30 October 2026

Thank you to Anne Cater from Random Things Tours for the invitation to participate in this blog tour.

The Inheritance introduces me to another new-to-me author, and I was curious about the DNA angle. Once I started reading, I quickly found myself caught up in the story and racing through the pages. I wanted to know what secrets were hiding in the Ashworth family history and how everything would eventually come together.

At its heart, this is a story about family, secrets and the lengths parents will go to protect their children. Sometimes, the things we hide from the people we love are meant to protect them, but what happens when those secrets eventually come to light? And how much of our lives can be shaped by the things we are never told?

Isobel has always relied on her family name to get what she wants. Being an Ashworth has opened doors for her, and she has never really had to question the privileges that come with it. However, when she arrives in Hartwell and discovers that the locals are not particularly impressed by the Ashworth name, she is forced to take a closer look at her life, her family and the choices she has made. It is not always easy to face the truth, especially when it challenges everything you have believed about yourself and the people closest to you.

Meg, on the other hand, has always longed for a family of her own, having grown up with only her mother. Now, with her mother suffering from dementia, Meg begins to hear hints about a past that was previously off-limits. For the first time, it seems that the answers to questions she has carried for years might finally be within reach.

When Meg heads to Hartwell to investigate the Ashworth family for a story that could potentially save her career, she has two goals in mind: uncover a story worth telling and learn more about her mother’s past. Initially, the people she interviews are simply sources for her investigation, but things soon become much more personal. As she develops new friendships, she finds herself surrounded by people who help her uncover long-buried secrets and discover family connections she never knew existed.

I really enjoyed the characters and watching them change as the truth gradually emerged. Both Isobel and Meg have their own journeys to make, and I liked seeing how the revelations forced them to reconsider their lives and what they wanted from the future.

The DNA discussion group was a particularly nice touch. It added an interesting dimension to the story, offering insight into how DNA testing works and the unexpected discoveries it can bring. DNA results can reveal far more than a person’s ancestry; they can also uncover family connections and secrets that have remained hidden for generations. It was fascinating to see how this aspect of the story played into the bigger picture.

I especially enjoyed watching Isobel confront the truth about her fiancé and her family. It would have been easy for her to remain trapped in the life she had always known, but I loved seeing her begin to accept what had happened and find a way forward. Her journey towards becoming a better version of herself was one of the highlights for me.

Meg also undergoes a wonderful transformation. She starts out as an insecure woman who is struggling to find her place, both personally and professionally, but as the story progresses, she learns to stand up for herself and fight for what she deserves. It was satisfying to watch her find her strength and become more confident in her own decisions.

Overall, The Inheritance was a highly enjoyable read that kept me turning the pages. With its intriguing DNA angle, complicated family relationships, long-buried secrets and characters who grow as the truth unfolds, this was a story that held my attention from beginning to end.

This was a great introduction to Kate Horan’s writing, and I would happily read more from her in the future. A thoroughly enjoyable four-star read!