Reviewer: Trudy Smith
Title: Rekindled - #1 in the Fountain Creek Chronicles Series
Author: Tamera Alexander
Publisher: Bethany House
ISBN: 0-7642-0108-5
Release Date: March 2006
Genre/Sub-genre: Inspirational Historical Romance
Year/Setting: 1868/Colorado Territory
Overall rating: 5.0
Sexual content rating: None, it’s implied and there’s occasional kissing
Language (profanity) rating: None
Tamera's Website:
www.tameraalexander.com
Kathryn and Larson Jennings’ 10 year marriage had it’s ups and downs. Individually they struggled as Larson had trust issues and Kathryn had high expectations of her husband as well as desires to have a child. In addition, they have had difficulties with their ranch. Both Kathryn and Larson hope their love pulls them through.
Larson leaves for a "business" trip that Kathryn knows nothing about. It’s during this trip that Larson experiences physical, mental and spiritual changes in his life.
Before he reaches his destination, circumstances trap Larson in a fire. Larson is nursed back to life by good God-fearing people that have seen their share of life’s challenges. Over the next 5 months, Isaiah and Abby nurse Larson’s body but more importantly show him that the Lord loves him and has a plan for his life.
Meanwhile, Kathryn can’t imagine where Larson has gone and more importantly why he hasn’t returned. Eventually she discovers she’s pregnant and can’t wait to share with Larson when he comes home. Months go by and Kathryn has ranch troubles and money troubles but continues to pray for Larson and his safe return as well as seeking His help in keeping the ranch. Matt Taylor, their ranch foreman and several new friends help Kathryn during this time when circumstances cause her to have to find a job – or two.
Five months later Kathryn is told that her husband’s body has been found. Though devastated, Kathryn doesn’t "feel" he’s gone but it was Larson’s coat they found with the body. It’s during the graveside service for Larson that he rides into town. Larson can’t believe he’s seeing his own funeral. One of the biggest hurts is when he sees Kathryn is pregnant and assumes that it’s not his baby. Perhaps it’s Matt Taylor’s; after all they look pretty close. Physically scarred by the fire, Larson isn’t recognized and he eventually ends up working with Kathryn on a nearby prospering ranch.
Larson’s assumptions keep him from telling his wife who he is and he feels betrayed. Kathryn’s assumptions of people around her due to their circumstances cause her to re-evaluate her thinking and come to some realizations about her husband though now she can’t tell him. God works with both Larson and Kathryn to not assume as all is not always what it seems. They realize He loves His children no matter what. But can Larson move beyond the feelings of assuming Kathryn would never want a physically scarred man and will Kathryn finally convince him that God doesn’t see the physical body but sees the heart?
Only thing I can say is that I loved Rekindled. I was hooked from page one. Tamera Alexander paints the scenes so vividly you think you’re there watching the story unfold. She gives depth to the story as well as her characters both primary and secondary that keep you turning the pages. I could hardly wait for my next opportunity to pick up where I left off.
Tears came when Larson was caught in the fire and during his suffering afterwards. I wanted to give him a big hug and tell him it will be OK. And the heartbreak Kathryn was suffering not knowing where her husband was, I wanted to be there and tell her he’s still alive. There was also joy when she discovered she was pregnant and then ultimately when she discovered that Larson was still alive. Some of the secondary characters may take you back a bit but it’s these characters that teach some of the spiritual lessons needed for both Kathryn and Larson. I loved Gabe.. You might even say this gentle man was their guardian angel.
Ms. Alexander has a way of weaving scriptures and the spiritual struggles we all have on a daily basis throughout the story. The glimpse we get into their spiritual life and how they come to terms with circumstances and situations gave me something to think about. Several things I hope to learn from this story are: leave things in God’s hands, seek Him daily and let Him lead you in everything you do and things are not always what they seem.
The only thing I found a bit confusing were parts of the Prologue is repeated later in the story. Confusion doesn’t last long as the story continues and keeps you transfixed, turning the pages as fast as you can.
I know you’ll enjoy Rekindled as much as I did. This is truly an inspirational story. I hope I can keep the spiritual lessons in my heart and live them knowing that "nothing will snatch me from Your hands".
Trudy
P.S. I can’t wait to read Book 2 of the Fountain Creek Chronicles.
Question or comment regarding the review or the book? Click here and let Trudy know.
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