Customer Reviews

Cherished

5 star:		(60)
4 star:		(31)
3 star:		(10)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

While I generally gravitate towards non-fiction books there are several authors who have moved me to see the genre of Christian fiction in a different light. Kim Cash Tate is one such writer. Her way of painting stories full of healing truths in a contemporary fashion is truly refreshing to me.

Which is why, when I recently won a copy of her latest fictional work "Cherished" in a contest I was thrilled. Having already read her first book "Faithful", which I also highly recommend, I couldn't wait for the book to arrive.

I found "Cherished" to be just as delightful of a read as the author's first book. Her writing style makes the reading enjoyable and very easy to relate to. In many ways following the storyline was like watching a screenplay or peering into a window. I quickly found myself on a first name basis with the characters. As a read it was almost as if I could hear their laughter, feel the various gut-wrenching struggles, and anticipate their joy. In short, I was engaged completely.

The message of "Cherished" is one of redemption, restoration, and genuiune forgiveness. I experienced a wide array of emotions while reading (even did some chuckling) as the truths laid out are very deep and thought-provoking. So much so that several days later I am still pondering them. The book was just that good although to share any more would spoil the experience for other readers.

What I can say is that I highly recommend that you read both "Faithful" and "Cherished." They have the ability to be life-altering in a very healing and hopeful way. You'll find yourself benefiting from them and also wanting to share them with friends.

I anxiously wait to hear more from Kim Cash Tate in the future.

Cherished by Kim Cash Tate


I received this book from booksneeze.com for free for my honest opinion of this book.

Book Description
How can she believe God cherishes her when she can't forgive herself?

Kelli London once dreamed of being a songwriter. As crazy as it seemed, she hoped that God would use the lyrics that came to her while she slept. She dreamed about Brian too, that the love they shared would be a forever kind of love. But choices she'll forever regret upended her hope . . . and turned her dreams to dust. When those dreams come knocking once more, she's forced to deal with the pain of the past.

Heather Anderson's life has spun out of control--first, an affair with a married man, then a one-night stand with the drummer of a popular Christian band that left her devastated. Broken and alone, she cried out to the only One who can save her. And He did. But that's just the beginning, because now she must leave behind the only life she's ever known.

Two women with shame-filled pasts form an unlikely friendship. What does God's forgiveness look like for them? Will they ever believe that He loves them . . . and can still offer them a life where they are cherished?



My Thoughts
This is the first book by Kim Cash Tate I have had the pleasure of reading and I can't wait to read more. This beautiful story could be about any of us. Kim Cash Tate writes you right into her story. Our main characters, Kelli and Heather, form an unlikely friendship and in this friendship find out what God's forgiveness truly is. These women find out that once you allow yourself that forgiveness, ANYTHING is possible. The characters in this story are so easy to relate to, their stories are so familiar to most people, and their journey back is beautiful. This story spoke to me in so many ways. The gospel message throughout was one that I loved and the book itself dealt with an issue that all of us can relate to that is guilt. I cannot wait to read Kim Cash Tate's first book Faithful after this. I am so thankful the opportunity to read this book, felt like something I really needed at this point in my life.

I just sat down tonight and opened this book. I had received a digital copy to review through Booksneeze and just now had a chance to read.




Kim Cash Tate is a new author to me so I had no idea what to expect from this book.




I didn't plan to read Cherished all the way through tonight nor did I plan to post a review about it so quickly.




But, my feelings are almost raw from how encouraging and uplifting this book is... it is incredibly moving to your read a steady, deep theme of love, forgiveness, grace and mercy.




I was literally blown away by the redeeming power of our God.




Through the stories of two women, Heather and Kelli, I truly began to feel their pain and rejoice as God turns their mourning into joy.




From the back of the book...




"Kelli London once dreamed of being a songwriter. As crazy as it seemed, she hoped that God would use the lyrics that came to her while she slept. She dreamed about Brian too, that the love they shared would be a forever kind of love. But choices she'll forever regret upended her hope . . . and turned her dreams to dust. When those dreams come knocking once more, she's forced to deal with the pain of the past.




