What do you think?
Rate this book
Ruthie
YOUNG LOVE FOUND.
In 1970, seventeen-year-old Ruthie Arnold found the love of her life. Six months later, she lost him to the horror and confusion of war. With Elliott missing and presumed dead, Ruthie had no choice but to go on—carrying regrets and secrets she never dared tell another soul. Even though she eventually built a good life with a good man, the decisions she made in her youth haunt her.
THE RAVAGES OF WAR.
When Elliot Drake returned to the states in 1975, he searched for Ruthie. He found her—happily married and expecting a child. Though it broke his heart, he never contacted her. What good would it do to insert himself into her life after she’d moved on without him?
CAN GOD HEAL THE WOUNDS THAT TIME HASN’T TOUCHED?
A chance meeting forty-five years later brings a widowed Ruthie Gates back into Elliott’s life. He’s convinced that God orchestrated their reunion. Ruthie isn’t so sure. If she follows where her heart is leading, she’ll have to be honest about events that she’s never shared with anyone. Her secrets could drive a wedge between her and everyone she holds dear, including the man she never stopped loving.
Family
Second chances
Found family
Secrets
Mature love and loss
In 1970, seventeen-year-old Ruthie Arnold found the love of her life. Six months later, she lost him to the horror and confusion of war. With Elliott missing and presumed dead, Ruthie had no choice but to go on—carrying regrets and secrets she never dared tell another soul. Even though she eventually built a good life with a good man, the decisions she made in her youth haunt her.
THE RAVAGES OF WAR.
When Elliot Drake returned to the states in 1975, he searched for Ruthie. He found her—happily married and expecting a child. Though it broke his heart, he never contacted her. What good would it do to insert himself into her life after she’d moved on without him?
CAN GOD HEAL THE WOUNDS THAT TIME HASN’T TOUCHED?
A chance meeting forty-five years later brings a widowed Ruthie Gates back into Elliott’s life. He’s convinced that God orchestrated their reunion. Ruthie isn’t so sure. If she follows where her heart is leading, she’ll have to be honest about events that she’s never shared with anyone. Her secrets could drive a wedge between her and everyone she holds dear, including the man she never stopped loving.
Family
Second chances
Found family
Secrets
Mature love and loss
214 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 30, 2024
12 people are currently reading
8 people want to read
About the author
Sharon Srock
44 books299 followersSmall-town Oklahoma and the friendships they produce are embedded in Sharon Srock’s heart. After spending her first fifteen years on the move, living in fourteen homes and attending thirteen schools, she landed in a tiny central Oklahoma community and made it her own. As someone who’s been blessed to be a part of the same hometown church for more than five decades, Sharon writes stories of hope built from her own unique perspective—stories that demonstrate a sisterhood formed not by blood but by heart, where ordinary women are able to do extraordinary things thanks to the friends who surround them and the faith that pulls them through. Sharon still lives in the middle of nowhere, Oklahoma, with her husband and three very large dogs. When she isn’t writing, she loves to read, cook, and travel. One of these days, she’s going to figure out how to do all three at the same time.
Sign up for Sharon's newsletter
Visit Sharon’s website: www.sharonsrock.com..
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SharonSrock/
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...
Please visit her AMAZON page to find current info on her books: http://www.amazon.com/Sharon-Srock/e/...
Sign up for Sharon's newsletter
Visit Sharon’s website: www.sharonsrock.com..
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SharonSrock/
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...
Please visit her AMAZON page to find current info on her books: http://www.amazon.com/Sharon-Srock/e/...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
April 21, 2024
Ruthie’s story is nothing short of spectacular. I’ve admired her throughout the Crafted with Love series and getting to know her more in depth and her background story, wow! All the feels, emotions on each page, happy, sad, buried in tears, Ruthie shares her heart and battles life’s situations like no other. Her courage, her determination, her strength touched my heart in many ways and I ached for her. But seeing how her motherly love shined through, this story is one you don’t want to miss. So well written! Loved it.
May 14, 2024
Amazing
These books brings life and reality to difficult circumstances. How many of us have been there? I love the way Christian principles and truths permeate the story.
These books brings life and reality to difficult circumstances. How many of us have been there? I love the way Christian principles and truths permeate the story.
