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Cherished

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Before healing can begin for Kelli and Heather, they need to believe they are worth cherishing.

310 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2011

193 people are currently reading
869 people want to read

About the author

Kim Cash Tate

21 books575 followers
Kim Cash Tate is the author of several books and a former practicing attorney. She has a deep love for the word of God, and loves to ignite a passion in others to not only know the Lord, but to walk intimately with Him. Kim lives in St. Louis with her husband of twenty-three years and their two children.

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5 stars
502 (55%)
4 stars
268 (29%)
3 stars
114 (12%)
2 stars
21 (2%)
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5 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews
Profile Image for Janna Ryan.
292 reviews40 followers
October 16, 2011
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!
Profile Image for Sarah Jane.
47 reviews10 followers
August 19, 2023
If I could give this book 10 STARS I would! It has to be my favourite fiction book yet! I absolutely loved how it was written and was so relatable. The author really showcases Gods love, forgiveness, faith, prayer and the church in this book. Along side great friendships and family. I couldn’t put this book down and the ending is worth it. I can’t recommend it enough. I would not only recommend this book to Christians, however also highly suggest giving it to any non-believers or people who may have had a troubled past or who feel like they aren’t good enough or it’s too late to know our saviour. I believe this book / story could absolutely change lives. I now want to read more of Kim Cash Tates books! They should make this a movie.
Profile Image for Octavia.
366 reviews81 followers
November 7, 2022
This is a remarkable Christian fiction novel to be Cherished! Kelli and Heather are the two characters Both women are struggling with their past lives. But, God allows their lives to become interwoven; teaching them to lean on God's Time and Understanding, Not Their Own... And, to Always Trust Him. This is a very cozy, lovesome novel. In the beginning, I delighted in the way this author introduced a different character with each new chapter. Kimberly Cash Taste truly has written in a way that actually Ministers to readers about the Grace and Mercy of God. This novel can be used as a wonderful Spiritual Tool to help create any type of Prayer Circle, Community Group, etc...
What an An Excellent Read!!
** Read "Faithful" Before this Novel **
Profile Image for Sarah.
Author 46 books459 followers
did-not-finish
March 26, 2022
I loved the ideas and the characters behind this book, it just felt disjointed and I had trouble keeping up with who was who and what was going on. I might try the audiobook sometime in the future or another by this author.
Profile Image for Khaliyah Monay.
86 reviews1 follower
May 1, 2024
I absolutely loved this book!!!

I am now a fan of this author and her writing because WOW! I couldn’t put the book down at all. The story was such a good depiction of our everyday struggles as believers of God and honestly just as everyday humans. Judgement, unforgiveness, uncertainty, self-love, doubt, trust issues, etc. However, as the story unfolds you see Gods grace, mercy, love, forgiveness, and timing prevails all things and it’s what matters most. God can turn our most ugliest moments in our lives into the very thing that restores us.

Absolutely beautiful read 🤩🙌🏽
Profile Image for Stacey.
557 reviews4 followers
August 28, 2018
I wanted a light easy read as school got kicked in gear, and this hit that perfectly. The story of two women, their friends and family, their pasts, and God's grace and mercy.
Profile Image for Melony.
Author 3 books163 followers
January 26, 2025
This series is amazing and inspiring!
Profile Image for Jennifer Fluegge.
400 reviews
November 23, 2021
The themes of Mercy, Grace, and forgiveness were strong in this book! As well as the change that God can make in a life when people give themselves to Him.

Great book, I recommend it!
Profile Image for J. Payne.
29 reviews
January 12, 2025
I will definitely be reading more Kim Cash Tate in 2025!
Profile Image for Kati Hildebran.
29 reviews
April 28, 2023
⭐️4.5⭐️
Love the fact that this book doesn’t just sugar-coat a Christian’s walk with God by making everything in their life go perfectly. It tackles some of the darker things of people’s past and then shows how they can truly be forgiven!
Profile Image for H.
296 reviews22 followers
March 14, 2012
How can you believe God cherishes you, when you can't forgive yourself?

That is the question that two women ask in this book. Kelli London once dreamed of being a songwriter. She dreamed about Brian, that they would have a forever love. But choices she regrets dashed her dreams, and upended her hope. But when her dreams come around again, she's forced to face her past, before she can live her future.

