Genre: Historical Romance
Period: 1930’s (Prohibition Era and the Great Depression)
Location: Detroit, Michigan
A legacy is what Jackson Chandler wants to build for his siblings and future family, which he plans to start with the woman is courting. With this beautiful, yet spoiled woman from a prestigious family, he hopes to turn his illegal family business into a legit and respectable one. Yet, an encounter with Miss Jolene Edwards at a mystery antique shop has him thinking about someone other than the woman he plans to build his future with. Jackson finds himself looking for Jolene every chance he gets. And every chance Jolene gets, she spends running away from Jackson, who she hates with a passion. But it seems luck is on Jackson’s side, thanks to his illicit establishment, he can provide Jolene with a job to earn the money that she needs.
“She almost fell, but not for you.”
What Makes Legacy by Chanta Randa A Good Read
- The female characters are definitely one aspect I like about this book.
Each female character is different from one another, and each has a complex personality. This is not limited to the main female character but the minor ones as well. With each female in the book, you get to see different types of black women from different social classes during the great depression, and how they handle life.
2. Diverse walks of life for blacks during the Great Depression .
When I think of the Great Depression and blacks during this time, my mind immediately pictures poor blacks in overalls cover in mud (history book pictures). However, this book shows a different take on black lives base on economic status: broke-poor, working-poor, new money, and generational wealth.
3. Unconventional things fill this book.
- Jackson, who is financially well off, is looking to marry up instead of the main female character.
- Jolene is a rum-runner, who loves and is good at the job.
- Blacks occupying different spaces, such as rum-runner, race car driver, and union worker, in the book, which are not common in black historical romance novels.
4. Historical references are throughout the pages of the novel.
The author does an excellent job of tying them into the story plot. She also gives a summary of them at the end of the book and provides references.
5.The male main character is a pleasure to read.
While Jackson isn’t a perfect angel, he is respectful towards all the female characters. He was also supportive to the ones that he was close to. Yet, what I like most about Jackson is his ability to push forward despite his insecurities.
What I would have like to See Happen
- Time!
The time in which the characters interacted with each other was short. And, the pace of the story was fast. However, I didn’t feel cheated by the time frame in which they fell in love. Maybe, I am biased. It is my opinion, that many couples during this era quickly married after meeting.
2. Tying-up Loose End in the Story!
Due to the uneventful side dramas mix with unfinished business between the characters, I feel cheated from juicy scenes. I feel that the author could have extended the story more to tie up loose ends between characters.
Book Review and Recommendation
Review: 3.8/5
Recommendation: 4.2/5
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