5 ??
Audiobook: wonderful narration

This is my first from Joanna Goodman and wow! I really loved her ability to tell this story of Virginia and Arden (and a bit of Tate too). This family is complex with real, heartbreaking, and emotional challenges and tragedies. I loved the audiobook narration because it held emotion and kept the story moving. Sometimes family dramas can feel meandering but this one was cemented on the inheritance mystery and trial and I think it developed at a great pace. I also think the character development was slow and steady, but beautifully done. I really came to love all the Bunt women and appreciate their strength. This book brought quite a few topics to the surface and I think would be great to discuss as a book club.

CW: self harm, language, elder abuse, rape scene (chapter 22) 15 s Natalie835 41

I was totally engrossed in this novel. I felt it had many levels, the obvious narrative and the deeper core of female empowerment.

Arden is a young, broke widow with 3 children. Never having a real career, she is devastated when her husband dies. However, she has always been told that she was the illegitimate child of an extremely wealthy man. Her mother has fought for her inheritance for years, but to no avail.

The novel explores how changes in DNA use might change her financial future. At the same time, her once beautiful mother was raped by someone she met on a dating app. These 2 plots propel a fascinating story of mothers and daughters, The author combines these narratives into both a compelling novel and a paean to feminist identity and strength.

I really enjoyed this novel and rooted for tge women involved in the story. I not only identified with Arden, but also her older mother, faced with the consequences of a frightening dating encounter.

Thank you Netgalley for this very engaging novel.9 s Evelina | AvalinahsBooks896 449

How I read this: Free ebook copy received through Edelweiss

4.5 stars, rounded to 5

TW: (not a spoiler, it's how the book begins, but I'll tag it anyway) this book contains descriptions of assault and rape, as well as the aftermath of such a trauma; there is also self-harm

Do you know there are several types of good book? There's the exciting, thrilling kind, there's the happy or sad kind, there's the wrack-your-head mystery kind of good as well. Just this last month, I read an exciting and happy kind of good book, but it's actually been a while since I've read a slow-and-steady kind of good book, and this is just what this one was. It's a slow burn, but what you're getting is just the steady kind of good, you know you'll turn the page and it's just going to be good and keep giving. The author won't let you down. Such a good reading experience.

The book is about an inheritance trial, about proving who you are and belonging, but it's not just that. It's also a book about healing - and the theme resonates through many storylines. There's the main storyline - a widow raising her children, suddenly left without a partner, who was also their breadwinner. Then there's her mother, dealing with a recent trauma and having to reshape her framework due to that. Both women have to reevaluate their points of view, as well as their direction in life, and grow past what's been holding them down.

It's a wonderful book, I especially loved the semi-open ending. It was very satisfying and showed great character growth. I think I'll be checking out this author's other books too.

I thank the publisher for giving me a free copy of the ebook in exchange to my honest review. This has not affected my opinion.

Book Blog | Bookstagram | Bookish Twitterarcs-or-review-copies books-of-2023 edelweiss ...more7 s Cyndi1,176 41

I’ve read a few of Joanna Goodman’s books and she is such an excellent storyteller. This story is ultimately about family relationships and their importance and the definition of what it means to be family. There are so many intricacies in the relationships in this book and it all comes together brilliantly to make a profound statement. This is an easy read, but has some suspense that kept me interested right up to the end. Goodman addresses some very serious topics with heart and aplomb. For fans of Elizabeth Berg and Jodi Picoult.

Many thanks to Netgalley, Edelweiss, Harper Paperbacks and Joanna Goodman for my complimentary e-copy ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.edelweiss netgalley7 s1 comment Fictionophile 1,125 350

Arden Moore is widowed suddenly while still in her thirties. Her lifestyle was affluent thanks to Scott, her stock broker husband, but the stock market crash saw their bank accounts dwindling. Her husband though, didn't adjust to the new reality, which meant that he left Arden and their three children almost poverty stricken when he died.

Desperate to improve their lot in life, and despite many misgivings, Arden agrees to a legal battle for an inheritance when approached by a New York lawyer. Arden's mother had gone down that particular rabbit hole before and after years of legal battles, lost... impacting her family in myriad ways.  Now though, with advances in DNA and different legal precedents, Arden hopes that she has a chance at a victorious settlement.

This novel portrays Arden's mother's life back in New York, and Arden's life in Toronto thirty years later. Arden is a realistic character which I had empathy for. Struggling to parent her three children while grieving for her husband on top of a complicated lawsuit brings her to the breaking point.

