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Tempered Hearts
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.
240 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2000
27 people want to read
About the author
Pamela S. Thibodeaux
33 books157 followersAward winning Author, Pamela S. Thibodeaux is the Co-Founder and a lifetime member of Bayou Writers' Group in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Multi-published in romantic fiction and creative non-fiction, her writing has been tagged as, "Inspirational with an Edge!" and reviewed as "steamier and grittier than the typical Christian novel without decreasing the message."
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
March 2, 2020
3.5 Stars: This is a Christian Romance where faith is tested, tempers fly and love and romance wins out in the end. The main characters were fun and realistic. We see arrogance, tempers, lust (although it is not followed up on), anger and mistrust when we first meet them. Craig is not happy with the young, attractive veterinarian that his grandfather has hired for the summer. He often treats her like he doesn't think she knows what she is doing. What we find out is that Tamera has a lot of baggage. For a 24 year old young woman, she has been through way too much in her life. She also has misconceptions about men, particularly Craig and that sets her off. We find out that her father nicknamed her Temper Tantrum, or Temper for short and it is obvious she earned that name. I love the Craig's Grandfather's character. He was the calming influence in the story. He also had a good sense of humour and lightened things up. The animals also added much to this story. The horses were special to the characters and I enjoyed seeing them as an integral part of their lives.
The thing I didn't like was that the story itself was pretty formulaic. The sweet, attractive young veterinarian comes to town to escape her past. She meets the antagonistic, hornery cowboy who wants her gone, yet he is also immediately attracted to her. They have a few explosive and emotional episodes, then realize they can't live without one another. The faith aspect was also very much a part of this book, which I didn't mind, but if you are not a lover of Christian fiction, this might put you off this book. Overall, it is a sweet, romance about new beginnings, forgiveness, faith and trusting God and each other.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Terri England. She did a nice job with this story. Her voices were okay and it was very easy to identify who was speaking. I liked her expression, but thought the pacing was a bit slow. I listened to it at 1.25 speed and that took care of the pacing issues for me. I received a copy of this book through Audiobookworms upon request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
The thing I didn't like was that the story itself was pretty formulaic. The sweet, attractive young veterinarian comes to town to escape her past. She meets the antagonistic, hornery cowboy who wants her gone, yet he is also immediately attracted to her. They have a few explosive and emotional episodes, then realize they can't live without one another. The faith aspect was also very much a part of this book, which I didn't mind, but if you are not a lover of Christian fiction, this might put you off this book. Overall, it is a sweet, romance about new beginnings, forgiveness, faith and trusting God and each other.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Terri England. She did a nice job with this story. Her voices were okay and it was very easy to identify who was speaking. I liked her expression, but thought the pacing was a bit slow. I listened to it at 1.25 speed and that took care of the pacing issues for me. I received a copy of this book through Audiobookworms upon request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
July 19, 2019
*** I am reviewing the audio copy of this book. ***
This was a wonderful story!
I was hooked from the very start.
This book wasn’t slow at all. Sparks flew between Tamera and Craig right away.
The teasing and even bickering, added a nice element of humour.
The characters were floored and sometimes there faith wasn’t strong. .
They also had tragedy, joy and Triumph. This made the story realistic. I loved watching the characters grow and learn in faith.
As the story developed, so did the characters.
Gramps was a wonderful character that added richness to the story.
I loved the inclusion of the animals, being an animal person myself. I could relate to how Tamera felt about the horses.
We never did get to find out however, if Silver was pregnant.
I also liked the narration. The narrator brought the story to life and created the right atmosphere. I felt like I was on the ranch.
I also enjoyed the lessons and messages in the story.
There are not that many stories out there, that promote waiting for marriage and purity as something to be aimed for. I am glad to say, that this story definitely did. This was done realistically, , not in a wishy washy way.
The tough issues weren’t avoided, but tackled in a way we could all relate to.
All in all, a wonderful, encouraging, inspirational story.
I would definitely read more from this author, and am awaiting the next book in the series eagerly.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
This was a wonderful story!
I was hooked from the very start.
This book wasn’t slow at all. Sparks flew between Tamera and Craig right away.
The teasing and even bickering, added a nice element of humour.
The characters were floored and sometimes there faith wasn’t strong. .
They also had tragedy, joy and Triumph. This made the story realistic. I loved watching the characters grow and learn in faith.
As the story developed, so did the characters.
Gramps was a wonderful character that added richness to the story.
I loved the inclusion of the animals, being an animal person myself. I could relate to how Tamera felt about the horses.
We never did get to find out however, if Silver was pregnant.
I also liked the narration. The narrator brought the story to life and created the right atmosphere. I felt like I was on the ranch.
I also enjoyed the lessons and messages in the story.
There are not that many stories out there, that promote waiting for marriage and purity as something to be aimed for. I am glad to say, that this story definitely did. This was done realistically, , not in a wishy washy way.
