Book Review: Martin Legacy by Abigayle Claire

If y'all are connected in the indie publishing world, you've probably seen Martin Legacy circling. The book was just published on Tuesday (the 12th) and I was privileged to read an ARC copy! So, on to my review!

Gemma Ebworthy is a struggling single mother—but not for much longer. Engaged to a kind-hearted farmer boy, her turbulent life is looking more stable at last, but troubles are still on the horizon. It seems their efforts to build a legacy for their unique family are constantly under siege.

Farris cherishes the only life he’s ever known, even though he feels more called to the mission field than his adoptive father’s fields. Growing up among extended family and in the Christian faith, he’s always had a firm foundation.

Yet when the past Gemma is so ashamed of—the one Farris can’t even remember—comes calling again, the life they’ve built is put to the test. For it to remain standing, Gemma is going to have to silence her demons once and for all. But this time, she’s not alone. 

Series: Martin Generations, #2 (would recommend reading in order)

My rating:

So, I read Martin Hospitality soon after it first released, and while I enjoyed it, it didn't really keep my attention. (See my review HERE.)

Martin Legacy, however, was a different story.

Probably because it didn't cover a short time span like MH did. The first two or three chapters really made me kiiiinda dread the rest of the book, because (this might be considered a minor spoiler here) Gemma and Josiah went from madly in love + engaged to Gemma calling the wedding off + getting engaged again in just a few pages. I didn't care for all the drama with Gemma.

Well, okay, let's stop here and talk about Gemma for a moment. I . . . well, she was honestly one of my least favorite characters? I honestly didn't get her. I mean, she was sweet and all . . . but nah. Get this: Josiah was my favorite this time. In Martin Hospitality, Josiah was one of my least favorites because he was too perfect. But in Martin Legacy? He was great! As imperfect as anyone, haha!

Also I know that Farris is the heartthrob and everything, and although I loved his character, he was . . . idk. So different from his mom and biological dad, he didn't really seem to fit. Though he was soooo adorable around age 4/5.

Katherine was . . . a temperamental brat, really. I didn't really like her character; she was awfully, idk, shallow? Though I did love that her nickname was Kat instead of Katie!

So, anyway. There were a couple aspects about the farming I found a bit strange, but not necessarily unrealistic. The overall setting was fabulous—I loved the country vibes!—though there wasn't a wholllle lot of description? All in all, though, I loved how Abi took seemingly mundane lives and wove a whimsical tale!

The thing I most appreciate about the romance in the book is that it was realistic. Josiah and Gemma's relationship was the sweetest thing! Their 'I love you's didn't come after stomach flutters and physical touch; if anything, they came the most after their arguments. If they ever had angry words, they wouldn't part without a kiss and saying 'I love you.' This spoke more about the book than anything else ever could.

The ending was good . . . I feel like there was a huge gap between the last chapter and the epilogue, but I suppose that's the purpose of an epilogue, right? There were a couple things I wish would've been resolved (like what happened to Travis? And DID ANNALIESE EVER GET MARRIED?), but they were minor and could be left to the reader's imagination.

All in all, the finale to the Martin Generations duology was fabulous and kept me hooked once I got into it! Congratulations on your new release, Abi!

*I was given an e-copy of this book by the author in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts are my own.

Have you read the Martin Generations duology? If so, what did you think about it?