Tethered

The Ties that Bind #3

by Eleanor Bertin

Perfectionistic librarian Jacqui Penn is ripped up by the roots when she’s dumped by her longtime boyfriend. Rootless and on the run, she is drawn two thousand miles west across Canada to the last place she ever thought could offer stability—the old homestead where her father grew up.
Renovating the derelict house soon becomes a personal battle as it stubbornly resists her efforts. While Jacqui struggles to renew the home, she spends time with the family Pops bitterly resented. Her hunger for roots grows stronger as she fights to discover the long-buried reasons her father fled the house as a beleaguered teen. But will she ever find the belonging she craves?

Genres: Contemporary

295 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 8, 2020

About the author

Prior to thirty years of raising and home-educating a family of seven children, Eleanor Bertin worked in agriculture journalism. She holds a college diploma in Communications and returned to writing with her first novel, Lifelines, followed by the memoir, Pall of Silence, about her late son, Paul.
Eleanor lives with her husband and youngest son amid the ongoing renovation of a century home in central Alberta where she reads, writes, sweeps up construction rubble and blogs about a sometimes-elusive contentment at jewelofcontentment.wordpress.com. Visit her website at www.eleanorbertinauthor.com.

Reviews

[Paula Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lately, I have been in a bit of a reading slump, and most of the books I have read lately. I have either found them bearable or just average and some have been DNFs. This particular book, I wasn't sure what I was getting myself into with the story and I have to admit this book surprised me as I found myself getting really into it and enjoyed reading Tethered. The main character Jacqui Penn gave me a bit of a chuckle, her name as my partner's aunty is called Jacqui, and then his Mum's ( Jacqui's sister) her surname is Penn. So as you can imagine as I read this book, I kept thinking about my partner's aunty. This Jacqui's husband Geoff has left her and decided he is now gay with one of Jacqui's co-worker's Dale. After being with Geoff for so many years, she is now wondering whether her whole life was a lie and even worst was that she was the one who introduced Dale to her husband as she thought they would make good friends - little did she know they would start an affair behind her back. The other thing I loved about this character was that she is a Librarian and being a Librarian myself, I felt a kinship with her character. Jacqui has decided to get a new start and headed out to the countryside where her dad grew up as she has inherited his old family home. It's a good thing that Jacqui doesn't mind a bit of DIY and renovations as this house needs a lot of TLC after being abandoned for the past couple of years. As Jacqui finds her footing in the town, she will also reconnect with her dad's remaining family and maybe a miracle could bring her Dad back to the childhood home he hasn't stepped foot in for 60+ years and give her something she has been yearning for years - a family and a support system. If you are looking for an inspirational women's fiction story then check out Tethered by Eleanor Bertin which though Book #12 of the Mosiac Collection can be read as a stand-alone.

[maiaisreading · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tethered by Eleanor Bertin

I wasn’t sure if I liked this book as I started to read it. There are less dialogues than I prefer. But I am persistent and the story grew on me. I want to know if there is a reason and purpose for Jacqui’s trip back to Alberta. It’s a slow burn and I just kept going.

I like reading the picturesque sights from Toronto to Alberta. The line about Saskatchewan is funny. I would have loved to be on that road trip. Descriptions of the house Jacqui inherited and the things she did are very detailed. I felt like I was there with her.

Jacqui’s character has really developed in this book. She is very hung up with her breakup from Geoff and thinks about it a lot. She likes to ask and defend her Pops decision in leaving his childhood home. In her quest for answers, she finds herself surrounded by newfound family and helpful neighbors. She will have to deal with some revelations and embrace self-realization.

Jacqui has many views and questions about religion. I don’t like some of her preconceived ideas but we are in a fallen world. Things happen that we don’t agree on. We just have to accept, adapt and move on. Topics like LGBT, anarchism, pornography are discussed in this book as part of some of the characters lifestyle. Overall, it was an interesting read. 4 stars

Thank you justreadtours and Eleanor Bertin for the gifted copy. The book is also available to read for free with a membership to Kindle Unlimited.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have enjoyed reading the stories in the Mosaic Collection each one bringing a charm all of their own and for me, I have also enjoyed each new to me authors writing style as they put their characters through their paces.
I wasn't sure that I'd like this one when I first opened the book but I'm glad I finished it. This book persisted that I finish it.
I think that we all need to take a life's journey to see where it might lead us because sometimes we lose ourselves in who we're meant to be.
We tend to lose sight of God too.
Jacqui is a unique character and I've really enjoyed her story. I have never been where she was going. I truly appreciated this journey along with Jacqui.
I will be looking for more by this author. I couldn't put this book down. It was great!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tethered by Eleanor Berlin is a story that could very well taken place today, and to someone the reader may know. It is uncanny how well the author told this story of love and loss; pain and healing, and love anew; it is a story as old as the world. How does one survive rejection by just about everyone that was supposed to love you?

