The Legacy of Us: A Novel

by Kristin Contino

Overview

Taking readers from 1905 Italy to present-day Philadelphia, The Legacy of Us uncovers how the lives of three generations of women are changed by love, loss and one little necklace. Liz Moretti thought she knew almost everything about her grandmother, Ella, from her love of "The Golden Girls" to the perfect pound cake recipe. But when Ella passes away and Liz finds a cameo locket with a marriage proposal engraved inside (from a man who was not her grandfather), she realizes that sometimes a person's secrets are discovered only after they're gone. On top of losing Ella, Liz's career as a jewelry designer is stagnant and her love life lacks sparkle, too. When she reconnects with the one who got away, Liz thinks maybe things are finally starting to look up. But after a few drinks and a trip down a flight of stairs, Liz wakes up to realize the cameo is gone. Her ex offers to look for it, but so does Justin, the intriguing new guy in her apartment building. While dealing with her feelings for two very different men and generally trying to reinvent her mess of a life, Liz finds answers and solace in Ella's diary. The story of the cameo, and the relationship between her grandmother and great-grandmother, an outspoken socialite from Italy, inspires Liz to grow up and accept responsibility for her missteps. Eventually she must choose between the life she thought she wanted and the promise of something better.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781940716176
Publisher:	SparkPress
Publication date:	08/18/2015
Pages:	364
Product dimensions:	5.40(w) x 8.40(h) x 0.90(d)
Age Range:	15 - 18 Years

About the Author

Kristin Contino has been writing stories for as long as she can remember. Her childhood love of reading and writing translated into a career as a freelance writer and editor, and her work has appeared in retail, business, and parenting publications. She lives in the Philadelphia suburbs with her family, but dreams of moving to her favorite city, London. The Legacy of Us is her first novel.

Editorial Reviews

"The Legacy of Us is a sweet story about love, family secrets, and the notion that everyone deserves a few secrets that don't have to be shared.”
—national bestseller Kris Radish, author of The Year of Necessary Lies

"Contino unlocks a treasure trove of emotion in her multigenerational debut! Richly-layered and unique, The Legacy of Us is a tale of family, forgiveness, and finding love where (and when) you least expect it."
—Jessica Topper, author of Deeper Than Dreams

"I don't know what I liked more about Kristin Contino's debut—the double dose of romance and intrigue spanning one hundred years, the relatable, inspiring characters, or the fact that the book takes place in my hometown. What I do know is that this sparkling novel delivers, so don't miss it!”
—Elise Miller, author of Star Craving Mad

"In Kristin Contino’s marvelous debut novel, a devastating secret uncovered in one woman's antique locket holds life lessons for another as she learns of the history that binds them. Contino's intricate prose deftly weaves three generations of history in this tale of love, loss, and redemption. A memorable and moving work.”
—Josie Brown, author of Totlandia and The Housewife Assassin's Handbook

From the Publisher