Ruth 1

I feel it was only appropriate that the Book of Ruth was not included in the Book of Judges but it's own record.  Where the Book of Judges seems to be much of a record of potential faithful leaders that arose in times of conflict and war, the Book of Ruth is the record of a true love story during that period.  Not only a "romantic" love story, but a true story of love between family and relationships.

The first demonstration of love is in the relationship of a mother (Naomi) and her daughter-in-law (Ruth).  Ruth's love and commitment after much tribulation and hardship is shown as Naomi allows her to return to her people, but -

"...Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God:
17 Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me."  (Old Testament | Ruth 1:16 - 17)

The story is a story of much kindness and commitment one to another.