Heather Anderson's life is a mess. First she has an affair with a married man, then a one-night stand with the drummer of a popular Christian band. Broken and alone she cries out to the only One who can really save her. But now she must leave the Old Heather behind, and discover who she really is.
These two women form an unlikely friendship as both are on the path for God's forgiveness. "Will they ever believe that He loves them... and can still offer them a life where they are cherished?"

When I started reading this book I was immediately turned off. The dialogue felt really contrived, there were too many characters too quickly without enough character development for me to keep them straight. I love reading Christian fiction books, they are my favorite genre, but this one felt a little too 'preachy' in the beginning for me. There were many times where it just felt forced, it needed to be a little more subtle, because it distracted from the story. Then there was a major plot point which I felt was uncovered in a very unrealistic way, and had a theology attached to it that I didn't agree with.

ALL of that aside though, I did find myself continuing to read the book and wanting to see how it all ended. The story was a little unreal, but the music lover in me enjoyed the main story line of the book. After I got past my initial hesitations I really enjoyed the book. It was a slow start, but a great ending. A quick read that was enjoyable. I even found myself bookmarking a few lines here and there to go back through and read again later.

I would recommend this book to anyone who can't forgive themselves. Because this book is a reminder that we are all cherished.

Booksneeze graciously provided me with a complimentary ebook copy of this book for review purposes. I was not compensated for my review, all opinions here are my own.
Profile Image for bLueRLyN.
82 reviews5 followers
March 19, 2013
Cherished has been in my to-read list for some months now and after I finished up with my last read, I decided it's high time I try to read this book.

Cherished is an easy read and what I liked most about the story line is that despite being a romance book with a Christian theme, the characters are all fully human and flawed, and have had to go through tough situations that they got themselves into because of poor choices that they've made, because of a deliberate decision to sin. The story also showcases some people we all know are lurking in the church and in most christian communities, those that show a facade of holiness, actively participating in different ministries and yet has not been truly converted and continues to make the habit of sinning. And there are those, who were beyond grateful towards the shedding of Jesus's blood for our sins remission, that despite their shady past, they decided that the only way to live now as people freed from the bondage of sin, is to become slaves of Jesus Christ. Going over what I wrote just now, I actually realized that this is a book that's central theme is God's will for our lives and that even if we make bad choices or have detours along the way, He is still able to complete His plans for us (Romans 8:28), only of course, if we are willing to follow Him, but mostly to let go of our favorite sins. Cherished is a book about God's redemption, mercy and grace, peppered with romance - the godly way.

Kim Cash Tate is no doubt a gifted writer and I pray that continues to write books for God's glory. When God blesses me with a daughter, I'll mark her books as the ones that my girl will be reading when she's in her teenage years.
Profile Image for Kristin (Kritters Ramblings).
2,244 reviews110 followers
October 18, 2011
A book that from the start had a story that made you want to keep reading, but was very "churchy" with its delivery. I enjoy Christian fiction, but I do not enjoy when it takes a little while to get to the depth of the story. I was pulled in with intrigue, but didn't feel like the reader hit the meat of the story until you were over half way through the book.

I liked this book, but I sit on the fence because the tone of the story was not subtle. In the same token, the characters were captivating and some real issues were tackled, which is surprising at times for Christian fiction. Although the reader may have been left with a perfect happy ending, at least the characters development through the book was somewhat realistic and they had to overcome some large issues in their lives.

