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Fountain Creek Chronicles #1
Rekindled
At a different time, in a different place, under different circumstances... could two people fall in love once again?
Ten years ago Kathryn Jennings made a vow. For better or worse. And that promise still holds true, even though her marriage has not turned out as she expected. When her husband fails to return home one stormy winter night, she struggles to keep their ranch, but her efforts are blocked at every turn. After a shocking glimpse into her husband's past, Kathryn uncovers a hidden truth. What she wouldn't give to turn back time and be able to love her husband for the man that he was, not for the man she always wanted him to be.
Larson Jennings has spent his entire life running from a broken past, unable to trust, reluctant to try again. One fateful night, his life takes an unexpected twist, and soon he is forced to make a choice. Whatever he chooses, his decision may cost him his life.
Ten years ago Kathryn Jennings made a vow. For better or worse. And that promise still holds true, even though her marriage has not turned out as she expected. When her husband fails to return home one stormy winter night, she struggles to keep their ranch, but her efforts are blocked at every turn. After a shocking glimpse into her husband's past, Kathryn uncovers a hidden truth. What she wouldn't give to turn back time and be able to love her husband for the man that he was, not for the man she always wanted him to be.
Larson Jennings has spent his entire life running from a broken past, unable to trust, reluctant to try again. One fateful night, his life takes an unexpected twist, and soon he is forced to make a choice. Whatever he chooses, his decision may cost him his life.
336 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2006
548 people are currently reading
6525 people want to read
About the author
Tamera Alexander
36 books3,240 followersTamera Alexander is a USA Today bestselling novelist and one of today's most beloved authors of inspirational historical romance and women’s contemporary fiction. While being Gram Tam is her current favorite role, she’ll never turn down a stroll through an old cemetery or browsing through antique shops.
Her books have been awarded numerous industry-leading honors—among them the Christy Award, the RITA Award, the Carol Award, Library Journal's top honors—and have earned the distinction of Publisher's Weekly Starred Reviews. In 2020 she was inducted into the Christy Award Hall of Fame which recognizes authors for their legacy and contribution to Christian fiction. Her deeply drawn characters and thought-provoking plots have earned her devoted readers worldwide.
Tamera and her husband love living in Nashville, Tennessee, and treasure the time spent with their grown children and grandchildren. They live a short distance from the Southern mansions that serve as the backdrop for many of her critically-acclaimed novels. Tamera views her writing as a way to grow closer to the Lord Jesus Christ—and her deepest desire is that those who read her novels will take steps closer to Him as well.
Her books have been awarded numerous industry-leading honors—among them the Christy Award, the RITA Award, the Carol Award, Library Journal's top honors—and have earned the distinction of Publisher's Weekly Starred Reviews. In 2020 she was inducted into the Christy Award Hall of Fame which recognizes authors for their legacy and contribution to Christian fiction. Her deeply drawn characters and thought-provoking plots have earned her devoted readers worldwide.
Tamera and her husband love living in Nashville, Tennessee, and treasure the time spent with their grown children and grandchildren. They live a short distance from the Southern mansions that serve as the backdrop for many of her critically-acclaimed novels. Tamera views her writing as a way to grow closer to the Lord Jesus Christ—and her deepest desire is that those who read her novels will take steps closer to Him as well.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 556 reviews
November 23, 2013
Oh wow! I read this book in one night. I cried countless times! What a beautiful book and great reminder of God's love . I'm speechless over it actually. Tamera Alexander is one of my new favorites.
May 24, 2017
by Andrea Renee Cox
From the very first chapter, I was disappointed in this book. The amount of sexual tension and sexual innuendo was way too much for me, not even including the prostitution that was touched on in several scenes throughout the novel. I was further disappointed to see that child prostitution was featured without resolution.
The themes of forgiveness, love, hope, and perseverance were beautiful. Those were main reasons why I continued to read this book, though they could not in any way hide the previously mentioned things that bothered me.
I was not compensated for this honest review.
From the very first chapter, I was disappointed in this book. The amount of sexual tension and sexual innuendo was way too much for me, not even including the prostitution that was touched on in several scenes throughout the novel. I was further disappointed to see that child prostitution was featured without resolution.
The themes of forgiveness, love, hope, and perseverance were beautiful. Those were main reasons why I continued to read this book, though they could not in any way hide the previously mentioned things that bothered me.
I was not compensated for this honest review.
June 29, 2015
I’m not sure if I can really give this one a fair review. I enjoyed the overall story, but I did skim or skip over a lot of the book. I think the book was just too long and boring. The book was written by a Christian author, so overall it was pretty clean. However, these type books just take on such a serious note, and it’s like the authors try and throw in all the horrible things that can go on in the world, just to eventually prove the point of God’s love and forgiveness. In a lot of ways it reminded me of the book Redeeming Love. I did like this one a bit more it wasn’t as descriptive or depressing.
It’s a nice love story (although, it did become a bit repetitive of just how in love Larson is with Kathryn), and I enjoyed the times when Kathryn and Larson are actually together. Overall it was an okay read; some may really enjoy the nice slow pace.
