His Love Revealed

Welcome to Ruby #2

by Cynthia Herron

Will revelations of the past hijack their future?

Since childhood, Ida Mae Hoscutt, the beloved proprietress of the Come and Get It Diner, has loved Charles “Chuck” Farrow from afar. Now on the eve of her thirty-ninth birthday with no marriage proposal in sight, Ida Mae mourns past mistakes and contemplates a makeover. When a radio commercial wrenches Ida Mae’s heart, will a sudden turn of events sabotage her chance for happiness or will a long-held secret be the answer to love ever-after?

As Ida Mae’s right-hand man at the Come and Get It, Chuck yearns to shift gears and start over. He’s ready to shelve bachelorhood and blunders in favor of possibilities and new beginnings. When he prepares to move forward, two things challenge his objective. One is the father who walked away and never looked back. The other? A decades-old question that only Ida Mae can answer.

And Ida Mae isn’t talking.

Genres: Romance, Christian Fiction

301 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2020

About the author

As an avid encourager and lover of the underdog, Cynthia writes Heartfelt, Homespun Fiction from the beautiful Midwest. She is the author of Her Hope Discovered and the award-winning Welcome to Ruby series.

“Cindy” has a degree in psychology and a background in social work. She is a member of ACFW and RWA. She is a 2020 Selah Award Winner, a 2020 Selah Award Double-Finalist, a 2017 ACFW Genesis Finalist, a 2016 ACFW Genesis Double-Finalist, and a 2015 ACFW First Impressions Winner. Her work is represented by WordServe Literary.

Besides writing, Cindy has a fondness for vintage cookbooks, old movie classics, and the Missouri Ozarks. She enjoys adventure, traveling, and meeting new friends and learning their stories.

Cindy loves to connect with friends at her online home. She also hangs out on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.
For love, fun, and encouragement ~
Sign up for Cindy’s monthly e-NEWSLETTERS.

Reviews

[Oceana Reads Co. · Rating 4 out of 5]

So good!
I ended up really enjoying the relationship and the tough life issues that both characters had and worked through. I felt a little annoyed that the characters acted immature with their feelings, but at the same time, I get it. It’s normal.
Clean romance. Recommend!

[Sherida Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was completely immersed in the depth of this small-town romance!

With our second visit to the close knit Ozark community of Ruby, we learn Ida Mae Hoscutt, owner of the Come and Get It Diner, wanted more than companionship with her friend from childhood, Chuck Farrow, who is the chef at her establishment. Since their early attraction, many years have passed with only a business relationship between them. This story tugs at your heartstrings as Ida Mae and Chuck reveal their darkest times...certainly not sugarcoated versions. Bad choices may lead to despair, but the grace of second chances can overcome past mistakes. Will this couple find the strength of forgiveness and trust to find their delayed happily ever after?


Author Cynthia Herron offers readers delicious views of this beloved town through her word imagery.....“the sky overhead was a robin’s egg blue and the treetops were doused in lemon and scarlet.” Also just the right amount of homespun wisdom is peppered throughout the book, and the various town folks add spicy touches to the story. And the food delights! After all, this story features a popular local eating establishment, and the author does not disappoint. Pumpkin cheesecake, chocolate fudge, apple pie, cherry chocolate cake, and a mug of hot cocoa which sounds divine. My foodie heart is content!

With a whoosh of hope and a smattering of happy tears, the ending is definitely “feel good” because amazing details are revealed to provide a restorative conclusion to this beautiful love story.

A couple of favorite quotes: “Our confidence isn’t found in people, things, or circumstances, but in Christ who shapes outcomes according to His will, plan, and purpose.”

“It’s never too late for transformation. The Author of grace teaches us that.”

[Ebosereme Nwamu · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are so many reasons this story won my affection; it is a friends to more story or should I say friends who never acted on their feelings, a story about two people advanced in age fall in love and a story with a diner setting in it.

Ida Mae and Chuck shared a bond that was rare and seldomly experienced by others.
Mea and Chuck have know each other for decades and had each others hearts but never did anything about it. I admired how Chuck treated her with so much care and love and I loved how beautifully they worked together in Come And Get It diner.

Mea was living a life of regrets that greatly affected her present. It was sad to see how the wrong choices of her past followed her into the present. I loved reading about the journey where Ida Mae came to accept that God's love is the answer to the mistakes of her past.

Chuck had baggage from his childhood that soiled his adulthood but I so much loved the wonderful work God did in him. I loved the man he became despite his pains.

"Risks - healthy ones - sometimes recrafted a future."

