There is another generational novel entitled LEGACY OF LOVE which, if you are a more orderly person than I, you may wish to read first. Apparently that book leads up to this one, though I have to say this one stood quite well on its own. I do intend to read the earlier book, for I truly enjoyed this author.

London swings like a pendulum in the sixties, but Alexa Langley feels more like a fish out of water. Unlike her successful parents who thrive in the mod climate, Alexa feels shy and unworthy. Everyone concludes that Alexa is a classic underachiever who could do better. Even in marriage she fails though betrayal by her spouse is a more apt description. Alexa finally flees London with her infant Carly for a family owned Scottish castle that has been neglected for years. Will Alexa find the inner strength that flows in the blood of her female ancestors or is she the skipped generation?

In 1988, Carly finds an extraordinary journal that describes the adventures of her great great grandmother in Afghanistan (see A LEGACY OF LOVE). Unable to resist, Carly retraces the steps of her ancestor while not knowing what she seeks or what she will find as she treks across the war-scared landscape.

A SECOND LEGACY is actually two novellas in one book. Caroline Harvey, better known as Joanna Trollope, (both names appear on the title page - duh) provides her audience with the tales of two women. The story lines are similar yet quite different. Alexa's tale is a character study of someone struggling to find contentment and her self worth. Carly's plot centers on finding a place in the world too, but is more of a romantic suspense drama. Still each story engages the reader who feel empathy towards the heroines and shows why this writer is a highly regarded best selling author.

Harriet Klausner

All three stories are very well written. The people and places are very well depicted and interesting, you cannot help but fall in love with the heroines and feel their struggle. All situations dealing with historical facts (Afghanistan, World War
II), though ficticious, are faithful and seem very life-like.

I enjoyed reading this book very much and was moved by every account. Very good writing and great reading.

"Alexandra". Around the turn of the century, Charlotte's granddaughter, a dispirited Alexandra, wants to draw. However to do so in peace, she must escape from her rancorous mother Iskandara. When the opportunity to care for her great-aunt Emily, Charlotte's sister, arises, Alex leaps for it. There she meets two men, one being a bit older and a more mature person. The other, a fellow artist encourages Alex to be all she can be, but to someone who does not like herself, he seems as selfish as her mother and as exciting as her grandfather.

"Cara". World War II intercedes on the life of Charlotte's great-granddaughter, Clara. Her existence seems dismal until she meets two men who claim they want her. Will she choose the older mature man or the selfish, exciting person more her age?

LEGACY OF LOVE is a well-written historical work of fiction that showcases a century of English history. The three novellas share a common theme of spirited females trapped into boredom buy society and events needing to choose between two suitors, a boring but loyal individual vs. an exciting but immature person. Each tale accomplishes what it sets out to do with world events impacting people and their choices. Although the world stage takes a backdrop to the romances, fans of historical novellas will relish the latest works from Joanna Trollope writing as Caroline Harvey.

Harriet Klausner