Tamera Alexander

Inspirational, Christian/Colorado 1868

Overall:
Sensuality:
Cover Cheese:

The idea of reading a Christian love story used to send most romance fans scrambling for cover.

I mean, we all knew the score with those saccharine old-school Inspirationals:

Bad boy. Good Girl. Altar call. Fade to black.

Even if the ring ended up on her finger, you sure as shootin' weren't getting an invitation to the, uh, reception.

Not that sensuality is key to a romance novel's success. But in some of today's most popular Inspirational romances, sexuality is celebrated as a gift many Christians believe God bestows upon humanity -- especially within the covenant of marriage.

Now, writing good sensual tension within a "married" romance proves a sticky wicket for authors of any sub-genre, because readers are looking for some sort of grand sensual denouement, whether implied or on the page.

Post-capitulation, interest in plot often wanes.

Clever is the author who finds a way to place an emotional or physical chasm between the married couple, and who is able to increase thematic tension while placing new expectations upon the growth of emotions and sensual desire.

Tamera Alexander does exactly that in her new novel, "Rekindled," a beautifully-written and anything-but-old-school Inspirational romance.

Larson Jennings' Boston blue-blood wife left the easy life behind when she chose love over luxury. But as a down-on-his-luck rancher, Larson's never been able to keep her in the lifestyle to which he thinks she'd like to become reaccustomed.

After 10 years of marriage, Kathryn Jennings still loves her husband deeply, yet won't admit to him she is dissatisfied. What Kathryn craves, Larson possesses but refuses to share: his trust.

When Larson disappears for many months, Kathryn assumes he's dead, then struggles to save the proverbial "dog and the ranch."

And Larson, alive, but fighting for his spiritual life, decides he'll sacrifice all for another chance to give Kathryn what she needs most. "Rekindled" is a lovely, romantic novel that explores with an earthy sensuality and healthy, practical morality the many facets of love within marriage.

Alexander's star-crossed hero and heroine are refreshing. And many of the appealing secondaries whose machinations make the plot of "Rekindled" roll, thankfully will return in future "Fountain Creek Chronicles" novels.

"Rekindled" also is an examination of faith. Not only leaps of spiritual fidelity, but also the faith in self individuals choose when challenged to live their love, as well as their beliefs.

Time to come out from under cover, romance fans. If you're thinking of giving "Inspy" a try, I'd think "Rekindled," then I'd --

Buy the book.

www.TameraAlexander.com