For librarian Jacqui Penn, the ultimate rejection by her long term boyfriend proves to be more than she can bear; she packs up her belongings and heads west, across Canada to the family homestead where her father and his family grew up, a place he seemed to hate with a passion.

Searching for family, a place of love and acceptance, a place to belong, Jacqui soon meets family who are not at all like her father described them. Nor were his growing up years quite the way he told it. Quickly and warmly accepted into the family, Jacqui struggles to reconcile the love and acceptance of her current experience, with the stories her father has told her.

As her understanding of God, who he is; his unconditional love for her, Jacqui begins to understand herself and her father in a new way. Will it be enough to bring full reconciliation and understanding for her father and his family.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and Just Just Read Tours and am not required to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions therein are solely my own, and freely given.

[Anne-Marie Webster · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great story with relatable characters and, as I am apt to say," full of meat and potatoes". In other words, there were many current, real life situations our main character faced, and unsubstantiated life long beliefs and/or assumptions that came under Jacqui's scrutiny and warranted serious re-evaluation. I was encouraged by the realistic presentation of personal character flaws which we are so often completely blind to, but which are not unredeemable when honestly recognized, acknowledged and humbly dealt with. I admired Jacqui's work ethic and her love of family. I do not hesitate to recommend this story of transformation and hope.

[Jackie]

I absolutely loved the character of Jacqui and how relatable she was. She embodied the characteristics of an attainable person. Her actions and thought reminded me so much of myself. I enjoyed the beginning of the novel where it quickly established who Jacqui was down to her very core. The beauty of this story was so wonderful. The mystery of Jacqui's family combined with her need to refurbish her house and get over her ex made for a full bodied full of meat story that kept you reading. This book had hands down had visual description that was through the roof. I could see every detail of every moment whether it was Jacqui driving through the woods or her interactions with other characters. Can't wait to read another book by Eleanor Bertin.

[Heather (Bookedwithheather) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tethered by Eleanor Bretin is the 12th book in the mosaic collection. The 12 books are unrelated, basically all standalone’s from what I have read.

I will admit this book is very different from what I usually read. We follow Jacqui as she’s coming out of a long term relationship and heading to her hometown to the house she was left by a relative she never knew.
The house is in need of a lot of work and some good old TLC. Through all this work fixing up the house she is fixing up her self as well. She learns to lean on her family and faith.

For me tethered was a slow burn. I don’t usually read these kind of books because I lose interest. Although this book wasn’t for me it still had a good story and I suggest that you check it out for yourself.

I was given this book by the author and publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tethered is a beautifully written story about finding oneself as well as discovering one’s family roots and making peace with the past. As I read many of the characters and their history seemed quite familiar to me. Took me awhile but I realized that many of them played a major role in an earlier book by this author that I reviewed, Unbound. Once I remembered that, this book took on even more depth to me as I began to connect the dots between characters and situations.

I loved the sense of family and community portrayed in this novel. Although a virtual stranger to everyone in town, Jacqui was accepted and ministered to by so many of them despite her frequent mishaps and mess ups. One hurting man in particular helped her out again and again. The path to his healing and Jaqui’s road to the truth intersected, then reached the same destination.

What a special story with a strong theme of redemption woven through it! I would highly recommend it to those who love a good contemporary romance without all the fluff.

I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by Just Read Tours. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was like an onion with many layers and it kept you glued to the page. While the heroine wasn’t my favorite to start with, she grew on me, and I could relate with her running away and starting over in the midst of a totally different culture seeking out her past and making new friends. The slow romance was satisfying as well. The book dealt with heavy topics from a Christian standpoint and I really enjoy when authors take a risk and dive in to those difficult topics. Overall I think this is a worthwhile Christian fiction for any fiction reader.


I received a complimentary copy of this book, and was under no obligation to give a favorable review. All opinions given are entirely my own.

[Kimmie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tethered by Elanor Bertin was a book full of searching, friendships, and finding out who you are.

