Dual time period novels - The Restoration Trilogy
When Jennifer Rushmore accepts a brooding bachelor’s job offer to act as coordinator for the restoration of his family’s historic doctor’s house (White), apothecary (Widow), and log cabin (Warrior) in a rural Georgia community, little does she know it’s her own heart that will undergo the greatest renovation. Three stories. Three centuries. Three lessons on the healing of the heart. And one buried mystery that threatens their redemption.
*Originally published by Canterbury House and now indie re-released through Amazon.*
White:
As historic preservationist Jennifer and brooding bachelor Michael restore his ancestors’ historic doctor’s residence in a rural Georgia community, they uncover the 1920s-era prejudice and secrets that caused Michael’s branch to fall off the family tree. Recent graduate Jennifer is determined to fulfill her first professional position with integrity even if her employer lacks a proper appreciation of history. Far more challenging—and sinister—than the social landscape of Hermon are the strange accidents hinting that someone doesn’t want them on the Dunham property. Yet Michael’s and Jennifer’s own pasts pose the biggest obstacles to laying a fresh foundation of family and community.
Widow:
Jennifer Rushmore has overseen the restoration of Michael Johnson's ancestors’ doctor’s house long enough to work through their initial differences. Now the apothecary shop discloses a heart-breaking tale circa 1870 Georgia, shaking loose Jennifer’s own carefully suppressed past. She fears that when Michael sees beyond her façade, her tentative steps toward trust and love may disintegrate into rubble. On her journey to forgiveness, Jennifer draws on her new faith and friendships, even as the mysterious accidents clouding her first preservation job escalate into imminent danger.
Warrior:
Having restored Michael Johnson’s ancestors’ house and apothecary shop and begun applying the lessons of family and forgiveness unearthed from the past, Jennifer Rushmore expects to complete her first preservation job with the simple relocation of a log home. But as her crew reconstructs the 1787 cabin, home to the first Dunham doctor, attacks on those involved throw suspicion on neighbors and friends alike. And while Jennifer has trusted God and Michael with the pain of her past, it appears Michael’s been keeping his own secrets. Will she use a dream job offer from Savannah as an escape, or will a haunting tale from a Colonial diary convince her to rely on the faithfulness of his love?
The inspiration …
The Durham Doctor's Office/Apothecary is considered the "crown jewel" of the National Register-listed Durham property in Maxeys, Georgia, which inspired The Restoration Trilogy when it was restored by Denise's parents. Architectural features date the building to around 1840. The Victorian porch was added in 1877.
The first room is striking and merits the name "apothecary" because of the large green and yellow compounding desk, the curved, horseshoe-shaped walls and graduated, curved, green-trimmed, floor-to-ceiling shelving. The 8'x16' middle room was reported to have been the "doctor's office" where people were seen and treatment was administered. In this room and the back room, the color palate is old soldier blue and chestnut. It is now the service area for coffee, tea and treats. The 16x16' spacious back room was considered the "waiting room" for patients. For a period of time, it was the bachelor's quarters for Dr. Samuel Davis Durham and his brother, William Orlando Durham. At present it is the dining and meeting space for visitors.
It is known that five Durham doctors practiced from this small, quaint building, while one additional Durham doctor was born and raised in the Durham home.
The Durham House and Apothecary
The property Denise’s parents restored outside Athens, Georgia, that provided inspiration for The Restoration Trilogy …
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