Heather Anderson's life has spun out of control--first, an affair with a married man, then a one-night stand with the drummer of a popular Christian band that left her devastated. Broken and alone, she cried out to the only One who can save her. And He did. But that's just the beginning, because now she must leave behind the only life she's ever known.




Two women with shame-filled pasts form an unlikely friendship. What does God's forgiveness look like for them? Will they ever believe that He loves them . . . and can still offer them a life where they are cherished?"




To see these women experience the forgiveness that only God can give is miraculous.




This miracle reminds us how amazing our God is and how freely He offers us His mercy and grace.




I almost wish Kim Cash Tate would have lengthened the book and taken more time with each character. I felt like I was living the story with them.




I even cried. more than once.




In fact, I still feel teary.




God is merciful. He is a God of grace. He forgives the unforgiveable and redeems the broken pieces of our lives.




We can not forget these truths about the God we serve.




I'm thankful for the reminder to give it all to Him, let Him work out the timing of our lives and trust Him to redeem lost and hurtful moments.

I just finished reading Cherished and felt compelled to write a review. Kim has been a favorite author of mine since her first novel. Her writing never disappoints. To date Cherished is her best work. The story was so engaging that I lost myself in the book. One moment I would have a grin on my face and in the next I was wiping away tears. I found myself feeling the pain & shame felt by Kelli and Heather. I agree with other reviewers that when we pray sometimes things don't happen instantaneously, however our God is able to move in an instant and HE does. If nothing else Cherished reminds us how much God cherishes us and that nothing we do will ever separate us from His love! Thanks Kim for a great novel and for letting the Lord use you. I definitely plan to let my book club sisters know your book must be next! I can see great healing taking place when we gather for our discussion.

From what I read, I LOVED this book. This is the latest title I recieved from BookSneeze. I was excited to see the Women of Faith seal on the front cover too.


Cherished is a story of finding your way back to God after you made some bad decisions in your life. When we first meet Kelli, she is singing at her brother's wedding, as we read the story we find out how meaningful this beautiful song is. I often wonder what songwritters were feeling when they wrote the songs we hear on the radio! Kelli is reunited with her high school boyfriend and confronted with some decisions they made to bring them together now. They find out how great God's love truely is for them and how forgiving He is too.


What I didn't like about the book is that there are pages missing! I read up to page 186, flip to read about Heather (a secondary charater) and there is a whole different paragraph. I looked at the page number and it reads 219! WHAT THE HECK? I have contacted Book Sneeze and hope to get a full book still.

I received a copy of this book from booksneeze.com and this is my opinion of what I have read.

Summary:
Kelli London is a broken soul. Even though she had spent much of her teen years in church it has been seven years since she has attended a service. She had also abandoned songwriting a gift God had meant for her to use.
Then she moves to St. Louis after college in hopes of finding employment and to spend some time with her two brothers and their wives. Her brothers have joined an amazing ministry at Living Word Community Church and she decided to join them at church. Kelli starts opening her heart but is somewhat of a Doubting Thomas. But her sister-in-law Stephanie believes in the power of prayer and is not willing to let Kelli give up on what they have prayed for . We all need to find someone to disciple us back into the fold and encourage our new journey. Then things get even more complicated for Kelli her high school sweetheart, Brian seems to be attending the same church she is attending. Old wounds open and begin to heal.
In this story you will also read about Heather her story I felt was similar to that of Mary Magdelan's. Purity is encouraged and taught all through the writings in this book.
Cherished
My Thoughts:
Kim, the author, definitely has a winner here in this book. She brings the characters alive. So much so that I felt a part of their lives. She shows that God has a plan for everyone. It is just that you have to open your heart and follow the path he has cut for us. Prayer groups, circles or buddies is much encourage in this story. Some say prayers just aren't answered as fast as the author has portrayed. But I say they can I have experienced it in my own life. It is just that you really need to be careful how you pray because God has a great since of humor, not answering quiet how you had meant him to. But it is the path he has chosen for us and is up to us whether we choose it or not. This book really opened my eyes then my heart to be more open to God and ask him to lead me on the path set for me. An important fact in this book is being willing to forgive. Not just each other but ourselves. It is a beautiful story one I will treasure.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the [...] book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 [...] : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

I was a little worried as I started this book; it wasn't drawing me in like I want books to do. I am SO glad that I gave it a few more pages.