I'll be honest I struggled through the first part of this book, I just didn't understand where it was going. But I liked Jacqui. So I kept reading. I thought it was interesting how Eleanor Bertin grew Jacqui as a character, it was like watching a flower bloom. Slow at first and the wham, beautiful flower is open and grown. I liked the life lessons that Jacqui learned along the way through the story, and the helpful spirit she had towards the other characters, she showed a lot of courage. But I just had trouble liking how she handled different situations, it is probably because it is not how I would have handled the situation. The secondary characters really helped build the sense of small community life and I really enjoyed them. The only other different thing is the ending, but you'll have to read it to find out why :)

I do recommend reading this book if you like second chances, slow build romances, and journeys of growth. I give it 3 out of 5 stars for the reasons given above. I will be reading more books by this author, this book just happens to not be my favorite.

*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback, the thought and opinions expressed within are my own.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tethered is the latest release in the Mosaic Collection. Eleanor Bertin understands people and what it sometimes takes to get them to come to Christ. For Jacqui it is being stuck in a building alone, without her phone in the middle of a wind storm.
The plot line of Tethered is an interesting one - Jacqui was raised by a non-believer with Communistic-type beliefs and she was in a long-term relationship until the guy decided he wanted a relationship with someone else. Then her father’s brother (whom she didn’t know) died leaving her the family farm. She moves across the country to live on the farm until she can figure out what to do with the farm. In spite of the belief system ingrained in her by her father, Jacqui is drawn to Christ through the love of her father’s sister. Jacqui is a very likable character with a heart open to learning. C.H. has difficult circumstances with his wife in the process of dying from cancer and raising a son with autism. He remains true to his wedding vows in spite of an attraction to Jacqui.
As a former librarian, I always like to see librarians as characters in a book. I could relate to some of the library incidents that occur. I also enjoyed the characters with disabilities. Books like Tethered show parents and others that their life with a disabled family member may be similar to another family’s.
While there are some repeat characters from Eleanor Bertin’s previous books, Tethered can be read as a stand alone.

Possible Areas of Concern
There is a gay couple in the book, while they are not major characters they do have a part in the plot. There are also several instances of drinking, and one where the main-character gets drunk. These items may be a problem for some audiences.

Tethered is written for the adult audience. I do not think I would place it in a K-12 Christian school library, although it may be appropriate for some church libraries.

I received a complimentary copy of Tethered as a member of the Mosaic Launch Team. This is my honest review.

[Christi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I felt such a connection with this story! The entire time I was reading I was very reflective. Jacqui, the main character, had quite a bit of inner dialogue that I would read, and then stop and ponder similar thoughts and situations pertaining to my own life. Jacqui has her own flaws, but you can't help but not root for her. Leaving a toxic relationship and completely starting your life all over is exactly where I found myself ten years ago and, just like in Jacqui's story, I can see God's grace through it all.

What was really intriguing about Tethered was the parallel of Jacqui's repairing her father's childhood home, and reminding me of several HGTV shows, while at the same time searching for the truth about her family, repairing family relationships, and mending her own broken heart.

Fighting for understanding on so many levels dominates this novel, and gives such depth. This is by far my favorite book in the Mosaic collection up to this point. What was really a treat was seeing characters and storyline from another book in the Mosaic collection seamlessly intertwined in Jacqui's story. It was a wonderfully unexpected treat.

I devoured this novel, relishing in the relatable characters, enjoying the imaginative scenery, and getting lost in a storyline that truly spoke to me. I cannot recommend this book, or this series, enough. Every book gets better and better!

*I have voluntarily reviewed this book for JustRead Tours and read the book through Kindle Unlimited. All views and opinions in this post are completely honest, and my own.

[Randi Sampson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tethered is the 12th book in the Mosaic Collection, a collection of unrelated novels by various Christian authors, all with beautiful themes of faith. As such, this can certainly be read without having read previous books in the collection.

In Tethered, we meet Jacqui. She has just gotten out of a long term relationship, and is heading back to her father's hometown where a relative she's never met had left her a house. When she arrives, she finds the house in dire need of TLC, throughout the story we follow along as she rehabs the house--- and her life too. Growing up in a home without faith and not knowing her distant relative, she is searching for those things that she is missing in her life. Will she find that it the hometown that her father had left behind without a glance back?

