A woman bent on survival… when she tries to escape a violent attack and ends up one hundred and forty years in the past, it appears her dreams for the future have once again been ripped from her grasp.
Orlando is determined to build a life worthy of his late father’s legacy.
While trekking through the Coloradan Rockies in 1879, Orlando finds a wounded woman. He questions why God has brought her into his life. He has what it takes to heal her body, but will he be able to mend her heart?
When fear and doubt come calling, will they lean on each other or will their insecurities tear them apart?
If you like page-turning adventure, fascinating characters, and engaging stories of triumph, you’ll love Sara Blackard’s unique time travel series.
Read all of the Vestige of Time Series.
Vestige of Hope – Book 1
Vestige of Legacy – Book 2
Vestige of Courage – Book 3
more
I am really enjoying this series.
Not one for time travel stories, I find myself enthralled and eagerly anticipating the next book.
A wonderful Christian fiction read.
I was so excited when I finally got to this title on my waiting list :). I loved the first book and was excited to read more of the story in the same setting. Blackard has done a great job setting believable characters within a beautiful setting.
In this particular love story, I really appreciated how the main characters showed vulnerability even amidst their intense loving relationship. Even when we’re in a safe, beautiful place surrounded by those who love us, we can still feel tormented and lonely. This story highlighted that really accurately.
I loved the reminder to allow God to be part of my struggles and solutions and to recognize His hand in everything.
I’m chomping at the bit to read the next one in the series!
Having read the first book in this series, I was interested to see how this second book would turn out. I have to say, I quickly became caught up in the story about Samara and Orlando. These two characters come together when Samara is thrown back into the past. Orlando is the perfect gentleman and illustrates what a true Christian man should look like. He cares for Samara in a tender and gentle manner.
I appreciated how he approached Samara with the information about how she was thrown into the past. I also appreciated how he constantly God’s love and His Truths throughout the book. This historical fiction work is full of God’s promises and His love for His people. Truly this is a book worth reading.
I definitely recommend it. So check it out for yourself. I received a copy of this book for my fair and honest review.
Sara Blackard continues to impress me with book two of her Vestige in Time series, “Vestige of Legacy.” This series is compelling and inspiring, and this sequel not only measures up to its predecessor—it surpasses it. Not an easy feat, particularly for books that are independently published. In fact, if I’m being honest, I tend to avoid books that have been published independently because they often have many grammatical errors or inconsistent plot cohesiveness. Therefore it is always such a wonderful joy to come across a new (to me) author who can spin a captivating tale without compromising values or lacking depth.
Indeed, “Vestige of Legacy” takes on a unique situation in literature, particularly as a Christian novel. It opens straightaway with a tense scene that the author handles well, writing in enough suspense to grab readers’ attention but without overplaying it. The time-travel element enters early, and although I think that this is the first Christian time-travel series that I have read, I am enjoying it thus far; although I don’t personally believe in time travel, it makes for interesting discussions and proves God’s sovereignty and omniscience. After all, He isn’t limited by space and time. As Samara puts it, “she had been enrolled in the most extreme witness protection program possible” by going back in time 140 years. She may escape her immediate situation, but in order to truly heal she, like all of us, must come to terms with her past and find her identity in Christ.
One of the main themes in “Vestige of Legacy” is that of restoration and coming back to God. Each character experiences this at some level. Regarding Samara, Orlando observes that “Fear held her hostage, a slave bound to it”, and that is sadly a condition that so many are in today, especially during this pandemic. God is for us, and He longs for us to come to Him with our burdens. Orlando, although certainly not without his own sins and regret, serves as a guide for the characters within his sphere of influence. Speaking of whom, I enjoyed learning about the Ute Indians, although sadly their story is also one of loss. I appreciate Blackard’s realistic portrayal of the characters; not all are upright, and all struggle in some way with themselves and with God. True healing and joy only come from having a relationship with the One who created us and went on to save and redeem us on Calvary’s cross. Our plan should emulate Orlando’s: “He’d just put his trust in God like he always had and pray for protection and wisdom along the way.” May we all do the same and leave a legacy of Jesus’ love for those who come after us.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Celebrate Lit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.
My Thoughts on Vestige of Legacy:
To start with, this is the second book in a series and I highly recommend that the first book be read first. It’s not imperative. You’ll still like this book without reading the first one, but you’ll just get to enjoy even more books by this author this way. I’m hoping for more books in this series as well.
Time travel is not a topic I normally read a lot of though it seems to be one that keeps popping up lately for me. I did read book one in this series and loved it. So, when I picked up this book I knew that it was going to be good as well.
The author writes characters that you fully become invested in. They draw you in and make you their best friends. I love the time period we jump back to. It’s a nice not too populated but not too full of all the diseases and death. The Civil War is over and life is beginning again in the 1870’s in the mountains.
