet the court’s criteria to get him back. He was with us for three years before going to court to become a permanent part of our family. We had many prayers going up hand many answered.It was a most inspiring book..Thank you.
I put my teview in the top subject box. This book hit home and I enjoyed the insight into both sides of adoption.
I put my teview in the top subject box. This book hit home and I enjoyed the insight into both sides of adoption.
December 8, 2020
The Secondary Inheritance held my attention from page one. I really enjoyed these three dimensional characters. The book focuses on adoption, family, and waiting for God's plan rather than your own. There is also a second chance romance, but mainly this book is about Anna and Delilah's evolving relationship. I cannot say much more without spoilers. I could not put the book down. This is a really great story.
December 10, 2020
Pleasantly surprised.
Evangeline tried her pen in women’s fiction and she succeeded. Love the story!
Emotional rollercoaster: “God had blessed my family financially, but I was emotionally bereft.”
Unexpected turns: “God knows what’s best for us, even when we can’t see how it’s going to fall into place.”
Centered on relationship with Him: “God holds your life in His hands and He knows what He’s doing. Even if you can’t see the way through, He does, and He never makes mistakes.”
Evangeline tried her pen in women’s fiction and she succeeded. Love the story!
Emotional rollercoaster: “God had blessed my family financially, but I was emotionally bereft.”
Unexpected turns: “God knows what’s best for us, even when we can’t see how it’s going to fall into place.”
Centered on relationship with Him: “God holds your life in His hands and He knows what He’s doing. Even if you can’t see the way through, He does, and He never makes mistakes.”
December 9, 2020
I have read most everything that Evangeline Kelly has written. I have always enjoyed the Christian aspects and usually a bit of humor. I knew that this book was going to be a bit different, but was really looking forward to it. Oh my, it was one of my favorite reads of the year. It deals with hard relationships, loss and love between others. This is definitely a must read!
December 10, 2020
I really enjoyed this heartwarming book about foster care, adoption, second chances, and family. It’s a clean read with a Christian message that wasn’t preachy. There’s a love story too, but that’s not the main focus of the book.
There are some typos that a good proofreader could fix, but they didn’t detract from the story. (Edited to add: I’m told typos have been fixed.)
I was given a complimentary copy of this book and was asked to give an honest review.
There are some typos that a good proofreader could fix, but they didn’t detract from the story. (Edited to add: I’m told typos have been fixed.)
I was given a complimentary copy of this book and was asked to give an honest review.
December 9, 2020
The emotional depth of the characters of this story is amazing. Two women feeling all alone in the world and having nowhere to turn for help. One huge difference between the two women is that one has money and mansions and the other has nothing at all. Brought together by a sweet little girl who has made it possible for the biggest, and unexpected, change of their lives!
December 9, 2020
God knows!
This is a heart wrenching book from start to finish. The best way to describe this book is with one passage from it. "God knows what's best for us, even when we can't see how it's going to fall into place" . Please read this AWESOME book about two women and one baby girl!
This is a heart wrenching book from start to finish. The best way to describe this book is with one passage from it. "God knows what's best for us, even when we can't see how it's going to fall into place" . Please read this AWESOME book about two women and one baby girl!
December 10, 2020
Enjoyed reading this gut wrenching real story about the foster care system and adoption system. Two women meet when one loses her child to the foster system and the foster woman who meet and through this story each is changed. It gives us a real inside look at this system but at the same time makes us realize that God has perfect timing for the things we need.
December 13, 2020
As this story plays out, there can only be pain for either Anna or Delilah as only one will get permanent custody of baby Ember. Only trusting in God, can bring the miracle that Anna & Delilah receive in this story. It touched my heart and gives me hope that God tries to do the best for all of his children.
December 18, 2020
Excellent
First book I've read by this author but will look for more by her after reading this one. Emotional and uplifting emphasizing what really matters in life: relationships first with Jesus then with loved ones and family and being the love of Christ in those relationships and to a hurting world.
First book I've read by this author but will look for more by her after reading this one. Emotional and uplifting emphasizing what really matters in life: relationships first with Jesus then with loved ones and family and being the love of Christ in those relationships and to a hurting world.
December 23, 2020
I love Evangeline Kelly’s books, and this is another winner. It’s definitely more on the women’s fiction side, but there is a sweet romance too. I was sucked into this story of two women who both wanted the same baby, and I didn’t see that ending coming. Every plot line wove together perfectly to create a wonderful reading experience.
April 3, 2021
What a wonderful story of having faith in God. Two polar opposites meet with a singular interest - a baby named Ember. Delilah is the birth mother who is hoping to regain her child from the system. Anna has been fostering Ember and is hoping to adopt her. Both are placing their faith in God.
A must read to find the outcome... And you will encounter a surprise or two along the way.
A must read to find the outcome... And you will encounter a surprise or two along the way.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 2, 2023
Two women want to be mom to baby girl
I love Evangeline Kelly's books and has read one I get the chance to read. This one was different from the others I have read by her. Sad at times particularly in the beginning but the ending was so satisfying. There is even an unexpected twist in there but you need to read to find out.
