Review: The Legacy of Us by Kristin Contino

The Legacy of Us

by Kristin Contino

Publisher: Spark Press

Pages: 300

Format: ARC

Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads:  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.

Kritters Thoughts:  A family drama that spans generations and decades and I loved how it was told.  Liz Moretti is the current character and is a jewelry designer approaching her 30s and still single - she wants both personal and professional success.  Her grandmother dies right in the beginning and leaves her some furniture where she finds a cameo and a journal that not only tells her more about the grandmother she misses but also more about her great grandmother whom she doesn't know much about, but has a lot in common with.  

I love family dramas that sweep over generations and especially when you can see different moments in time but see the similarities in the things that are on their minds.  I loved how Liz learned about this great grandmother but also learned more about a grandmother who she thought she knew as she raised her.  

If you don't tend to read historical fiction I would give this one a try because although it goes back in time there is plenty of current time story.  


Rating: definitely a good read, but can't read two in a row

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one copy of this book free of charge from Booksparks PR.  I was not required to write a positive review in exchange for receipt of the book; rather, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.