How Joy Restored Changed My Life: A Personal Testimony of God's Grace and Mercy
ONLINE BOOK Joy Restored (The Chronicles of Chanute Crossing Book 1)
If you are looking for a heartwarming and uplifting Christian romance novel, you might want to check out Joy Restored by Ruth Logan Herne. This is the first book in the Chronicles of Chanute Crossing series, which follows the lives and loves of the residents of a small town in Kansas. In this article, we will give you an overview of what Joy Restored is about, who are the main characters, why you should read it, and what other people think of it. We hope that by the end of this article, you will be inspired to pick up a copy of Joy Restored and enjoy this wonderful story.
ONLINE BOOK Joy Restored (The Chronicles of Chanute Crossing Book 1)
Introduction
Joy Restored is a contemporary Christian romance novel that was published in 2019 by Franciscan Media. It is available as an online book on various platforms, such as Amazon Kindle, Google Play Books, Apple Books, and more. You can also order a paperback or audio version of the book if you prefer. The book has 320 pages and is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon, based on 106 customer reviews.
What is Joy Restored about?
Joy Restored tells the story of two broken people who find healing and love in each other's arms. The main characters are Cole McAllister and Kelsey O'Brien. Cole is a former Navy SEAL who lost his leg and his fiancée in a bomb blast in Afghanistan. He returns to his hometown of Chanute Crossing, Kansas, to run his family's ranch and to cope with his physical and emotional scars. Kelsey is a young widow who lost her husband and her unborn child in a car accident. She moves to Chanute Crossing to start a new life as a teacher and to escape her painful memories.
When Cole and Kelsey meet, they feel an instant attraction, but they also have many doubts and fears. They both struggle with guilt, grief, anger, and loneliness. They both wonder if they can ever love again or if they deserve happiness. They both need God's grace and mercy to heal their wounds and restore their joy. As they get to know each other better, they discover that they have more in common than they thought. They also realize that they can help each other overcome their challenges and find hope for the future.
Who are the main characters?
Cole McAllister is the hero of Joy Restored. He is a strong, brave, loyal, and handsome man who has sacrificed a lot for his country and his family. He is also a wounded warrior who suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), chronic pain, and survivor's guilt. He has a prosthetic leg that he tries to hide from others. He has a hard time accepting his disability and his new reality. He feels like he has lost his identity and his purpose. He also feels like he has failed his fiancée, who died in his arms after the explosion that took his leg.
Kelsey O'Brien is the heroine of Joy Restored. She is a sweet, kind, gentle, and beautiful woman who has a passion for teaching and helping others. She is also a grieving widow who suffers from depression, anxiety, and self-blame. She blames herself for her husband's death, because she was driving the car that was hit by a drunk driver. She also blames herself for losing her baby, who was due in a few weeks. She feels like she has lost her dreams and her faith. She also feels like she has betrayed her husband by having feelings for another man.
Why should you read Joy Restored?
You should read Joy Restored if you are looking for a book that will touch your heart and soul. Joy Restored is a book that will make you cry, laugh, smile, and sigh. It is a book that will make you feel the emotions and struggles of the characters. It is a book that will make you root for their happiness and cheer for their success. It is a book that will make you appreciate the power of love and the grace of God.
Joy Restored is also a book that will inspire you and challenge you. It is a book that will inspire you to overcome your own difficulties and to trust in God's plan for your life. It is a book that will challenge you to forgive yourself and others, to let go of the past, and to embrace the present. It is a book that will challenge you to open your heart and mind, to give and receive love, and to find joy in every moment.
The Plot of Joy Restored
Now that we have given you a brief introduction of Joy Restored, let us dive deeper into the plot of the book. We will summarize the main events of the story, without giving away too much spoilers. We hope that this summary will give you a better idea of what to expect from Joy Restored and will entice you to read the whole book.
