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Hardie Family #3
The Hardie Inheritance
Filled with old friends and new faces, The Hardie Inheritance continues the story of Grace Hardie. Now in her 30s, Grace's life is transformed on a single day by four visitors, including Andy Frith, the gardener's son who was Grace's childhood sweetheart.
As the sun rose higher in the sky there was nothing to suggest that 23rd July 1932 was to be anything other than the most ordinary of days.
But, for Grace Hardie, this one day changes everything.
Grace Hardie has been happy in her family home of Greystones. Alongside her mother and brother, she lives a quiet life of sculpting. But her beloved Greystones is beginning to show signs of neglect. Unable to afford the maintenance of the sprawling estate, Grace begins to worry about who will care for her birthright when she’s gone.
That is until one sunny day in July when four uninvited visitors come to call. Will these guests bring trouble and heartache to Greystones or provide the solitary Grace with happiness and love?
As the sun rose higher in the sky there was nothing to suggest that 23rd July 1932 was to be anything other than the most ordinary of days.
But, for Grace Hardie, this one day changes everything.
Grace Hardie has been happy in her family home of Greystones. Alongside her mother and brother, she lives a quiet life of sculpting. But her beloved Greystones is beginning to show signs of neglect. Unable to afford the maintenance of the sprawling estate, Grace begins to worry about who will care for her birthright when she’s gone.
That is until one sunny day in July when four uninvited visitors come to call. Will these guests bring trouble and heartache to Greystones or provide the solitary Grace with happiness and love?
- GenresHistorical Fiction
12 pages, Audible Audio
First published July 14, 1990
19 people are currently reading
18 people want to read
About the author
Anne Melville
32 books11 followersMargaret Edith Newman Potter (aka Margaret Newman, Anne Betteridge, Margaret Potter, Anne Melville, Margaret Evans)
Margaret Edith Newman was born on 21 June 1926 in Harrow, Middlesex, London, England, UK, the eldest daughter of Marjory Edith (Donald), a former teacher, and Bernard Newman, author of fiction and non-fiction books and considered an authority on spies. She had two sisters, Hilary (Mrs. Richard Hipkin) and Lauriston (Mrs. Malcolm Norris). She was educated at Harrow County School for Girls, from 1937 to 1944; and studied her Major scholar at St Hugh's College, Oxford form 1944 to 1947, she aslo earned her B.A. in 1947 and her M.A. in 1952. On 11 February 1950, she married (Ronald) Jeremy Potter, a publisher and later also published writer of mystery novels. They had a daughter, Jocelyn, and a son, Jonathan.
Before writing, she worked in various jobs, as teacher in Egypt and England, from 1947 to 1950; as editor at King's Messenger children's magazine in London, from 1950 to 1955; and as adviser at Citizen's Advice Bureau in Twickenham, Middlesex, from 1962 to 1970.
On 1959, she published her first mystery novel, Murder to Music as Margaret Newman. Her next novels were published under the pseudonym of Anne Betteridge, a tribute to her father's pseudonym Don Betteridge. Under her married name, Margaret Potter, she published Children's fiction. Under the pseudonym Anne Melville, she signed her historical novels since 1977. As Margaret Evans, she published two historical novels. She continued publishing until her death.
Widow since 15 November 1997, she died less than a year later on 26 August 1998 in Oxford, Oxfordshire.
Margaret Edith Newman was born on 21 June 1926 in Harrow, Middlesex, London, England, UK, the eldest daughter of Marjory Edith (Donald), a former teacher, and Bernard Newman, author of fiction and non-fiction books and considered an authority on spies. She had two sisters, Hilary (Mrs. Richard Hipkin) and Lauriston (Mrs. Malcolm Norris). She was educated at Harrow County School for Girls, from 1937 to 1944; and studied her Major scholar at St Hugh's College, Oxford form 1944 to 1947, she aslo earned her B.A. in 1947 and her M.A. in 1952. On 11 February 1950, she married (Ronald) Jeremy Potter, a publisher and later also published writer of mystery novels. They had a daughter, Jocelyn, and a son, Jonathan.
Before writing, she worked in various jobs, as teacher in Egypt and England, from 1947 to 1950; as editor at King's Messenger children's magazine in London, from 1950 to 1955; and as adviser at Citizen's Advice Bureau in Twickenham, Middlesex, from 1962 to 1970.
