Ragni Clauson’s life seems to be falling apart. Someone is sabotaging her projects at work. Her boyfriend, who’s afraid of committing to a relationship, has just announced his engagement—to someone else. Her father needs around the clock care. And now, her great-grandmother’s cabin is demanding attention—and Ragni’s mother insists that she make the trip. Ragni had planned a trip to the spa instead, but she agrees to her mother’s demands and heads to North Dakota, her rebellious teen-age niece, Erika, with her.

The cabin is in worse shape than Ragni remembers from her childhood. The “privy” is barely standing, and rats have taken residence in all the buildings. As Erika and Ragni clean, the begin to learn about their ancestor, and what they have in common. Will Ragni’s great-great grandmother’s past hold the secret to Ragni’s future?

THE BRUSHSTROKE LEGACY is an interesting mix of historical and contemporary fiction. Both Ragni’s story and her great-great grandmother’s stories are told, and both are well-written and engaging. Ragni is real, and her niece is a loveable, if impossible, teenager, trying to find herself. The faith message is not intrusive.

THE BRUSHSTROKE LEGACY is a winner for both fans of contemporary fiction and historical fiction. A family saga, it is sure to delight Snelling’s fans. Don’t miss THE BRUSHSTROKE LEGACY. $13.99. 386 pages.

Laura V. Hilton