This book was a beautiful illustration of God's restoration. I love the character's outlook on life despite the valleys and mountain top experiences they went through. This book was a beautiful illustration of God-is-not-done-with-you-yet. I loved how the author took her time to ease us into the book.

It was so captivated and heart gripping that I read it in one sitting.

I received a copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ruby, Missouri is the quintessential small town. Where everyone knows everyone, everyone cares about everyone, and everyone takes care of everyone. I think the setting was my favorite part of this story. This is the kind of town you wish truly existed so you could plan yourself a getaway! And the people of this wonderful little town...perfection! All the characters in this story will worm their way into your heart and become friends. Such wonderful people! Ida Mae and Chuck were fantastic lead characters for this book. They each are holding on to pain and heartache from their past. It was delightful to follow along on their journey to allowing the Holy Spirit to work in their lives and learn forgiveness and honesty. Their friendship to more was a little difficult to read. Having been friends since childhood and now their 40's, is was sad to see how much they let their pasts dictate their adulthood. All in all, I enjoyed this story very much and am looking forward to the last book in this Welcome to Ruby series!

I received a complementary copy of this book from the author. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Emilee]

This is a unique romance for long-time friends (30 years) neither ever married and they work together. They finally reveal their feelings for each and come to terms with life long mistakes. The book is set in the small town of Ruby Missouri in a fun popular diner! Looking forward to the next book in the series!

[Kendra Neal · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book set in a Small Town is always a fun read. I like visiting Small Towns in the Midwest
where I live and the Small Town feel came to life in this book.

Ida Mae Hoscutt is the owner of the local town Diner. She has always been focused on her
Diner, but as she nears her 39th Birthday, she still yearns for LOVE. She wonders if giving
herself a makeover will help her find love. Chuck works alongside Ida Mae in the diner. He
is wanting to get married, but feels due to abandonment from his father as a child, he is not
"Husband" material. Ida Mae has had a "Secret Crush" on Chuck for a long while, yet has
always been afraid to reveal it to him. Will the 2 take their friendship to another level? Will
they reveal their LOVE for each other and be able to move past the baggage from their own lives?

Cynthia Herron is a new to me Author. His Love Revealed is Book 2 in the Welcome to Ruby
series. I was captivated by the Small Town storyline and how the Diner is the Town Gathering
place. His Love Revealed is a sweet and emotional book, and definitely a book everyone will
enjoy! I am going to go back and read book 1 in this series and looking forward to book 3.
FANTASTIC BOOK!

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall His Love Revealed had a strong plot with relatable characters. Featuring Ida Mae and Chuck who have been close friends since childhood, their happy-ever-after has not turned out exactly the way Ida Mae had hoped. Family history and its painful memories has made Chuck reluctant to marry, afraid he might follow in his father’s footsteps. Ida Mae carries a huge secret that she believes deserves the punishment of living alone the rest of her life.

Ruby, Missouri is one of those towns the reader may well wish truly existed. The Come and Get It Diner alone was enough for me with its mouth watering food and friendly ambience. There are enough food descriptions in this book to make one hungry the entire time she is reading it.

While both characters struggle with their past, it was heart warming to witness the Holy Spirit at work in their lives and the healing that took place. A bit less introspection and more interaction between characters would have been more to my personal preference but its strong message of forgiveness, including forgiving oneself, this book should be well loved by many.

I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by Just Read Publicity. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

[Phyllis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A moving story!

What a pleasure it was returning to the Ozarks through this lovely story of second chances and forgiveness! As I discovered last year in Her Hope Discovered, the first book in the Welcome to Ruby series, author Cynthia Herron has a delightful writing style that brings the people and the beautiful small town of Ruby to life.

I was so touched by this lovely story! I was close to tears more than once. It is heartfelt and heartwarming. I loved the resolutions of the conflicts and was a bit surprised by one of them.

Chuck and Ida's history goes back to their childhood. Best friends since forever, Ida Mae's secret continued to stand between them in addition to the words Chuck spoke as a young man on the cusp of adulthood that were the catalyst of the pain she has carried ever since.

I won't reveal Ida Mae's secret, though I guessed at it from the synopsis and it is revealed early on in the story. I will tell you, however, it ate her up inside due to the guilt and the fear of losing the love and respect of those around her if it were to become known. This was portrayed so clearly that my heart ached for her. And it was clear that Chuck would react strongly to it - which he did.

Chuck had his own battles stemming from his childhood when his alcoholic father deserted the family. As tragic as that was, I did love reading about how the entire community stood beside his mother and made sure that they were always provided for!

While His Love Revealed is a romantic love story between a man and a woman, it is also very much a part of the story of His love. Of God's love and faithfulness through all the struggles of our lives. And how He does make everything beautiful in its time. Their faith sustained Ida Mae and Chuck through their difficulties.