Definitely pick up this book and find out if we stay in the past or jump back to the future and what this means for the two people involved. I highly recommend this book and the whole series.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
Orlando Thomas is the perfect depiction of a mountain man. Rugged, brave, resourceful, and above all, a believer. Living among the Colorado wilds has shown him the wonder and beauty of God’s Creation but it’s also impressed upon him the need to trust in God and rely fully on His protection. And then, he comes upon a small woman who “weighed about us much as a bag of flour”. She is leery, frightened, and apparently from the future; Orlando realizes that once again God has placed a person “not of this time” into his existence.
Yes, Samara McKenna is desperately needing help on August 2nd but the year is 2019, not 1879, and she is at a Colorado dude ranch and certainly not in the Colorado wilds. What follows is a story filled with drama, adventure, and danger in the Colorado Rockies, but more importantly, it shows the journey of a lost soul. Samara has a constant struggle with her belief, or more correctly, her disbelief in God and author Sara Blackard vividly describes her confusion. Samara longs for a loving home and even children but she feels that “God had never done her any favors. If anything, He purposefully went out of His way to cause her grief. ” (p. 14) Her present-day race to escape harm only intensifies her distrust and unbelief until…..this mountain man from the past shows her what it is to be treasured by God and by man. Can Samara learn to trust and even forgive? Will she finally believe that she is “protected by God”, which is the Hebrew definition of her name Samara? Is she able to find her way back to 2019 or will she want to remain in 1879?
This is my first Sara Blackard book and I was immediately drawn into this time travel story. Vestige of Legacy is actually book two in the Vestige of Time series but it can be read alone and I was able to truly enjoy this Christian historical romance and time-travel adventure!
I received a copy of this book from the author as part of Celebrate Lit Book Tours. I was under no obligation to post a favorable review. These are my own thoughts.
Another wonderfully written story of how God cares for us, even when we aren’t talking to Him. Samara had experience more than her share of hard times, heartache and loss. While this hasn’t really made her bitter, she had become very self-sufficient, not willing to trust anyone. When a summer job on a Colorado dude ranch tears her from 2019 and lands her in 1879, she is convinced that God has it in for her.
What follows is a lovely story of learning to trust and perhaps even love. I can’t imagine what it would be like to land in the past and watch things that occurred in history and wish you could change the negative ending. Between animal attacks and kidnapping, memories of the things she learned as a child begins to surface. Can those shadows of the past finally be vanished by the light of love?
This ARC was received through CelebrateLit. The thoughts and impressions are my own and were in no way solicited.
Vestige of Legacy is the second installment from Sara Blackard’s series, Vestige of Time. Even though it is part of a series, it definitely can be read as a stand alone. However, I do recommend to read Vestige of Hope, also. I enjoyed this tale of love, faith, and hope. Readers are introduced to Samara who is in great need of inspiration. She suddenly finds herself thrown back in time and is rescued by Orlando. I adored Orlando from the start and admired his faith. He was perfect for Samara to teach her how to let go and forgive. I really loved the beautiful setting.
I am giving Vestige of Legacy four stars. I recommend this book for readers who enjoy sweet and clean time travel love stories. I look forward to reading book 3 from the Vestige of Time series, Vestige of Courage.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
Oh how I love an author who can describe things so vividly. This story is such a great read with the author’s ability to transport us back in time to 1879. We find ourselves in the rugged Colorado Rookies where wolves are plentiful and home life hard at times. The journey will be filled with sadness, danger, trust and hope.
Samara’s past is shadowed by pain as she feels abandoned by those she loved. The pain she keeps inside causes her not to trust anyone. Her relationship with God is almost non existent. I can’t image finding yourself in the middle of a dangerous situation and suddenly realize something is not quite right. If someone told me it was 1879, I think I would have to find the nearest hospital and check myself in. What I really liked about Samara was her vulnerability. She may think she is strong but on the inside is a little girl crying out for her parents.
Orlando is everything you could hope for in a man. He is rugged yet compassionate. His faith is strong and trusts God with everything he has. Orlando believes Samara has been brought to him for a reason. Will he be able to gain her trust? The story is full of adventure and danger as Samara embraces her new surroundings. I enjoyed reading how Orlando protected Samara and guided her towards accepting her new life.
There are times in the story where I wanted to tell Samara to stop being so hard headed and allow Orlando to help her find peace. The author writes a beautiful story that captures the time period with realism. Samara will find herself at times wondering why God brought her to this place that is unfamiliar. I loved the theme of trusting God and letting go of the past. I look forward to the next book in the series.
“Everyone has a past. It’s what we do with it that makes a difference.”
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
Enjoyed the story of It was a pleasant novel to read, a sweet story with a beautiful content.
This is another great time travel story that also shows God is ALWAYS watching over us even when we may be “mad at God”. Orlando’s & Samara’s friendship to Love story is beautiful and you never know what God has in store for your life until you just “let go and let God”! The history of the Ute people and Colorado is very informative and accurate. Enjoyable read.
