Dreams of Tamar

Author: Darlene Pryor
Genre: Contemporary Romance

The God of miracles makes good on his promises. Always. And what the enemy means for our destruction, God means for our good. He will make a way when there seems to be no way.

When Diedra first hears the stories in the Bible about two different women named Tamar, little does she know what God has in store for her. Like Diedra, both Tamars experienced rejection and shame, but both journeyed to redemption and restoration. 

Will Diedra—accosted on all sides by medical, marital, spiritual, and vocational upheaval—find her own redemptive destiny in her whirlwind life as a mother of five with one more on the way? Or will self-doubt keep this Daughter of Tamar wandering in the desert? 

When Diedra’s husband, James, suggests that she write a book about her experiences, Tamar’s Dream is born—and Diedra’s deliverance from the spirit of rejection is finally within reach.

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Reviewer: Mary Hosmar

When I read the back cover blurb of this book, I thought this might make an interesting read. Unfortunately, for me, this book did not live up to its promise.

While the story premise has merit, the way in which it was presented, disappointed. I had a hard time finishing the book. Perhaps, because of this, I may have missed some references or forgotten some details. For example, the back cover blurb talks about Diedra, the main character, hearing about the stories of two women named Tamar in the Bible. These women both suffered rejection and shame. The connection with Diedra was not clearly established. Yes, Diedra was rejected by the father of her children, but this seems to be glossed over rather than become an integral part of the story. As a matter of fact, the most prominent time Tamar is mentioned is when her name is spoken by someone in the prayer ministry at church who was praying over Diedra’s friend and not in connection with Diedra herself.

At the beginning of the book Diedra is very upset with James, her husband because of his attitude and unwillingness to help around the house. Then, seemingly without a lot of struggle or time passing, it seems all is changed and James becomes a perfect example of a loving and helping husband.

There were several more inconsistencies in the story which I found confusing. One of the first things that turned me off were the many grammatical errors.

The story does have the potential to speak to people and needs to be told, but it would be much more effective if the author used show rather than tell on more occasions. Both the grammar and writing could benefit from a good editor.

There is a very strong and clear message of Christ’s love and redemptive power throughout the story. Sometime, though, I found those passages so long they detracted from the story.
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I know some people will love this story, and each reader needs to make up his or her own mind.

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Reviewer: Sabrina Wade

Impressive. While this book is not a style of writing I favor, the author most certainly kept my attention and drew me into each scene on purpose. From a Christian standpoint there were many things throughout the book that I do not agree with as biblical. Nonetheless, because this book is listed as fiction, all beliefs put aside, I thoroughly enjoyed Dreams of Tamar.

Pryor wrote this novel in a way that both read as a novel and a personal devotional. I truly felt as though the words came off the page and spoke directly to me. Mind blowing. The Good Lord’s Word without addition or subtraction has a way of doing that.
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Readers picking up this book with just the intent of passing time will be taken aback. Dreams of Tamar had me experiencing every emotion each character experienced and left room for me to introspectively examine my own past and my future. Forget about Diedra, YOU THE READER will walk away equipped to speak life into your trials and troubles. You will look at the people within your circle and question whether they are supporters or drainers. Get your copy and experience a journey of fictional characters that will without a doubt collided with your real life.

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