Jaded

I just finished Jaded by Verina Denman the first book it the Mended Heart Series.

As a child, Ruthie was shunned by the local congregation. Thirteen years later, Ruthie’s heart begins to stir when an attractive single preacher arrives. But their relationship is bitterly opposed—unearthing a string of secrets which threaten to turn the church, the town, and her world upside-down.

Jaded is the rare novel that is both love story between a woman and man ... and God and His church. Plunging deep into the waters of shame, forgiveness and restoration, it will resonate with every woman who’s experienced a loss of heart ... and a thirst for hope.

This is a really good book.  Ruthie is born and raised in Trapp a small town in West Texas.  Like all small towns news travels fast.  When the town's new minister, Dodd Cummingham, moves to town everyone starts talking.  Not only is he younger and expected he moves in with his mom and younger brother.  Ruthie catches is eye from the beginning and the more she sees him the less she wants to.  Ruthie's family has been shunned from the church and most everyone in the town.  She's been ignored and talked about behind her back so much she has a negative attitude about everything.  Dodd befriends Ruthie's cousin JohnScott and soon has him baptized.  This puts a huge strain on Ruthie and JohnScott's relationship.  Will exposing the town's secrets bring the town together or break it more apart?