This was a wonderful, clean, Christian time travel novel! I love the characters and the bulk of them where the kind of people you would enjoy knowing in real life. Sara did a great job of combining a person traveling from our modern times to the mid 1800’s. It is a stand alone story of a young man who has lived a high stress life for his country and being a mentor for his younger brother after they lost their parents. Then he is on R&R and thrown back 142 years! She does a great job of detailing the area and the times that Hunter is transported into by God. This story keeps you reading to see what is going to happen next after Hunter has been found by Viola and Beatrice Thomas. It has murder, mystery, drama, adventure, action, and a beautiful romance! All of the heros and heroines are good God fearing Christians who readily accept what God has given them. You will not want to put it down until you have finished it!
As always, the author develops wonderful characters, and paints a picture of beautiful woodland setting. What an awesome past-future love story! The characters – strong yet gentle Orlando and the fragile heart of Samara – pull you into the story. She feels that God has abandoned her. He is confident of God’s love. An incredibly well-written story with an important message: God will never abandon us.
Second in the Vestige of Time Series. Love Samara and how she slowly accepts she is in 1879 not 2019. She is a strong yet so vulnerable character. Orlando is gorgeous and strong and nothing but patient yet he has his own insecurities. Together they help each other to see one another through fresh eyes. Beautiful story. Looking forward to the next in the series!
e second installment of Sara Blackard’s Vestige series is as excellent as the first. At the center of Vestige of Legacy is God’s love woven into a terrific love story. And don’t forget about the time travel!
Orlando, our hero, finds an unconscious young woman, our heroine Samara, while he is away from his homestead. Orlando, rescues her and their story begins. Samara is a scrappy, 21st century independent woman with her burdensome past laying on her shoulders. Orlando is a giant of a man from the late 19th century. He is a community leader respected by his neighbors, which includes the Utes, a Native American tribe, that faces grave consequences in the near future. Orlando quickly realizes that Samara is from the future, just as his brother-in-law is (book one of the series, Vestige of Hope). As you can imagine, the news that she has traveled 140 years in the past does not sit well with Samara.
As Samara recuperates at Orlando’s homestead, Orlando experiences the extreme highs and lows of his guest’s moods. At times she seems to trust Orlando and at other times she doesn’t. Orlando prays for guidance and is sure that God brought Samara to him for a purpose. Samara, believing that God turned His back on her when her parents were murdered, does not have that same calmness of spirit that Orlando has in spades.
Their story is full of adventure, sadness, happiness and the beauty of God’s love. I particularly enjoyed the 1878 setting in the mountains of Colorado and I was fascinated by the different descriptions of that era. Details like Orlando’s experiments to improve the soothing properties of willow bark tea are small details that make the story unique, smart and fun.
I highly recommend this book. You’re fine to read the book as a stand-alone but the story experience will be so much richer if you start with the first book in the Vestige of Time series. I hope you enjoy it.
I received an ARC copy of this book and have voluntarily provided my honest review.
Samara McKenna, a trail ride guide, was in deep trouble. She was alone in a National Forrest with a serial killer and suffering the effects of the drug he had placed in her drink. Seizing a small opportunity to scramble to her feet and run, she grabbed her dulcimer case and bolted through the woods. Tripping on a root, Sara lost her advantage and pushed her body into a very small cave. Only then did she think to cry out to God to save her. But it never occurred to Samara that God would save her by sending her all the way back to 1879.
Orlando Thomas and his sheepdog, Zeus, headed out to find any sheep that had wandered away from the flock. But instead of sheep, he found a very dirty, apprehensive, and weary young lady very much out of her element. Looking at the dulcimer case, he knew he was in for an unexpected and somewhat unwanted adventure.
This is an exciting and captivating story. Can Sara change any part of the history that she knows is about to go very wrong? Will she find peace in a different time?
Sara Blackard has woven a wonderful tale of love and strength. It is filled with excerpts from history and it was a delight to read. Thank you, Sarah Blackard, for this wonderful series of stories.
This book was supplied by the author. The opinions expressed here as strictly my own.
Awesome!
Best series where each book can stand alone that I’ve read so far!
In dire need of being rescued, Samara cringes in a cave as a psycho pushes the bushes aside and sees her. She squeezes her eyes closed and plays to the God she no longer believes in and… opens them to a time that was.
That’s just the beginning!
I loved the entire book and highly recommend it!
Loved this story. I could see the pitfalls of a modern day woman being thrust into the 19h century! Love the humor in Sarah’s books, because honestly, what life without humor and a little “snarkiness” at times.
Wow, what is it about Christian fiction that is so much more appealing than the other books? I stopped reading 2 books just recently, they could not hold my interest. One launched into a description of an orgy, ugh. Just for the record, I’m a 69 year old sci fi lover who likes action books.
Meet Samara, you will learn about the name later in the book. Her parents were missionaries and killed by hostile war lords. She has grown up, mostly homeless. Here she finds herself the victim of the “date rape” drug and is fleeing for her life when she is wisked back through time. Here she finds help and realizes the way God has acted in her life. Day in day out life of the modern day damsel living 2 centries before her time. The author is a wizard at telling this story. I wish that we had more like Orlando.
Y’all enjoy.
Sara’s ability to weave healing into desperate hearts by the power of God’s Grace is so encouraging … so hopeful .. so true. May your heart be encouraged by her stories of love.