April 13, 2024
Ruthie
A story that didn’t take me long to read. The book kept my attention from start to finish. I loved reading a book where the main characters were close to my age. Ruthie and Elliott was teenagers and in love. Elliott went missing in the war. When he comes back, she is married. They meet again years later. Things have changed in Ruthie life. With secrets and family against them, will they be able to survive? Read and find out.
I am loving this series. I am ready for the next one in the series.
I received an advanced copy of the book from the author. This book review is my own opinion.
A story that didn’t take me long to read. The book kept my attention from start to finish. I loved reading a book where the main characters were close to my age. Ruthie and Elliott was teenagers and in love. Elliott went missing in the war. When he comes back, she is married. They meet again years later. Things have changed in Ruthie life. With secrets and family against them, will they be able to survive? Read and find out.
I am loving this series. I am ready for the next one in the series.
I received an advanced copy of the book from the author. This book review is my own opinion.
April 8, 2024
I always love visiting Garfield. It’s great to connect with the ladies there. This time with 70 year old Ruthie and her first love. What a rollercoaster ride. Second chance romance, concerned family members, unexpected events and trips…the list could go on and on. Be sure to get your copy and as always have your tissues ready
May 4, 2024
As soon as I opened up my kindle, I was immediately drawn back to one of my favourite fictional communities of Garfield. Ruthie started absolutely beautifully. Being a foodie, the food talk got me all excited... And hungry... And what a suspenseful way to end chapter one! I would definitely have continued if it wasn't already 01h20 am.
Ruthie captures a love story which dates back to the war days - so it ofcourse does not come without any heartache - yet it shows the rekindled romance in a modern relatable setting. It is so refreshing to read a story of the older generation finding love (again) and witnessing them experiencing and overcoming all the feelings we always read happening in the younger generations or with young love. Once again, Sharon does an amazing job of beautifully sharing Ruthie's story with her readers.
I was enjoying this story so much I can't believe when it suddenly ended... But knowing Cami is on the way I am sure there will be lots of more of Ruthie and Elliot.
"God is not only the Prince of Peace, but the Prince of the Pieces. Whatever we’ve managed to break, He can put back together again if we’ll let Him."
I received a complimentary ebook of Ruthie from the author and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Ruthie captures a love story which dates back to the war days - so it ofcourse does not come without any heartache - yet it shows the rekindled romance in a modern relatable setting. It is so refreshing to read a story of the older generation finding love (again) and witnessing them experiencing and overcoming all the feelings we always read happening in the younger generations or with young love. Once again, Sharon does an amazing job of beautifully sharing Ruthie's story with her readers.
I was enjoying this story so much I can't believe when it suddenly ended... But knowing Cami is on the way I am sure there will be lots of more of Ruthie and Elliot.
"God is not only the Prince of Peace, but the Prince of the Pieces. Whatever we’ve managed to break, He can put back together again if we’ll let Him."
I received a complimentary ebook of Ruthie from the author and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
April 30, 2024
Author Sharon Srock's character-driven books delve into the deep richness found in strong friendships, in God-honoring romance, and in a close relationship with God. Ruthie, the 7th in the Crafted with Love series, does not disappoint. The sweetness of this late-in-life romance between Ruthie and Elliott will cause you to smile with contentment. You will need a tissue or two because there are some heart-rending moments as well. One of my many favorite quotes from the book is "We both need to remember that God is not only the Prince of Peace, but the Prince of the Pieces. Whatever we've managed to break, He can put back together again if we'll let Him. And when He's done, it'll be stronger than it ever could have been." I was thrilled to find out that there is at least one more in this series. Cami comes out in October! I highly recommend this book to readers of clean romance, to Christian romance readers, and to readers that enjoy reading about strong friendships.
I received a complimentary copy and am sharing my opinion about this very well-written book.
I received a complimentary copy and am sharing my opinion about this very well-written book.
