The Renovation: A Project Restoration Novel

by Terri Kraus

Book Overview

Ethan may be able to rebuild old houses, but he's watching his relationship with his son crumble before his eyes. Can Cameron, the new girl in town, help him save it? This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0781448468
• ISBN13: 9780781448468
• Release Date: March 2008
• Publisher: David C Cook
• Length: 337 Pages
• Weight: 0.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.6" x 8.3"

Customer Reviews

Not A Romance But A Love Story

More than a little pleasantly surprised. Inside are real characters with real personalities. Not some Barbie doll romantics where boyfriend and girlfriend are so perfect it makes you want to gag. No these are real people who act real. A man who berates his child in front of the woman he's dating. The boy who walks away from the scolding parent. In addition to home restoration, this book's central theme is forgiveness. This isn't a romance. It's a love story. God's love for us and how we extend that love to others through forgiveness just as He has forgiven us. Oh some things about Ethan I couldn't stand. He wants his way on a job site even though it's not his property and he is the contractor. He thinks things should remain the same. And that's his prerogative but not his home. His living in the past extends to other things as well.

Love, loss and forgiveness in a faith setting

I had never heard of this author and haven't had the pleasure of reading the books authored by her and her huband. I will be reading those now that I have read this one. This is a wonderful story or love, loss and forgiveness in a faith setting. The author does an exemplary job of weaving the renovation of a house with the "renovation" of peoples' lives in this masterful story. I can't wait for Book 2. I am particular about the authors I read. The books I choose have to be well-written, have a good story line, good character development and keep me wanting more. This book did all that a more. I highly recommend this book.

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I selected this book for review initially because of the intriguing title. I very much admire old houses and the process of rebuilding and restoring them. My dad was a carpenter, and I will always remember helping him hold boards to cut, the smell of freshly cut wood, frequent trips to the lumber yard and going with him to help others with their building projects. The author has a very good grasp of the English language, and in reading the book, I was happy to learn the meaning of some words that I had never heard before, such as 'pellucid', which means 'very clear'. I love new words! At the beginning of each new chapter, the author used a couple of quotes relating to forgiveness, which is the main theme of the story. A couple of my favorite quotes from the book are: 'When one door closes, another opens; but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us." (Alexander Graham Bell) "To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you." (Philip Yancey) This story is not so unlike a similar story running through each one of our lives, though perhaps in a different setting. We all have things in our past that we would like to forget, as well as things (and people) that we are determined not to forgive. We cannot go forward with any measure of peace and growth until we face the truth head on, however prickly and painful that may be, and deal with it. Then we can find out who it is that God intended for us each to be and proceed in that direction in His grace. This is the theme of the story, and it is eloquently and compassionately written. I can relate to the characters because I possess similar traits as they do, and have tackled some serious forgiveness issues in my life as well. I think that people from all walks of life could read this book and glean some valuable insights into the importance and freedom of forgiveness. We all need forgiveness, and we all need to be forgiven. Although Terri Kraus has co-authored nine other books with her husband Jim Kraus, this is her first solo attempt, and it is incredibly well thought out and written. This is titled as 'A Project Restoration Novel', so I hope this means that this is a new series with more books in the works. Take the time - read this book - I guarantee it is well worth your investment. There is hope of freedom in forgiveness here for all of us!

Inspirational Fiction Standout! Great writing, great message!

Lose yourself and find yourself in this compelling story set in Franklin, Pennsylvania. Wonderfully descriptive writing (far superior than most inspirational fiction) with well-developed characters, this story of Ethan WIllis's struggle to find forgiveness and freedom from the memories of tragic events in his past will keep you turning the pages. Against the backdrop of the renovation of the historic Carter Mansion, we see Ethan's relationship with his teenage son restored and how Cameron, a young newspaper reporter who struggles with her own past secrets, becomes the catalyst in their journey. With sensitivity, humor and compassion, Kraus gives us a insider's glimpse into the world of historic home restoration, and weaves this unforgettable story of faith renewed. Can't wait to see where she takes us in the next book in the series!

A Kraus Fiction Fan, not disappointed yet!

As a fan of authors Jim and Terri Kraus, this book by Terri writing solo lives up to the great quality of fiction I've come to expect. Wonderfully moving story, memorable characters, fine writing style. I'm recommending it to all my friends--especially those in need of the message of forgiveness, the theme of this book, which is so well-done without being "preachy". And as an avid HGTV viewer, I loved the unique setting/tie-in to the renovation of historic houses. This thoroughly enjoyable book could only have been written so authentically by someone intimately familiar with the whole restoration process. The next two books in the series can't come fast enough for me! Would make an excellent choice for a book club.