A Love Restored Review!

Posted by abakersp in Historical / 12 Comments

Happy Monday friends! And I can actually say that, because I am on vacation. Woohoo!! Work has been super tough lately, and I welcome this time away. The only downfall is that Caitlin is working this week, so I’ll only really get to spend today and Wednesday with her. To take advantage of this time together, we are going to a Sherlock Holmes Escape Room today and then celebrating our victory ability to work together for an hour and have fun, by going to the Cheesecake Factory for lunch. I mean it doesn’t get any better than that!

Vacation also means that I’ll have more time for reading, which makes me super happy. It’s hot in Central NY this week. It was in the 90’s all weekend, and will remain that way for a bit. With no A/C in our house, it gets a little old real fast. But, what better way to kick the hot blues then by reading. If you have any winter books that will take my mind off this hot weather, I welcome them 😉

Today I’m excited to share Kelly Goshorn’s new book, A Love Restored. It is fabulous you guys. I hope you check it out! And psssst…if you come back Wednesday, you’ll get to see A Day in the life of someone very near and dear to Kelly’s heart!

 

ABOUT THE BOOK
Click to purchase

 

With pert opinions and a less-than-perfect figure, Ruth Ann Sutton doesn’t measure up to Society’s vision of a perfect lady. When she accepts a position teaching in a Freedman’s School, it threatens the only marriage offer Ruth Ann is likely to receive. She’s forced to choose between life as a lonely spinster or reinventing herself to secure a respectable proposal.

 

Determined to rise above his meager beginnings, Benjamin Coulter’s reputation as a fast learner and hard worker earns him the opportunity to apprentice with a surveyor for the railroad—a position that will garner the respect he craves. After a chance encounter with Ruth Ann Sutton, Benjamin is smitten with her pretty face, quick wit, and feisty personality. When others ridicule his choice, will Benjamin listen to his heart or put ambition first?

 

 

 

MY PERSPECTIVE

There are so many things I enjoyed about this story. The characters were well written, even the secondary ones. They all had an integral part in the story, and Ms. Goshorn made sure to weave them into my heart like they were just part of the family – good and bad. The pace of the story was great. I never felt bored or tired, nor did I feel that the blossoming romance wasn’t happening fast enough. In fact, I liked the way it was written because it felt more natural and realistic. Some people like a couple to immediately get together, but I am not one of them! Plus the story had excitement. About three quarters of the way in something big happens – sorry not giving any spoilers away. Let me say this – I was on the edge of my seat. I was scared for Ruth Ann, Benjamin, and all the others. And I did not let anything interfere with me reading past that section and to the very end. But, there is one particular thing about this book that totally took my breath away.

Ruth Ann. The story could have been dull, but quite honestly I still would have enjoyed it because of Ruth Ann. She is my favorite heroine of the year. Why? Because I felt like I was her, or could have been her if I lived back then. First of all, she was not some skinny, beautiful heroine. She had curves, was a little big boned if you will, and men still found her attractive. Being a larger woman myself, I long to have stories that have a curvy heroine in them. The thing about Ruth Ann was that she didn’t let her curviness define her like so many women do. She was just Ruth Ann. Spunky, stubborn, opinionated, caring, loving, and not afraid to stand up for what she felt was right. I loved that she was a teacher at Freedman’s School – I would have done the same. Back then it was frowned upon of course, but she didn’t care. She did what was right, and I found that to be so inspiring. When things got tough, she didn’t run away. When her mama wanted to force her into a marriage of convenience, she didn’t back down. She had plenty of struggles, especially with a parent that seems to constantly demean you. But she got through them. She was so easy to relate to, even though she was from a different time period. We all have similar struggles in our life. Ruth Ann showed wonderful growth as I continued to read, and by the end she was the character I had hoped she would transform into.

Ms. Goshorn has written a wonderful novel that is worth reading. It provides great attention to detail as far as the historic end, well rounded characters, faith, exciting scenes, and yes – the romance we all want to read about. I cannot wait to see what stories come next from Kelly Goshorn. She is an author to keep your eye on!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

 

ABOUT KELLY GOSHORN

Kelly Goshorn

Kelly Goshorn weaves her affinity for history and her passion for God into uplifting stories of love, faith and family set in nineteenth century America. Kelly earned a B.A. in Social Studies Education from Messiah College and an M.Ed. in History Education from The Pennsylvania State University. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America. Her debut novel, A Love Restored, received recognition as the winner of the 2015 COTT Olympia Contest and as a semi-finalist in the 2015 ACFW Genesis contest.

Kelly has been enjoying her own happily-ever-after with her husband and best friend, Mike, for 28 years. Together they have raised three children, four cats, two dogs, a turtle, a guinea pig, a gecko, and countless hamsters. Thankfully not all at the same time. When she is not writing, Kelly enjoys spending time with her young adult children, scrapbooking with friends, board gaming with her husband, and spoiling her Welsh corgi, Levi.

12 responses to “A Love Restored Review!

  1. Ellie

    I really enjoy escape rooms! I hope you have a refreshing vacation. 🙂

  2. Hi Jessica,
    I’m so glad that you enjoyed Ben and Ruth Ann’s story. I’m not sure if you know this, but it is based on my real-life romance with my husband, Mike. When you said that “She is my favorite heroine of the year.” I cried. I’m truly humbled and hope that Ruth Ann and this story will minister to the hearts of all women who struggle with the image they see when they look in the mirror. I’m looking forward to returning on Wednesday and introducing my “sweet friend” to your readers!

    • Jessica

      Kelly, I am so glad I got the opportunity to read this book. Thank you so much!!! I can’t wait to see what you have next. wink wink

  3. I totally enjoyed this novel as well! I love Ruth Ann. And I was pleasantly surprised by the quality if writing from a debut author. I will definitely be looking for more from Kelly. Thanks for sharing a great review.

  4. The more I read about this, the more I want to read it! I just ordered! Congrats on the release, Kelly, and thanks for another great review, Jessica!

  5. I’m really looking forward to reading the story. For one, I’m a curvy girl also! Plus I keep reading such wonderful things about this book!! Thank you, Jessica for your lovely review!