May 5, 2024
Sharon doesn't fail again in this book about Ruthie. It was good to see glimpses of the Crafted with Love ladies that we have read in previous books. Sharon brings such warmth, love, excitement and a little adventure with each book. Ruthie is an older lady in her 70's who has met up with her long lost love. They were teenagers when he went off to war and she thought he had died. Elliott had a hard time in the service. He was in a prison camp and literally watched one of his friends/soldiers get killed while they were at the prison camp. He blames himself for 50 years that he should have/could have done something to save his life. By chance Ruthie and Elliott meet on a cruise ship and rekindle their lost love. Become engaged and plan to get married, but obstacles always seem to get in their way. Loss comes back into their lives and can they handle the past that has now come into their future together. Also can they deal with this new news? Sharon allowed me to read this book for my honest review. Great read!
April 17, 2024
What do you do when you loose the love of your life? For Ruthie and Elliot, you reluctantly move on with your lives. However, there are regrets that may haunt you. A chance meeting 45 years later brings back all of the old feelings plus some pangs of guilt. Will Ruthie and Elliot be able to pick up where they left off? Or will secrets of the past come pouring down on them in a chance reunion? And what does the future really hold when one must face the fight of their life?
I love returning to Garfield and all of the old friends. These women embody the friendships that many of us strive for in our lives. They have helped one another through all weathers of life. I always look forward to a new story in this series. Sharon Srock really develops her characters and storylines that are not only real to life but draw the reader to turn the pages. I received and ARC copy. A review was not required.
I love returning to Garfield and all of the old friends. These women embody the friendships that many of us strive for in our lives. They have helped one another through all weathers of life. I always look forward to a new story in this series. Sharon Srock really develops her characters and storylines that are not only real to life but draw the reader to turn the pages. I received and ARC copy. A review was not required.
April 27, 2024
From the moment I picked up this book, I fell in love with Ruthie and Elliott and their story. I could especially identify with Ruthie since she’s my age. From the beginning, Ruthie faced one challenge after another and tried to deal with her problems as best as she could. I love the way she carries on conversations with God as He comforts her and provides direction in her life. Elliott, too, is growing in his faith and trusts in God when things get tough. Reading a book that shows real people going through life with a relationship with God provides a good example of how faith works in our lives.
This was a tough book to read. Ruthie was forced to open up to her family and friends about her past. She had some difficult decisions to make and strained relationships to resolve. It’s hard to say too much without giving away “spoilers.” I shed a lot of tears while reading this touching story. I’m looking forward to reading Cami, the next book in this series.
This was a tough book to read. Ruthie was forced to open up to her family and friends about her past. She had some difficult decisions to make and strained relationships to resolve. It’s hard to say too much without giving away “spoilers.” I shed a lot of tears while reading this touching story. I’m looking forward to reading Cami, the next book in this series.
June 26, 2024
I started this book thinking I wouldn't finish it tonight but I did it was amazing
Life is always a series of ups and downs and this author brought it to the focal point of this book. You get happy moments and you get sad moments and together they make a life. The characters were so realistic I felt like I knew every 1 of them and could visualize them what they look like and sound like even.. The problems that go on in this book Problems that a solar people run into And it's hard to look those facts in the face. Not only look those Not only look those facts in the face but to be Realistic about the down Realistic about the downside Realistic about the downside of Realistic about the down side of them. Realistic about the down side of him. I think The younger generation needs to read this book to realize how their parents deal internally with problems.
Life is always a series of ups and downs and this author brought it to the focal point of this book. You get happy moments and you get sad moments and together they make a life. The characters were so realistic I felt like I knew every 1 of them and could visualize them what they look like and sound like even.. The problems that go on in this book Problems that a solar people run into And it's hard to look those facts in the face. Not only look those Not only look those facts in the face but to be Realistic about the down Realistic about the downside Realistic about the downside of Realistic about the down side of them. Realistic about the down side of him. I think The younger generation needs to read this book to realize how their parents deal internally with problems.
April 24, 2024
I fell into this story quickly. The characters are so real I thought I should look for their Facebook profiles and friend them. Nice to read about an older couple, who had been separated by the Vietnam war - putting them more in my own time frame. Interesting family twists and a wonderful close-knit group who love and support each other through everything. Some serious life challenges, great faith filled moments.
