Restored Grace by Kathleen J. Robison is the second book in her Bay Town series. I have not yet read the first book in the series, but I did not feel I was missing any information as I read the book, although I am sure I probably was.
Main character Carol has some things in her past that she is trying to overcome. Readers do not know what as the story opens but things are gradually revealed through the plot. As the story opens Carol meets a teen girl in a drug store whom she suspects is being trafficked. Her concern for this girl overshadows her life throughout the book. As the story continues readers learn what Carol has done in the past and is currently doing for those who have been trafficked. Carol also learns she doesn’t have to (and maybe shouldn’t) always handle everything herself. It is okay (sometimes best) to ask for help.
I found Author Robison’s handling of a delicate subject, human trafficking, to be very tasteful and acceptable. The book is written in such a way that I would not hesitate to share it with teen girls.
There is also an element of romance in Restored Grace. How Carol handles this romance in the face of her past gives readers something to consider for their own lives.
Robison also includes the theme of reconciliation in Restored Grace. I don’t want to give away any big plot points, but Carol does experience grace and reconciliation in her life, some of which comes about in a surprising way. If you know someone who is hurting from past mistakes, Carol’s family and friends may give you some ideas of how to help those people.
The book is almost 300 pages in length. The characters and plot pulled me in, making this a “can’t put it down” contemporary novel. I recommend Restored Grace to any who enjoy a little bit of suspense in their contemporary fiction.
I received a complimentary copy of Restored Grace. This is my honest review.
