Customer Reviews

Rekindled (Fountain Creek Chronicles, Book 1)

5 star:		(36)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

If rating's were given by how many times one reaches for tissues while reading a story this would garner an even dozen! I thought my heart would break several times with the pure poetry of heartfelt emotions this debut author evoked in this absolutely marvelous love story!

Kathryn and Larson Jennings, fell in love; lost one another; then through enormous trials of faith, rediscovered the truest meaning of God's love. Kathryn had, for the last ten years, wed for better or worse and loved Larson deeply even though the marriage hadn't quite live up to what she'd expected. Kathryn had come from wealth and Larson wanted to give her the life he felt she deserved but with each failure he felt less and less worthy of that love. While Larson loved Kathryn with his whole being, the issues he'd never dealt with of growing up with a mother who raised him in a brothel left a lingering distrust of his beautiful wife (basically women in general) .

As both struggled with the daily trials of making a success of their ranch, a tragic and crushing act of violence led them down paths that would see them rediscovering their faith in the Lord and ultimately to find their way back to one another. Along the way each would be touched by the `friends' God sent along their way of rediscovery to give them a second chance at love.

*** Tamera Alexander has penned an OUTSTANDING debut lyrically rich in life's lessons and faith in God's love featuring two very likeable protagonists. Generously peopled with memorable secondary characters this reader will be anxious to see the future books planned in this series of the Fountain Creek Chronicles. This is a novel that should easily find it's way into your hearts and onto your keeper shelves!

Rekindled is a rare & delightful love story. While most romances (which I greatly enjoy) are stories of people meeting and falling in love, Tamera Alexander takes a different, refreshing direction. She pulls us deep into the lives of Kathryn and Larson Jennings, a couple married for ten years, and shows how God can take love even deeper--"rekindling" it--even when every outward sign indicates their love, and marriage, are over. This was an amazing first novel, and I greatly look forward to reading more compelling stories from Tamera.

Kathryn Jennings loves her husband, but life's disappointments have weighed her down. When Larson disappears one night, Kathryn doesn't know what to think. She fights to save their ranch, but discovers Larson had a secret that nearly destroys her efforts. Larson Jennings cannot separate his present from his past. His continual struggle toward overcoming his past threatens his marriage and his life. Faced with an unexpected trial, Kathryn and Larson must each choose whether or not they will accept the other, not as they see themselves, but as God sees them. Their future together hinges on whether they can rebuild shattered trust even when circumstances scream that renewed faith in each other is unwarranted.

Tamera Alexander displays innate writing talent with her well-crafted first novel. Alexander skillfully weaves an excellent tale using historical details and well-developed characters that seem like real people, reminding us of the depth of God's forgiveness and love. I can't wait to read her next novel, Revealed, due out in November 2006.

I really wanted to like this book. Ms. Alexander did an excellent job, especially at the beginning, of showing that the characters loved one another but couldn't really achieve intimacy.
But I think she just expected too much of the reader after that. Would someone in the 18th century really hire a woman who was visibly pregnant to be a housekeeper if there were rumors circulating about her? Especially since she had no references, other than, presumably, having a housekeeper when she was growing up? Most servants back then weren't married at all, much less "widowed" and pregnant. Who would have taken care of the child while she worked? And wasn't it unwise of her to be employed by someone who made it clear he wanted her sexually?
Then there is the issue of Larson not coming out and saying "Hey, it's me." If this was because he was angry, he would not have pursued her. It just didn't make sense, and it went on too long. I felt that she was asking a bit much of my imagination.

M*A*S*H re-runs...either you love'em or hate them. I am a M*A*S*H junkie. Each night, Hallmark channel airs reruns for two hours. I really appreciate the un-canned acting and well-written dialogue--the clever puns and witty repartee. And I watch all two hours barring interruptions or an early morning.

Tamera Alexander's first book, Rekindled, is also a play on words, and I appreciate the sincerity with which it is done.

Ten years ago, Kathryn Jennings turned her back on family and wealth when she vowed to wed for better or for worse. As she and Larson move to the Colorado Territory, she sometimes feels it was for worse. But one stormy Christmas Eve, Larson disappears. As she continues to believe Larson is alive, she struggles to keep their dream of a home and ranch alive in his absence. Her struggle brings her to the seamier side of town where her guardian angel, a ranch hand named Gabe, and Annabelle, a local prostitute, keep an eye on her.

Rekindled plays on the disaster that keeps Larson away for so long, the journey he takes to real faith, and the love that grows between Kathryn and Larson through absence and adversity.

Armchair Interviews says: Bethany House Publishers has done well in publishing this first-time novelist. We hope to see more of writing in the near future.

but then maybe Christian romance isn't my genre. I have read & enjoyed series that I thought were in this category (Red River of the North by Lauraine Spelling & Chronicles of the Kings by Lynn Austin) but I guess this one leans much more heavily toward the romance side. It made me gag a little.

Kathryn Jennings made her vows for better or worse. In a childless marriage with an emotionally unavailable husband, she thought she was living the worse until her whole world turns upside down.

Widowed and pregnant, she discovers a hidden treasure in a deeply scarred man who loves her like she's always longed to be loved. I read this book in two days. I simply couldn't put it down. What a wonderful story of faith and restoration. I can hardly wait to read book 2.

My MIL read it and said, "I don't know how anyone could ever say a bad thing about this book. It's the best book I've read in years."

I was a little hesitant to read her books but I could not put it down once I got started on this book. True love wins in the end and it's so amazing how much these characters went through and had so much faith in God. I felt for them and was cheering the characters on. After all, who likes a sad ending?

Just when I think I have read most of the possible plots, along comes an author like Tamara and presto, a new twist.

Kathryn and Larson start the book in a 10 year, if sometimes shaky marriage relationship, but then, on Christmas day, he disappears.....for several months. The one desire of her heart is to have a baby which has not happened. Larson feels less than a man because he cannot father her child, but inherently, he distrusts women as a whole due to a horrible childhood.

Through a series of understandable mistakes, Larson is declared dead and she buries him. Just then, he returns and she does not recognize him, and is walking along arm in arm with his ranch foreman.....and obviously pregnant. Larson is furious that she did not wait, but fell right to the arms and bed of a dear friend.

This is a story of lasting love, how misunderstandings can almost kill the future of a whole family, and how the Bible and love of God can make all things different. I picked up book two today...and don't dare open it or my monthend bookwork will NEVER GET done! Thanks Tamara

"Rekindled" is one of the best written books I've read. Ms. Alexander's characters are true to form and very realistic. I found it difficult to put this book down, as did one of my friends whom I loaned it to after I was finished reading it. I am looking forward to reading "Revealed" and the third book in the Fountain Creek Chronicles series as well. Ms. Alexander brings this story to life and includes an excellent insight into the characters' faith. As a matter of fact, her own strong faith shows through in her writing. This book is a must for any book collection!