“Fairy tales are more than true; not because they tell us that dragons exist, but because they tell us that dragons can be beaten.” ― G.K. Chesterton

Saturday, August 18, 2018

A Sweet Romance with Lots of History-"A Love Restored" by Kelly Goshorn-Review




Book Blurb:

She was nothing like the woman he’d envisioned for his bride, but he was everything she’d ever dreamed of—until a promise from his past threatened their future.

 Twenty-year old Ruth Ann Sutton doesn’t measure up to society’s vision of a perfect lady. She would rather read Jules Verne or teach Negro children to read and write than join the Women’s Benevolent Aid Society or practice her voice lessons. Her pert opinions and less than perfect figure keep many suitors away. When Ruth Ann accepts a position teaching at the new Freedman’s School, it threatens the only marriage offer she is likely to receive. Should she risk life as a lonely spinster or reinvent herself to accept a proposal from a man she does not love?

Determined to rise above his meager beginnings, Benjamin Coulter’s reputation as a fast learner and hard worker earn him the opportunity to apprentice with a surveyor for the railroad—a position that will garner the respect of other men. All he needs now is a woman to share his promising future. When Benjamin has a chance encounter with Ruth Ann Sutton, he 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 Review:


A Love Restored by Kelly Goshorn is a historical romance set in 1870s Virginia during the Reconstruction Era in the United States.  Readers will love the heroine, Ruth Ann, as she is very relatable.  It’s nice to have a main character that is flawed and struggles with different issues.  Ruth Ann wrestles with body image and self-worth.  She is on the heavier side and wants to be loved and accepted for who she is.  I think every woman will be able to relate in some way to her struggles.
 
There are so many great lessons in this story!  Ruth Ann teaches at a Freedman’s School and deals with a lot of racism.  Through her dealings with racism the lesson is taught that people should think more about what they have in common than focusing on their differences.  And throughout there’s also the message about body image, self-worth and learning to love who you are.  The heart is what matters the most and we shouldn’t compare ourselves to others. 

If you’re looking for a historical romance filled with faith content, this is the book for you!  Ms. Goshorn has written a wonderful debut!

Content:  I would put this book in the edgy Christian fiction category and give it a PG-13 rating.  Some examples of the content are: the word Negro is used in historical context; mentions of a woman’s curves and bosom and a man trying not to look at them; a man smokes a cigar and another chews tobacco; men make alcohol and play poker; a bit of physical abuse; a man has slept with a woman he’s not married to; a man attempts to physically assault a woman; some scenes are a little steamy as the couple tries to resist temptation.

Rating: I give this book 4 stars!

Genre: Christian fiction; Historical; Romance

I want to thank Kelly Goshorn and Prism Book Group for the complimentary copy of this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I express in this review are my own. This is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR 16, Part 255.


 


Author Bio: 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. 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 27 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.

 You can connect with Kelly on:
Her website: http://kellygoshorn.com/
 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kelly.j.goshorn/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KellyGoshorn

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/KellyGoshorn/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kellyjgoshorn/



1 comment:

  1. Hi Megan, Thank you for reviewing A Love Restored. I'm so glad you enjoyed the story!

    ReplyDelete