Reviews

The Art of Inheriting Secrets by Barbara O'Neal

donnareadathon2021's review against another edition

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4.0

The story
Olivia Shaw arrives in England after her artist mother’s death. She has only now discovered that her mother grew up as aristocracy, before moving to San Francisco and never speaking of her past. Olivia has inherited a vast estate and run down house. Will the food magazine editor be able to take on the work and life involved with her heritage?

My thoughts
I have read a few of Barbara O’Neal’s stories and love her writing. This story takes you to the English countryside, into a world filled with societal expectations and taboos, and secrets of the past haunting the present. Olivia has obstacles thrown at her from every angle, but she is also weaving her way into the hearts of those around her. I love her unexpected romance with author Samir, and his unwavering support of her, despite their family history and their age gap. Another goodie from Barbara O’Neal. ❤️

Read on Kindle
My rating 4/5 - ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

alidavignon's review against another edition

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3.0

It was good. A little mystery, problem solving, and romance. I didn’t particularly like her lover, so it was a bit cringy, but overall not bad. Also a lot of loose ends to the story. The last few pages spilled the answers but didn’t explain it!

cansail's review against another edition

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5.0

Although the basic plot was somewhat predictable, I really enjoyed the ride of a young woman whose life changes completely—and for the better. We all need to get out of our ruts once in awhile. Recommended as an escape but also as a way of seeing anew the choices we make and how history can come back to haunt, or inspire, us.

lochnessvhs's review against another edition

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2.5

 I don't ever want to read the words "damp penis" ever again. 

yhtak's review against another edition

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mysterious fast-paced

4.0

kerrylonsdale's review against another edition

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5.0

Barbara O’Neal’s stories are always as beautiful as they are poetic. She possesses a writing style I admire and is an expert at weaving tales I can’t put down and crafting characters that, depending what they do, reward and frustrate. They are the best and stick around long after the final page. THE ART OF INHERITING SECRETS is a gem. Fans, new and old, will fall in love with the book’s layers and textures, and Olivia’s journey into a world she never fathomed belonged to her.

alanapool's review against another edition

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4.0

Light-hearted and fun with a bit of a twist. Just what I needed to get out of a reading rut! A secret inheritance that holds a secret readers will not expect. A love so beautiful it was hard not to keep reading. Loved it!

leprosie's review against another edition

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4.0

Enjoyable, quick read

This was an enjoyable story. There was some predictable intrigue and a nice, wholesome romance. I would recommend it if you're looking for some brain candy.

One issue I had was in the with the main characters frequent reply, "Me too". It was used so frequently and at such heartfelt times that it began to feel disingenuous.

megasaurus_rex's review against another edition

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mysterious reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

slkropp's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional hopeful mysterious reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5