I received this book free from the author and publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
#Ruthie #SharonSrock #ChristianFiction #womensfiction #inspirationalfiction #contemporaryfiction #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #BreastCancerAwareness
I received this book free from the author and publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
#Ruthie #SharonSrock #ChristianFiction #womensfiction #inspirationalfiction #contemporaryfiction #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #BreastCancerAwareness
May 29, 2024
Ruthie by Sharon Srock
Crafted with Love Series Book Seven
Ruthie Gates, the eldest member of Crafted with Love, has news to share. At almost seventy, she’s found love again. Her friends are thrilled for her. Yet, not everything is going as smoothly as it could.
Elliott Drake’s life had been a mix of good and bad. He lived during a time when young men his age were being drafted for the Vietnam War with no choice. And things went downhill from there. But, once he reconnected with Ruthie, things were going well until they weren’t.
A very emotional story with ups and downs. Real-life issues. Another great story in this series.
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...
Crafted with Love Series Book Seven
Ruthie Gates, the eldest member of Crafted with Love, has news to share. At almost seventy, she’s found love again. Her friends are thrilled for her. Yet, not everything is going as smoothly as it could.
Elliott Drake’s life had been a mix of good and bad. He lived during a time when young men his age were being drafted for the Vietnam War with no choice. And things went downhill from there. But, once he reconnected with Ruthie, things were going well until they weren’t.
A very emotional story with ups and downs. Real-life issues. Another great story in this series.
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...
April 26, 2024
Ruthie is another wonderful story of the ladies of Garfield, Oklahoma. After the death of her husband, Ruthie has reconnected with her first love, Elliott, who she was told had died in Viet Nam. One of Ruthie's daughters has a difficult time accepting the engagement of her "old" mother! When Ruthie learns that she has an adult granddaughter, she must tell her whole story to Elliott, her children and her friends. You will be wondering how life will turn out for Ruthie when another shocking problem happens. Ms. Srock handles this touching story wonderfully. I recommend this great story to everyone. I received a complimentary e-book from the author. This is my honest opinion.
April 12, 2024
Ruthie has helped her friends through difficult times in their lives. Now, one of her friends has a secret that is also part of a secret Ruthie has been keeping for many years from everyone in her life. She’s not sure what her friends, family and her former high school sweetheart who she has reconnected with will think when her secret comes out but she knows it’s time to be free of the secret. This book has faith, second chances, forgiveness , healing and love. This is one you don’t want to miss!
April 16, 2025
Wow
What a page-turning, gut-churning, intensely emotive story. Really liked Elliott. Must admit, Sadie pushed every one of my buttons. Wanted to smack her!
I liked the statement on Jesus being not just our Prince of Peace but
"the Prince of the Pieces. Whatever we’ve managed to break, He can put back together again if we’ll let Him."
The story graphically illustrates, life is unpredictable. Only God know what He is doing and why. Our part is to trust and obey Him. A truly poignant story. Glad I can read Cami's story after it. Makes more sense now.
What a page-turning, gut-churning, intensely emotive story. Really liked Elliott. Must admit, Sadie pushed every one of my buttons. Wanted to smack her!
I liked the statement on Jesus being not just our Prince of Peace but
"the Prince of the Pieces. Whatever we’ve managed to break, He can put back together again if we’ll let Him."
The story graphically illustrates, life is unpredictable. Only God know what He is doing and why. Our part is to trust and obey Him. A truly poignant story. Glad I can read Cami's story after it. Makes more sense now.
April 8, 2024
I love this series set in Garfield, Oklahoma. Ruthie has some surprises in store for her friends and family. As a 70 year old widow, she stays quite busy. Her crafting friends always have her back and look up to her. Will that remain true when her surprises are revealed? I highly recommend this series.
April 15, 2024
In this book you will read about two people in love who are separated by war, reported being missing during the war. Ruthie and Elliott’s story will have you on the edge of your seat waiting to see what happens next. Ruthie is shocked when Cami tells her mom. Ruthie is getting ready to marry her best friend from 50 years ago. You won’t be able to stop reading this book.
April 30, 2024
This is a beautifully written second chance romance that is full of emotions. It's full of hope, inspiration, family drama, and a twist that I didn't see coming. It will keep you turning the pages to see what happens next. I loved everything about this book!
I received a complimentary copy and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own
I received a complimentary copy and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own
May 1, 2024
Powerful, love in adversity-excellent!
Wow, although a short read, this book has a powerful message of faith and God’s love even in adversity. Some tears, but joy too. Surprises! I love the close knit group of Crafters in small town, OK. These ladies love and pray for their friends. These stories are the best! Looking forward to the next book!
