The Cottage (Secrets of the Shetlands)

Mysteries abound in many family trees, and even more so if that family heritage and lineage is unknown to us. Thus is the case of Alonnah "Loni" Ford, and American businesswoman who is suddenly thrust into a legacy she never knew existed. This is the main theme of "The Cottage", one of many fiction books by author Michael Phillips.The setting for "The Cottage" is a modern 2006, and the aforementioned Loni Ford has her life given quite the surprise at the death of one Mr. Macgregor Tulloch. Macgregor Tulloch turns out to be a distant relative on her mother's side and the former laird (lord - as in landlord) of Whales Reef, Shetland Islands, Scotland. His death and the subsequent search for an heir to his title leads to Loni, and she becomes the heiress to the island. Yes - you read correctly - the island - and the entire estate therein.Loni at first decides that she would rather sell it and continue with her life in the States unaffected by the situation. Her boss, Madison Swift, convinces her she should at least go to the island and see exactly what all of it entails. She, out of sound advice and her own curiosity about her unknown genealogy, decides to do just that. This proves to be a bit bewildering and challenges Loni in ways she never considered.As in many of these cases, there are often others who claim to have a part, or all, of family inheritances. There is another on the island who claims that he is the rightful heir to the estate in its entirety. Thus enters one bitter fisherman by the name of Hardy Tulloch. This man joins the efforts of an oil tycoon from Texas to try to get the island in Hardy's name, with less than honorable plans. Sort of like making a deal with the devil.A small island, villagers with big hearts (and big mouths), letters and a journal from the past, and a wool factory all take their place in this very delightful book. Of course, let me not forget to mention the island's Chief, an interesting man by the name of David Tulloch, whom many of the islanders believe to be the rightful heir. You'll have to read the book yourself to see how his presence changes the grande scheme of things.While "The Cottage" is Book 2 in the series Secrets of the Shetlands, it stands alone very well. Once again, I'm thrilled that Bethany House provided this book for me to read and review. Michael Phillips is becoming one of my favorite authors and I look forward to reading more of his books.Twists and turns, questions and sometimes surprising answers, and a little bit of romance make this a read well worth your time."The Cottage" by Michael Phillips gets 'two thumbs up' from me!

In “The Cottage,” Book 2 (of 3) in the Secrets of the Shetland Series by Michael Phillips, American Loni Ford arrives in the Shetland Islands to learn about her inheritance of the island Whale’s Reef. It’s a small island, some three by four miles, but most of it comes to her as a descendent of Ernest Tulloch. The island includes a wool factory, a village of small shops and homes, and “The Cottage,” the home of the “laird” of the island that is less of a cottage ad far more of a rather large mansion.Loni’s first thought is to sign away her rights and give her inheritance to one of two potential heirs, fisherman and bully Hardy Tulloch or the island’s “chief,” David Tulloch, an author, naturalist, and devout Christian. Loni works for an investment firm in Washington, D.C., and living on a remote island some 5,000 miles away isn’t on her to-do list.Much of the story of “The Cottage” centers on these three characters, who they are, where they come from, their families and their histories. While it is clearly becomes a love story, it also is the story of family, ancestry, and the importance of recognizing and accepting one’s duty.“The Secrets of the Shetlands” series is published as a trilogy, but it is more of one novel published in three installments. Using a small island, Phillips writes a sweeping story of love, history, and faith. The “canvas” of three parts allows him to include side stories, sub-plots (including a scheme by a fake Texan to take control of the island), and a rather rich selection of minor characters.Phillips is the author of 23 works of non-fiction. He’s edited 27 works of the Scottish writer George MacDonald, whose books had such an impact on C.S. Lewis. He’s edited five woks of Harold Bell Wright and Ralph Connor. He’s also co-authored 13 novels with his wife Judith Pella, and written more than 40 original novels on his own.I was resistant to the idea of a three-installment novel, but the story in “The Inheritance” (Book 1) hooked me. Book 3, “The Legacy,” was published July 4, so all three parts are now available. I should point out that I didn’t actually read the first two in the series. I inhaled them – the story and characters were that compelling.

I downloaded Book 1 just about a week before Book 2 became available. Couldn't wait to read it. Once again I was mot disappointed. I found it hard to put down - every spare few minutes I had it was in my hand, Michael Phillips has a great gift in weaving in spiritual challenges into his book. They make one reflect on one's own spiritual walk and how we deal with varied situations. Look like there is a Book 3 to come. Can't wait.

Just wasnt one of my favorites/ Didnt ike the language spoken by some. First book ive read by Philips

I am so glad that Michael Phillips wrote another novel. I loved this series and could barely put the book down!! I have read almost every historical novel he has written.

very good