Tethered is definitely a bit different as far as Christian fiction is concerned. There is mention of a same sex couple, one of the characters is an author of erotica, etc. While these particular characters are not primary focuses of the story and there isn't any major detail given, it was unexpected for a Christian fiction read.

Overall, this was a really good story with strong messages of faith and family. There was also just a bit of romance thrown in, but it was quite minimal so those who don't prefer romance would likely still enjoy it. If you enjoy a good story of coming to faith, this is certainly a unique story to check out.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book for consideration. All thought are 100% my own.

[Robin Mason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Haven’t we all thought about it, wished it, idly planned it at one time or another in our lives? Running away? Daily life becomes mundane, heartbreak unbearable, betrayal unforgiveable?
For most of us, reality ties us in place and the notion of running away gets tucked on the shelf for another day.
For Jacqui Penn, though, reality was turned inside out, and while she could have stayed put and maintained the status quo, her heart wouldn’t let her.
Ms. Bertin digs deep into Jacqui’s heart, the human tug to belong—and to believe. As Father God does per Romans 8:28, Ms. Bertin wove strands of her story to bring good into Jacqui’s life. Even the hurtful and damaging factors. Jacqui faces each challenge head-on, relying first on her own strength and ability, then little by little, day by day, grows to accept and trust those around her. As she discovers her roots, she also discovers herself. And her future.
A deep and profound story of truth and self-discovery, a journey that could belong to any one of us. A story that drew me in, as though I were part of Jacqui’s journey, and kept me turning pages so I, too, could rejoice in her discovery of Truth.

ROBIN’S FEATHERS
ALL | THE | FEATHERS!

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was under no obligation to read the book or to post a review. I offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my honest thoughts and reaction to this book.

#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day, #TRD, Book Review, Tethered, Eleanor Bertin, Mosaic Collection, JustRead Publicity Tours

[Jemima Madu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tethered is a beautiful story that shows gods unending love and pursuit. It follows the story of Jacqui as she goes on a road trip, that soon develops to a search of deeper belonging. Running away from the pain and hurt of a broken relationship, Jacqui finds family that she hasn't met before and is drawn in by their strong faith in Christ. Although not being a believer, she was open to learning and God captures her attention in a beautiful way.
Eleanor touches on day to day issues that plagued us such as dealing with heartbreak, betrayal and learning to love and trust again, while putting our trust in God that his plans for us are actually the best.
I received a complementary copy of this book from the author and this is my honest opinion.

[Cheryl Wood · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tethered is the 12th book in the Mosaic Collection, a collection of unrelated novels by various Christian authors, themes of faith woven throughout the books. As such, this can certainly be read without having read the previous books.
Tethered was an ok book. There is mention of a same sex couple. While the characters are not the primary focus of the story and there no major details given, I shocked when I came across that because it’s not typically in a Christian novel. The main character is looking for a new beginning after her boyfriend, Geoff betrayed her, she goes to an abandoned family farm to renovate it. A story of hope, new beginning’s, and courage.
I received a copy of the book from Just Read Tours in exchange for an honest opinion. All opinions are my own.

[Deana Dick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book for several reasons. The storyline is flawless and is mesmerizing. Jacqui is very relatable and as she starts a new life, I could feel she was going to a place where healing, restoration and forgiveness would take place. The first time she sees the homestead that was left to her you could hear her gasp. It is easy to say that the place needed a renovation and some TLC.

Being in this new place she feels lonely but soon discovers she has many relatives nearby. The people are friendly and I loved how the women came to help Jacqui clean up the place. At times it was overwhelming for Jacqui but there is a reason she was drawn here. Her father has always been against Christianity but will Jacqui find a relationship with Christ? There are subjects in the story such as abuse, alcoholism and atheism which could be a trigger for some readers. The author handles these topics well and illustrates how these can affect people.

I loved that Jacqui was a librarian and related to her job very well. The author describes her job perfectly and explained how important it is to give the customers their full attention and go the extra mile to find the book they are looking for. Working at the library fir fifteen years was always been my favorite job and with Jacqui’s knowledge I know the small library she works at now will have many improvements.

What is really important about this book is how a woman who was brought up to not believe in God starts to question if her father was wrong all this time? Did he put his beliefs on Jacqui and without thought she just accepted that God didn’t exist? What is the real reason she was drawn to this place she lives at now? Her journey helps her understand her father better and finds peace with her past. The author shows how important family is and how forgiveness heals the broken hearted.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

[Deb Elkink · Rating 4 out of 5]

TETHERED is a story of longing and searching—and finding.