It’s a nice love story (although, it did become a bit repetitive of just how in love Larson is with Kathryn), and I enjoyed the times when Kathryn and Larson are actually together. Overall it was an okay read; some may really enjoy the nice slow pace.
October 11, 2021
4.5 ⭐️
This book really took me by surprise!
I wasn’t expecting much from it because of the reviews, the synopsis and the fact that it was an earlier work of Tamera Alexander’s (I wasn’t sure if her writing would be as good as her more recent novels.)
Well…shame on me for my assumptions! … I loved it!
This was a very raw and honest story about a married couple who, though loved each other and were married for years, really didn’t know each other and were quickly growing apart.
Both Larson and Kathryn are holding back from each other for a myriad of reasons—they’re not being completely honest, not completely trusting, not completely communicating, both hurting.
I feel like the story could minister to someone going through a rough patch in their marriage. Though I’m not married yet, it had me reflecting quite a bit on the expectations we unknowingly place on a person in marriage…and how important it is to be equally yolked spiritually—I loved how this was the cornerstone and foundation throughout. ♥️
I couldn’t put this book down … By my review you probably think you know what this story will entail…but you don’t 😉 It’s worth the read to get the full picture and experience of a beautiful love story!!
This book really took me by surprise!
I wasn’t expecting much from it because of the reviews, the synopsis and the fact that it was an earlier work of Tamera Alexander’s (I wasn’t sure if her writing would be as good as her more recent novels.)
Well…shame on me for my assumptions! … I loved it!
This was a very raw and honest story about a married couple who, though loved each other and were married for years, really didn’t know each other and were quickly growing apart.
Both Larson and Kathryn are holding back from each other for a myriad of reasons—they’re not being completely honest, not completely trusting, not completely communicating, both hurting.
I feel like the story could minister to someone going through a rough patch in their marriage. Though I’m not married yet, it had me reflecting quite a bit on the expectations we unknowingly place on a person in marriage…and how important it is to be equally yolked spiritually—I loved how this was the cornerstone and foundation throughout. ♥️
I couldn’t put this book down … By my review you probably think you know what this story will entail…but you don’t 😉 It’s worth the read to get the full picture and experience of a beautiful love story!!
December 29, 2010
I always think of God as, among other things, the "God of Second Chances". Even when we make mistakes or wrong turns that diverge from God's will for our lives, God's grace and mercy intervenes, if we're faithful and seek it. Rekindled is a love story. It is a love story about second chances, as experienced by hero and heroine Larson and Kathryn Jennings. The book seemed a bit long and detailed in its introduction, but perhaps that foundation was needed to enable the reader to fully appreciate what later transpires.
A central message of the book is that we should learn to see things and people as God's sees them. And we should look beyond the external and seek to see the heart and its motivation, just as we would want done to ourselves. As we journey with Larson and Kathryn we get a glimpse of what this might look like -- the pain and joy -- and the importance of being rooted in faith.
I appreciated that the story had a satisfying and realistic ending. It was not a mushy, tied-together-too-neatly ending, but one that made sense given the storyline. This is not the first book I've read of Tamera Alexander. Nor will it be the last! She is a wonderful storyteller.
A central message of the book is that we should learn to see things and people as God's sees them. And we should look beyond the external and seek to see the heart and its motivation, just as we would want done to ourselves. As we journey with Larson and Kathryn we get a glimpse of what this might look like -- the pain and joy -- and the importance of being rooted in faith.
I appreciated that the story had a satisfying and realistic ending. It was not a mushy, tied-together-too-neatly ending, but one that made sense given the storyline. This is not the first book I've read of Tamera Alexander. Nor will it be the last! She is a wonderful storyteller.
April 17, 2017
Just when I believe that I have learned Tamera Alexander's style and can no longer be surprised at how well she writes, I read this first book in her Fountain Creek Chronicles series and was amazed. Unlike most of the novels I have read by her, this one was much more solidly and overtly Christian, and the themes of redemption, purification, forgiveness, and restoration were essential pieces of the plot. In addition, there was a large element of mystery and suspense in this historical romance novel. I loved the depth of the story and the development of the characters. I so look forward to reading the rest of the trilogy, and I don't think I could ever bypass reading any future books this brilliant author publishes.
May 25, 2015
I was very impressed by this book. It was not like every book I have ever read. First off, it was about a husband and wife. Second, the faith themes were a natural part of the story and strong. I really enjoyed how both of them realize their faults, a let God change their hearts.
The physical side of marriage was not avoided, but it was treated with honor and respect (aka this book was clean but not for very young readers).
The physical side of marriage was not avoided, but it was treated with honor and respect (aka this book was clean but not for very young readers).
