Cindy Bauer Books
Cindy Bauer - Christian Fiction Author / Speaker / Reviewer
Reviews
I am pleasantly surprised after reading Chasing Memories, by Cindy Bauer. Born in Iowa , Cindy now resides in Missouri with her husband. She thanks her husband, Robert, and sister, Debra for their continued support. Chasing Memories is her first title.
The book is supposedly the first in a trilogy and takes place in a small town called Hampton in Missouri . The book opens with a prologue and closes with an epilogue of Laura in her elder years. The storyline follows Laura Thompson, a thirty year old widow, through some very difficult times in her life. Just when Laura and her daughter, Annie were moving on after the death of Steven, another tragedy is thrown at them when a freak accident causes Laura to lose her memory. With the help of her friends, Susan and Mildred, Laura attempts to regain control of a life she doesn’t remember, and restore normalcy to her daughter.
That I am aware of, the second book in this trilogy, Shades of Blue, follows Laura’s friend, Susan shortly after Chasing Memories ends. I am unclear where the third books goes, but after reading the epilogue, I’m hoping it’s back to Laura and the budding relationship with Dr. MacKenzie, or following her daughter, Annie after she’s grown.
It is my understanding that the author is seeking a new publisher for this book and is working on a re-write, so the very few minor criticisms I have might be moot. I found a few errors in the editing process. Overall, there were few, and it did not distract me or discourage me from reading. The first few chapters seemed a bit methodical in a way that we were just obtaining day-to-day rituals and not necessarily knowing inner feelings or personality of the characters. This quickly dissolved around the fourth chapter.
Aside from that, I found this to be an enjoyable and bittersweet read. Cindy Bauer was able to extract characters on paper and into our hearts. One tragedy after another, there were no dead spots and, I am amazed at how emotional I was at times while reading. She was able to relay the despair of losing a husband, the uncertainties of parenthood, the necessity of friendship, the fear of amnesia, and the power of faith and prayer. I am very much looking forward to the other 2 books in this trilogy. Cindy Bauer is a true gem in the inspirational fiction genre, and I see nothing but great things for her writing career.
Kelly Moran - Author and Reviewer
From Crosswayz Books @ atfish1.com!
YOU DESERVE A STAND-UP OVATION!
You did it again! Yet another heart rocking story.
I wept for Susan. I wept for her accepting Tom's abuse because she was dependent upon him for her basic living. I wept for her because she was initially blinded by the strong love she carried for him. I wept for her for not making any of the household's financial decisions/being unaware of what was going on. I wept for her for covering up for him. I wept for her for choosing not to confide in her busy traveling parents. And, sadly of all, I wept for Susan because she lost herself in him. In a matter of years, she transformed from a strong, independent, goal-oriented young woman into a reduced form of what he was more comfortable with -- someone he could control, manipulate and dangle like a Muppet and always be there at his every beck and call.
I feel like God gives us whispers. But, it is up to us to adhere to them. The beginning chapters provided hints to Tom's "true colors." By the seventh chapter, it was apparent that he would have "hidden secrets." Susan heard the whispers - she saw the signs. But, she loved him. She refused to believe he was capable of the things he was doing. Initially, she wanted so desperately a perfect marriage at whatever the cost. And that cost could have cost her, her life. The statistics are overwhelming with women in this exact situation. Many do not have a friend like Susan had in Laura. Many have absolutely no place to go with their children. Domestic abuse is never acceptable whether the man hit the woman once or hundreds of times. It’s never to be tolerated.
Any woman that picks up Shades of Blue to read, will perhaps find something in it she can relate to, whether she’s in an abusive relationship/marriage or not. For the woman who IS being verbally, physically or emotionally abused, create a "mental slideshow" viewing your marriage in its entirety, survey the pros and cons, and use this book as a guide to inspire you to make what’s best for you and your children. Susan did it.
This was not your typical, PREDICTABLE kind of story. I can't wait for the last in the trilogy, Crystal Clear. Bravo, Bravo!! (You deserve a stand-up ovation.) This could very well convince that woman who has been thinking about leaving, to leave.