It all felt too Brady Bunch to me, where things work out way too perfectly in the end. Maybe,I would have preferred if one of the characters didn't end up exactly where they were expected to end up. I think many Christians can agree that it doesn't always work out with a perfect bow at the end, sometimes you are left in a situation that isn't great, but with the help of your faith you can find the light at the end of the situation.
Profile Image for Brenda.
1,150 reviews15 followers
September 27, 2011
I have read many good things about Kim Cash Tate and her first book "Faithful" so I was anxious to sample her writing for myself and all I can say is I was blown away with her ability to make me feel the emotions that the characters feel, with a plot that is very easy to relate to. I felt like I was on an emotional roller coaster ride, feeling the ups and downs of the characters.I laughed and cried, but also found the positive christian message woven in to be perfect for the struggles we face today. The choices each character makes takes them away from God, and they must learn to not only find forgiveness for others but to also forgive themselves and realize that God "Cherishes" each and every on of us.
Once I started reading this story I realized it was actually a continuation of "Faithful" but I hadn't read the first book and had no problems getting right into the story. If your looking for a story, that will remind you that God still loves you even when you mess up, filled with down to earth characters that are so very easy to relate to then you really should give this book a try.
Profile Image for Megan.
1,736 reviews199 followers
October 5, 2011
After I started reading 'Cherished', I realized that there was another book, 'Faithful', that the author had written before this one that had many of the same characters in it. So now if I were to read that book, I will know what happens - ugh! However, 'Cherished' is a novel that can be read on it's own.

Kelli and Heather both have their share of guilt, shame, and regrets for choices that they made. For Kelli it's the choice she made when she was a teenager. For Heather the decision she made to have an affair with a married man. Both are learning that they need to lean on the Lord and trust in Him to heal their wounds.

'Cherished' was so much better than I expected it to be. I completely enjoyed reading it and even though I know what the outcome of 'Faithful' will be, I still want to read it. This was such a great book!

*** I received a complimentary copy of this book from the B & B Media Group to review. I was asked to give my honest opinion of the book - which I have done.***
Profile Image for jaimedannie.
267 reviews8 followers
Read
September 11, 2023
It just didn't grab me, the characters didn't seem relatable or something. I've enjoyed this authors writing before, not sure why I didn't connect to this one. Didn't finish.
Profile Image for Treasure.
424 reviews7 followers
August 4, 2025
General thought:
An novel full of life lessons based on faith and the bible . Very easy to read
Definitely would recommend the read, but read faithful first!

Book overview:
We follow Kelly Cedric’s sister and Heather Scotts mistress.
Both ladies are dealing with guilty and seek healing

How can you believe God cherishes you, when you can't forgive yourself?
That is the question these two women ask in this book.
Kelly London, once dreamed of being a songwriter. She dreamed about Brian, that they would have a forever love.
But choices she regrets destroyed her dreams.

Heather’s life is a mess. First she has an affair with a married man(Scott, Dana's husband), then a one-night stand with the drummer of a popular Christian band (Ace). Broken and alone she cries out to the only One who can really save her. But now she must leave the Old Heather behind, and discover who she really is.
These two women form an unlikely friendship as both are on the path for God's forgiveness and restoration.

Will they ever believe that God truly cherishes them and can still offer them a life better than they could ever imagine?

Read the story to find out!
Profile Image for His Wife7474.
135 reviews32 followers
June 8, 2018
I think I enjoyed Cherished more than Faithful. The writing was very smooth, the characters were well-developed, and the storyline was believable. I love that I learn lessons while the characters minister to each other.

Cherished deals with a couple of heavy topics- abortion, forgiveness of self and forgiveness of others. Kelli and Brian (AKA Alien) have some unresolved issues that come to light in a series of coincidental (or divine) events. Kellie learns quickly that bottling up and building walls do not equal forgiveness. She has a long road, as does Brian, but thankfully their prayerful family and friends are there to support.

We also get to see Heather start on her own path of redemption and forgiveness. I can't say any more without giving something away :).

Cherished is a great read. Enjoy!
Profile Image for Katie.
1,159 reviews25 followers
July 2, 2022
What I read: Cherished by Kim Cash Tate

Why I picked it up: It was available on Hoopla and I liked the first in this mini series.

How I read it: On audio at 2x.

What it’s about: Kim and Brian were high school sweethearts until everything changed. After a major incident, she locked up her heart and is just now letting family and friends back in as she comes back to the Lord in faith.

What I liked: There’s a sensitive issue at the center of their story that is dealt with really well. It’s an amazing showcase of the Lord’s mercy.

What I disliked: I wanted more depth.

Genre: Christian fiction, romance.