The novel opens with the romantically troubled Jacqui running away on an extended road trip, the author capturing what it’s like to drive the long distance across Canada and thereby setting the geographical element as a primary factor of the story.

Bertin’s descriptions of nature along the way are simply lovely: “piles of poplar leaves, gold and shimmering under a momentary shaft of sun like a pirate's doubloons”; “wild wind . . . reduced to a mellow breeze” like “a child exhausted from a tantrum,”; and sunlight that “puddled on the horizon.” Her descriptions of the derelict house at the end of the trip, as well, convince me it needs the extensive renovations so central to the novel: the original kitchen “resplendent with bold orange and brown mushroom wallpaper” and the faucet that only “coughed up a disappointing spasm of brownish water before falling silent.”

Going deeper than mere description, Bertin introduces several elements that show her interest in political and cultural issues: an eastern Canadian character notes the “lack of diversity” in western Canada; another discusses world hunger as not “so much caused by food shortage as it is by war and bad governments”; Jacqui finds a “whole roomful of women” to be “sympathetic sisters, united against the wicked, oppressive, double-crossing male sex.” Bertin uses these populist elements as vehicles to further the theme of redemption through Jacqui’s emotional and spiritual growth. For example, the house reno fuels Jacqui’s belief that she can change; she thinks to herself, “Keep working. It can all be cleaned up and so can I.”

At bottom, Jacqui is on a quest for herself and her roots: “The move out here wasn't simply her own desperate escape from a failed relationship. It was more, far more . . . She clenched her teeth against a sob . . . The more she found herself rootless, the more she longed for the grounding she'd never had.”

And so the author engages the full gamut of character emotion, including Jacqui’s “utter humiliation of having been hoodwinked” in her love life. Jacqui faces her own humanity, her own insufficiency: “She closed her swollen eyes . . . against this intrusive, troubling new voice, the one that dared to question her goodness . . . There seemed to be no escape from the insistent accusations.” This honest introspection eventually leads Jacqui to “God . . . sweeping through her soul, loosening thoughts, fears, remorse, and now even raising prayers.”

TETHERED is the kind of book that dares to ask hard questions relating to personal value—and dares to suggest that the answer lies in spiritual submission to God.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jacque Penn is a forty-year-old woman whose ground has shifted beneath her. Her partner for twenty years has betrayed her and left her for someone else, and she did not see that coming. They were partners in a business as well as in life, and she is left wondering if any of it was ever real. So, Jacque, a bit of a perfectionist has decided to pack up all she owns and leave for her father's family home, which she has now inherited. She goes on this journey, 2000 miles west into Canada to start a new life and hopefully find her purpose again. The house certainly needs some help and Jacque wonders if she is up for this fixer upper.

We are in her head a lot; the grief and pain were palpable. She thought of her ex, Geoff a lot, and thought about what he would say as if he were with her. She was angry, grieving, and lost and was searching for solace in a place where her father did not have peace. So, her journey is one of acceptance, new life goals, and most importantly, she is looking for her family. As the title suggests, she wants to be connected to people of her own, to a greater purpose.

I felt for Jacque and at times it was hard to be in her head and feel her loneliness. But in her adventure and connection to others, she learns to live and love again.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

http://pausefortales.blogspot.com/202...

[Ebosereme Nwamu · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book captivated me from the first few pages till the end.
A beautiful story of God's pursuing love, providence and wonderful ways of bringing to pass His amazing plans for our lives.
I pitied Jacqui reading the book and the wringer she went through but I was glad to read how God turned all the pains and struggles bringing her to the knowledge of Himself and home.
God's love shines throughout the pages of this book.

I recieved a copy of this book and this is my honest opinion

[Kendra Neal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy books by new to me Authors and also the Christian Contemporary genre. Tethered by Eleanor Bertin is Book 3 in the Ties that Bind series. I have not read the first 2 books in this series yet as I am just discovering Author Eleanor Bertin.

Jacqui Penn is going through some heartbreaking situations after her boyfriend of many years ends their relationship. Jacqui, who is a perfectionist, decides to move to the other side of Canada, to the town and house where her father grew up. Jacqui is getting frustrated as she attempts to Renovate the house, as it is an old home and it needs a lot of repairs. She has reconnected with her Pops Family members and she is enjoying their conversations as she seeks to learn more about her Pops childhood. She really wants to be rooted somewhere and as she discovers more about her Dad's childhood, she is hoping to discover more of herself. Will Jacqui find her "place in this world" through discovering her father's past? Will Jacqui find peace and contentment after her breakup?