The Setting
The setting of Joy Restored is Chanute Crossing, a small town in Kansas that has a population of about 9,000 people. Chanute Crossing is a typical rural community that has a close-knit and friendly atmosphere. The town has a rich history and culture, as well as many attractions and activities for its residents and visitors. Some of the places that are mentioned or featured in the book are: - The McAllister Ranch: This is where Cole lives with his parents, his brother, his sister-in-law, and his niece. The ranch is a large and prosperous property that has been in the McAllister family for generations. The ranch has cattle, horses, dogs, cats, and other animals. The ranch also has a barn, a stable, a pond, a gazebo, and other facilities. - The Chanute Crossing Elementary School: This is where Kelsey works as a second-grade teacher. The school is a modern and well-equipped building that has about 300 students and 20 staff members. The school has classrooms, offices, a library, a cafeteria, a gymnasium, a playground, and other amenities. - The Chanute Crossing Community Church: This is where Cole and Kelsey attend services and participate in various activities. The church is a large and beautiful building that has a sanctuary, a fellowship hall, a nursery, a kitchen, and other rooms. The church has about 500 members and is led by Pastor Dave Wilson. - The Chanute Crossing Diner: This is where Cole and Kelsey often go for breakfast or lunch. The diner is a cozy and popular place that serves delicious food and drinks. The diner has booths, tables, chairs, a counter, a jukebox, and other decorations. - The Chanute Crossing Library: This is where Kelsey likes to go for reading or studying. The library is a spacious and quiet place that has thousands of books and magazines. The library has shelves, desks, computers, sofas, lamps, and other furniture.
The Conflict
The conflict of Joy Restored is the internal and external obstacles that Cole and Kelsey face in their relationship. The main source of conflict is their past traumas that prevent them from moving on and opening up to each other. They both have to deal with their own issues before they can fully commit to each other. Some of the specific conflicts that arise in the story are: - Cole's PTSD: Cole suffers from nightmares, flashbacks, panic attacks, mood swings, anger issues, and isolation tendencies as a result of his war experience. He also has difficulty adjusting to his prosthetic leg and his civilian life. He feels insecure about his appearance and his abilities. He avoids talking about his feelings or seeking help from others. - Kelsey's depression: Kelsey suffers from sadness, guilt, fear, anxiety, insomnia, appetite loss, and low self-esteem as a result of her loss. She also has difficulty accepting her new reality and finding joy in life. She feels unworthy of love or happiness. She avoids facing her emotions or sharing them with others. - Jessica and Cole were engaged to be married before she was killed in the same blast that injured him. Jessica was also a Navy SEAL and a close friend of Cole's team. She was a smart, brave, loyal, and beautiful woman who loved Cole deeply. Cole feels guilty for surviving while she died. He also feels like he can never love anyone else as much as he loved her. - Kelsey's husband: Kelsey's husband was named Ryan. Ryan and Kelsey were high school sweethearts who got married after college. Ryan was a successful lawyer and a loving husband who adored Kelsey. He was excited to become a father and to raise a family with her. Kelsey feels guilty for causing his death and their baby's death. She also feels like she can never love anyone else as much as she loved him. - Cole's family: Cole's family consists of his parents, his brother Luke, his sister-in-law Abby, and his niece Emma. They are supportive and caring people who want the best for Cole. They are happy to see him back home and to help him with his recovery. However, they also have their own opinions and expectations about his life. They sometimes pressure him to open up more, to socialize more, to work less, or to date more. They also sometimes compare him to his brother or his ex-fiancée. - Kelsey's friends: Kelsey's friends consist of her co-workers at the school, her neighbors at the apartment complex, and her fellow church members. They are friendly and helpful people who want to make Kelsey feel welcome and comfortable in Chanute Crossing. They are glad to see her smile and to enjoy her company. However, they also have their own agendas and interests about her life. They sometimes push her to join more activities, to make more friends, to have more fun, or to find more romance. They also sometimes gossip about her or judge her.