Wow, although a short read, this book has a powerful message of faith and God’s love even in adversity. Some tears, but joy too. Surprises! I love the close knit group of Crafters in small town, OK. These ladies love and pray for their friends. These stories are the best! Looking forward to the next book!
May 22, 2024
Ruthie and Elliott
Ruthie had 3 children with her husband whom died about 3 or 4 months ago. Ruthie and Elliott had been in love and Elliott was drafted for the Army in the Vietnam War. Let’s just say we all remember the draft, the deaths etc. Little did Ruthie know that Elliott was alive. Read read read now. You will need tissue.
Ruthie had 3 children with her husband whom died about 3 or 4 months ago. Ruthie and Elliott had been in love and Elliott was drafted for the Army in the Vietnam War. Let’s just say we all remember the draft, the deaths etc. Little did Ruthie know that Elliott was alive. Read read read now. You will need tissue.
February 17, 2025
Ruthie
You are never too old for love. This no so told that story so well. Not just romance, but family and friends. Through it all God our Father is faithful and strong. He holds us through our messes a d .mistakes, and shines his light to give us joy, no matter what circumstances we are in. All of this was told beautifully in this novel.
You are never too old for love. This no so told that story so well. Not just romance, but family and friends. Through it all God our Father is faithful and strong. He holds us through our messes a d .mistakes, and shines his light to give us joy, no matter what circumstances we are in. All of this was told beautifully in this novel.
May 1, 2024
Another wonderful book by Sharon Srock!
Wow! I think that with every book I read by Sharon I get more and more drawn in to her stories. She has a way with words! So much reality and so much Godly advice!
Wow! I think that with every book I read by Sharon I get more and more drawn in to her stories. She has a way with words! So much reality and so much Godly advice!
May 11, 2024
Great book
Sharon Srock is wonderful author, and this series is one of her best. Her character development makes you feel like you know the characters. Great story line with twists and turns you don't expect. You will love this book!!
Sharon Srock is wonderful author, and this series is one of her best. Her character development makes you feel like you know the characters. Great story line with twists and turns you don't expect. You will love this book!!
May 25, 2024
Gray hair romance
Fifty years later he finds her again. Spectacular story for so many perspectives but most definitely God centered. I appreciated the counseling role of the pastor, and the prayers support of the crafting ladies.
Fifty years later he finds her again. Spectacular story for so many perspectives but most definitely God centered. I appreciated the counseling role of the pastor, and the prayers support of the crafting ladies.
June 19, 2024
50 years later
It always seemed in previous stories that Ruthie had a hard secret. A lot of things come to light in this one, and these characters have The Light to guide them. I can’t wait to read Cami’s story!
It always seemed in previous stories that Ruthie had a hard secret. A lot of things come to light in this one, and these characters have The Light to guide them. I can’t wait to read Cami’s story!
July 4, 2024
Ruthie
I'm so enjoying this series and all the wonderful characters. Getting to know each characters lives and what their story unfolds is inspiring and uplifting. I hope you check this series out and happy reading.
I'm so enjoying this series and all the wonderful characters. Getting to know each characters lives and what their story unfolds is inspiring and uplifting. I hope you check this series out and happy reading.
April 22, 2024
Sharon Srock hits all the feels with this book. I have been waiting on Ruthie's story for a while now but I wasn't expecting this. Just when things are beginning to look like she will get her fairy-tale HEA, she gets hit hard by life! And I'm not talking about "getting a flat tire on the way to church" hard. Secrets and regrets from long ago come up to haunt her and trying to reconcile her past with her plans for the future might be a feat beyond her capabilities. And her future is not nearly as promising as it once was. This story will certainly resonate with her older readers.
May 3, 2024
This is an amazing story about second chances and the power of God. This is a very well written emotional read - you will find yourself cheering Ruthie on, laughing, and crying along with her. I highly recommend adding this to your “to read” list!!
June 29, 2024
Incredible and intense.
What a wonderful series and this one seemed more intense than the others.
I highly recommend it and you won't be disappointed.
What a wonderful series and this one seemed more intense than the others.
I highly recommend it and you won't be disappointed.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews