What an easy read. The pages just fly by as you spend time getting to know Ruth Ann. She's a lovely girl, inside and out. People judge others by the way that they look, and can be mean when someone doesn't come up to whatever standards they've set. But many times when they are, it's based on something in themselves that is lacking. Adversity builds strength in those who are abused. Verbal abuse is every bit as bad as physical abuse.
Ruth Ann is from a wealthy family and gives herself to others. It's after the war, she has a soft spot for educating black people. Others in her society and in the community don't like it. Excellent read!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

"Her quiet confidence and inner strength resulted from a deep abiding faith in God that made him a better man just by being with her."

It's not often an author will tackle a heroine who isn't the perfect size. I fully respect Kelly Goshorn for choosing to create Ruth Ann. She created a delightful woman who cannot see her own beauty but instead sees only what others tell her. Her mother fears no one will ever marry Ruth Ann because of her size. Ruthie takes this to heart and struggles deeply with her self image. The theme of self-esteem is one that most women can relate to, and one I found written in a refreshing and respectful way.
Both Ruth Ann and Benjamin have a lesson to learn. We are all created in God's image, and He does not make mistakes. We should be loved for what we have on the inside, our hearts and our minds, not on what the eyes see. Ruth Ann has a sharp mind, a giving heart, and a will strong enough to ensure she can make a difference in the world. Not being able to see that is part of her charm as she remains humble throughout the novel. Learning to love herself, no matter what her outside wrappings, is the greatest gift she could be given.
Ben's mistake, like so many, will haunt him. Words do hurt, even when we like to pretend they don't. His own history has led to a heart of discrimination where size is concerned. What's interesting is that he knows this about himself and recognizes that it is his own fatal flaw and not Ruthie's.
It's also oh so hard to forgive when someone hurts our feelings. Then, after forgiveness comes the decision to trust.
The writing in A Love Restored was beautiful with its prose and movement. The story moved with grace and contained a steady plot where you were not 100% certain you knew what might happen next.
I requested a copy of this book from NetGalley. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

In her debut novel, "A Love Restored", Kelly J. Goshorn has written a great story about love and overcoming self doubts and others opinions. Ruth Ann Sutton isn't your typical society lady. She is not perfect by the days standard and is on the verge of being a spinster. Benjamin Coulter is a hard worker on the rise to a new job opportunities. Even though others ridicule him for his interest in Ruth Ann he is immediately drawn to her. A lovely story about true love. Wonderful characters. I am looking forward to more books by Ms. Goshorn.

I received this book from NetGalley and all opinions are my own.

I looked briefly at the reviews of this book, and the positives are overwhelming. Ruth Ann Sutton is a curvaceous woman with sass, sarcasm, and dry wit. She is also the teacher at the Freedman's school for children of color after the War between the States. She doesn't fit into the societal norms and that sticks in her mother's craw.

Benjamin Coulter is a surveyor for the railroad that is coming through the town where Ruth Ann lives. He meets her while she's bathing in the creek.

This is a formulaic romance by Kelly Goshorn, where boy meets girl, boy gets girl, boy dumps girl, and then boy gets girl back. I just couldn't read the whole book, especially after I read the ending (I do this often and then go back and read the book through--most of the time.) I do not understand how a woman can go back to a man who left her for another woman.....whether they were married or not. I have seen so much hurt in women who have had this happen to them that they were not able to overcome the betrayal. That is why I think this book is not really believable. It's a three star book.

I do want to thank NetGalley.com and the Pelican Publishing Group for allowing me to read and review this book. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

I really liked A Love Restored. I thought it was pretty good. I am going to give it four and a half stars.

I kept hearing so many good things about this book and although it's an older book, I decided to read it. I am so glad I did because I certainly enjoyed it.

I adored Ruth Ann from the beginning. she is not exactly one of the svelte young ladies who seem so popular in many novels, but she is a lovely, strong young woman who believes every person deserves to learn as much as they can and she is not backing down. She faces criticism about her weight and her teaching at Freedman's School but she can face anything because she's a spunky person and I like that about her.
I liked Benjamin, too but it took me awhile to warm up to him but once I did, he became one of my favorite characters.