I will say it took a couple of chapters for me to really get into the storyline and book. Once I grasped the storyline I couldn't stop reading. I really appreciate how the author showed how Jacqui was determined to not only fix the house but reconcile family relationships. Jacqui discovering her Father's family and learning they were not the "Bad ones" as her father had told her only made Jacqui a stronger person. I really enjoyed this book and I look forward to reading the other 2 books in this series and other books by Eleanor Bertin. I HIGHLY recommend this book to those who enjoy Christian Fiction books. GREAT BOOK!

[Nati · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Jacqui’s life turns upside down she travel all the way to Alberta, to the family house she inherited a while back. She embarks a journey to restore the old house, the relationship with her family and her soul by finding God in the process and finally finding peace, happiness and love.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tethered, by Eleanor Bertin, is a modern day story of Jacqui as she leaves her home in Ontario after finding out her boyfriend is now in a relationship with another man. She travels to Alberta to the home she inherited.

This is an enjoyable story to read. I especially enjoyed the parts of Jacqui restoring the old home and how she connected with her relatives. It was interesting to read of her father’s young life and how that eventually affected how she was raised. And the story behind the beautiful car in the shed was heartbreaking. I also enjoyed how she was able to easily connect with the boy with special needs in a time when his father needed help.

This is a nicely written story that covers sensitive subjects such as broken families, alcoholism and homosexuality. The happenings and surroundings are easy to imagine.

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review.

[Holly Bleggi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book follows the main character Jacqui as she learns about her family history as she restores the old homestead. I liked how Jacqui was able to connect with her family that she didn’t know about and was able to find healing not only for herself but for others in the family. I liked that the community was there to help her. I thought that overall, this was a good story and I was glad that there was resolution for the characters.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Come take a beautiful road trip with Jacqui as she searches for answers. This book is beautifully written and will keep you turning the pages to see what happens next. Once you start reading it you don't want to stop. I highly recommend this book.

[Linda Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story of a woman’s search for family. And an added benefit was finding characters from Eleanor Bertin’s previous book, Unbound. I was drawn to the characters and they felt so real. I received this book, but all views are my own.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tethered is the third book from The Ties that Bind series by Eleanor Bertin. It is, also, the first book I have read by this author. Even though this is part of a series, it can be read as a stand alone. I thought it was a good story of finding yourself and finding where you belong in life. I enjoyed getting to know Jacqui. I loved watching her grow throughout the book and wanted to keep reading to see where she would end up.

Tethered will be getting four and a half stars from me. I believe fans of clean romantic fiction will enjoy reading it. I am interested in reading the first two installments from The Ties that Bind series, Lifelines and Unbound, to see what happened prior to this one.

I received a paperback copy of Tethered from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

[Susan Jalosky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jacqui has a difficult relationship with her dad. She leaves town and travels across the country when her relationship with her boyfriend falls apart from cheating on her. She heads to a property that her dad grew up in but due to things she doesn’t know except that he was estranged from his family, he hasn’t been back to since he was 18. The house is derelict and she decides to fix it up. She meets the neighbors unexpectedly and their circumstances are difficult, too. As she is fixing up the house, she meets some of her extended family and learns their version of what happened with her dad. She defends him but soon learns all is not as it seems. She encourages him to come visit her there and eventually he does. She thinks love is fleeting but soon learns how to love. As I enjoy family histories, I really liked this book. You never know what you might find out. I was given an advanced reader copy of this book in return for my review of the story.

[Jemimah “Stories and Scribes” · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tethered is one that took us on a personal journey with Jacqui as goes on the road to healing, personal discovery and her heart finding home. It dealt with hard issues, challenged personal beliefs and values in the light of the truth

This book is one that takes us through the love of God and how God uses things,places and even houses to fix our own lives and lead us home- home to him and home to where we truly belong.

I recieved a copy of this book and this is my honest opinion

[Ochegba · Rating 4 out of 5]

A different and unique story dealing with real life issues and hard hitting topics. It tells a wonderful story of how God pursues us. It's a journey of self discovery and learning about the saving grace of who God is. A beautiful and transforming story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All opinions expressed are solely mine