A Love Restored by Kelly J. Goshorn

     

This historical novel will touch the hearts of many today as more than ever people struggle with issues of self-worth and the power of hurtful words. In her dedication and acknowledgments, the author explains the personal nature of this story, and I applaud her willingness to share it with others whom she does not even know, but who will received encouragement from her responding to God's call on her life.

Ruth Ann Sutton is a woman of many fine qualities. She is pretty, thoughtful, courageous, funny, and smart to name just a few. Unfortunately, all too often she, along with others, fails to look past her generous figure to appreciate all of those positive attributes. Benjamin Coulter is new to town, working for the railroad. He is smitten by Ruth Ann the moment he meets her, but has self-worth issues deeply rooted in his childhood. Will he be able to overlook the comments of his peers and that wounded little boy inside his head in order to pursue a relationship with Ruth Ann? Will she be able to trust her heart to him?

A Love Restored is a very well written story that deals not only with the theme of understanding the influences that impact self-esteem or self-worth, but also the worth of all people as children of God. The author also deals with the importance of standing up for what one believes. This is truly a story for today though set in the 1870's, and I highly recommend it.

I thank Kelly J. Goshorn and the Pelican Book Group for providing me with a copy of A Love Restored in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to write a positive review, and received no monetary compensation.