The tough issues weren’t avoided, but tackled in a way we could all relate to.
All in all, a wonderful, encouraging, inspirational story.
I would definitely read more from this author, and am awaiting the next book in the series eagerly.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
December 5, 2020
Craig was a difficult, intimidating man. With the arrival of Tamara, a veterinarian new to the town, Craig met his match. After an irritating meeting at the local café', both were devastated when they later met at the ranch... This was just the first of many challenge's endured that summer.
This is a delectably dramatic contemporary romance novel. it addresses several moral issues, with accompanying adventures.
The characters are very endearing and well-developed. The book cover and Title depict the story well and are very well created.
Terri England did a very good job in expression, "voices", and energy.
This is an enjoyable, Christian Romance novel, earning a Four and a Half Stars rating.
*This novel was gifted me with no pressure to post a positive review. This is my honest review.
This is a delectably dramatic contemporary romance novel. it addresses several moral issues, with accompanying adventures.
The characters are very endearing and well-developed. The book cover and Title depict the story well and are very well created.
Terri England did a very good job in expression, "voices", and energy.
This is an enjoyable, Christian Romance novel, earning a Four and a Half Stars rating.
*This novel was gifted me with no pressure to post a positive review. This is my honest review.
April 20, 2011
What I enjoyed most about this book is the characters, and while I do enjoy reading inspirational novels, this one had a more realistic resonance because of those characters.
As the novel starts, readers see the worst sides of both characters, but it's almost like two magnets drawing together, and it's definitely hard to stop reading because you want to know how they get past those flaws and who they will become once they do. I think that's the biggest reason I like to read--to see who the characters will become and hope that by sharing their journey I find myself changed.
While I'm probably just as bad about picking up books based on cover art, I wasn't really fond of this cover so I'm glad I gave the blurb a chance. It's definitely a gem worth reading, and I'm looking forward to starting on the next book in the series.
As the novel starts, readers see the worst sides of both characters, but it's almost like two magnets drawing together, and it's definitely hard to stop reading because you want to know how they get past those flaws and who they will become once they do. I think that's the biggest reason I like to read--to see who the characters will become and hope that by sharing their journey I find myself changed.
While I'm probably just as bad about picking up books based on cover art, I wasn't really fond of this cover so I'm glad I gave the blurb a chance. It's definitely a gem worth reading, and I'm looking forward to starting on the next book in the series.
May 26, 2011
I liked the way the characters grew in their faith. The author used formulaic characters—the arrogant, rich rancher and the feisty young woman alone in the world—and added a Christian theme to a traditional romance.
March 22, 2020
3.5 Stars
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.
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.
March 23, 2020
First impressions are important. On the way to her new job, she runs into a rude and arrogant man. After telling him off, she finds out that the man is the boss she's heading to see. They are constantly at each other's throat. Somewhere along the way, they find that even though they can't stand each other, they love each other. When they start to get close, Tamara's past gets in the way.
I think this is a very cute book. It is very clean and religious. Sex is mentioned, but there are no graphic details of sex. I love horses, and this book is about horses. Tamera is actually a veterinarian. That's why she took the trip to take the job. Craig and Tamera are both strong-willed. I also love Craig's grandfather and his best friend, Scott. They are intense characters that should have played a bigger role in the story.
I want to start off by saying that this book does contain a trigger warning. It doesn't go into the graphic details about it. There are so many things I didn't really care about in this story. There were too many gender stereotypes that were thrown in. I also didn't care for the main characters all that much. Craig and Tamera are both very selfish and spoiled. They throw tantrums when they don't get their way. They also get physically aggressive with each other when they are angry. Another red flag. The biggest thing is that Tamera runs away every single time something goes wrong. It's insane.
This book was narrated by Terri England. I would love to know where she's from. I'm almost scared to look because I'm afraid to find out that she's not from the south at all. I'm born and raised in Georgia and I don't have a southern accent that authentic. Just saying. Anyways, it made the story really enjoyable to listen to. I would definitely listen to other books that she narrates.
I wanted to fall in love with this book. I just really couldn't get into it as much as I wanted to. The main characters could use a lot of work and maturity. I would have also loved to see more of the secondary characters. Especially of the grandfather. I would have loved to have actually seen some of the stories from his point of view. It would have been really interesting. I think the biggest thing I had an issue with was the constant men/women comments. It just got redundant and frustrating.
I think this is a very cute book. It is very clean and religious. Sex is mentioned, but there are no graphic details of sex. I love horses, and this book is about horses. Tamera is actually a veterinarian. That's why she took the trip to take the job. Craig and Tamera are both strong-willed. I also love Craig's grandfather and his best friend, Scott. They are intense characters that should have played a bigger role in the story.
