Tempered Dreams

Tempered Series, Book 2

By: Pamela S. Thibodeaux

Narrated by: Terri England

Length: 7 hrs and 15 mins

Publisher's Summary

Dr. Scott Hensley (introduced in Tempered Hearts) has built a wall around his heart since the death of his wife and parents. Katrina Simmons is recovering from scars inflicted on her as a battered wife. Can dreams be renewed and faith strengthened? Can they find joy and peace in God’s love and in love for one another?

©2001, 2005, 2014 Pamela S. Thibodeaux (P)2019 Pamela S. Thibodeaux

Lovely

Amazing story, and a great narrator too. Perfect lessons in here about forgiveness and its importance.

Beautiful

Scott has closed himself off to the thought of love. He is content with the way his life is going until an accident introduces him to Katrina. Katrina is in an abusive marriage. She accepts her life as it is until the accident causes her to miscarry. Finally finding the courage to leave her husband, she gets attacked putting her in Scott's presence once again. In him, she finds the chance to find real love. She also finds her faith in God again. I think that this book has a very powerful message. I do have to fully disclose that domestic violence and abuse are referenced in this book. It's not glossed over or glamorized. It's written out as raw and real as domestic violence is. As some people are sensitive to subjects like this, I feel it should be completely put out in the open. It's a very wholesome and religious book. I wonder how personal this book is to the author. This is the second book in a series. If I'm being honest, I liked it a lot better than the first. There were a few things that I didn't really care for in the book. The biggest thing is that it hit a little more home for me than I'm comfortable with. Anybody who is a victim of domestic violence knows how much sticks with you. Things can go on in life that is completely normal and something triggers a memory of the violence. It's a blow. But I digress. I guess this is more of a compliment to the author than an insult. Being that they captured the triggers very well. This book was narrated by Terri England. I can't remember if she's the one who narrated the first one or not. She does have a very entrancing southern voice. I can say that much. It's so authentic. I felt like I was legitimately in the world that the story takes place in. I'd love to listen to other books narrated by England. Other than her accent, she also has a very calming tone as well. I really did enjoy this book. I wouldn't call it a favorite, but it was very deep. I love the powerful messages littered through the entire book. I would suggest that the reader would reflect on the fact that domestic violence, alcoholism, and abuse is reflected in this book. I'm not saying don't read it. I'm saying that if these are sensitive topics, then it would be best not to read it. It is worth the read though. It's a very wholesome read full of hope and love.

A Sweet Christian Romance with a tough subject

This is the second book in the Tempered Series, but it can be read as a standalone. There are characters from the first story that make an appearance, but the main story is contained within this book. We met Dr. Scott Hensley at Craig Harris' ranch, but in this story, Scott has moved and is practising medicine in a large hospital. He meets a young woman, Katrina, on the road at the scene of an accident and it is obvious to him that she has been abused. Something about her attracts him, and he not only wants to protect her, but he wants to get to know her as well. This is a book about faith and forgiveness. In life, forgiveness is not always easy and that was portrayed well in this book. There is also some anger that rears its ugly head that has to be brought under control and used in a positive way. There are a few villains in this book, starting with Katrina's abusive husband as well as her step-father. I do not want to give the story away, so I will tell you that there are lessons to learn, as well as encouragement to love and forgive others. I enjoyed this story more than the first one. It was well-written and the characters were well-developed. The dialogue was good with some humour as well as serious discussions. There was an aspect of instalove from Scott, but Katrina held back and waited for a time before she gave over to those feelings. I want to warn readers that there are instances of abuse in this story, but it is not overly graphic and is necessary to the plot. I recommend this book to those who like a good Christian Romance. Once again, I listened to the audiobook narrated by Terri England. She has a very smooth delivery and the voices were well done. I did speed up the narration a bit, which enhanced my enjoyment of this story. I was gifted a copy of this audiobook upon request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.

Good Narration & Story

Story that is well written of a battered wife, the scars, one doesn’t see. She is starting a new life, and with the Lord’s guidance prayer and a new friend. Learning forgiveness want easy, for it started with a father beating his wife. When injuries take her to the hospital from a serious beating, Scott finds himself draw to this woman of wanting to protect. her. Well written and the narration was good and brought the emotion of the story out. Given audio for my voluntary review and my honest opinion

another wonderful story in this series!

I really loved the first book in this series. The second book did not disappoint. It was just as good as the first book. It was wonderful to re visit with some of the characters from the first book. It was also great to meet the children of those characters. I also thought Katrina was wonderful. There were loads of lessons and messages in this story. There was lots of encouragement as well. The story was well written and flowed really well. The narration was great just as in the first book. If you haven't read book 1 in this series, it would be helpful to do so. I would highly recommend this book and the series so far. I was given a free review copy of this audio book and have voluntarily left this review.

Recommended

A strongly Christian story with lots of scriptural references this story is full of hope. With a background of abuse physical and verbal Katrina has reached her breaking point. She makes a decision to basically start anew. With that she also decides to look up, to the Lord. This is her story of redemption and forgiveness with the help of a very special new friend. I recieved a free Audible copy of this story, at my request, in exchange for a honest review.

Good basic story

I got this book via audiobook boom and this is my voluntary review. This story was complex yet simple. The main characters got together in a manner I am not too sure of. But the Bible and God were woven into the story as well as abuse, forgiveness, understanding and unconditional love. I enjoyed the story and was glad to see the HEA in the end. I especially liked how both of them begin to give back to the community after being blessed with their happiness.

Faith and Trust

Tempered Dreams by Pamela S. Thibodeaux This is a book about faith and forgiveness. Unfortunately it wasn't practiced all the time. A bit two faced there Scott. The man is an emotional BULLY!!! The romance seemed a bit fast and forced again by Scott. Maybe I just am anti- doctor today, or maybe he isn't quite perfect. Will they get their happily ever after? This just did not make me feel comfortable. Too bad he couldn't be more "Christian." Then all of a sudden he remembers OH! I was supposed to let God lead instead of trying to do it all myself. Katrina has lived with abuse both physically and emotionally most of her life. It's understandable she has trust issues. Her faith has eroded and along comes Scott, he seems to be too controlling too. Maybe he was just gruff and not able to communicate what he meant. I don't blame her for the lack of trust. 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.