The RENEWAL by Terri Kraus

Can something be so broken that even God can’t restore it?

Leslie Ruskin is starting over. She’s left a bad situation and only wants to leave the past behind. Her purchase of the historic Midlands Building is what she hopes to be the key to a new life for her and her five-year-old daughter. To do that though, she needs help. And that comes in the form of another stranger in town, Jack Kenyon.

Jack’s also starting over…and has just as many demons from his past as Leslie does. Together they work to restore the old building. But the past has a way of rearing it’s ugly head as Leslie’s ex-husband suddenly shows up, bringing with him fear and uncertainty. And Jack’s own struggles with depression and alcoholism threaten to destroy everything he’s worked to build.

THE RENEWAL is a compelling story of love and forgiveness. The characters are so quirky and fun you can’t help but wish you could sit down to coffee with them. The storyline is intense and will keep you reading long after you should have gone to bed and leaves you well satisfied when the last page is turned.

But more than that, this book ministered to me in a way I didn’t expect. Leslie’s problems with panic attacks mirror my own, as does her difficult past. Here’s a book that gave me hope and encouragement and strengthened my own walk with God. For those reasons alone, I can’t recommend this book enough. Well done, Terri!