I want to start off by saying that this book does contain a trigger warning. It doesn't go into the graphic details about it. There are so many things I didn't really care about in this story. There were too many gender stereotypes that were thrown in. I also didn't care for the main characters all that much. Craig and Tamera are both very selfish and spoiled. They throw tantrums when they don't get their way. They also get physically aggressive with each other when they are angry. Another red flag. The biggest thing is that Tamera runs away every single time something goes wrong. It's insane.
This book was narrated by Terri England. I would love to know where she's from. I'm almost scared to look because I'm afraid to find out that she's not from the south at all. I'm born and raised in Georgia and I don't have a southern accent that authentic. Just saying. Anyways, it made the story really enjoyable to listen to. I would definitely listen to other books that she narrates.
I wanted to fall in love with this book. I just really couldn't get into it as much as I wanted to. The main characters could use a lot of work and maturity. I would have also loved to see more of the secondary characters. Especially of the grandfather. I would have loved to have actually seen some of the stories from his point of view. It would have been really interesting. I think the biggest thing I had an issue with was the constant men/women comments. It just got redundant and frustrating.
June 28, 2019
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.
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.
July 12, 2019
Tempered Hearts
: Pamela S Thibodeaux
***The GoodReads blurb for this book is incorrect!!!***
When fire and fire meet in the form of an arrogant rancher and a hurting lady vet, you can bet sparks will fly. The love-hate-love flipping attitudes get to be a bit much. I don't expect any relationship to be smooth as glass all the time, but these two seem to trip each others triggers and the battle is on. Tamera Collins wants to wait for marriage before sex.Craig Harris thinks his sex life is separate from his spiritual (or lack there of) life. What will happen if these two get together? It was a good quick listen.
The narration was well done. The characters were well portrayed by Terri England.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
: Pamela S Thibodeaux
***The GoodReads blurb for this book is incorrect!!!***
When fire and fire meet in the form of an arrogant rancher and a hurting lady vet, you can bet sparks will fly. The love-hate-love flipping attitudes get to be a bit much. I don't expect any relationship to be smooth as glass all the time, but these two seem to trip each others triggers and the battle is on. Tamera Collins wants to wait for marriage before sex.Craig Harris thinks his sex life is separate from his spiritual (or lack there of) life. What will happen if these two get together? It was a good quick listen.
The narration was well done. The characters were well portrayed by Terri England.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
August 31, 2020
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.
July 18, 2019
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.
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.
November 2, 2020
How the characters act is not realistic. Though the plot in itself is okay, I did not enjoy the continuous sexual tension. Even though nothing is crude, the constant reminder that Craig is aroused is of bad taste. What I liked is the fact that he respected Tamera in a way that made him wait for marriage with patience and love instead of making her change her mind. However, the constant sexual context was just too much.
February 23, 2020
Tamara and Craig sparks fly, with their bickering, attraction there also. A good love story and good characters, made this an enjoyable story. Add the narration which was good. Given audio for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
March 16, 2024
Great book
Loved this book. Easy to read due to smooth flow of reading. Loved that the intimate parts left alot to your imagination. I bought the whole series and can't wait to read the next one.
Loved this book. Easy to read due to smooth flow of reading. Loved that the intimate parts left alot to your imagination. I bought the whole series and can't wait to read the next one.
September 2, 2019
The story was good although a little frustrating in parts. The narrator on audible had a voice that I didn’t like, it sounded fake.
September 2, 2019
I listened to the audio version of this book.
I liked the stroy line and the characters. Not to keen on the audio narrator the diffrent voices that she did took me out of the story.
I liked the stroy line and the characters. Not to keen on the audio narrator the diffrent voices that she did took me out of the story.
October 4, 2015
(request submitted by author for an honest critique)
I have mixed feelings on this book. At times, I felt connected to Craig and Tamera. Case in point, the snake bite/hallucination scene. I can't see many readers not getting invested in the pain pouring out in those pages. Delusional from the venom, Tamera "sees" her father and begs to join him and her mother in Heaven. Craig's heart was literally ripping in two.
Powerful!!
However, the rest of their love story fell flat for me. I didn't like Tamera raising a hand to Craig out of anger. Pamela kept speaking of God and their faith yet she deemed it "heavenly" to attempt to strike another person. I know Craig verbally unleashed his anger but violence? When is violence ever the answer?
www.superkambrook.com
I have mixed feelings on this book. At times, I felt connected to Craig and Tamera. Case in point, the snake bite/hallucination scene. I can't see many readers not getting invested in the pain pouring out in those pages. Delusional from the venom, Tamera "sees" her father and begs to join him and her mother in Heaven. Craig's heart was literally ripping in two.
Powerful!!
However, the rest of their love story fell flat for me. I didn't like Tamera raising a hand to Craig out of anger. Pamela kept speaking of God and their faith yet she deemed it "heavenly" to attempt to strike another person. I know Craig verbally unleashed his anger but violence? When is violence ever the answer?
www.superkambrook.com
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