I surprised myself by enjoying this excellently written novel. I have only read fiction from the Christian or spiritual sub-genre on one or two occasions over the last 20 years as it's just something that I've never fancied. However, I am on a quest to dip into other sub-genres now and then to widen my reading life.

So, hats off to Tamera Alexander for a well-crafted, thoughtful and entertaining first novel. Set in post-civil war Colorado, it's the story of a marriage in a spiral of decline that is "rekindled" by personal and spiritual trial for both husband and wife. It's the quality of the writing and the careful plotting that lift this book out of what could perhaps be a genre with limited appeal (certainly in the UK) and makes it wholly readable and entertaining. The Christian message is interwoven with enough skill and with such a light hand that it colours and enhances rather than drives the story.

I think I will probably seek out the next novel in the series, "Revealed", because it picks up the story of two of the very well-drawn secondary characters in this story and I anticipate another entertaining read.

Rekindled is a rare & delightful love story. While most romances (which I greatly enjoy) are stories of people meeting and falling in love, Tamera Alexander takes a different, refreshing direction. She pulls us deep into the lives of Kathryn and Larson Jennings, a couple married for ten years, and shows how God can take love even deeper--"rekindling" it--even when every outward sign indicates their love, and marriage, are over. This was an amazing first novel, and I greatly look forward to reading more compelling stories from Tamera.

Rekindled is one of the most powerful redemption stories I've ever read. I kept hoping the heroine's husband would reveal himself to her, and I held my breath every time I thought the truth would come out. The emotional tension kept me reading through the end with anticipation. Of course, my throat clogged more than once, and my eyes watered. A-hem. I love a story that makes me feel something so deep and so rich that it makes me want to love my husband even more. Truth be told, there are few historical romances that I've enjoyed as much as this one. In my opinion Rekindled ranks right up there with Redeeming Love, by Francine Rivers. The villains were creepy and seemed very real to me. I loved the characters and the heroine's interactions with the ladies from the bordello, as well as her friendship with the simple-minded man. Excellent characterization. Once again I escaped to another world and loved every minute of it. I can't wait to read the sequel. Something tells me it's going to be about a teen rescued from the bordello, but I could be wrong. However, given the level of commitment the hero and heroine felt toward saving that poor girl, I'm convinced she'll have an important role in the next book in the series. Did I mention that I love this book? The ending was well-paced, and the timing and resolution was as perfect as any I've ever read. Great climax, and extremely romantic reading!

Rekindled was a very well written and thought provoking book! The story grabs you from the start and keeps your attention till the end! Hopefully it makes you reflect on the deeper truths found in the book and on your life personally.