This novel covers many themes such as widowhood, parenting, nature vs. nurture, elder abuse, and avarice. It expounds on how we are shaped by circumstances and the ramifications of the choices we make. With so much to think about, this book would be an excellent choice for book club discussion.

It was gratifying to watch the characters in this book grow emotionally. I very much enjoyed this compulsively readable novel and would certainly be eager to read more of this author's work in the future.2024-edelweiss-challenge 2024-read canada ...more3 s BeckyLo39

I had difficulty rating this book.

On one hand, the basic skeleton story was engaging and I would say I enjoyed it. On the other hand, I’m growing tired of a good story marred by unnecessary explicit content and crass language. Sometimes less really is more. Give us some credit, authors. We can fill some things in for ourselves.

I had a difficult time with this book also because I found the two main female characters (mother and daughter) fairly unable. I kept thinking of this quote from Gatsby: “that's the best thing a girl can be in this world, a beautiful little fool.” Too much fool, for me; while I understood the author’s intents, and there was character growth at the end, the journey getting there was not pleasant.3 s Wendi Flint Rank (WendiReviews)172 16

I enjoyed this book. It’s loaded with complicated people with complicated lives.
Some topics may cause mild discomfort but are well done and integral to the
story. I recommend the book. My thanks to Harper Perennial via NetGalley for
This download copy for review purposes.3 s Libby Reidy168 8

A mother daughter story that tests the relationship between the two women. Virginia (the mother) has always claimed that her daughter(Arden) is her child fathered by a rich influencial man. Never being able to prove the link, she spends years in court and goes thru many relationships. Her daughter, recently widowed, is now taking care of her mother who has suffered a horrible attack. When new DNA testing becomes available, both must face the challenge to go forward with this claim again. Be forwarned, there are some disturbing sections in this book. I did this book even thoug it was slow in parts.2 s Cassie Ripley800 5

I d it. This book should've had a trigger warning at the beginning of the book. Secrets, lies, trauma, emotional and sexual abuse, self-harm, life struggles, fear, grief, DNA, court, money, family bonds,  and so much more. This book was hard to read because of the different point of views, plus bouncing all over different time lines, but mostly because of the trigger scenes that I wasn't expecting. All that aside, it is a great story that everyone can find something to relate to. 2 s Stacy40pages1,552 190

The Inheritance by Joanna Goodman. Thanks to @harperbooks for the free Arc #oliveinfluencer ??????????

Arden’s life changes when her husband dies and leaves her family in debt. A call from an estate lawyer may change everything for her. It’s the beginning of a complex legal journey that will bring out secrets.

While this one was a lot different than I was expecting, I immensely enjoyed it. I was expecting it to be more of a court room legal thriller. There was a small portion of that, but more this was a story on how we build self-worth and identity. Major trigger warning for elder abuse and rape; while it is triggering, I am also glad it was highlighted in this story, as you do not see it often in books- but it does happen and we should know that.

“She’s waited on the precipice of her own life for more than six decades, marking time, standing by, chasing, vision-boarding, all to wind up pulverized and alone on the floor of her tiny bedroom.”

The Inheritance comes out 3/12. 1 Mindy17

I really enjoyed this first read by JG! It’s not a thriller with exciting plot twists or an inspiring true story but the story captured me from the start. The main focus is about Virginia Bunt’s complicated and unconventional life, both past and present. Her daughters were born to different men and Arden stands to possibly inherit a fortune. I d how it was told in sequence, the character development was excellent, a steady pace right to the end. It touched a variety of topics that would be good for discussion… Passion, Hope, Death, Motherhood, Rape, Greed, Strength, Understanding etc! 1 Donna RB591 8

4.5
This was a well written book about the stories that women tell ourselves based on what we have learned from our parents, our partners and society thru the lens of the pursuit of an inheritance. Well plotted with specifically and interestingly drawn characters who ring true.
Bravo Joanna.
Thank you Goodreads for the ARC1 ElaineAuthor 1 book3

A great premise but unfortunately the book is so poorly written that it impossible to care about the characters or what happens to them.1 La Ra221 1 follower

