Legacy Road book review

Wes Watkins's journalism career took off when he was asked to eulogize Michael Gavin, a stranger to Wes but a hometown hero to the humble folks of Talking Creek, Georgia. While researching Gavin’s life, Wes was confronted with an estranged relationship of his own that he wasn’t prepared to address, having ignored for years the occasional letters from his imprisoned father. Wes has chosen to focus instead on his growing career and his budding relationship with Emmy. His life is looking up . . . until his marriage proposal to Emmy goes south.

Left to wonder if he can reconcile with Emmy before she is deployed to Afghanistan, Wes can no longer avoid the other reconciliation that troubles him. But when Wes uncovers a painful truth about his parents’ past, patching things up with his father may prove impossible. Wes’s life is close to spiraling out of control. Will Wes learn to forgive? Or will the best year of his life turn into the worst?

Set against the haunting backdrop of several Civil War battlefields, Legacy Road is a grace-full exploration of hidden secrets—and what happens when they are revealed. Through the ups and downs of human relationships, of family ties lost and found, southern fiction fans will ponder the age-old question: How do you forgive others—and release yourself— from a past that threatens to destroy you?

My Thoughts on Legacy Road:

Legacy Road is the sequel to the book Hero's Tribute.  It's the story of Wes Watkins, a man disillusioned with life and longing for a happily ever after.  Wes believes he has found the love of his life (Emmy) but she clings to secrets in her past that won't allow her to accept his love.  Emmy's life consists of healing and saving people in the ER.  It's admirable, but what is she hiding?  Wes Watkins' parents also have secrets that threaten to shatter all Wes has ever known.  His father has a criminal history and his mother has always been there for him.  Wes's father wrote him letters over the years that Wes has refused to read- until now.  What he discovers may destroy him but is also has the potential to set him free- to forgive and heal.

I felt that Legacy Road had enjoyable characters, such as Wes and Emmy.  Their relationship was something I could identify with- good people that had to come to terms with past mistakes so they could build a tomorrow.  I had a bit of trouble connecting with Wes's father, Ron, although I wanted to.  I did enjoy reading his letters and found them to be raw and emotional.  I loved that he did not betray his ex-wife, Janet, even though she made him out to be the "bad guy". (Don't want to give too much away here.)  There is quite a bit of American history in this book which distracted from the storyline.  It would perhaps appeal to men and history buffs?  I fit into neither of these categories and so portions of the book made my eyes glaze over.  The secrets kept me reading as I had to find out what was in Ron's letters and why Emmy felt she couldn't marry Wes.  I feel that Graham Garrison was trying to appeal to too many audiences.  It's a pleasant book although parts of it were boring. I'm not sure who I would recommend it to.

Graham Garrison is the author of Hero’s Tribute and has published articles in six newspapers and eight magazines, including the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, America’s Civil War, Georgia Physician, and Boating World.


*I received this book from Kregel in exchange for my honest opinion.  No other compensation was received.*