Tethered tells the story of a librarian Jacqui Penn who relocates after issues arise with her long-time boyfriend Geoff. I wish I could say I recommend this book, but I can not. Initially, I enjoyed this story that involves Jacqui who leaves her significant other after an incredible number of years. Because the author took her time developing the story, I enjoyed getting to know Jacqui and seeing her interact with extended family members she had never met before.

I appreciated getting to know Anna (Jacqui’s aunt) and seeing her faith in God. I also enjoyed getting to know C.H., his son Lewis, and his wife. The faith and love this family showed for each other inspired me. I also appreciated Jacqui’s interactions with a family who adopted a daughter from China.

Having read other books in the Mosaic Collection, I expected to love this book much as I had other books in the collection I had read. However, I eventually read about the actual reason for Jaqui leaving Geoff. That revelation provides the basis for me not recommending this book.

As a Christian, I believe we are called to live in the world, but to be apart from it. The author elected to include some ideas that I felt diminished the power of this book. The story of Geoff and Dale did not be included. I fail to understand why a Christian author would feel the need to include topics the world finds acceptable and even praises, but that the Bible clearly states are wrong. If this part of the book had been left out, the storyline would have been much more powerful and meaningful to me.

So I recommend checking this book out very carefully.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own. ( )

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. ( )

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. ( )

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. ( )

A woman, whose life has been colored by her father's perception of the family he left behind, finds herself going back to that family farm in Alberta, Canada. When her long-term relationship abruptly ends, she travels across Canada to begin again and it is there that Jacqui Penn finds a family and a personal relationship with God. Is it possible that she might also find a true and lasting romantic love?

Eleanor Bertin has written a story about restoration in many forms. Jacqui sets out to restore the house that she inherited from her uncle and in the process, finds her relationship with her previously unknown family being restored. And it is there, in a new home and a new life, that she is released from her past and finally finds God. It is here that Jacqui Penn is truly restored!

If you are looking for a feel-good, light, and fluffy story, this may not be your answer. But if you want to read a realistic portrayal of a woman who has weathered many storms and ended up a much better person, you will certainly want to read Tethered! I recommend this book to all who enjoy contemporary Christian fiction.

I received a digital copy of this book from the author. I was never obligated to write a favorable review. These are my own thoughts. ( )