When I eat a meal or snack that I really enjoy I often will tell my husband that the only thing I dislike about the food is that it’s gone. That is how I felt about the book Heirlooms.
I wanted it to go on and on and was sad to finish it.
I felt connected to the characters and felt like I was there experiencing what they were living. It was specially touching how the author tied nurturing plants and nurturing people together. I was left thinking about what it means to be a hero and what kind of legacy I will leave.
This was not only an inspirational story but it was a pleasure to read. I would highly recommend to anyone who cares about people and finds joys in the simple things of life.

HEIRLOOMS is a lovely dual timeline novel recommended for fans of Christian and historical fiction. I especially enjoyed the author's gentle treatment of hardship, including differently-abled individuals. Although I enjoyed Helen's storyline a bit more than Cassidy's, both are heartwarming and the conclusion was touching and a satisfying conclusion for the characters' journeys. Helen's cozy farmhouse and gorgeous property are almost like another character!

Heirlooms is a heartwarming story of family and friendships. Of women helping women. The dual story lines connect the 1950s and the present day, with interesting, relatable characters, and a beautiful mix of past and present..

I received an advance copy from Net Galley and the publisher. The opinions are my own.

If you love stories that bind women together, this one will be good for your heart. It makes you reflect on the sweet friendship you have and family that's not always blood family.

Helen is a woman of substance and character. I liked her immediately. She's suffered loss, but when it comes time to help another, she's all in. I enjoyed getting to know Eunhee. I felt that the author did an incredible job of portraying the Korean culture that she came from. She gave me a deep sense of passing important family traditions on to the next generation.

I loved how their granddaughters in this split time story are best of friends as well! Cassidy has had a lot of loss in her life as well (and I'll just say here for the record I'm not a fan of her dad and even less so of her stepmom who we thankfully never have to meet). When you talk about life not going as planned, Cassidy has had her lion's share of it. Grace ends up living with her - reminiscent of Helen and Eunhee - and it was sweet to watch them support each other. As a gardener, I appreciated all of the flowers and gardening references throughout the story!

The story also shows us in many ways how important community can be, especially during hard times. The author does an incredible portrayal of characters are differently abled: autism and Down syndrome. It was incredible to see the ripple effect a baby's life had on three generations. The author handled the subject matter with deftness and sensitivity.

I appreciated how Eunhee's life as well as their neighbor Johanna's glorified the Lord without bombarding Helen over the head with their faith. They lived it out for her to see. It certainly made an impact in the best of ways!

Altogether a very satisfying story that will stick in my heart for a long time!

*I received this book for review. This is my personal opinion.

Sandra Byrd first came to my attention with her contemporary novels which I really used to enjoy. As a result, when I saw this on Netgalley in exchange for an honest review, I thought why not?

I enjoyed the dual stories - one set more historically and the other set in the current time period. I didn't find this confusing and each chapter was well labelled according to which character they were focussing on.

This book comprised of friendship, romance and a little bit of mystery and on the whole, it was well written. Would have been interesting to know the why's of Cassidy's father's character but I don't think that detracted from the book.

I recommend this to people who love dual time period stories and drama.

A lovely story about friends and families! The story draws you in right from the beginning. Its a split time story, which can sometimes be confusing, but I found this one to be easy to follow. I always like learning more from stories, and in this one, I learned more about Korean Americans and Downs Syndrome people. The historical part was especially interesting.

Thanks to the author and publisher for an advance copy! All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

If you've never read a novel by Sandra Byrd, you're really missing out. I haven't read one yet that wasn't excellent - and her newest book Heirlooms is no exception. This is a beautiful, multi-generational story about hope, perseverance, love, making our way in this world, and making a DIFFERENCE in this world. I laughed, I cried, I closed the book feeling better about life. I highly recommend this read!

Heirlooms by Sandra Byrd captured the importance of a life lived well. The items and time we invest in our families while we are alive is the most important legacy that anyone can leave behind. A faith in God. A cookbook with written recipes. As for me, I kept all my Daddy’s journals and his books that he has written side notes into. Sometimes reading these, it reminds me of my father. Helen and Eunhee, the women, who lived in 1958 formed an unusual friendship where they learned from each other aspects to make them into stronger individuals. Sometimes I wish I lived in 1958 because times were a little slower, less internet, more education, better music, and nicer to your neighbors, so I was interested in a story that took place partly in this time period. As for the second part with Cassidy and Grace, their story took place in the present age. Cassidy just buried her grandmother, who was Helen. Readers will see her reactions to the land and the heirlooms that her grandmother left for her. Overall, Heirlooms by Sandra Byrd is a touching story about making every moment count with everyone that we encounter. A nice feel good story.

I received a complimentary copy Heirlooms by Sandra Byrd from Tyndale Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.