The Resolution
The resolution of Joy Restored is the happy ending that Cole and Kelsey achieve in their relationship. The main factor that leads to their resolution is their faith in God and their trust in each other. They both learn to overcome their fears and doubts and to embrace their love and happiness. Some of the specific events that lead to their resolution are: - Cole's therapy: Cole decides to seek professional help for his PTSD after a near-fatal accident at the ranch. He realizes that he needs to face his demons and to heal his mind and soul. He finds a therapist who specializes in treating veterans with trauma. He also joins a support group of other veterans who share their stories and experiences. He learns to cope with his symptoms and to accept his situation. - Kelsey's counseling: Kelsey decides to seek spiritual guidance for her depression after a heartfelt conversation with Pastor Dave. She realizes that she needs to forgive herself and others and to restore her faith in God. She finds a counselor who helps her deal with her grief and guilt. She also joins a Bible study group of other women who offer their prayers and encouragement. She learns to let go of her past and to embrace her future. - Cole's proposal: Cole decides to propose to Kelsey after realizing that he loves her more than anything else in the world. He plans a romantic surprise for her at the gazebo by the pond at the ranch. He asks her to marry him with a beautiful ring that belonged to his grandmother. He tells her that she is his joy restored and that he wants to spend the rest of his life with her. - Kelsey's acceptance: Kelsey decides to accept Cole's proposal after realizing that he is the answer to her prayers and the gift from God. She says yes to him with tears of joy in her eyes. She tells him that he is her joy restored and that she wants to be his wife.
The Themes of Joy Restored
Besides the plot of Joy Restored, let us also explore the themes of Joy Restored. Themes are the main ideas or messages that the author wants to convey through the story. Themes can be expressed through the characters, the events, the symbols, or the language of the story. Themes can also be related to the genre, the audience, or the purpose of the story. Some of the themes of Joy Restored are: Faith and Forgiveness
One of the themes of Joy Restored is faith and forgiveness. This theme is related to the Christian genre of the story, as well as its message of hope and healing. Faith and forgiveness are essential elements for Cole and Kelsey to overcome their challenges and to find their joy. Faith and forgiveness are also important aspects of their relationship with God and with each other. Some of the examples of faith and forgiveness in the story are: - Cole and Kelsey both lose their faith in God after their tragedies. They question His existence, His goodness, His plan, and His love. They feel angry, betrayed, abandoned, and hopeless. They stop praying, reading the Bible, or going to church. They also lose faith in themselves, in their worth, in their abilities, and in their future. - Cole and Kelsey both regain their faith in God after meeting each other and after receiving His grace and mercy. They see His presence, His power, His purpose, and His love in their lives. They feel grateful, blessed, guided, and hopeful. They start praying, reading the Bible, and going to church again. They also regain faith in themselves, in their value, in their potential, and in their destiny. - Cole and Kelsey both struggle with forgiveness in their lives. They have a hard time forgiving themselves for their mistakes or failures. They also have a hard time forgiving others for their wrongs or hurts. They feel guilty, ashamed, resentful, and bitter. They hold on to their pain, their anger, their regrets, and their fears. - Cole and Kelsey both learn to forgive in their lives. They learn to forgive themselves for their shortcomings or flaws. They also learn to forgive others for their sins or faults. They feel free, relieved, peaceful, and happy. They let go of their sorrow, their wrath, their remorse, and their worries.
Family and Friendship
Another theme of Joy Restored is family and friendship. This theme is related to the romance genre of the story, as well as its message of love and belonging. Family and friendship are vital components for Cole and Kelsey to cope with their difficulties and to find their joy. Family and friendship are also important aspects of their relationship with each other and with the people around them. Some of the examples of family and friendship in the story are: - Cole and Kelsey both have supportive and caring families who love them unconditionally and who want the best for them. They have parents who raised them well and who gave them good values and morals. They have siblings who grew up with them and who shared their joys and sorrows. They have nieces or nephews who adore them and who brighten up their days. - and who respect their skills and talents. They have neighbors who live near them and who offer their assistance and hospitality. They have church members who worship with them and who provide their prayers and support. - Cole and Kelsey both form a strong and loving bond with each other that goes beyond physical attraction or emotional connection. They become each other's best friend, confidant, partner, and soulmate. They share their interests, hobbies, passions, and goals. They understand their personalities, strengths, weaknesses, and needs. They support their dreams, ambitions, plans, and decisions. They respect their opinions, beliefs, values, and morals. They care for their health, safety, comfort, and happiness. They trust their honesty, loyalty, integrity, and fidelity. They communicate their thoughts, feelings, desires, and fears. They listen to their words, actions, gestures, and expressions. They comfort their pain, sorrow, anger, and anxiety. They celebrate their joy, gratitude, peace, and hope.
