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 the finest 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. It is a love that nothing can destroy when they come to understand that only when hearts are tempered, minds are opened and wills are softened can man discern the will of God for his life.
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I enjoyed Craig & Tamara’s story very much. The story is very realistic with just a couple exceptions. I liked how the story starts when they first meet and took me through the birth of their first baby.
Being a Christian myself I appreciated all the references to scripture and prayer which are abundant. A few extra kernals of wisdom are also thrown in as well. Craig’s trigger temper is concerning throughout as well as some of his threats, I felt were unnecessarily violent or scary. These could be seen as triggers for some.
I recieved a free Audible copy of this story in exchange for a honest review.
Tempered Hearts: Tempered Series
Edgy Inspirational, Book 1
By: Pamela S. Thibodeaux
Narrated by: Terri England
Tamera, a vet is hired to work Craig’s ranch for the summer. Not being consulted about this, the somewhat jaded cowboy is not happy and voices his displeasure. These two have a rocky start, but it’s not due to lack of attraction. Craig is a difficult personality, but with a nickname of Temper Tantrum, Tamera s not easy either. As time goes by, and their constant faith in God, they do find their way to love. Their relationship has many highs and lows, much like real life which makes this listen a good one. The situations are realistic, from the fear when injured to dealing with grief and love. I enjoyed the interaction with Craig’s grandfather with his sage advice and warm personality. It’s a feel good listen.
Narrated by Terri England, the story comes to life. I truly enjoyed England’s performance. It’s my first listen of hers, and she has a great pace and a wonderful variety of voices. She easily transitions between characters and I found that she brought out the true personality of each person. A good portrayal and I will be watching for more of her work.
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This story is edgy and deals with trust and issues of rape. Both of these characters are emotional and need the love of God in their lives. With the help of Craig’s grandfather, Tamara learns to trust God again, but Craig rules the ranch. Craig learns that passion isn’t what God created him for and he must learn to put his faith in God if he is to have Tamera. Craig and Tamera learn to work together and trust that they will be there for each other as they find that the love they have for each other is greater than the desire. Tamera and Craig learn to temper their hearts to find the will of God. The narrator does an excellent job of dramatization, and the character come alive in this audiobook.
3.5 Stars (Audiobook edition)
A clash of personalities and wills before they’re even introduced sets the stage for the spirited relationship between Tamara Collins and Craig Harris.
She’s a young veterinarian trying to move on past tragedy and trauma, and he’s the grandson of the wheelchair-bound rancher who hired Tamara for the summer. Craig’s past is no less traumatic than Tamara’s, and part of the reason for his hard, gruff exterior.
Things don’t get any better after the couple is introduced. Craig is determined to run Tamara off until he witnesses her superior vet skills firsthand.
Tempered Hearts is well-written Christian Fiction and I applaud it for taking on the daunting subject of premarital sex. The story doesn’t shy away from difficult scenes, and they’re handled well. However, there were too many of them for me. How many times must one touch fire to know it’s hot?
The story worked best when this couple was talking, open and honest, without name-calling and attitudes. I got to see two people who cared for each other struggle with their own internal demons while each tried to get understanding from the other. And I cared.
But while I cared about those moments and their Christian journey, they were not my favorite people as individuals.
With her constant fits of attitude and name-calling, Tamara seemed more like a spoiled teenager than an accomplished medical professional. Craig’s irritable, grumpy chauvinist behavior was equally annoying. Their whole battle-of-the-sexes routine seemed over the top and outdated. Add the times she slapped him and he threatened to beat her, and I was eye-rolling myself into a migraine.
As a talented veterinarian trained in the care and breeding of animals, especially horses, Tamara’s naiveté about her own body and sexuality wasn’t realistic as her innocence was commented on often.
However, what kept dragging me out of the story was the constant references to Tamara’s looks. I don’t think there was a character in the story who didn’t say how beautiful she was… several times. They also spoke of her strong character and heart, but those comments were always prefaced with awe-struck statements of her outward appearance. It tainted the story with a shallowness I didn’t expect.
I did not dislike Tempered Hearts. I enjoyed the story and the realistic struggle of the Christian journey, but for me, the central characters transformed too quickly, shedding their flaws to come to understanding and a rushed ending.