October 11, 2014
Phew. Goodness me, what a book! I don't think I was in the right mood when I picked up this one. Rekindled is a beautiful and heart-warming redemption story, but so difficult to read! I think I was feeling too low-spirited for a novel about characters who were low-spirited themselves and kept encountering hardship upon hardship. The first few chapters were just so sad and depressing! The heroine seemed a kind-hearted and strong, purposeful woman, but the hero was very tortured and bitter and it threw me off considerably. However I persevered with it, and he grew on me a lot as he goes through much healing, but I could never quite take that much enjoyment with the story, so I stopped at about 60% of the way through and skimmed the rest (the end is happy, thank God!. At least, this book made me realize a few things I dislike:
- Two stories going on at the same time. We have one chapter with Kathryn and what is going on with the ranch, then one chapter with Larson who is being attacked on Christmas Eve, then back to Kathryn, and so forth, until they finally come into the same city again. Very. Confusing!
- Tons of unanswered questions thrown in at the beginning. The kind of questions that the reader knows will be answered in good time, but must wait patiently through many events before they come to light. One or two is fine, but in this case, it was almost at the end of every half-chapter.
- Too many hardships and sad situations. Here, we have a couple whose marriage is already broken, then one disappears on Christmas Eve, is shot, fights a battle with death, while the other is poor and struggles to keep the ranch, breaks her ribs, loses her cattle...And that is just within the first few chapters!!
- Broken marriages and/or miscommunication in marriage. It just annoys me. Talk to each other, for heaven's sake!
I realize that those are purely personal issues, and so I could still recommend this book, because I have nothing to say against the writing itself, the historical accuracy or the logic of the story itself. Only, to me it was not an altogether enjoyable novel, but again, I am fairly sure that my mood had a lot to do with it. I still wish to give Revealed, the second in the series, a fair chance. :)
Not recommended to younger readers, as it deals with heavy themes such as prostitution and child abuse.
- Two stories going on at the same time. We have one chapter with Kathryn and what is going on with the ranch, then one chapter with Larson who is being attacked on Christmas Eve, then back to Kathryn, and so forth, until they finally come into the same city again. Very. Confusing!
- Tons of unanswered questions thrown in at the beginning. The kind of questions that the reader knows will be answered in good time, but must wait patiently through many events before they come to light. One or two is fine, but in this case, it was almost at the end of every half-chapter.
- Too many hardships and sad situations. Here, we have a couple whose marriage is already broken, then one disappears on Christmas Eve, is shot, fights a battle with death, while the other is poor and struggles to keep the ranch, breaks her ribs, loses her cattle...And that is just within the first few chapters!!
- Broken marriages and/or miscommunication in marriage. It just annoys me. Talk to each other, for heaven's sake!
I realize that those are purely personal issues, and so I could still recommend this book, because I have nothing to say against the writing itself, the historical accuracy or the logic of the story itself. Only, to me it was not an altogether enjoyable novel, but again, I am fairly sure that my mood had a lot to do with it. I still wish to give Revealed, the second in the series, a fair chance. :)
Not recommended to younger readers, as it deals with heavy themes such as prostitution and child abuse.
April 20, 2020
What an interesting read! I was hooked by the storyline of this book by like the third page in the prologue. At times I found the book hard to read not because of writing but because of the hardships that both were characters were going through. However, because of those hardships, you were really able to see the characters grow and change for the better. I was heartbroken by the things that Kathryn had to go through - trying to keep a ranch running, being pregnant, working two jobs, and always believing that her husband was never really dead. So, it was amazing for Kathryn to grow through the hardships and encourage others around her to do so as well. Almost just as hard was Larson having to completely rebuild his strength for months after having been completely burned and then seeing him struggle with his faith to finally accepting it. All in all, this story was emotionally gripping and very sweet.
February 19, 2020
I read this all in one day in two sittings. Well to be honest, it's now 5:22am... so just over one day. :) If you liked Francine Rivers' Redeeming Love or Tracie Peterson's Yukon Quest then you are sure to love this little novel. Heartbreaking struggle from both ends of a marriage to make things work in the best of times and worst of times with a second chance is just fabulous. A great read!
May 20, 2017
I honestly don't know how I finished this book :( so I guess getting thru it deserves one star LOL at any rate I can say that I very much liked some of the characters. I wanted to find out what happened to them. It is the oddest mix of romance and VERY..... did I mention VEERRRY preachy. I enjoy me some Christian themed books but this was over the top. Needless to say I won't be continuing the series. I've enjoyed other books by Tamera Alexander but don't remember any of them being this over the top in the preachy area! I will say the narrator that read the book was excellent
January 12, 2018
I read this several years ago and fell in love with Tamera Alexander's books. I have everyone on my shelf! This is the book that turned me into to an avid reader of Christian Fiction. I’ve been a “chain reader” ever since!
March 23, 2025
Has Redeeming Love vibes. Very sad, with lots of faith.
August 28, 2024
There are a number of good things about this novel. It's not a typical romance since it's about a married couple with a troubled marriage. It's better not to know too much about this novel, but what I liked about it is that it addresses a number of deeper issues in their marriage and society and things I'd rather not let you know ahead of time. However, it could have had better story editing and at times bordered a bit on melodrama, but only at times. However, it's also Alexander's debut novel so it's possible that things improve in her writing as she continued.
