The Transformation: A Project Restoration Novel (Project Restoration Series) [Paperback]

Terri Kraus (Author)

Book Description

Series: Project Restoration Series | Publication Date: September 1, 2009

Can a good, hard-working Christian man disregard his cultural and religious admonitions—as well as his mother’s plans for his life—for the love of a woman and an historic church building?

Oliver Barnett is a good contractor, a good Christian, and an obedient son, never in trouble, never one to rock the boat … until real estate developer Samantha Cohen enters his life. Samantha, full of life, vitality, and wit, is unlike any woman he has ever known—in more ways than one. Not only is she planning to transform an historic church near downtown Pittsburgh into a restaurant/nightclub, but she is Jewish and has a less-than-innocent past. Oliver finds himself in a most unsettling dilemma. Does he do what’s right by the nice girl his mother has chosen for him, or does he do what his heart is telling him to do?

 

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Oliver Barnett is a good contractor, a good Christian, and an obedient son, never in trouble, never one to rock the boat … until real estate developer Samantha Cohen enters his life. Samantha, full of life, vitality, and wit, is unlike any woman he has ever known—in more ways than one. Not only is she planning to transform an historic church near downtown Pittsburgh into a restaurant/nightclub, she is Jewish and she has a less-than-innocent past. Oliver finds himself in a most unsettling dilemma. Does he do what’s right by the nice girl his mother has chosen for him, or does he do what his heart is telling him to do?

About the Author

After nine co-authored books with her husband Jim, Terri Kraus, has added her award-winning interior designer's eye to her world of fiction. She comes to the Restoration series naturally, having survived the remodel, renovation and restoration of three separate residences. She makes her home in Wheaton, IL, with her husband, son Elliot, schnauzer Rufus and Siberian cat Petey.

Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: David C. Cook; New edition (September 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0781448670
• ISBN-13: 978-0781448673
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,204,694 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

View the video trailer of THE TRANSFORMATIION: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20gAyOtf8Ck

After eleven co-authored books with husband, Jim, Terri Kraus has added her award-winning interior designer's eye to her world of fiction. She comes to the Project Restoration series naturally, having survived the remodel, renovation, and restoration of three separate personal residences, along with those of her clients. She makes her home in Wheaton, Illinois, USA, with her husband, son, Elliot, miniature schnauzer, Rufus, and Siberian cat, Petey.
Along with being a practicing designer, Terri taught interior design at the college level for 10 years, and was a director of women's ministries for six years. She has traveled extensively throughout Europe, the South Pacific and the Caribbean, and loves exploring Chicago with her family. Her monthly book club is in its 14th year. She enjoys music, photography and all things Italian and British. Terri is a member of the Redbud Writers Guild.

Visit Terri Kraus at her website: www.terrikraus.com to connect to her blog.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The Transformation by Terri Kraus, October 9, 2009

By 

C. Kendall - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Transformation: A Project Restoration Novel (Project Restoration Series) (Paperback)

I'm not really sure where to begin here. This book took me by surprise. I don't know what I was expecting this book to be, but the back cover synopsis just did not do this book justice. There was so much more to this intense, and at times, dark story. I'm not really sure where to begin here. This book took me by surprise. I don't know what I was expecting this book to be, but the back cover synopsis just did not do this book justice. There was so much more to this intense, and at times, dark story. The darkness gave way to the light and ended on a positive and happy note.

One of the most striking things about this book is all the detail. The author really took her time writing this book, at least that is how it felt as I was reading it. All the details about the project and decorations made it easy to visualize the setting and the feeling of the Blue Church. I loved how that church felt and the transformations that took place there. The Transformation is a very appropriate title for this book.

There is a lot of theology in this book which made reading it a wonderful Christian experience. I really loved this book, much more than I thought I would. I think anyone who wants to read a book where Jesus is at the center, will appreciate The Transformation.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Transforming Lives, September 2, 2009

By 

D. J. Malone (Georgia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Transformation: A Project Restoration Novel (Project Restoration Series) (Paperback)

The Transformation by Terri Kraus is more than meets the eye. Yes, there is the transformation of a beautiful old church. A beautiful young woman who buys real estate and flips them for a profit has her eye on transforming this church into a restaurant/bar. However, the man she chooses to do this is a man of strong faith and conviction.

During the work on the building they begin to learn more about each other. He finds out that she has a colored past and she discovers he has a strong sense of right and wrong. What they both discover through their transformations - not just the buildings - is that they both have more in common than they would have ever thought. What is that common thread from their past that haunts both of them?

There is an array of characters and each will go through transformations of their own. If you like surprise endings, then you don't want to miss this one.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Beautiful Story of Redemption, August 31, 2009

By 

P. Smith (midwest) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Transformation: A Project Restoration Novel (Project Restoration Series) (Paperback)

The entire theme of this novel is redemption from beginning to end. Nearly all the characters have some need for it. I think that is very reflective of our world today. I liked the way the author treated the issues of past sins and how the church and people in general react to them. Some are too afraid to go there at all, some are very critical, and some let those sins determine the path for the rest of their lives. I think God's mercy is a lot more extensive than many people are willing to extend--even to themselves. I also appreciated the way the author treated the Jewish culture and traditions with respect while still holding fast to the truth.

Samantha, Paula, Oliver, Taller and even Robert the dog, became very real to me as I stepped into these pages and watched not just a building transform--but their lives as well. It's a beautiful reminder of what God can and does do each and every day.