On 1959, she published her first mystery novel, Murder to Music as Margaret Newman. Her next novels were published under the pseudonym of Anne Betteridge, a tribute to her father's pseudonym Don Betteridge. Under her married name, Margaret Potter, she published Children's fiction. Under the pseudonym Anne Melville, she signed her historical novels since 1977. As Margaret Evans, she published two historical novels. She continued publishing until her death.
Widow since 15 November 1997, she died less than a year later on 26 August 1998 in Oxford, Oxfordshire.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
November 29, 2019
I found this book tricky to connect with, both at the beginning and the end. The first quarter of the book I was bored and disengaged. I felt overwhelmed by the number of new characters being introduced and found it difficult to follow the plot. Yet, the majority of the book became far more interesting and I was drawn in to learning more about characters that I had grown to recognise. However, I felt the ended was abrupt and frustrating, leaving me feel like this was a “sandwich read”: a brilliant filling, but poor bread!
I did not like Grace. She is portrayed as so stuffy that, whilst she is commendably an independent woman, so difficult to achieve in 1930s society, I could still not grow to like her. The story begins with her but I was relieved when the focus shifted to Trish, Grace’s stepdaughter. Trish was far more interesting and because I had not connected with Grace at the beginning, think this established how much I enjoyed the rest of the novel.
There are some interesting issues that are discussed in this novel – none of which I were expecting. This definitely gives this saga more depth and makes it more different to other war stories on the shelves. Despite this being the third of a series, it was easy to read this as a stand-alone. Maybe if I had read the earlier books in the series, I would have been more sympathetic towards Grace!
Undoubtedly, the novel grew more interesting as I understood the different characters. I enjoyed the majority of the book but was put off by the slow start. Trish is far more feisty and I sympathised with her desire to be more adult and understand the world. Having had an unusual upbringing, I enjoyed watching her journey of maturity and discovering herself.
The plot moves across several decades. At times, I felt like the plot was only just starting to develop before the time shifted again. There is not too much emphasis on the Second World War: this novel explores how people outside of London were impacted. It was interesting to witness social changes and how class privileges were eroded by the impact of the war.
Grace was a disappointing character and I could not fathom her relationship with Andy. I was sad for her at the end but, like many elements of the plot, felt like the writer could have developed the ending more. Whilst I relished the metaphorical closing sentence, I was yearning for something more. Maybe just a cheeky little Epilogue?
Whether I will read another book by this author, remains an unanswered question. I always enjoy discovering new authors and different writing styles. However, I think I would look to a different book beyond this series before I completely decide whether I enjoyed Melville’s writing. Unquestionably, I liked reading this book but the dissatisfaction at the beginning and end left me only able to award this an average rating.
With thanks to Timeless Fiction and Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I did not like Grace. She is portrayed as so stuffy that, whilst she is commendably an independent woman, so difficult to achieve in 1930s society, I could still not grow to like her. The story begins with her but I was relieved when the focus shifted to Trish, Grace’s stepdaughter. Trish was far more interesting and because I had not connected with Grace at the beginning, think this established how much I enjoyed the rest of the novel.
There are some interesting issues that are discussed in this novel – none of which I were expecting. This definitely gives this saga more depth and makes it more different to other war stories on the shelves. Despite this being the third of a series, it was easy to read this as a stand-alone. Maybe if I had read the earlier books in the series, I would have been more sympathetic towards Grace!
Undoubtedly, the novel grew more interesting as I understood the different characters. I enjoyed the majority of the book but was put off by the slow start. Trish is far more feisty and I sympathised with her desire to be more adult and understand the world. Having had an unusual upbringing, I enjoyed watching her journey of maturity and discovering herself.
The plot moves across several decades. At times, I felt like the plot was only just starting to develop before the time shifted again. There is not too much emphasis on the Second World War: this novel explores how people outside of London were impacted. It was interesting to witness social changes and how class privileges were eroded by the impact of the war.
Grace was a disappointing character and I could not fathom her relationship with Andy. I was sad for her at the end but, like many elements of the plot, felt like the writer could have developed the ending more. Whilst I relished the metaphorical closing sentence, I was yearning for something more. Maybe just a cheeky little Epilogue?
Whether I will read another book by this author, remains an unanswered question. I always enjoy discovering new authors and different writing styles. However, I think I would look to a different book beyond this series before I completely decide whether I enjoyed Melville’s writing. Unquestionably, I liked reading this book but the dissatisfaction at the beginning and end left me only able to award this an average rating.
With thanks to Timeless Fiction and Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 26, 2020
First of all, what a lovely cover for this book! It connects with the story so well, and I love it!