Overall, I enjoyed this historical novel and will read more from this author.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Please beware - I will be saying the words "I Love" a lot in this review!
This book was a total delight to read!
I Love how this author incorporated several different subject matter into one enjoyable and believable story.
I Love the characters!
Ruth Ann is a 'buxom and curvy' woman, who's figure is larger than what the world in general deems perfect. But she is kind, selfless, and beautiful inside and out. Her love for those around her is evident.
Benjamin is a handsome, kind and determined fellow - and quite romantic when he puts his mind to it. I Love his character. He does makes a bad decision though, but then learns to seek God's will and trust Him for his life and future.
I Love the historical elements this story has - with a bit of what it was like for freed Negros after the civil war.
Ruth Ann has a heart for teaching Negro students in her community. She faces extreme opposition from narrow minded, prejudiced people. But also has strong support from several good people in her community too. There is a very dramatic situation that happens because of her teaching, that had me in suspense for quite a while!

I Love how this author includes the plan of redemption in Jesus Christ in this story - not watered down at all. The threads of forgiveness, trust, and God's unfailing love for us are wonderfully woven into the story.
There are several great supporting characters as well.
Through a lot of emotional turmoil, both Ruth Ann and Benjamin start desiring a closer relationship with the Lord. Both have to learn to trust Him - and that He always has 'their best' at heart, whether it feels like it or not.
The romance is sweet, clean and a little 'sparky'. I loved it!
I was very impressed with this story overall. It is well written, and flows smoothly. I highly recommend it!!

#AloveRestored #NetGalley

Description
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?


Ruth Ann was a character I could really identify with. Her insecurities and trying to please people were aspects of her character that a lot of people could identify with. I also really liked that even though Benjamin made a mistake and tried to smooth things over she did not immediately fall for him, instead she realized that he was shallow and she wanted no part in it. I am glad that they did not get back together at first. it made their relationship more meaningful and more believable.

I received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review. The ideas and thoughts are my own.

A Love Restored is a beautifully written inspirational romance. Great plot character development. If you enjoy a good sweet read I recommend this book. Thanks to the publisher for my advance ebook. This is my unbiased review.

This is a love story but more than a historical story it's about emoticons that some people don't have to face it they aren't pretty or slim,have a lot of friends and boyfriends! Very well written and shows emotions and what this time in history has to offer!! You will love the characters and get to know them well! Get some tissues just in case! Thank you Net Gallery!

A captivating debut novel with a heartfelt historical romance, chock full of emotion and inspiration! Set in 1873 Virginia, the details of the Reconstruction period with the Freedmen's Bureau and westward expansion, sets the stage for some serious drama.

The descriptive writing flowed well, painting a clear picture of how the main characters felt throughout their relationship and the events that affected them. These characters dealt with issues that many can relate to, and offers hope for overcoming trials with faith. This isn't a typical boy meets girl type romance--they go through a lot! The spiritual themes underlying the story brought deep meaning to what they went through: prejudice and hate, forgiveness and restoring trust in relationships, learning to love and accept people as they are, looking past societal norms of beauty to look on the heart. Loved the way the author shows both Ruth Ann and Benjamin learning how to cling to the truth of Scripture to change their thinking, and overcome the negative forces in their lives. Ruth Ann's struggle with her body image, and Benjamin's pride and seeking approval from others, are things many of us struggle with. My heart broke along with Ruth Ann's. Love the verses that helped remind her that she was loved and not abandoned.

Recommend to mature readers who enjoy a deeper faith based romance. I will be looking forward to more of this promising author's work. 4.5 stars

A Love Restored is a beautiful story about a girl and her self image. Being a larger or "plump" woman she hasn't had a lot of attention from men. Ruth Ann gets a proposal from James, but she knows he doesn't love her, he just has political aspirations, and a marriage to her would be good for his political career. But she meets Benjamin, and they make a special connection, until he messes things up. Then he has to work at it to win her back. I enjoyed this story very much, and it has a great ending!