Cherished - Kim Cash Tate

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 Review:

I have to be honest. With my last book selection to review I was so hesitant about reading another one I wasn't sure I would. However, I'm so glad I did! I found this book so enjoyable. Each character had a certain characteristic that I could so easily relate with. The main characters Kelli and Heather are dealing with their realities based on past decisions they both made. Haven't we all been there?! I know I have. The guilt and shame that is created when we don't follow God's plan can be so tramatic. Yet this book gives hope that no matter what your past is, God can create a new you. This doesn't mean you don't deal with the consequences of your actions but you can move on and once again feel whole and renewed in Him. I also love how the book webs together friends and family and shows how God uses not only those around us but the most unlikely people to show us more of HIM. This is a definite reading recommendation from me!!!


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.”

Couples Who Pray

Several months ago I signed up with Booksneeze and I was so excited to receive my first book "Couples Who Pray" by Squire Rushnell and Louise DuArt. I would love for my first review to be nothing short of raving but sadly I was so disappointed in this book. The first half of the book is like reading an info-mercial by celebrity couples saying that if you just pray together 5 mins. a day all that is wrong will be made right. Don't get me wrong, I believe in God, the power of prayer and even miracles. I, however, do not believe that just because you pray for something means that God is going to answer your prayer, especially in the way you feel would best suit your needs. This book time and again gives testimony of that happening. I feel this just isn't how things work. I think the concept of praying as a couple is awesome. Infact, I'd say it's essential. I finished this book feeling like everything I read wasn't necessary and I could have just read the title and received just as much. I also found that the angle in which they spoke about tithing was not one that I agreed with. I do tithe and I personally believe God calls all of us to tithe however the book went with the angle of what tithing would do for you personally. The whole premise of tithing is giving not receiving and I felt it was wrong of the authors to say anything different.

So all in all I do not recommend this book. I will however just recommend you taking your time to actually pray for God's will in your life as a couple and as individuals. Let Him reveal what each of you need to be doing together and seperate to become more like him.