Restored Hope by Brenda Youngerman

When I receive a book the first thing I do is to look at the front cover and then read the back cover.  When I looked at the front cover on this book, the real photo and font of the title and author's name reminded me of the self-help books I've viewed over the years.

I guess, in a way, you could consider this a self-help book, but not in the usual sense.  Humor me on this ...

The book is a fictional story and not a factual, psychological self-help book.  The story begins with a family who has it all and receives an increase in blessings.  Just when they reach the pinnacle of their happiness, it all comes tumbling down.  Granted, the "tumbling down" part takes several years to happen, but it happens none the less.

After all the pieces have tumbled and there's nothing but rubble left, there is one lone girl left in the aftermath.  She has to learn how to deal with all of the emotional trauma that has occurred to her.  When she becomes an adult and is living on her own, she becomes reclusive as a way of protecting herself from getting hurt.  During her reclusive state, her dog Snickers introduces her to the man of her dreams.  Together they heal the woman from her past and gives her Restored Hope for her future.

Any woman, or man for that matter, who has dealt with extensive emotional trauma from mental and physical abuse will be able to relate very well to this book.  I believe reading this book will help people to realize the type of situation they're in and will help them to believe that there is hope after abuse (thus the self-help part).  It helps you realize that it's okay to be happy and it's okay to trust people again.

Speaking of abuse ... Domestic abuse usually comes up in conversation when Brenda Youngerman goes out to speak to large groups.  If you'd like to view her thoughts and feedback about domestic abuse, you can visit her website at http://www.brendayoungerman.com/

There is so much more to this book than the emotional abuse that is inflicted on the main character.  It's all about family and the mistakes that are made within families.  It also shows you that it's okay to make mistakes, admit you made them, make amends and move on.  Nobody's perfect and everyone makes mistakes.  The trick is to not let them have so much control over you that you cannot function as an individual.

To view the written interview with this author, please click on the Author Interviews tab at the top of this page.

Happy Reading! =)