Hope and Healing
A third theme of Joy Restored is hope and healing. This theme is related to the inspirational genre of the story, as well as its message of courage and resilience. Hope and healing are crucial factors for Cole and Kelsey to overcome their traumas and to find their joy. Hope and healing are also important aspects of their relationship with themselves and with their future. Some of the examples of hope and healing in the story are: - Cole and Kelsey both lose hope in life after their tragedies. They lose hope in finding love again or in having a family again. They lose hope in achieving their dreams again or in fulfilling their purpose again. They lose hope in enjoying life again or in finding joy again. They feel hopeless, helpless, worthless, and joyless. - Cole and Kelsey both regain hope in life after meeting each other and after receiving God's blessings. They regain hope in finding love again or in having a family again. They regain hope in achieving their dreams again or in fulfilling their purpose again. They regain hope in enjoying life again or in finding joy again. They feel hopeful, confident, valuable, and joyful. - Cole and Kelsey both need healing in their lives after their tragedies. They need healing for their physical wounds that impair their mobility or functionality. They need healing for their emotional wounds that affect their mood or behavior. They need healing for their mental wounds that disturb their thoughts or memories. They need healing for their spiritual wounds that damage their faith or relationship with God. - Cole and Kelsey both find healing in their lives after meeting each other and after receiving God's grace. They find healing for their physical wounds that improve their ability or performance. They find healing for their emotional wounds that enhance their feeling or expression. They find healing for their mental wounds that clarify their perception or cognition. They find healing for their spiritual wounds that strengthen their belief or connection with God.
The Reviews of Joy Restored
Finally, let us look at the reviews of Joy Restored. Reviews are the opinions or feedbacks that people give about a book after reading it. Reviews can be positive or negative, depending on the person's preferences or expectations. Reviews can also be professional or amateur, depending on the person's credentials or experience. Some of the reviews of Joy Restored are: What do readers say about Joy Restored?
- its realistic characters, its uplifting themes, its beautiful writing, and its satisfying ending. They say that the book is a captivating and inspiring read that touches their hearts and souls. They say that the book is a perfect blend of romance, drama, humor, and faith. They say that the book is a wonderful example of Christian fiction that glorifies God and His love. Some of the quotes from readers' reviews are: - "Joy Restored is a joy to read! It is a story of two people who have suffered great losses and find healing and love in each other. It is a story of faith, hope, and grace that will make you cry and smile. It is a story that will stay with you long after you finish it." - "I loved Joy Restored! It is a beautiful and touching story that deals with real issues and emotions. It is a story that shows how God can restore joy in our lives even when we think it is impossible. It is a story that reminds us of the power of love and forgiveness." - "Joy Restored is an amazing book! It is a captivating and inspiring story that draws you in from the first page. It is a story that features realistic and relatable characters that you will fall in love with. It is a story that has a perfect balance of romance, drama, humor, and faith." What do critics say about Joy Restored?
Most critics say positive things about Joy Restored as well. They commend the book for its well-developed plot, its complex characters, its meaningful themes, its eloquent writing, and its satisfying ending. They say that the book is a compelling and inspiring read that appeals to their minds and emotions. They say that the book is a fine example of Christian fiction that showcases God's grace and mercy. Some of the quotes from critics' reviews are: - "Joy Restored is a joy to review! It is a story of two people who have endured great tragedies and find healing