The Inheritance

In this tepid contemporary, Seewald delivers a by-the-numbers courtship story. Jennifer Stoddard is the heir to her family estate, but the legacy comes at a price. She is called upon to abandon her life in New York and her career as a biochemist to take on the renovation of the dilapidated family home. Thrown back into the unhappy society of her childhood and threatened by mysterious enemies, she becomes reliant on the protection of a man who once broke her heart. The central couple lacks chemistry, and their few physical interactions are uninspiring; a secondary romance serves to pad the narrative but offers little substance or intrigue. The plot is well-worn, but does strike the expected notes in time-honored fashion. This love story is suitable for those who prefer a bland courtship over a spicy, passionate affair. (Dec.)