If you enjoy small town romances, this is a series you won't want to miss!

Read my full review at Among the Reads


I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.

[Melissa Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing, wonderful! One of the best stories I have read. I didn't want this one to end. A beautiful, inspirational, heartfelt story of a town filled with people who love and care for each other through good times and bad times. Author Cynthia Herron brings characters to life with her writing. The people in the town of Ruby are folks I could know in real life. Down to earth, compassionate and caring. Facing secrets and heartache from the past, Ida Mae and Chuck seek to find their way to happiness. Along the path, life takes twists and turns which allow forgiveness and understanding to begin. Excellent read. I received a complimentary copy of the book. No review was required.

[Mimi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh Ida Mae. She is the main character in His Love Revealed. I liked her so much. She carries the weight of the world on her shoulders with a secret from her past. Speaking of the past she and Chuck go way back to childhood. The fact that they're not married yet is mind boggling. Not only to me, the reader, but also the entire town!

Speaking of Chuck, he's a nice fellow, but seriously slow to pull the trigger. Any trigger. He seems like a puzzle to be figured out, but as the story goes along, you begin to understand the choices he's made. Same with Ida Mae, and I just wanted to hug her throughout the entire story.

A lot of this story takes place in a relatively short period of time, but because of the history of all of the characters in the book, it all seems natural. Sometimes I read a story and I feel like things speed along too quickly, but where we find the characters of His Love Revealed along with how long they've all known each other, we seem to have stumbled upon Chuck and Ida Mae at the perfect moment.

There was such a wide range of emotions throughout this story. Heartbreak for what Ida Mae has been through, the pain Chuck endured as a child, sadness for where they both are in life and what's been missed because of the past, and so on. I do have to admit that I was seriously annoyed with Chuck towards the end of the story.

I have a fondness for stories written about little towns where everyone knows everyone's business. lol It's even better when those people are rooting for you!

I really really enjoyed this story and now have to go back and read book one. That way I'll be all caught up when book 3 comes out.

I do have a spoiler opinion on Ida Mae and Chuck on my blog, but you'll have to go there to read it... if you want.

*I am on Cynthia's launch team. I was sent the ebook as part of the team. This is my opinion.

[Edward Arrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever been caught in the trap of overthinking things? Some of us spend a whole lot of time thinking about situations from so many angles that we often miss what is right in front of us. Much of that thinking may be too closely tied to events in the past that can never be changed, no matter how much we think about them. Living in the past practically never accomplishes anything of value in the present. Chuck kept thinking about his past and had allowed so much of the present to slide on by. We need to learn from the past, no doubt, but we cannot allow it to control our every move going forward. Ida Mae was also allowing her past to define her, although only one other person knew her past. Both of them constantly allowed things from many years ago to keep them stuck. Could Ida Mae reconcile with her past actions? Would Chuck ever move beyond his father abandoning the family when Chuck was only ten years old? I appreciated Edwin Ramsey and the great advice he gave Chuck. He may have been living in a retirement home, but the man had great wisdom and years of experience, plus he had a very close relationship with God. He seemed to understand things that no one else did. Chuck and Ida Mae were quite believable. We probably all know people who exert more energy jumping the hurdles of the past over and over again than they exert moving forward. The big question is whether either of them wanted to get out of the rut they were in badly enough to take a leap of faith. I enjoyed learning the answer to that. I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher. This is my honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

No one would recognize Ruby, Missouri, without the Come And Get It Diner. Its owner, Ida Mae Hoscutt, has a lot going for her—she's a successful business owner, and she's loved by her friends and neighbors. But the story opens on her 39th birthday, and Ida Mae has turned wistful over things that were, and hopes that were never fully realized.

Chuck Farrow had a tough upbringing after his father deserted their family, and he believes this disqualified him from being husband or father material himself. That doesn't mean he hasn't enjoyed a lifetime of friendship with Ida Mae—she's one of the best parts of his life, after all. They've worked together for the past ten years, and he knows people wonder about their relationship. But they're the very best of friends, and that's probably all they ever will be.

Ida Mae can't shake the remembrances this time. The things that forever changed her—yet have been kept quiet. What if her secrets were to be revealed? Would it change her friendship with Chuck? Is he ever going to be ready for something more between them?

I loved this sweet and moving story. You can't help but wish you could make the journey a little easier for Chuck and Ida Mae, though you know the challenges will only make things richer if they can finally communicate what's on their heart. I understood why each hesitated and kept their secrets for as long as they could, and I hurt with each revelation as they came out.