The Hardie Inheritance is book 3 in the Hardie Family series. I do think that this book can stand alone even though it is a part of a series, so if you haven't read books 1 and 2, you can still enjoy book 3 without being lost.
The time frame for this book was extremely interesting to me. Struggling from the aftermath of WWI and heading into WWII, the story gave me a good perspective on life at that time.
The characters offer a wide variety of personalities for readers to enjoy. While I didn't feel connected to each character, there were some that I quite enjoyed.
Overall, this was a good historical fiction book with a nice romance plot and family story.
I was provided an advanced reader's copy of this book for free. I am leaving my review voluntarily.
The Hardie Inheritance is book 3 in the Hardie Family series. I do think that this book can stand alone even though it is a part of a series, so if you haven't read books 1 and 2, you can still enjoy book 3 without being lost.
The time frame for this book was extremely interesting to me. Struggling from the aftermath of WWI and heading into WWII, the story gave me a good perspective on life at that time.
The characters offer a wide variety of personalities for readers to enjoy. While I didn't feel connected to each character, there were some that I quite enjoyed.
Overall, this was a good historical fiction book with a nice romance plot and family story.
I was provided an advanced reader's copy of this book for free. I am leaving my review voluntarily.
November 18, 2019
Thank you to NetGalley and Agora Books for a digital review copy in return for a honest review.
This is actually book 3 in a series being re released by Agora Books after almost 30 years. I haven't read the previous two books but didn't find that this was a problem.
I enjoyed this book much more than I expected - the characters and their lives were interesting - they were dealing with the changes in England after both the First World War and the Second World War. Anyone who enjoyed the recent BBC series "Back in Time" or Downton Abbey, would probably enjoy this novel.
This is actually book 3 in a series being re released by Agora Books after almost 30 years. I haven't read the previous two books but didn't find that this was a problem.
I enjoyed this book much more than I expected - the characters and their lives were interesting - they were dealing with the changes in England after both the First World War and the Second World War. Anyone who enjoyed the recent BBC series "Back in Time" or Downton Abbey, would probably enjoy this novel.
November 15, 2019
A good historical fiction, well written and entertaining.
I liked the well thought cast of characters, the well crafted and engrossing plot and the historical background.
I was happy to discover a new to me author and will surely look for other books by this writer.
Recommended.
Many thanks to Agora Books and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
I liked the well thought cast of characters, the well crafted and engrossing plot and the historical background.
I was happy to discover a new to me author and will surely look for other books by this writer.
Recommended.
Many thanks to Agora Books and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
December 2, 2019
Lucy Hardie is contented with her lot. Having had one love affair when she was very young, she is now content to look after the property bequeathed to her and live peacefully with her mother and her brother Phillip. Though there is no money (not even for shoes!) she survives very well off the fruit of their own labour.
When four visitors turn up on one single day, it is a turning point for all three of them and how. Ellis brings about the world of photography and art and sees in Lucy's primitive sculptures something which will appeal to art enthusiasts everywhere. He brought with him his very young daughter Trish, who was going to be a major change in Lucy's life in the future, Rupert is the long lost cousin from the side which discarded her mother when she married into trade, Andy is the long lost love from times past.
The story described as historical fiction, is also a family saga and most importantly for me a story of a house and the history behind the house is also a story in itself. Apart from Lucy, the story of each of the characters is very well developed and a story in themselves and Lucy is though the centre of the story is definitely not the entire whole.
History and a family saga which will appeal to many.
When four visitors turn up on one single day, it is a turning point for all three of them and how. Ellis brings about the world of photography and art and sees in Lucy's primitive sculptures something which will appeal to art enthusiasts everywhere. He brought with him his very young daughter Trish, who was going to be a major change in Lucy's life in the future, Rupert is the long lost cousin from the side which discarded her mother when she married into trade, Andy is the long lost love from times past.
The story described as historical fiction, is also a family saga and most importantly for me a story of a house and the history behind the house is also a story in itself. Apart from Lucy, the story of each of the characters is very well developed and a story in themselves and Lucy is though the centre of the story is definitely not the entire whole.
History and a family saga which will appeal to many.
November 23, 2019
Even tho this is book three in a series which I hadn’t read the previous ones. I had no trouble following the story. It was well written with an interesting story line. I do think the last half of the book was the most interesting and I flew through the book. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the early copy
March 28, 2024
a study of families
I loved the character development that grew in stages and at various points of life. A fascinating study across years of an English family and I highly recommend.