This book was so uplifting to me, to see how this group of people really trusts in God to answer all their prayers and believe that he will. They prayed about everything and watched God respond. They took the Bible verse Mark 11:24 to a whole new level for me: Whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it and it will be yours.

This book is about Kelli and her family. The hurt that surrounded them and the reward of believing in God no matter the answer, the healing that he rewards them with is something we all want - we all want to feel Cherished. I so want a copy of the Love Letters that this book is about.
It has been a long time since I have read a book that I was not ready for it to end, this was it. I could of read another 100 pages easily.

Cherished by Kim Cash Tate is the story of two unlikely women coming together and forming a bond beyond measure. They each have endured personal setbacks and must find their way to forgiving themselves. Which is easier said then done but we can all relate to this situation. It is during their break down that they find eachother and help/guide eachother back to Him and come out whole again.

This is such a perfect story that when I began it I could not put it down. I just had to know what was going to happen and where they were going. To me this was the perfect summer read. It gets you to realize that even if we put just a little bit of effort and listen to our guide with lots of prayer we can accomplish anything. And I mean anything.

This is the kind of fairy tale ending novel anyone can wrap themselves in and enjoy reading for a few days.

Cherished by Kim Cash Tate was a delightful book that penetrates the layers of forgiveness and filling loved by God. In this novel, the main character, Kelli London, has always dreamed of being a songwriter. She always felt that God would use the lyrics that came to her to touch people's lives. She thought often of Brian and their love as well. However, a few choices later and all her dreams are upended and in ashes. Will Kelli have the strength to dream again when the opportunity arises?

Heather Anderson has made a lot of bad choices also. An affair with a married man and a short tryst with a Christian drummer have left her alone and broken. In desperation she called out to God - and he saved her. Now He is calling her to a new life, to leave everything behind. Will she have the strength to obey?

These two broken women form a unlikely friendship. What does God's forgiveness look like for them? And will they be able to forgive themselves?

First off, Cherished is a sequel to Faithful, and while I was able to enjoy Cherished without reading Faithful, I think that the beginning chapters of Cherished would have made more sense had I read Faithful first. However, Cherished was still a wonderful book that I really enjoyed. The characters were very believable, and they struggled with realistic and identifiable problems. The emotions in this book were raw and real, and I was drawn into their depths and into the lives of the characters. The themes of love, forgiveness, and God's grace and mercy were well blended into the novel, and I was truly touched by the how God's love was shown and how His forgiveness was accepted and shared. The characters were willing to finally open up about their issues, and it was really inspiring to see how one person's mess can change the lives of countless others. Cherished was a delightful and inspiring novel, and I highly recommend it. I will definitely be checking out more of Kim Cash Tate's works.

I received a free copy of this book from Book Sneeze in exchange for an honest review.

Cherished is on of the most enjoyed books I have read recently. Tate does a wonderful job of drawing the reader into the intertwined lives of her characters. It is a light read but with heavy messages that brought this reader to tears more than once. Though I could painfully relate to some of the events in the characters past, Tate writes in such a refreshingly pointed manner that I thankfully found myself caught up in rejoicing over God's unconditional love and forgiveness.

The storyline centers around three main characters and how their own destructive choices in the past have left lasting consequences. Each character is dealing with the consequences in a unique way, some not necessarily healthy. Tate reveals God's work in each life and beautifully illustrates how we can all experience healing in our brokenness if we will humble ourselves before God and allow Him to walk us through forgiveness as only He can do.

Fairy-tale ending? Possibly, but I would not change one thing. After all, as God's children, do we not have a real fairy-tale ending to which we are looking to as our hope for all eternity?

Amen "Sistah Tate"! Praying that God sees fit for you to continue pouring out wonderful Christian fiction.

Recommend? Absolutely!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."