This story starts a little slow, with long thoughtful interludes, but soon picks up the pace. If you're a reader who enjoys character-driven journeys, you'll be delighted by His Love Revealed.

I received my copy of the book from the author. All thoughts in this review are my own.

This review originated at http://reviewsbyerin.dreamwidth.org

[Patti Whitson Stephenson She Lives to Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

Returning to Ruby, Missouri, in this book was like returning home for me. Cynthia Herron has done a fabulous job of creating a small “hometown” in which every reader can feel at home. All of the characters, even the secondary ones, come to life and seem like old friends. After I read this book, I wished I could eat at the “The Come and Get It” Diner, and have a lively conversation with Ida Mae. I’d even like to have a slice of her apple pie.

We follow this story through the viewpoints of the two main characters, Ida Mae and Chuck. They are life-long friends, and work together at Ida Mae’s diner. Ida Mae has loved Chuck since they were teenagers, but Chuck has wanted to keep their relationship at the “ best friends” stage. As Ida Mae celebrates her 39th birthday, she realizes she’s let too many years go by waiting for Chuck to love her back. Both Chuck and Ida Mae have heartbreak and reckless decisions in their pasts. But events are happening that may change the path of their relationship, and will force them to confront the heartaches of the past.

I loved the strong emphasis on trusting God through the difficult times. The themes of forgiving others, forgiving yourself, and seeing the change that redemption brings in a heart makes this an outstanding story. I have to admit that I was reading with tears in my eyes at a couple of points in this book. This book is what Christian fiction should be: inspiring as well as entertaining; heartfelt and hopeful.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

His Love Revealed tells one of my favorite types of stories - friends to more. Ida Mae and Chuck were childhood friends who, for a variety of reasons, never became more than friends (even though at least Ida Mae wanted to). But events set in motion by Ida Mae's 39th birthday party lead Chuck to be open to the possibility of a future with Ida Mae. Both have major regrets, and Ida Mae has a whopper of a secret, but they slowly takes steps toward a romantic relationship.

Overall, I really enjoyed this story! It was nice to read about characters close to my own age, especially ones who had never been married before. I felt like Ida Mae's 39 was pretty accurately described 😉. I also really enjoyed the resolution with both Chuck's father and Ida Mae's secret, and I even teared up a few times near the end of the story.

I did find myself skimming the pages at times; I loved the story, but I wasn't captivated by it. And some of the descriptions of other town people became repetitive, especially in relation to the couple who will be the focus of the next novel in the series. But I definitely enjoyed this novel, and I'll be looking forward to more from Herron. 3-1/2 stars.

Disclosure of material connection: I received this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and the opinions expressed are my own.

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well God certainly reveals His love in this latest book from Cynthia Herron! Ida Mae has everything she could ever want--owning her parents' diner, her friend Chuck back in town, the love of her community--except one thing. Love. Having not read the first book in this series, I still felt I was reading something special. Charming characters, a lovely small town, great chemistry throughout made this story all the more precious and fun page after page.

Also, Ms. Herron knows how to build up excitement and plot twists in a story. They didn't drag on and were executed quite well by the story's end. That made the book as a whole--no pun intended--quite appetizing! Major applause! The only thing missing from this book are the recipes from the meals at The Come and Get It because they made my mouth water. But of course, family recipes are secrets.

Overall, great story and addition to the Welcome to Ruby series! It's not too late to make a pit stop in Ruby, Missouri. So swing on by in this read and enjoy!

I received this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want a great story with a great message this book is for you. It is such a sweet romance story in the making. The main characters are Ida Mae and Chuck. Ida Mae owns the local diner and Chuck works for her but he is also a life long friend. I felt that the book had some surprise's that I didn't see coming, that kept me reading and not wanting to stop when it was time for bed. I love the description of the characters and the town. She writes in such detail that you feel like you are sitting in the diner watching it all unfold. Ruby, Missouri reminds me of the town in the movie Cars; where everyone knows each other and looks out for one another. The story reminds you to rely on Jesus to see you through the hard times and I know that is a reminder I need often.

I love how she writes. Here is a small section that spoke to me: "It struck him that maybe people who loved each other didn't have it all figured out. Maybe folks figured out love as they went along. Scripture guided. Mankind applied it."

I am already looking forward to book three.

I received a complimentary copy of His Love Revealed, but all opinions are my own and a favorable review was not required.

[Cathy Cermele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything I have heard about this author have been positive, so I wanted to find out for myself if I would agree with all of the glowing remarks and reviews, and I wholeheartedly agree. I felt right at home in Ruby, Missouri with Ida Mae and Chuck at The Come and Get It Diner.