I love Evangeline Kelly's books and has read one I get the chance to read. This one was different from the others I have read by her. Sad at times particularly in the beginning but the ending was so satisfying. There is even an unexpected twist in there but you need to read to find out.
December 8, 2020
Anna has abandonment issues, hence is adopting Ember.
Delilah has addiction issues, hence, her child Ember was put into CPS.
This book moves along at a clip, while touching on some serious subjects without getting into great depth.
Recommend.
Borrowed on KU
Delilah has addiction issues, hence, her child Ember was put into CPS.
This book moves along at a clip, while touching on some serious subjects without getting into great depth.
Recommend.
Borrowed on KU
December 12, 2020
Touching story
Adoption is an issue that can be divisive and Anna and Delilah approached each other with fear and judgement. Relying on God to guide them through the fostering/reunification/adoption scenarios was the way to find peace in their hearts.
Adoption is an issue that can be divisive and Anna and Delilah approached each other with fear and judgement. Relying on God to guide them through the fostering/reunification/adoption scenarios was the way to find peace in their hearts.
December 17, 2020
Review of The Secondary Inheritance
This is a wonderfully told story of the struggle of one woman to keep her child after making poor choices and the woman that would like to adopt the child as her own. I highly recommend this book.
This is a wonderfully told story of the struggle of one woman to keep her child after making poor choices and the woman that would like to adopt the child as her own. I highly recommend this book.
May 3, 2021
A sweet , faith filled story
A delightful read with heartwarming aspects throughout. Adoption, addictions, abuse, confusion and fear were all there but just as a backdrop for God’s mercies, new every morning.
A delightful read with heartwarming aspects throughout. Adoption, addictions, abuse, confusion and fear were all there but just as a backdrop for God’s mercies, new every morning.
March 12, 2022
Wonderful
Wow is an understatement. Beautifully written. Perfectly done.
I love the characters so much. I know things happen like this in real life but reading it feels like everything will be okay.
So glad these two found each other when they did.
Love it.
Wow is an understatement. Beautifully written. Perfectly done.
I love the characters so much. I know things happen like this in real life but reading it feels like everything will be okay.
So glad these two found each other when they did.
Love it.
December 23, 2020
What a great book, I loved, loved, loved the storyline. You left this wide open for a sequel Ms. Kelly, I hope you write one!
January 30, 2022
The plot was very sweet, the telling of it was a little slow.
May 12, 2022
not what I expected!
This was an awesome book. I was so concerned because I wanted Anna to get Ember. I loved the twist. This was a wonderful way to handle the situation. Bravo!!!
This was an awesome book. I was so concerned because I wanted Anna to get Ember. I loved the twist. This was a wonderful way to handle the situation. Bravo!!!
August 8, 2023
sweet little read
This was an enjoyable read. A good book to read on a lazy afternoon. I will definitely look for more works by Ms. Kelly.
This was an enjoyable read. A good book to read on a lazy afternoon. I will definitely look for more works by Ms. Kelly.
July 18, 2021
4.5 stars
A beautiful story, sad at times especially at the beginning. I love how we connect with each woman, which partly creates the anguish because one of them will have a tragic ending. Instead, a miracle happens. I loved the characters and see the value in both women, regardless of privilege or lack of it. If there’s a complaint, it would be that the resolution may have been a tad theatrical, especially with such strong realism beforehand. Not wanting to give anything away, I’ll just say given the tone of the story, I think a similar resolution could have been reached in a more realistic but just as moving way.
On a side note, there is no Costco at Lake Tahoe :)
A beautiful story, sad at times especially at the beginning. I love how we connect with each woman, which partly creates the anguish because one of them will have a tragic ending. Instead, a miracle happens. I loved the characters and see the value in both women, regardless of privilege or lack of it. If there’s a complaint, it would be that the resolution may have been a tad theatrical, especially with such strong realism beforehand. Not wanting to give anything away, I’ll just say given the tone of the story, I think a similar resolution could have been reached in a more realistic but just as moving way.
On a side note, there is no Costco at Lake Tahoe :)
December 9, 2020
I loved The Second Inheritance! I think the book is more Christian women's fiction, than a romance; but there is a sweet second-chance romance between Bryson and Anna in the book. Delilah, the biological mother of Ember, and Anna, the foster mother that wants to adopt, are the main characters. Anna is a Christian whose faith undergoes those trials that make us more like Christ. Delilah had had a faith years ago. Reading about their faith walk was amazing. Evangeline Kelly writes about it honestly and naturally. The plot has twists and turns in this well-written book. There is a lovely HEA for Bryson and Anna. I'd recommend this to women's lit readers, Christian fiction readers, and to clean/wholesome romance readers. I plan to read more from this author and recommend her other works too.
I received a complimentary copy. I chose to write a review and share my opinion of this emotionally charged story.
I received a complimentary copy. I chose to write a review and share my opinion of this emotionally charged story.
June 20, 2023
Sometimes the future we get is better than the one we thought we wanted. A heart's desire is fulfilled but in a way I did not see coming. Love a good romance as well as a good mystery. This book had both.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews