The Legacy of Us by Kristin Contino

The Legacy of Us
by Kristin Contino

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Just released: August 18, 2015
Publisher: SparkPress
Genre: Chick-lit, Italy, Women's Fiction
Paperback: 360 pages
Rating: 4

First sentence(s):
My Grandma died in the middle of House Hunters International.

Liz Moretti thought she knew almost everything about her grandmother, Ella, from her love of "The Golden Girls" to the perfect pound cake recipe. But when Ella passes away and Liz finds a cameo locket with a marriage proposal engraved inside (from a man who was not her grandfather), she realizes that sometimes a person's secrets are discovered only after they're gone.

On top of losing Ella, Liz's career as a jewelry designer is stagnant and her love life lacks sparkle, too. When she reconnects with the one who got away, Liz thinks maybe things are finally starting to look up. But after a few drinks and a trip down a flight of stairs, Liz wakes up to realize the cameo is gone. Her ex offers to look for it, but so does Justin, the intriguing new guy in her apartment building.

While dealing with her feelings for two very different men and generally trying to reinvent her mess of a life, Liz finds answers and solace in Ella's diary. The story of the cameo, and the relationship between her grandmother and great-grandmother, an outspoken socialite from Italy, inspires Liz to grow up and accept responsibility for her missteps. Eventually she must choose between the life she thought she wanted and the promise of something better.

My two-bits:
I found this to be a gentle chick-lit read.

Three generations of love and relationships intertwine in a way to affect and guide the present and future. The mix of the past (1900's) and present ways of woo-ing and dating were interesting to compare.

Got me thinking of past loves and friendships and if they are worth rekindling.

Loved the cameo/locket presence which kind of presents itself as a character of its own. In general they are mysterious items holding secrets. Images of loved ones and engravings that are special only to the owner. You can bet I will be eye-ing them on my next antique store run ;-)

About the author:

Kristin Contino has been writing stories for as long as she can remember. Her childhood love of reading and writing translated into a career as a freelance writer and editor, and her work has appeared in retail, business, and parenting publications. She lives in the Philadelphia suburbs with her family, but dreams of moving to her favorite city, London. The Legacy of Us is her first novel.

--~ Book Giveaway ~--
WIN a copy of this book on Goodreads (here) - ends Aug 17


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* added to COYER challenge/scavenger hunt (details)

* review copy courtesy of book tour sponsored by BookSparks @booksparks