Title: Tempered Hearts

Author: Pamela S. Thibodeaux

Publisher: ComStar Media

Genre: Western/Contemporary/Inspirational

Length: 182 pages

ISBN: 1-933866-03-9

Release 5-9-08

Blurb:

Only when hearts are tempered, minds are opened, and wills are softened, can man discern the will of God for his life.

Rancher Craig Harris and veterinarian Tamera Collins clash from the moment they meet. Innocence is pitted against arrogance as tempers rise and passions ignite to form a love as pure as gold fresh from the crucible and as strong as steel. Thrown together amid tragedy and unsated passion, Tamera and Craig share a strong attraction that neither accepts as the first stages of love. Torn between desire and dislike, they must make peace with their pasts and God in order to open up to the love blossoming between them.

Review

Tempered Hearts by Pamela S. Thibodeaux is part of a series of inspirational contemporary westerns. This book, though inspirational, does address realistic issues and handle them true to life. The couple goes through serious problems, experience frustration, heartache, loss, violence – all the aspects you would expect in a good story, and you are not short changed one bit.

Both Craig and Tamera (or Temper as she is called) are very engaging characters. Both are extremely stubborn and strong willed and their spirited relationship is very enjoyable, especially when it is apparent how deep the feelings are which they hold for each other.

Similar to other romances in plot, the difference here is the reverence Ms. Thibodeaux gives to the inspirational elements. She quotes scripture throughout and the characters have several epiphanies to keep the story moving along.

Tempered Hearts is an easy read without any slow parts. The secondary characters were well built, especially Craig’s best friend, Scott, who will have his own story next. I was a little disappointed in some of Tamera’s reactions in the story line -- she cried a lot, considering she was portrayed as being strong willed it seemed a little out of character. Overall this was a good story, although if you are not a fan of inspirational tales you will not care for this one. If this is your genre of choice you should take a chance on Tempered Hearts you won’t be disappointed.

Reviewed by Lynda Warnock