April 27, 2017
A meaningful read, I enjoyed it a lot! This was my first book by Tamera Alexander and I see now why people say such good things. There is a lot of substance to the story and God is very present in it. I love when God is the center of the book, not just put into the story to make it count as Christian, and it definitely shows in this book!
Although it had a slow start and quite depressing first half, and it took about 2 hours of listening to the audio book for it to pick up, when it did, it was hard to stop listening! I loved the characters, the way God worked on them, changed them. Their love for other people and their will to do what it is God is calling them to do.
The story line was a bit different from what I had thought it would be. If you read the summary, it really is a story of seeing if two people can fall in love again under different circumstances. But the suspense part of the story was just too much for me! Not in a bad way, but quite often I found myself wanting to just poke a specific character and force this person to reveal their secrets!! While I see why this was done, it felt like it went on a bit too long for me. By the time that story line was resolved, I was getting very impatient with the secret one person was keeping! Sorry for being vague, but I don't want to spoil anything. :)
I really enjoyed this story and I will be listening to book 2 in the series, following a secondary character from this one, very soon!
Although it had a slow start and quite depressing first half, and it took about 2 hours of listening to the audio book for it to pick up, when it did, it was hard to stop listening! I loved the characters, the way God worked on them, changed them. Their love for other people and their will to do what it is God is calling them to do.
The story line was a bit different from what I had thought it would be. If you read the summary, it really is a story of seeing if two people can fall in love again under different circumstances. But the suspense part of the story was just too much for me! Not in a bad way, but quite often I found myself wanting to just poke a specific character and force this person to reveal their secrets!! While I see why this was done, it felt like it went on a bit too long for me. By the time that story line was resolved, I was getting very impatient with the secret one person was keeping! Sorry for being vague, but I don't want to spoil anything. :)
I really enjoyed this story and I will be listening to book 2 in the series, following a secondary character from this one, very soon!
August 31, 2020
I read Rekindled many years ago and knew then that Tamera Alexander's debut novel promised a great career for this author. But I didn't review it at the time and couldn't remember much about it, other than that I really enjoyed it, so I'm working my way through this series again. Let me just say that reading the three books, one right after the other, makes for the best reading experience!
Rekindled is storytelling at its best, but what I loved most is the rich character depth, a raw honesty when it comes to real life struggles, and spiritual application that every reader can relate to. The story of Larson and Kathryn - the rekindling of love in their marriage, on both spiritual and emotional levels - is compelling. Supporting characters add even more richness - Annabelle, Isaiah, Abby, Gabe, and even Matt, who we'll see more of in the next book.
There's plenty of romance and adventure, with spiritual insights gently woven throughout - forgiveness and grace, God's constant work in our lives, seeing people as God sees them. I loved Isaiah's words to Larson that started his spiritual journey: "There is no earthly reason why you should be alive right now, so there must be a heavenly one."
Highly recommended.
Rekindled is storytelling at its best, but what I loved most is the rich character depth, a raw honesty when it comes to real life struggles, and spiritual application that every reader can relate to. The story of Larson and Kathryn - the rekindling of love in their marriage, on both spiritual and emotional levels - is compelling. Supporting characters add even more richness - Annabelle, Isaiah, Abby, Gabe, and even Matt, who we'll see more of in the next book.
There's plenty of romance and adventure, with spiritual insights gently woven throughout - forgiveness and grace, God's constant work in our lives, seeing people as God sees them. I loved Isaiah's words to Larson that started his spiritual journey: "There is no earthly reason why you should be alive right now, so there must be a heavenly one."
Highly recommended.
November 1, 2025
3⭐️
Third person. 2 POV
In the 1868 Colorado Rockies, a young couple faces devastation when the man goes missing and is presumed dead. Kathryn is desperate to do anything to keep the land her late husband, Larson, had worked so hard for.
When Larson is found on the brink of death and is painfully nursed back to health deep in the mountains, he yearns to get back home to his wife.
Ok, I actually really enjoyed most of this story, but a couple of things bugged me. If not for Larson’s stupid pride, the struggle and trials and heartache in this book would’ve been avoided. AAAAANNNDDDDD, when the reveal finally happens it’s so brief and the characters react so nonchalantly, I found it very unrealistic.
…..
Spoilers
AAAAANNNDDDD, as a married woman, I can’t figure out how Kathryn wouldn’t have recognized her own husband. I get the disfigurement and possible change of voice, but there are so many other things about a person: their natural smell, the smell of their breath, certain phrasing, habits, mannerisms etc……
Third person. 2 POV
In the 1868 Colorado Rockies, a young couple faces devastation when the man goes missing and is presumed dead. Kathryn is desperate to do anything to keep the land her late husband, Larson, had worked so hard for.
When Larson is found on the brink of death and is painfully nursed back to health deep in the mountains, he yearns to get back home to his wife.
Ok, I actually really enjoyed most of this story, but a couple of things bugged me. If not for Larson’s stupid pride, the struggle and trials and heartache in this book would’ve been avoided. AAAAANNNDDDDD, when the reveal finally happens it’s so brief and the characters react so nonchalantly, I found it very unrealistic.