I won this book in a giveaway. Virginia’s story is poignant and heart wrenching. Arden’s background is well written. I really enjoyed the beginning of this book and the end. The middle had lots of pacing issues and was, honestly, a bit boring. I felt it could’ve been better fleshed out to keep the momentum going. I did not truly any of the characters except Hal. I felt Arden seemed obsessive and hard to relate to. Which is saying a lot since we’re the same age. Joshua was arrogant and flat. Tate was only used well in the beginning. Virginia was self absorbed and a terrible mother. The kids were… kids. The plot was interesting and new. I haven’t read anything it before. It also felt very realistic, which might be why it was a little boring. Overall, it was a decent book.This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.Show full review1 Jennifer Koeller50

I was given an advanced reader copy of this book by Good Reads in exchange for writing a review.
At first Arden made me mad. I thought she was lazy and not driven enough . Although she had 3 children she did not seem to follow through with most other things in life.
She took the reigns up trying to get the her real father's inheritance money which was a fight her mother started but now they were using DNA evidence to prove that there was a match.
This was a good book because everyone grew and learned a little about themselves and got stronger in some respects.1 Carol Perreault1,363 23

Virginia had an affair with a very rich married man who died without making a will. Virginia had a daughter from that affair and fought in court for years to get some money but failed. It took a toll on her and her daughter. Then, the daughter tried.fromnetgalley1 Ahaaha4383 31

3.5 stars…..The Inheritance by Joanna Goodman is a book about a family fighting their entire life for their possible inheritance. Arden is allegedly the illegitimate child of billionaire, Wallace Ashforth. Her mother, Virginia Bundt, worked for Wallace and had an affair with him. On online chats her mother’s name was Bangin’ Boomer. Virginia did not have the best reputation. She was obsessed with men. Is Arther Ashforth really Arden’s biological father. How can you prove this in a court of law? Is money really worth what it caused this family to go through? Is money the root of all evil?

Arden takes up her mother’s crusade years later, after her mother lost everything trying to prove her daughter was Wallace Ashforth’s daughter. Arden’s fight begins when decades later DNA can be introduced as evidence into the courtroom. Even though Arden never met her alleged father or her brothers is she entitled to her portion of the money if she can prove she is their biological siblings? Her mother has been with many men, is her mother even telling the truth? Read to find out.

Another topic in this book is elder abuse. I found this interesting, I have never read anything on this topic and it is one that needs to be brought to the forefront. It is real and it is horrific.

I found the beginning of the book very slow. I did a lot of skimming. I enjoyed the end of the book much more. All in all I was a little disappointed. I love Joanna Goodman’s other two books the Home For Unwanted Girls and the Forgotten Daughter and would highly recommend those. Thank you NetGalley and Harper Perennial and Paperbacks for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. Maria151

Arden is a newly widowed mother of 3 and finds herself currently broke. As she contemplates what to do next, her mother’s lawyer calls her to let her know that she should try to make another claim at the inheritance her mother chased after for years. Arden’s mother, Virginia, tried to claim a portion of her deceased biological father’s inheritance decades ago, but without DNA testing, she was unsuccessful. Now his son has passed and the lawyer thinks she has a chance to claim it with the advantage of DNA testing. At $30 million, is it worth the cost to pursue it after all these years, knowing the initial pursuit stole years of her mother’s life and destroyed their family?

And then there’s Virginia, Arden’s mother who has 2 daughters from different fathers and still lives an unconventional lifestyle. After an assault leaves her injured, she moves in with Arden and her kids.

This novel is told from both Arden and Virginia’s perspectives. The story focuses on the mother daughter relationship but also on both women’s differing journeys with motherhood, the struggle to find their identity and the powerful bonds that mothers and daughters can have, despite all their differences. And, not to leave out the fathers, I absolutely loved Arden’s relationship with her stepdad/adopted father Hal. Injected with humor and heart, I finished this one in a day!

Thank you, Partner @bibliolifestyle @harperperennial for a complimentary copy of this novel. Anna292 9

At its core, The Inheritance is a story of identity. Not only who we are, but how we are shaped by circumstances and the choices we make. This is a story of relationships - messy, raw, real. It is an examination of claiming who we are and learning to love oneself.

Arden Moore is a widowed mother of three young children swimming in a sea of debt created by her husband's lavish spending and complicated by his sudden death. Arden's mother Virginia has always claimed that Arden is the illegitimate child of a very wealthy businessman who died before her birth. Virginia spent a decade trying to establish Arden's paternity and claim a portion of the estate left behind. That unsuccessful pursuit left a wake of destroyed relationships and damaged lives.

