Restoration

by Caron Kamps Widden

Restoration. How do you restore a normal life to a family devastated by the loss of a loved one? When Kathryn, beloved wife of John and devoted mother of Emily and Riley, is killed in a tragic car accident, John must repair his family. Although he and the children seem to be functioning, John knows that their reality is fragile. Being new to the area and far from family and friends only adds to their isolation. Kathryn had been the glue that held the family together. John finds comfort in the old, slightly shabby Victorian house that Kathryn had insisted they buy before she died. It was her idea to restore it and build the family a beautiful home. So John, normally a workaholic chained to his computer, begins the restorations that Kathryn wanted. What he learns as he restores the old house is life changing for himself and his whole family.

228 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 2006

About the author

Caron Kamps Widden is the author of Restoration, a novel and The Lies We Keep, a suspense novel.

Caron has written for literary magazines, newspapers, and most recently for Southern Writers Magazine with a two-part series about her Books Across America tour.

Behind the scenes, in publishing, Caron worked as an editorial assistant for Orange Coast Magazine, and a submissions reader at Zoetrope: All-Story, the award winning literary magazine founded by Francis Ford Coppola.

When writing novels, Caron enjoys exploring the complexities of family relationships. Her stories are rich in emotion and delve deep into the intricate dynamics of love and heartbreak.

She and her husband have lived all over the United States and in Belgium, and recently moved to the mid-Atlantic region for the first time. They have three grown children and a really cute grandchild. Caron loves to read and travel and keeps thinking she needs to get a dog.

Reviews

[Ginger Myrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Restoration tells the tale of a family's struggle to cope with the loss of the one person who binds them together. The story begins with the tragic death of Kathryn, a beloved wife and mother who has undertaken the formidable task of restoring a rundown Victorian to its former glory. The house is left in a state of disrepair, her family shattered, and with such a tragic introduction, the reader wonders how the family can ever move on from there.

Caron Widden has tackled the nearly equally difficult feat of spinning a beautiful story from the shreds of grief and guilt that remain. With clean and flowing prose, she convincingly conveys the quickly fluctuating moods and ever changing emotions that come with such a hardship. The story is subtly and skillfully carried through to a satisfying and touching conclusion with Ms. Widden's signature stamp upon it.

I rarely venture into the contemporary genre but am glad that I took this break from my usual historical fare. I completely enjoyed this book and heartily recommend it to anyone who loves a well crafted tale with genuine and engaging characters. Restoration is very much worth your time and emotional investment. Well done, Caron Kamps Widden! I await your next effort with keen anticipation!

[Denyse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written from a man's perspective, this book is a delightful read. The characters are believable and the story is captivating. This book is a great romance that would be perfect to snuggle up with on a rainy afternoon or on the beach. Go make yourself a cup of tea, find an afghan and grab "Restoration". You won't regret it.