I always like it when two of my top authors join forces to write an unforgettable novel. I was sold on Gary Smalley's writing in fiction when he joined forces with Karen Kingsbury. Dan Walsh has been a favorite from his first book I've read by him a few years ago. The Restoration Series that Walsh and Smalley have written is a collection of unforgettable stories. They each deal with real life issues and tough issues. Some issues are marriage issues, all are relationship issues in one way or another, and all issues have lead to restoration within those relationships. However, they each did have a cost to pay for their choices.

Book 4 continues to follow the Anderson family. Jim Anderson is still restoring the problems that his children have faced because of his choices as a father in the previous years. However, since he has begun to change, he is seeking to reach out to each one in his family and restore those relationships. This book focuses on his son, Doug.

Doug has made decisions that many today make. He's living a double life and has to hit rock bottom in order for his life to turn around. It's painful for his family to watch, but he doesn't want to listen to anyone. Even his friendship with Christina has stalled.

I like this series for another reason: because I always learn something new about interacting with my children. In this book, I learned how treating your child like the prodigal son looks like. It's not easy and I can imagine my heart would be broken. However, I also saw how it can also give them room to be reached by God. It leads to a relationship where the child knows their parent loves them and is a safe place, even if they don't agree with the decisions.

I sincerely hope that there are more stories in this series. This has become like the Baxter series by Karen Kingsbury. I don't want to say goodbye to the Anderson family!

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I received this book free from Revell Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

The story centers mostly on the youngest adult child of Jim and Marilyn, who live in Florida as do their other family members. One character is named Christina who became a believer and after her son was born selflessly put him up for adoption. For a while there it seemed as if Doug and Christina would have a romantic relationship, but Doug wasnt in a good solid place in his life.

In seeking counsel as to how best to help Doug when he chose a different way of life other than the one he was raised in, the story of the Prodigal Son sheds some light of wisdom on the way to live while waiting to see if Doug would repent and return to the Lord. I found that particular aspect very insightful, especially when different points about the story Jesus told were shared through one of the supporting characters.

I wont share too much, but I can tell you I was encouraged when a point was made that neither son of the father in Jesus story took after their father. Neither the son who left nor the one who stayed reacted as the father had to both sons. The point being that as parents we can raise our children up in the way they should go, walking with the Lord, but if they make other choices it is a reflection on them. The only caveat is if as a parent we actually did wrong bringing about the child.

Though I hadnt read the previous novels in the series, I couldnt stop reading The Legacy as it really touched my heart. As a parent now to two grown sons one of whom has left the nest, I too see that as a parent we never stop loving, praying for or reaching out to our adult children. The father in the story had a real hard time when there was silence on the phone or when Doug wouldnt call, text or email him back. While his heart was broken, he was learning how to trust God completely with his son and learning to communicate with his wife.

I hope you make time to read this inspiring novel along with the Biblical account found in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke. We can be encouraged and have our hearts buoyed as we wait for our loved ones, friends or others who have lost their way to come back home to the Lord.

I loved this series. would recommend it to everyone!

This book is the last one in the Restoration Series. I have read this entire series and enjoyed each and every book. Each book can be read as a stand alone, but if you begin at the beginning you get to know each member of the family on a personal basis and when certain things come up in the other books,it makes "sense".

This book is a prodigal son type story. In it, Doug the youngest of the Anderson family is following the typical college kid pattern. He is straying from the path his parents taken him and participating in activities they would not be happy about. He begins by leading a double life, which of course cannot stay hid forever. The result is a breakdown in communication with his folks as well as some soul searching for himself. I don't want to give away the ending, so you'll have to read the book to find out what happens, but you can trust me it's good!

One thing, I really enjoyed about the book are the points made from the story of the prodigal son. It is addressed from several different angles, but especially from the angle of the Father. What was his reaction to his wayward child? Would he have given him the money anyhow knowing the path he would choose? Did he know in advance? There are many thought provoking aspects to the scenario, and the authors cover them very well.

I was blessed with this book by Revell in exchange for an honest opinion. I was not required to give a positive review and no other compensation has been provided.

Dan Walsh and Gary Smalley in their new book, The Legacy Book Four in The Restoration Series published by Revell takes us into the life of Doug Anderson.

From the Back Cover: One young man is about to discover the true cost of independence

For years, Doug Anderson has been drifting slowly but steadily away from both his family and his faith. His parents have been trying to reach him before he falls too far. His friend Christina hopes what she is seeing online isnt true. But sometimes you have to hit bottom before youre ready to grow up.

Just as things begin to settle down a bit, Dougs life takes a turn that requires every bit of faith and patience for both his family and Christinawhose growing feelings for Doug, a man who writes her off as not worth his time, keep her off balance. Will Dougs crisis finally clear his vision and help him focus on what he has right in front of him?

Without any doubt Dan Walsh is one of the best writers out there. He consistently writes books that go right to the heart, have wonderful characters that deal with issues that affect all of us. The Legacy is no exception. The Legacy is all about a family. This time the focus is on Doug, the youngest, who is away at college. He is drifting away from his parents and from Christina, one of his best friends. The story of Doug is definitely a story of The Prodigal Son. Doug is going to have to experience tragedy if he is ever going to not only come back home but come back to God. The team of Walsh and Smalley takes these issues, put them in a fictional setting and get their point across without being preachy. They clearly show us that even though we wander from God we can come back. He still loves us and will forgive. This is a wonderful book that shows the power of God to heal and restore.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.