Rating & Recommendation: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ and maybe.
Profile Image for Tahjza Holmes.
7 reviews
December 18, 2025
6⭐! Cherished is my very first 6 star read. I love everything about this book. There were so many different themes that intertwined which contributed to the overall depth of the different storylines. I also enjoy the fact that Tate wrote multiple storylines amongst the friend group and allowed them to intersect. I especially love the way she depicted the way God operates in real life. It's just SO good!!! I listened to this book through Hoopla but it was so good I'm considering getting the physical copy. If you're looking for a cinema-worthy read or looking to get into cleaner stories that still have depth, drama, and an intriguing plot. Read this book!
Profile Image for tanya.
147 reviews
June 9, 2018
I was so inspired!

I loved, loved this book. I couldn’t put it down. Through reading this book I was reminded about his mercy and grace and I awe of how amazingly unconditional his love is. God spoke to me while reading and had me take a look at myself.....a really hard look. I also appreciated the fact that it wasn’t preachy and sappy. It was realistic and the characters were relatable. I would love to have a group of Christian friends I could feel safe being so transparent with. I’m going to look for more books from the author and I’m now following her.
Profile Image for Mandy McDonald.
9 reviews
January 2, 2025
He makes beauty from ashes ❤️

If you want to read a book of how much we are loved and forgiven, this is your book. There is no sin that takes you out of God’s sight. He may let us wonder a bit but He is always waiting and yearning for us to repent and come running back into His loving arms. This book hits some rough topics. Though some times hard to read, books like this are sometimes just what we need. The hard topics are what we need to bring to light. God can make the biggest mistake of someone’s life into the biggest blessing for His glory.
34 reviews
October 19, 2025
Both stories of kelli London and Heather Anderson are a reminder that no sin is greater than the grace of Jesus Christ. Jesus paid the price for our sins. God can rewrite our story no matter how dark our past was. I really loved the music and song writing elements.

The Bible studies are so inspiring, the friendship heartfelt and the romance is beautiful. The theme of forgiveness is very prevalent and well executed.

I really felt cherished after closing the last page of this book which I believe is what the author aimed to achieve.



Profile Image for Sandra.
71 reviews
October 2, 2017
New fan of this author!

Forgiveness, sometimes so hard to do, but always the right thing. Mistakes made in the past, you think you can move on past the pain but you can't till forgiveness takes place. I was with the people here every step of the way wishing I had friends and family like that. Seeking and following God's will is what it's all about. I am so glad I found this author. I will be following her from now on. OUTSTANDING! Highly recommend, don't miss this!
5 reviews
January 23, 2022
I enjoyed the way this story a lot. The pace was great- I never lost interest. I read this book out of order which may be why I was able to enjoy the characters without knowing their past from previous books in the series. The characters felt real and their actions matched their situations. I like the way the author weaved the characters into the story, they didn't seem forced or confusing to the
story line.
52 reviews
July 31, 2022
Cherished

I really enjoyed reading Brian and Kelli’s story. I am guilty of wanting to be forgiven by God and the hard part forgiving myself. I have learned you can’t move forward until you have released the past. No wonder He gives us new mercies every morning. Kim gives you something to pray on and move forward in life. I love all the characters and I have grown to love Stephanie. I am ready for Book 3.
4 reviews
February 12, 2025
Great book! I love how much of God's character and God's love was mentioned in the book( even amongst the characters). I like how we saw the different stories of the characters from their point of view. Sometimes it did seem like a lot was going on at once( especially with the dialogue). But overall it was a sweet novel with a whole lot of God's love/grace, friendship, family , and love intertwined.
Profile Image for Taja Hereford.
19 reviews
February 18, 2025
Book #2 in the series was decent. I liked the storyline between Kelli and Brian. I was hoping that London and Heather would remain just friends and leave the romantic connection out of it. Having platonic male and female friendships is necessary and I think that would’ve been a great plot line.

Overall, encouraging and fills you with faith. Looking forward to seeing what the other stories in the book series entail.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Susy.
4 reviews
March 19, 2025
I love this book it was really really good and I enjoyed reading it.

Kelli had big dreams—songwriting and love—but one mistake ruined everything. Then love letters show up, and she has to face her past.

Heather made bad choices too, and now she feels lost. She turns to God, hoping for a second chance.

Somehow, these two girls become friends, and together, they learn they are still loved, no matter what.

I recommend this book to everyone. It is a must read. 🩷📖
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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