When Joe Murphy's wife, Linda, spies an ad for a "beautiful 3-story Victorian house in need of some TLC," the couple jumps at the chance for their dream home. Renovating it will allow them to indulge their passion for antiques and to get closer to an era they believe was a better time. Privately, Joe hopes that the project will also fill the void that has opened within their family life. They embark upon a grueling three-year renovation to restore the house to its former splendor, and everything seems perfect...until the morning Joe awakes to find a horse-drawn milk cart in his driveway and his family inexplicably transported back to the year 1909. Suddenly the Murphys' dream for a simpler time becomes a shocking reality, one in which they will struggle to adapt to turn-of-the-century Iowa while seeking a way to return home. Completely Restored is a unique page-turner of a novel, filled with historical figures and events that help to teach a modern family about the simple joys of life.
Reader Reviews: "An Unassuming Jewel!, Robert Kerr's Completely Restored, starts as a very unassuming book...But Kerr is careful not to turn this into a simple romantic view of the past by interjecting a number of plot arcs which also convey how different the rule of law, child protection, and the limitations of medicine were one hundred years ago...The book evokes a feeling of nostalgia and desire for simpler times while at the same time making one appreciate the things they have today." Todd Fonseca, Minneapolis, MN, Author of The Time Cavern "...obviously a natural story teller and this fact shines through on each page... a 'page turner'...after the first couple of pages into this book, you will be completely hooked and have a difficult time putting it down until the conclusion. Highly recommend this one and highly recommend you put it on your reading list." Don Blankenship, The Ozarks - Amazon.com Top 100 Reviewer "I read the first five pages on the website and you've got me hooked!" Phyllis Pratt, Des Moines, IA "It was nice to read about an American family who cared for each other and which come together, not pull apart, to solve different dilemmas. Robert Kerr seems to have the knack to intertwine suspense with history." Carolyn Strickler, Des Moines, IA "I'm speechless! Completely Restored is great reading for the whole family...I can't wait to read his next one." Pat Wadkins, Grand Island, NE "A fine mix of history, the mystical, and the "ticking clock". The story line and dialogue move at a good pace. A most enjoyable read." B.G., Salina, KS "Charming! Witty! Intelligent! A Mystery with History! Fit For The Twilight Zone! History, mystery and time travel combine to make a charming, witty, and intelligently crafted tale of 'what if...?'" By Gary Val Tenuta, author of The Ezekiel Code "Unique Family Time Travel - Robert Kerr's Completely Restored is a heart-warming part mystery, part time-travel tale of a family in crisis due to unexpected circumstances. As they struggle to adjust to their new lives and try to find a way back home, they also begin to learn more about one another. Although the whole book is interesting, especially for its historical information and characters, the latter chapters pick up speed to a satisfying and unexpected end." By Edie Dykeman - Amazon.com Vine Voice "Kudos for an exciting book about so many wonderful themes--love of family, love of history, love for community!...Once I started reading Completely Restored, I couldn't put the book down. Thanks for a quality book to read during an Iowa blizzard!" Marilyn Dysart, Marshalltown, IA "Mr. Kerr has proven that you can take actual historical events and write a book that is not only enjoyable to read but also leaves you with some actual brain food! Here is one reviewer who is looking forward to Completely Restored...The Movie!" William Wilson, Marshalltown, IA