I loved the character development that grew in stages and at various points of life. A fascinating study across years of an English family and I highly recommend.
October 14, 2023
This was the last installment of a satisfying trilogy, starting with The Hardie House, then Grace Hardie. I purchased the first one and initially I wasn't sure if I would finish, but as I read on I found this family saga more interesting than many I've read. I don't want to include spoilers, but there were enough twists and unpredictable turns to make me stay up all night last night to finish.
December 5, 2019
The Hardie Inheritance takes place in one of my favorite eras, which is WWII. I enjoyed the scandals between the Hardie family and the Faraday family. It was amazing to see Grace grow as an artist, deal with an unconventional marriage, and becoming a stepmother for Trish Faraday. This story introduces so many characters into the lives of Grace and Tish. I would definitely say the author did a wonderful job weaving their stories to gather.
I enjoyed this book but did find a few parts boring. I did however like the plots of love lost and love found. It is apart of a series but can be read as a stand only. I would definitely recommend this as a good book club read. It can discussed from so many points of view.
I enjoyed this book but did find a few parts boring. I did however like the plots of love lost and love found. It is apart of a series but can be read as a stand only. I would definitely recommend this as a good book club read. It can discussed from so many points of view.
December 20, 2019
Grace was given Greystones Manor when she was a baby. She had trouble breathing so a tower was built for her. She sleeps there to this day. Greystone Manor is her home.
Through the years Grace has never married until she meets Ellis and his daughter. They marry for convenience. Him to hide the fact that he is a homosexual and Grace because her unborn child needs a name. The little girl, the daughter of Ellis is an added bonus.
Now Grace is at the end of her years. Many people have come and gone through Greystone Manor. She would like to leave the home in hands that appreciate what it stood for. Especially the family that owned it.
There are many who would love to claim the manor as their own. But few who deserve it.
A historical novel of a woman of great strength and knowledge.
Through the years Grace has never married until she meets Ellis and his daughter. They marry for convenience. Him to hide the fact that he is a homosexual and Grace because her unborn child needs a name. The little girl, the daughter of Ellis is an added bonus.
Now Grace is at the end of her years. Many people have come and gone through Greystone Manor. She would like to leave the home in hands that appreciate what it stood for. Especially the family that owned it.
There are many who would love to claim the manor as their own. But few who deserve it.
A historical novel of a woman of great strength and knowledge.
December 29, 2019
I loved this book, loved the story and loved the way it was written.
A story of family, problems reflected of the era, friends, relationships in all their forms and of course inheritance.
Grace was given a home by her grandfather which she loved, she was a loner, an old maid (according to the times) and an artist. Things we take for granted now where not the norm but Grace seemed to deal with life the best she could.
This story was her story but the other characters where all fantastic and formed the core of this tale. It was written with 'grace' and although there was tales of controversy she was able to tell the story of these without the crudeness used by some authors which I enjoyed.
A story of family, problems reflected of the era, friends, relationships in all their forms and of course inheritance.
Grace was given a home by her grandfather which she loved, she was a loner, an old maid (according to the times) and an artist. Things we take for granted now where not the norm but Grace seemed to deal with life the best she could.
This story was her story but the other characters where all fantastic and formed the core of this tale. It was written with 'grace' and although there was tales of controversy she was able to tell the story of these without the crudeness used by some authors which I enjoyed.
November 28, 2019
I hadn't read the other 2 but it didn't matter. I enjoyed the book. It was first published 30 years ago. A historical fiction that takes place at the end of WWI and the ensuing years, including WWII and after. The book follows the life of Grace, from one afternoon when 4 people come to her house. She lives a solitary life, with her mother and brother, until this afternoon. The 4 that show up becomes almost secondary main characters in the book. I liked following Trish's life as she grew from a child to a young adult. I felt that she overshadowed Grace. The book was good, though. Characters well developed.
Thanks to Netgalley for the book.
Thanks to Netgalley for the book.
November 30, 2019
The Hardie Inheritance is a delightful book filled with well thought out characters and story lines. The novel is an easy read - a Warm and welcome treat to come home to after a long day. Highly recommended. Thanks to Timeless Fiction and the author for the ARC.
November 6, 2019
The story was good, but left me wondering in places about what happened.
April 9, 2021
The Hardie books
Have read all 3 books now, each one has been completely different to the other, each one has a powerful story running through it. A lovely enjoyable read.
Have read all 3 books now, each one has been completely different to the other, each one has a powerful story running through it. A lovely enjoyable read.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews