This book is so real that it tugs at my heart strings. In this book three people have messed up and are forced to deal with their abortion, abandonment, and adultery. In the end, after songs and secrets and sacrifices are revealed, they all realize they are forever treasured by God. This book is spectacular.

I think one of the biggest issues we deal with as Christians are our feelings of shame, unworthiness and inadequacy. Being human we have all had failures in our lives, many of them moral failures and we allow those failures to make us unworthy of God's love and forgiveness. Kim confronts this head on and leads us on a journey to that acceptance of God's forgiveness and self-forgiveness. This is a moving book that had me in tears a few times. Kelli and Heather have different pasts that have brought them to different places but with the same outcome - they are both overcome with shame. God brings them to a place of grace and I loved the vessel that God used as a mentor in their lives. It helped me realize that God will use even the most unlikely people to be His vessels of ministry to others. In this case an older woman steps in to be Heather's mentor and ends up mentoring both of them but she is the most unlikely person to mentor Heather (the best friend of the wife of the married man that Heather had an affair with...). It turns out to be the most amazing spiritual support system and just what they all needed.

Seeing how God made something beautiful out of the situation was a excellent example of God's grace. I love how reading books by Kim Cash Tate is like having a Bible study while you are enjoying a story - she weaves spiritual truths into everything in a beautiful way!

Cherished - this very word sums up this book - for in the pages of this story the true story of God's love and how much we are each cherished unfolds in a beautiful story of love, redemption, restoration and forgiveness.

Kelli London and Heather Anderson are both haunted with decisions that have left their dreams and lives in shattered remains. Yet, the two form an unlikely friendship that sets the two on a path that will reveal to them their true worth in the Father's eyes. With each others help and encouragement these women face their past mistakes and deal with the devastating pain that has sent rippling shock waves through their lives. In this time of friendship and this journey to healing they discover the depth of God's love and the power that self-forgiveness and forgiveness of others bring. In this they experience true restoration.

Truly a great and easy read. Kim Cash Tate's writing style draws the reader into the story and lives of the characters. The story quickly unfolds in the readers head as the characters and situations unfold.

Thanks to B&B Communications for this review copy.

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 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."

I was given the book "Cherished" by Kim Cash Tate to review. This book brings to life two characters, with seemingly nothing in common, and brings them together in a very unexpected way. Now, to be very honest, I started reading this book and really was not enjoying it. I was about three chapters into it and not really sure I wanted to keep going. However, the description on the back of the book sounded so good I determined to forge head. By chapter six, I was unable to put the book down. While it starts off slow, it rapidly picks up steam and leaves you breathlessly turning the pages to see what happens next. In retrospect, the reason the first few chapters feel slow is because they are laying important ground work for the rest of the novel. The two main characters are Kelly; a wannabe song writer with a secret, shame-inducing past and Heather; a woman who slept with a married man and followed it with a one night stand with yet another Christian man. I cannot say how these two come to know each other because I feel it gives too much away. However, this book leaves you wanting book 2. I am not sure if the author is planning a sequel, but if she does, I will snatch it up. Hidden in the page of this fictional book is an example of pure, true love so amazing it inspires you to forgive and live your life differently.