…..
Spoilers
AAAAANNNDDDD, as a married woman, I can’t figure out how Kathryn wouldn’t have recognized her own husband. I get the disfigurement and possible change of voice, but there are so many other things about a person: their natural smell, the smell of their breath, certain phrasing, habits, mannerisms etc……
June 21, 2011
Although I haven't read many of Tamera's books, this has been my favorite. This is the first in a series of three (I believe) books (Fountain Creek Chronicles). I have read all three in the series, but found this to be the best.
I do overall like Christian fiction a great deal but I get so frustrated with a few things about Christian fiction:
1. Some Christian fiction books seem sort of fluffy and seem to lack a real substantial plot. This isn't really the case with Rekindled as it actually has substance and a story of real, Godly, and likeable characters who face true hardship and obstacles.
2. Another Christian fiction pet-peeve...because authors want to avoid writing about any type of intimate detail, the character's love stories often (to me) doesn't come through in a genuine way. I'm not saying I need graphic scenes, BUT when the most detail we hear about a character's love story is that they held hands, it seems as if a piece of the story is gone and not genuine and as if the author thinks intimacy is something to hide. True love does more than hold hands!
This book, while not including many intimate details (if any) does manage to do something many Christian fiction books struggle to- portray real and lasting intimacy between characters.
I really recommend this book, particularly to those who like Christian fiction but might find it too fluffy/lacking substance. One of the first things I did after finishing this book was to call my sister (a fellow Christian fiction fan) and recommend it to her! Great book, wonderful characters with substance! Very, very good!
I do overall like Christian fiction a great deal but I get so frustrated with a few things about Christian fiction:
1. Some Christian fiction books seem sort of fluffy and seem to lack a real substantial plot. This isn't really the case with Rekindled as it actually has substance and a story of real, Godly, and likeable characters who face true hardship and obstacles.
2. Another Christian fiction pet-peeve...because authors want to avoid writing about any type of intimate detail, the character's love stories often (to me) doesn't come through in a genuine way. I'm not saying I need graphic scenes, BUT when the most detail we hear about a character's love story is that they held hands, it seems as if a piece of the story is gone and not genuine and as if the author thinks intimacy is something to hide. True love does more than hold hands!
This book, while not including many intimate details (if any) does manage to do something many Christian fiction books struggle to- portray real and lasting intimacy between characters.
I really recommend this book, particularly to those who like Christian fiction but might find it too fluffy/lacking substance. One of the first things I did after finishing this book was to call my sister (a fellow Christian fiction fan) and recommend it to her! Great book, wonderful characters with substance! Very, very good!
September 22, 2013
Such a fantastically emotional story about second chances. I loved how this story portrayed the bond between husband and wife despite certain circumstances... but this bond was further strengthened when both characters were in committed relationships with the Lord. This is the first book I've read by Tamera Alexander and I'm impressed by such wonderful writing.
March 6, 2008
I was really excited to discover this book as I was browsing through the A’s in our library (looking to see if I could quickly spot any more Lynn Austin books — always love those). The beautiful cover caught my eye and I noted that it was published by Bethany House (a Christian publisher). I pulled it from the shelf and read the back:
"At a different time, in a different place, under different circumstances … could two people fall in love once again?"
It then went into more detail:
"Ten years ago, Kathryn Jennings made a vow. For better or worse. And that promise still holds true, even though her marriage has not turned out as she expected. When her husband fails to return home one stormy night, she struggles to keep their ranch . . . What she wouldn’t give to turn back time and be able to love her husband for the man that he was, not for the man she always wanted him to be."
Sounded good! (Yes, I am a sucker for good, clean, historical-fiction romance — not something I want to read all the time, but it’s like a dish of chocolate ice cream — something to be enjoyed surely for the fun of it and not at all for the nutrition. ;-) )
I put it in the stroller basket to add it to the pile of books to be checked out, eager to begin.
Well, I began … but was soon disappointed. The plotline is far-fetched, but given the genre, that was forgivable — at least it was innovative (more than I can say for most of these books!). Every other page was infused with mini-sermons that bordered a little on the preachy side — but again, forgivable (I mean, I am religious — and yes, religion is woven into my daily life, too). There was quite a bit of seemingly unnecessary drama (including a whole novel’s worth of backstory and a ridiculous amount of miscommunication), but then again, what was I expecting?
No, I think it boiled down to two things I didn’t care for.
First, the main character, Kathryn, was too good. From the back cover, she sounded flawed — “what she wouldn’t give to turn back time and be able to love her husband for the man that he was, not for the man she always wanted him to be.” But from everything I could see, she did love her husband, almost perfectly, almost to a fault (but it was never addressed as “a fault”). She was ridiculously lovely and ridiculously angelic — and while I don’t find myself ugly or evil, I sure had a hard time identifying with her. If she ever made a harsh judgment, she had no problem letting go of that judgment within a few pages, even no problem forgiving herself for what she’d done, really.
