Summary (from Goodreads): 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: Cherished by Kim Cash Tate is an excellent story about forgiveness, redemption, and love. This is told in the third person from several different characters’ perception, and it works very well. This was one book that would not have worked in first-person, even if it had two (or more) perspectives. It would’ve been hard to follow. How it’s written, though, is perfect and made reading it very enjoyable.
While the summary mentions Kelli and Heather, the story seems to be more about Kelli – and Brian – than Heather. Heather’s story is important, and does tie in with Kelli’s, but it’s more on the periphery of the book. Kelli and Brian are most often at the center. And I think it works, because their story is far more interesting, far more heartbreaking, and has far greater impact when reading.
Cherished shows that no matter what lies in our past, God still loves us. He forgives us. And He still can – and will – use us. We also see the power of forgiveness in our human relationships, and how relationships can be restored through God’s grace and love.
Once the big bomb was dropped, I couldn’t get the song Lucy by Skillet (click the link to hear the song) out of my head. (My apologies if you know the story behind that song, as that will prove a small spoiler. However, even if you hear the song, the lyrics won’t give it away. Only the story behind the song will.)
There were times while reading that I kept thinking that everything was too easy, too sunshiny, too perfect. But then if I’d stop and think about it I’d remember that it isn’t. There are some disappointments, some failed dreams, and some tough times that occur during the story (in addition to working through past mistakes).
Overall, Cherished is a hope-filled, uplifting story about God’s grace in our lives and how He can take any of our mistakes and use them for His glory.
Source: Huge thanks to Audra Jennings with The B&B Media Group, Inc. for sending me this book in exchange for an honest review.
Read It: Get your own copy HERE.
Challenges: Counts for 100 Books in a Year Reading Challenge 2011 and Follow that Blurb Reading Challenge (sending me to The Yada Yada Prayer Group by Neta Jackson).
FTC Disclosure: All items reviewed were either obtained by me for my own enjoyment or sent (from the author, publisher, publicist, via tour sites, etc.) in exchange for an honest review. I receive no monetary compensation for my posts. All opinions expressed are my own.
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