By Ana Thomas

During my senior year of high school, the ‘theme of the year’ was Legacy. We each wrote down what we wanted pass on to the next generation on a small rectangular paper and the entire school linked them together around the chapel. I remember writing that I intended to lead my varsity volleyball team to a State Championship that Fall. Some of my classmates had whispers of doubt because we had a painfully close loss in the Finals last year with a senior-heavy team. And this year’s team was filled with unexperienced, yet talented freshmen and sophomores. But that previous senior class had left us with a winning spirit as they led us to win our conference for the first time in years just 11 months earlier. Winning spirits and habits were all I needed to guide this young talent forward. Legacy was received and legacy was passed on. Forever a State Champ.

Legacies can turn bad into good, good into great or maybe bad just gets worse. Nora Roberts’ Legacy explores the concept of generational wealth, trauma, and pain through country gardens, secret recipes and blossoming careers. But not everyone is left a successful yard of tomatoes and hydrangeas or the town-favorite pizzeria. Some harbor unrestricted revenge and anger. Roberts takes her time curating relatable characters that span across three and a half generations all to bring us a story of liberating passion and independence, a whole lot of wholesome family love with a twist of looming and unbridled vengeance.

Adrian Rizzo’s mother may sacrifice her personal relationship with her young daughter, but she does everything in her power to ensure Adrian doesn’t live a life of shame. Despite their estranged relations, Adrian follows Lina Rizzo’s career passion and finds her own rhythm and lifelong friends by creating her own yoga and fitness brand. While Lina shields her daughter as best she can, some are determined to ensure their anger is heard. Our author is patient as threats from the past span over a decade and culminate to highlight the Rizzos’ ability to overcome their past, and grow their family and future. Adrian Rizzo is as fiery as her red hair, strong-willed as her mother, gentle as her grandparents and lovable as her dog, Sadie. A true leader at heart, Adrian is a force who doesn’t run from dark threats, she forges her legacy by chasing a future that her past can’t touch. And in the midst of the chaos of success, Adrian makes room for love, because “Love makes room. Theres always more room for love.” One of my favorite lines in the novel. Maybe its cheesy, but love can be incredibly healing, and who doesn’t need a little healing? Even the most independent of women can learn that they don’t have to weather their life alone. Friends, family and lovers alike can be a true form of success and happiness in their own right.

Roberts give a thrilling story that seems to pace itself at start, but by Part Three, I couldn’t put it down. And now, I sit at red lights on my way home, thinking about picking this book up only to realize that it’s done. I’ve reached a satisfying end to a book that became a Narnia-wardrobe of an escape with its vivid storytelling and charismatic characters. Legacy is a chill summer read for your beach and pool days.