Perhaps she already was “made perfect through Christ” before the novel began (I think this is what the author was hinting at). So why write a book about that? Or, at least, why tell the half the story from her point of view?
Second, the novel’s pacing seemed … off. Before I got to know the characters at all, they were thrown into turmoil — and then it took to page 200 to get to their story again. A lot of this was because of tangents to set up characters for the next novels in this three-part series.
So. All that said, I actually rather enjoyed the last hundred pages or so of the book. The writing itself was very good (especially for a first novel!), and finally the characters were acting more or less believably.
I hate giving negative reviews, because I think I’m a little too critical of this genre in general. So many Goodreads readers absolutely loved this book.
So. If the words from the back cover drew you in like it did me, by all means — go for it!
I mean, I didn’t care for Twilight, either. ;-)
"At a different time, in a different place, under different circumstances … could two people fall in love once again?"
It then went into more detail:
"Ten years ago, Kathryn Jennings made a vow. For better or worse. And that promise still holds true, even though her marriage has not turned out as she expected. When her husband fails to return home one stormy night, she struggles to keep their ranch . . . What she wouldn’t give to turn back time and be able to love her husband for the man that he was, not for the man she always wanted him to be."
Sounded good! (Yes, I am a sucker for good, clean, historical-fiction romance — not something I want to read all the time, but it’s like a dish of chocolate ice cream — something to be enjoyed surely for the fun of it and not at all for the nutrition. ;-) )
I put it in the stroller basket to add it to the pile of books to be checked out, eager to begin.
Well, I began … but was soon disappointed. The plotline is far-fetched, but given the genre, that was forgivable — at least it was innovative (more than I can say for most of these books!). Every other page was infused with mini-sermons that bordered a little on the preachy side — but again, forgivable (I mean, I am religious — and yes, religion is woven into my daily life, too). There was quite a bit of seemingly unnecessary drama (including a whole novel’s worth of backstory and a ridiculous amount of miscommunication), but then again, what was I expecting?
No, I think it boiled down to two things I didn’t care for.
First, the main character, Kathryn, was too good. From the back cover, she sounded flawed — “what she wouldn’t give to turn back time and be able to love her husband for the man that he was, not for the man she always wanted him to be.” But from everything I could see, she did love her husband, almost perfectly, almost to a fault (but it was never addressed as “a fault”). She was ridiculously lovely and ridiculously angelic — and while I don’t find myself ugly or evil, I sure had a hard time identifying with her. If she ever made a harsh judgment, she had no problem letting go of that judgment within a few pages, even no problem forgiving herself for what she’d done, really.
Perhaps she already was “made perfect through Christ” before the novel began (I think this is what the author was hinting at). So why write a book about that? Or, at least, why tell the half the story from her point of view?
Second, the novel’s pacing seemed … off. Before I got to know the characters at all, they were thrown into turmoil — and then it took to page 200 to get to their story again. A lot of this was because of tangents to set up characters for the next novels in this three-part series.
So. All that said, I actually rather enjoyed the last hundred pages or so of the book. The writing itself was very good (especially for a first novel!), and finally the characters were acting more or less believably.
I hate giving negative reviews, because I think I’m a little too critical of this genre in general. So many Goodreads readers absolutely loved this book.
So. If the words from the back cover drew you in like it did me, by all means — go for it!
I mean, I didn’t care for Twilight, either. ;-)
January 13, 2020
Rekindled is a debut novel for Tamera Alexander and it won a RITA award in 2014 as a first book. Christian historical romance can often be synonymous with clean romance with Scripture thrown in. This one is definitely not that trope, in fact it seems to address all the common myths you find in romance. Set in Colorado in 1868, the author wastes no time creating a setting that is authentic. The characters are lifelike, only exception being the villains. This is the story of a marriage that is in deep trouble compounded by a ranch on the brink of financial catastrophe. But the author takes pains to show that both Larson and Kathryn are guilty of making major mistakes. Redemption is a key theme and it resonated strongly. The subplot that was done that needed further development is that of prostitution and the attitude of the town. I suspect/hope that this will be further fleshed out with the companion book, Revealed.
I liked the more serious tone to this historical novel even if it was predictable at times. I could have been better edited as there was some repetition and the flow was disjointed in places. Overall, I am impressed with this author and plan to read more of her works.
I liked the more serious tone to this historical novel even if it was predictable at times. I could have been better edited as there was some repetition and the flow was disjointed in places. Overall, I am impressed with this author and plan to read more of her works.
May 3, 2008
I totally picked this book up at the library knowing nothing about it. My dad always used to read westerns (and still does) and I've been known to read a few of his in the past. But this was a love story too. Intriguing! It actually ended up being a christan love story. Which is nice that you don't have to worry about skipping over any nastiness. The main two characters, Kathryn and Larson are ranchers in the Colorado Territory who aren't fairing so well. They have never gotten the baby they so badly wanted, have had to sell more and more of their land since their livestock isn't doing so well. They have a empty marriage. Larson is in an accident while away from home and Kathryn doesn't know what has happened to him. After four months of cold winter she assumes he has died. She realizes how much different she should have treated her husband when he was home. It is a story of finding each other again and seeing what is the best in your spouse. And woven into that is references to the Bible and God's plan for each of us. It's not a typical book I would read, but I ended up quite enjoying it. I'll give it a 3 out of 5.