The story is told from both Arden and Virginia's points of view. While Arden searches for her birthright, Virginia is dealing with the aftermath of a traumatic assault. Both mother and daughter struggle to repair the damage done by decades of searching for validation and self worth. There is a lot to unpack here and Joanna Goodman does it with a well crafted narrative that put the reader into the minds of these two damaged women as they look for healing and hope.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Perennial for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my unbiased review. Tracey32

Arden grew up watching her mom Virginia fight court battle after battle trying to prove Arden's father was a multimillionare and entitiled to part of his estate. She sees Virginia's obsession as what caused her to not have the relationship with her mom that she desired along with her mom's failed marriage to Hal, the only real father she's ever known. Now Arden is a mother herself to three kids and reeling from the sudden death of her husband who took care of all of their finances and decision making. With new advances in DNA and a change in the Ashworth family, is it time for Arden to try again to claim what is hers, or will it lead to her own obsession and destruction.
There was a lot going on here with a few different story lines and delving into the past while the story is taking place in the present. Overall I think it was a good book that shows the complicated relationships families have. It ends with uncertainty of the future, much the underlying focus of the story. There was not a clear wrap up and understanding how it all is resolved, because sometimes that's how life is. giveways1 Marta353 6

At its core, this book is really about identity, family, and finding who and how you can depend on others. There were chunks of book that were more enjoyable than others. I was surprised and not prepared for the plot with Virginia, and felt caught over guard with the graphic nature of her experience, and how it would come together with the rest of the story. I think Goodman does a good job of showing the familial relationships overall, and how preconceived notions may change your perspectives on others. The book was okay, but it felt a bit choppy in its pacing. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to provide my honest review. Courtney Mason174 8

The Inheritance is a tension filled family fiction. It will keep you on the edge of your seat right up to the end. The drama of the court case and the strained family dynamics are palpable. The gravity of Virginia and Arden’s circumstances are heart wrenching but empowering. There are so many tragic issues that will make you truly think about life, the hand you may be dealt and the way you handle it in the aftermath. This is a must read! Jennifer62 1 follower

This is described as a mother-daughter story, and it is. But it's also so much more. It's jam packed with themes and discovery: what makes a good marriage, what it means to be family, who influences our self-identity. Its characters are so richly drawn, so thoroughly believable, I will miss the time I spent with them. Goodman's observations are engaging, witty, true. Destined for my top-five list for the year. fiction Margaret200 1 follower

This book dealt with many subjects including rape, elder abuse, self harm, parenting, and widowhood, but at it's heart it is about identity and self worth. I really enjoyed the growth experienced by both the main characters and the story as a whole and thought the complicated life of the young widowed mother was well represented. I felt the ending was appropriate, but would definitely read a sequel. Thanks to Edelweiss+ for the digital advance reading copy. 4/5

Lovely Loveday2,474 Read

The Inheritance is a captivating story, richly layered with themes of love, suspense, grief, and redemption. Goodman skillfully crafts intriguing characters that instantly pulled me in and had me turning the pages wanting more. Thank you to the publisher and author for allowing me to share my thoughts on an ARC copy of this book.
Sarah386 3

I d the story of Arden, including all the history, but I wasn't a huge fan of the current storyline with Arden's mother, Virginia. Despite my dis of the storyline, I loved the characters of this book. I've read all of Joanna Goodman's novels, and this one felt a bit of a departure, but it worked. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC of this novel.

4.5??netgalley Connie41

I had the good fortune of getting an early copy of this book. The author wrote a story that is engaging from beginning to end about a bastardized child who is seeking acknowledgment of her father’s paternity. Her mother had tried for over thirty years to make the claim for the father’s fortune and with new technology and law changes in 2010, Arden finally has the chance to stake her claim. Joy1,399

Hmmmm. I d the process of reading this book, but I was very dissatisfied with the ending. I know the author thinks the story concluded, but I didn’t feel it did.

The style and content of this story kept reminding me of Elin Hilderbrand. This really could have been something she wrote (except that I think she would have wrapped up the ending more satisfyingly).24a-new-2024-releases-for-2024 on-divorce-separation-lost-spouse set-in-canada-but-not-montreal ...more Kelly PrambergerAuthor 5 books39

I really d this book. It felt a bit dragged out at times but overall it didn't distract from the amazing writing and characters that Goodman crafted. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. Five stars. I loved reading a story about mothers and daughters and relationships and secrets! Joanne766

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