Ida Mae and Chuck have been friends since childhood, she has loved him since then and as her 39th birthday approaches, she wants more than that. I was just as perplexed as the next person why these two hadn’t made progress in their relationship until I read more of their story which by the way is amazing. The journey the author takes her readers on is filled with secrets, food, heartaches and a community in a town that I wish existed. Ms. Herron brings her characters to life with her gifted storytelling and I will definitely read more of her work.

I received an e-copy of this book, all opinions expressed are my own.

[Nancy Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of His Love Revealed!
This book will have you riveted to the pages from the first paragraph! The characters, Ida Mae and Chuck are so real and alive that you can’t get enough of them! You feel like you want to hug them and laugh and cry with them! This book is intense, exciting, frustrating but heartwarming and sweet ! Pastor Bill and Sister Sharon are like your own spiritual counselors! You will love them! In fact, You will love everyone you meet in Ruby, MO! The Come and Get It Restaurant feels like a real place, so inviting you want go there and try everything on their fabulous mouth watering menu!!! This book is one of the best reads I’ve ever experienced! It’s a good clean romance you won’t be able to put down!!! Cynthia Herron is truly a talented author!!! I was given an advanced copy of this book.These thoughts are my own opinion and A favorable review was not required!

[Shonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved all of the characters! This book was phenomenal, I was crying happy tears. The author takes you on an unforgettable journey through hurt, loss, forgiveness and love. This story reached into the deepest part of my heart and squeezed until I thought it would burst! Cynthia Herron writes of God’s grace and goodness beyond what any of us can comprehend. A sweet clean romance that comes full circle through so much pain and hurt. His Love Revealed is a book you can read over and over and each time your heart will be close to bursting with joy. This cozy little town with all it’s beautiful community and characters will have you anticipating the next book!
Was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

[Sue Peacock · Rating 5 out of 5]

With His Grace

This second book in the Welcome to Ruby series focuses on Ida Mae and Chuck's long relationship and the barriers that stand between them. The faith-filled message of God's forgiveness and His grace to give us the desires of our hearts extends to Ida Mae's past choices and Chuck's anger from to his father's abandonment. Both main characters deal with years of guilt and how to forgive themselves. The author describes the depth of their friendship and love of thirty years that has survived pain and secrets. The story showed the consequences of poor choices, but God works all things for our good. They finally get their happy ending.

[Amanda H · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a delight to pick up! I enjoyed the small town setting and the Come and Get It Diner. Ida Mae and Chuck are wonderfully written characters that I liked from the get go. Both have had their struggles in life that have left each a bit scarred and scared of marriage. While it's hard not to regret the past with them, I enjoyed this story and the conclusion!

I received this book from Just Reads. This is my honest review.

[Michelle Ferrari-Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

God Does It Best

This is a new to me author and I am completely in love with her style of writing. It is always nice to read stories, or testimonies, of how God works in our lives and holds us up during our struggles.

Our actions and reactions tend to cause ripples around us and overlap with others. This is a journey of love, not just on a human level but also a spiritual one ~

[Maryann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nicely done!

I found myself drawn into the many facets of the small town residents. Real life challenges and blessed encouragement at the bleakest of times.
Liked this more than Ruby#1. Perhaps because I could relate to more...

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome story of Se bod chances

Overcoming past hurts and regrets and allowing God’s love and redemption to heal the hurts and have a wonderful future... Ida Mae and Chuck’s story is a wonderful read filled with love, laughs and tears.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a wonderful story of love, forgiveness, and family. I smiled and ached with the characters and couldn’t read it fast enough to find out what would happen. Cynthia Herron has done another wonderful job with this story. I can’t wait to read the third book in the series!

[Diamondgirl2634 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful

This book if absolutely wonderful. It is an emotional roller coaster. I love this author and how she draws me into the lives of the characters. Highly recommend!

[Barb · Rating 3 out of 5]

A will-they-or-won't-they story of longtime coworkers and friends who harbor secret crushes on each other. Read the first book in the series before starting this one.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

It warmed my heart to make another visit to Ruby, Missouri. It was like catching up with old friends. As a reader, it was fun to sit for a spell at the Come and Get it Diner and watch Chuck and Ida Mae's story unfold. Friends to more is definitely one of my favorite tropes in romance novels and their story was no exception. I appreciated that both of them had wisdom that comes with age and life experiences and it made the story much more realistic to me. It was heart wrenching at times to watch Chuck and Ida Mae wrestle with issues from past relationships, heartaches, secrets, etc. They both had to learn to forgive themselves as well as each other which turned into such a beautiful love story. I would definitely recommend this story for lovers of a heartwarming wholesome romance.

I was given a copy of this novel by the author. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.