June 27, 2018
Multiple Goodreads friends recommended Tamera Alexander as an author of consequence. One friend specifically recommended “Rekindled.” I read the “About this Book” synopsis, but it did not arouse my interest. However, I eventually elected to follow my friend’s advice, downloaded the book, and found one of the best Christian oriented books I have read in quite some time. The author did not just tell a story; she let me experience the unfolding of events in such a way that I came away with a much more profound understanding of how significant adversities, with help from on high, can change and elevate. She also did a masterful job of showing that outward appearances are never as important as what resides in the heart. We often make judgments based on assumptions and limited knowledge only to find that our conclusions are wrong. “Rekindled” is so much more than an entertaining story. It offers insight into how real-life trials can become some of life’s greatest blessings.
July 23, 2025
4.5 stars.
This is a purely emotional rating! From page one, I was gripped by the story and never put it down until it was done.
Normally I don't like so much over-the-top drama, but for some reason these characters really drew me in, and I actually have no idea if there were any big flaws to the story.
It hung together well; the events seemed to flow logically from one to another. And that's pretty tricky to accomplish with jumping back and forth between the narratives of two separate characters. It's a little predictable in spots, but not in a bad way.
I got this for free on my Nook last night, and I'll probably end up buying a hard copy when I have the chance!
This is a purely emotional rating! From page one, I was gripped by the story and never put it down until it was done.
Normally I don't like so much over-the-top drama, but for some reason these characters really drew me in, and I actually have no idea if there were any big flaws to the story.
It hung together well; the events seemed to flow logically from one to another. And that's pretty tricky to accomplish with jumping back and forth between the narratives of two separate characters. It's a little predictable in spots, but not in a bad way.
I got this for free on my Nook last night, and I'll probably end up buying a hard copy when I have the chance!
January 30, 2019
3.8 -- I enjoyed this book, although I did think it dragged a bit in a few places. I felt sorry for one of my favorite characters, but I just knew that he and another character would get a story in the second book. I would have been disappointed if there were no sequel.
March 3, 2009
I adore Tamera's characters. I love a book that I don't have to edit while I read. I should just embarrass myself and join her fan club.
February 15, 2021
Flacăra reaprinsă de Tamera Alexander este primul volum dintr-o serie despre care pot spune deja cu siguranță că va intra în rândul seriilor mele preferate de literatură creștină. O superbă poveste de dragoste, despre redescoperirea credinței și a încrederii, despre regrete, izbăvire și iertare, despre speranță și un nou început și despre puterea iubirii reaprinse.
Povestea începe ”în forță”, prologul cărții având darul să suscite la maxim interesul și curiozitatea cititorilor. Larson Jenning se întoarce acasă, în Pikes Peak, la soția sa iubită, Kathryn, după cinci luni de absență, în care nu putuse să trimită nici un semn de viață. La plecarea de acasă fusese un bărbat bine făcut, extrem de atrăgător, în deplinătatea puterilor, iar acum se mișca greu, fiind mutilat de foc, aproape de nerecunoscut. Nu știa ce s-a întâmplat în lipsa lui și nici cum va fi primit, dar în niciun caz nu s-a așteptat la ce a găsit: ferma și casa erau pustii, grajdurile goale. Mergând în oraș, ajunge în timpul unei înmormântări la care, printre participanți, o zărește pe soția lui, sprijinită de Matthew Taylor, vechilul și prietenul lui Larson, înlăcrimată și... foarte însărcinată! Știind că ei încercau fără succes de ani de zile să conceapă un copil, bărbatul a tras imediat niște concluzii. Dar oare erau cele corecte? A stat deoparte și, când toată lumea a plecat, s-a apropiat de cruce să vadă a cui înmormântare era. Ei, bine, era... a lui! Numele de pe cruce era al lui: Larson Robert Jennings. 1828 – 1868.
Acțiunea se mută cu cinci luni în urmă și aflăm care au fost evenimentele care au condus aici. Recenzia completă:
https://www.delicateseliterare.ro/fla...
Povestea începe ”în forță”, prologul cărții având darul să suscite la maxim interesul și curiozitatea cititorilor. Larson Jenning se întoarce acasă, în Pikes Peak, la soția sa iubită, Kathryn, după cinci luni de absență, în care nu putuse să trimită nici un semn de viață. La plecarea de acasă fusese un bărbat bine făcut, extrem de atrăgător, în deplinătatea puterilor, iar acum se mișca greu, fiind mutilat de foc, aproape de nerecunoscut. Nu știa ce s-a întâmplat în lipsa lui și nici cum va fi primit, dar în niciun caz nu s-a așteptat la ce a găsit: ferma și casa erau pustii, grajdurile goale. Mergând în oraș, ajunge în timpul unei înmormântări la care, printre participanți, o zărește pe soția lui, sprijinită de Matthew Taylor, vechilul și prietenul lui Larson, înlăcrimată și... foarte însărcinată! Știind că ei încercau fără succes de ani de zile să conceapă un copil, bărbatul a tras imediat niște concluzii. Dar oare erau cele corecte? A stat deoparte și, când toată lumea a plecat, s-a apropiat de cruce să vadă a cui înmormântare era. Ei, bine, era... a lui! Numele de pe cruce era al lui: Larson Robert Jennings. 1828 – 1868.
