Tamera Alexander, Rekindled

Rekindled

Tamera Alexander

Bethany, Mar 2006, 12.99, 320 pp.

ISBN: 0764201085

Ten years ago in the Colorado Territory, Kathryn and Larson married. Over the years, he was jealous of any male who showed attention to his wife, but hid his inner self from her. When they would argue he would run out of the house until one wintry night in 1868 they squabbled over the visit of a neighbor Bradley; he rushed out into the cold, but this time he failed to come home. When he finally comes back hoping Kathryn can forgive him and still love him, he sees her held gently by his ranch foreman Mathew Taylor as she tosses dirt on a grave-site. After they leave the area, angry that Matthew and his spouse betrayed him, he looks at the stone, Larson Robert Jennings.

As Kathryn tries to save their ranch, she regrets her actions now that she knows about her spouse's past that he hid from her. She knows she failed Larson by not understanding his phobias and hiding her own feelings. She would do anything for a second chance to prove her love for him, demons and all, but knows she is too late. Meanwhile he must decide whether to return or vanish; will he find faith in a love that he distrusts or will he flee from his demons?

REKINDLED is a fabulous Americana second chance at love (if he takes it) romance. The inspirational story line grips readers from the moment we begin to understand what motivates the "battered" Larson to behave as he has. The support cast enhances the audience's perceptions of the lead couple with several capable of starring in their own tale. Subtly interwoven into the plot is a deep message on what matters in your one time at life. Readers will look forward to more stirring Fountain Creek Chronicles.