Rekindled Hearts

The storm that rips through the town of High Plains, Kansas, echoes the storm in Lexi Harmon's heart. She had thought her marriage to Police Chief Colt Ridgeway was meant to be until death parted them and the ache left behind after their divorce is devastating. The tornado that rips through their town throws them back together as they are trapped together for six hours in her basement. Can Lexi and Colt overcome their own fears to see that the love between them is worth fighting for? Will they give love a second chance? REKINDLED HEARTS is part of the After the Storm series. Readers unfamiliar with the prior books can still jump right in and understand the storyline as the ongoing threads, such as the saga of Tommy Jacobs' missing dog, Charlie, are explained by Brenda Minton. The romance and reawakening of faith by Colt and Lexi compromise most of the book and as such, REKINDLED HEARTS can be read as a stand alone. REKINDLED HEARTS is one of those rare gems that captures the love and pain that can exist in a relationship. Relationships are not always easy and the euphoria of "being in love" can fade but it is the bond that forms afterwards that lasts forever. Colt and Lexi have just that sort of bond but their own fears prevent them from putting their love to the test. Colt in particular finds it easier to leave, thinking that it will hurt Lexi less if he leaves now before there is any chance of harm happening to him. Brenda Minton does a fabulous job at incorporating their past with the present. The rebuilding of their love echoes the rebuilding of the town, making the story have a true sense of completeness. REKINDLED HEARTS is a powerful story that touches on a subject often ignored in romances. Working on a relationship after getting married and being willing to take a risk with one's heart is not an easy thing, as Lexi and Colt fully exemplify. Bravo to Brenda Minton for such a beautiful love story! COURTESY OF BOOK ILLUMINATIONS

Some of my favorite stories are love lost and found again and this entry by Brenda Minton in the After the Storm continuity from Love Inspired is fabulous. The story touched a personal note for me as well, as my family has endured the aftermath of multiple hurricanes in Florida. Ms. Minton's characters, as always, are well-rounded and insightfully written. And though it is a continuity, the author manages to bring this small community to life in a lovely, touching story.

Tornado's do a lot of damage, and when one ripped through High Plains it left death and destruction in its wake. Police Chief, Colt Ridgeway, took shelter in his ex-wife Lexi's home. They survived, but others didn't. As the town struggles to build back, some of the townspeople are hoping the tragedy will lead Cole and Lexi to rebuild their marriage. Cole is determined that will never happen. Lexi wants a family, a real church going God worshiping family. A normal family with a husband and children. But Cole, who hadn't been able to reach his deputy Gavin Jones in time to save him, has lost confidence in himself. He doesn't believe he can give Lexi what she wants. He's a police officer. They both know every time he walks out that door there's a chance he won't come back. After Gavin's death, two years ago, Colt walked out on his marriage, walked out on Lexi, and asked for a divorce. But Lexi isn't giveing up on Cole. She will do whatever is necessary to break down the wall he's build around his heart. As they search for Charlie, Tommy Jacob's missing dog, and try to find the parents of a child found alone after the tornado, Lexi prays for Cole, asking God to bring him back to a realization of how much he needs love, both hers and God's. Brenda Minton's stories go much deeper than the usual romance. Her characters are well rounded, fully developed, and as real as the people next door. Her plots are strong, full of twists and turns. Rekindled Hearts is a deeply moving story of love, courage, and faith, and a town too tough to die. Lexi and Cole will touch your heart. Brenda Minton just keeps on getting better.