Acțiunea se mută cu cinci luni în urmă și aflăm care au fost evenimentele care au condus aici. Recenzia completă:
https://www.delicateseliterare.ro/fla...
December 11, 2017
Rekindled- what a book of heartache, redemption, and forgiveness. The story tells a tale of husband and wife, Larson and Katherine. For years, their marriage has simply been "going through the motions". When Larson leaves early Christmas Day to travel for a business opportunity (1st of all, what kind of husband does that on Christmas?!?!), Larson becomes injured and is saved by a couple who nurses him back to health. Meanwhile back at their home in Fountain Creek, Katherine refuses to except that her husband is dead, as she struggles with financial difficulties.
I really enjoyed the plot of this story, even though it was very obvious as to how the story would end. The majority of the story was a page turner, but the end drove me crazy! Wake up Katherine!! Seriously Larson?!? I was waiting for the conflict of the story, due to the deception but it never came. Maybe it's just me, but I have noticed that in many of Tamera's novels, the middle of the story drags and the ending is rushed. The story is so built up, and then....blah. Due to this, I have not experienced a 5 star read from this author yet, but I am holding out hope!
The message of Rekindled is beautifully woven into the story. I cannot fathom the courage it would take for both of these characters to overcome the trials they encountered.
I really enjoyed the plot of this story, even though it was very obvious as to how the story would end. The majority of the story was a page turner, but the end drove me crazy! Wake up Katherine!! Seriously Larson?!? I was waiting for the conflict of the story, due to the deception but it never came. Maybe it's just me, but I have noticed that in many of Tamera's novels, the middle of the story drags and the ending is rushed. The story is so built up, and then....blah. Due to this, I have not experienced a 5 star read from this author yet, but I am holding out hope!
The message of Rekindled is beautifully woven into the story. I cannot fathom the courage it would take for both of these characters to overcome the trials they encountered.
February 5, 2013
A review from my old blog...
I have found a new author that I love to read. As I have been adding books to my grand list and tentatively branching out and sampling the works of authors I had never even heard of before I find myself rewarded on at least 2 out of 3 bites.
The beginning of this book sets the stage for a flashback that takes up a quarter of the plot. I believe that Alexander could have done without the beginning few pages and made it a little more suspenseful for the reader, for me personally. I can see why Alexander structured the book in this way though.
I loved the idea of restoring the marriage. So many times people focus on winning the love the first time and the ending is either a proposal, a wedding, or the birth of a child. There's no talk of what happens ten years down the road. This is where that book takes place... ten years down the road when selfish thoughts, things left unsaid and unspeakable hurts of the past combined to create a wedge between husband and wife, a wedge that nearly kept them apart for ever even after a miraculous recovery.
I loved the book and will definitely be adding the rest of the series to my to be read pile.
I have found a new author that I love to read. As I have been adding books to my grand list and tentatively branching out and sampling the works of authors I had never even heard of before I find myself rewarded on at least 2 out of 3 bites.
The beginning of this book sets the stage for a flashback that takes up a quarter of the plot. I believe that Alexander could have done without the beginning few pages and made it a little more suspenseful for the reader, for me personally. I can see why Alexander structured the book in this way though.
I loved the idea of restoring the marriage. So many times people focus on winning the love the first time and the ending is either a proposal, a wedding, or the birth of a child. There's no talk of what happens ten years down the road. This is where that book takes place... ten years down the road when selfish thoughts, things left unsaid and unspeakable hurts of the past combined to create a wedge between husband and wife, a wedge that nearly kept them apart for ever even after a miraculous recovery.
I loved the book and will definitely be adding the rest of the series to my to be read pile.
August 12, 2023
I discovered Tamera Alexander midway through her Belmont series and have read all of her new releases since. I've made it my goal to capture all of her backlist as I've enjoyed all of her new releases so well. Though this was still well written and a very good book, it felt a bit heavier to me than her newer books and I therefore didn't like it as well as I was expecting. This book follows the story of Larson and Kathryn Jennings, whose marriage is struggling. When they find themselves separated, they come to appreciate what they had in each other. This story was a beautiful love story and I appreciated how the characters grew throughout the novel. Both of them grew in their faith as well, which added to the story. Though romance is not my genre of choice in general, I do enjoy a married romance story as it is more relatable to me. For me, the only real issue was the fact that all of the conflict would have been able to be resolved with a single conversation. That made the conflict a bit redundant. Though not my favorite of the author's, this was still a solid 4-star read and one I'd recommend to fans of historical romance with a bit of mystery included.
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