Alice Grant - Author of "Dear Mr. President, Please Send My Daddy Home"
FOUR STAR REVIEW FOR SHADES OF BLUE By Cindy Bauer
Susan Barnes never put too much thought into marriage or a family of her own. She believed that love was something that would come in due time. Until then, she remained a true, dedicated friend to Laura Thompson and her daughter Annie, who, had suffered through tragedies of their own. Susan, a vibrant, independent young woman finally found the man of her dreams. Tom Watson dazzled her from the first time they met. He was perfect. She thought. Somewhere through it all she lost that fairytale love. She lost her self-esteem and finesse.
I thought the book was a delicate read. The spiritual side of the story was very empowering. I could relate to Susan in many ways.
Reviewer: Wanda
ISBN # 1-60441-359-X
FIVE STAR REVIEW FOR CHASING MEMORIES By Cindy Bauer
Laura had an ideal life. She had a great husband and had been blessed with an adorable daughter, Annie. Life was good, until a drunk driver tragically ended Steven's life, leaving his wife and child alone. Laura was grief stricken, acting more on basic instinct, until her daughter’s comforting words brought her back to life.
They struggled to make ends meet, even with Laura's job at Hensen's department store, the money was tight, but Annie always had what she needed.
With her parent's living in Georgia, Laura had few people she felt close to. Susan was her best friend, taking care of Annie while Laura worked, and Laura was also quite fond of her elderly neighbors, the Parkers. When Mr. Parker had a stroke, Laura watched over his wife, but her good deed met with a terrible ending, when a sliding car knocked her off her feet. Miraculously, Laura had only broken her leg, but she'd also lost her memory, neither recognizing her friends, her family, or her child.
During Laura’s hospital stay, Susan stepped in and took care of Annie. It was a difficult situation, especially since her best friend couldn’t remember either her or Annie, and Susan needed a diversion to take Annie's mind from her mother's troubles, suggesting they start decorating for the Christmas season. Excitedly, Annie and Susan prepared the surprise for Laura's homecoming, and though Laura was impressed with their efforts, she felt out of place facing her previous life.
Weeks past, and though disturbing visions had come to her dreams, it seemed that Laura was no closer to remembering things than she'd been that first day, no matter how much she tried. She mostly faked her way through each day; until life became an acceptable routine, but it seemed that her troubles weren't yet over when her home caught on fire.
Chasing Memories is a heart-touching story, with a bittersweet conclusion.
This is a touching storyline. I read with anticipation, hoping for a happy finale, but I was left with the feeling of melancholy. Cindy Bauer writes well, creating believable story lines and likable characters. I enjoyed this read quite a bit, and I admired Laura’s strength, despite the hard knocks.
Great Read!Reviewer: GhostWriter
ISBN: 1-4137-9835-7
Amnesiac, Laura Thompson, thought the worse crisis that could ever happen to her was losing her memories of her marriage and the birth of her six year-old daughter. But she was wrong. Her life deals her one emotional crisis after another when she struggles to reestablish just who she was.
She learns that her husband is dead, that she lives alone in a small house with her young daughter, and that Christmas is just around the corner. She doesn’t remember the car that ran her down and broke her leg as she shoveled snow from her neighbor’s walk, or the strong young woman who takes over the directing of her daily life.
Recapturing her illusive identity doesn’t come easy, even with the constant love and support from her neighbors, friends, her employer, and family members. Her faith is sorely tested! Again and again she must learn to trust strangers who want to tell her what to do. In spite of her life’s traumas she and her young daughter discover that life is a continuous process filled with new opportunities to begin afresh.
This Inspirational story of Laura’s brave struggle to become her own person, leans heavily upon her relationships with the people who love her, and the supportive members of her community church.
A Good Read!
Reviewer: JoEllen
Chasing Memories
"I spent a wonderful Saturday afternoon and evening enjoying a great read. The story, while a little sad, did show that even when life deals you a bad hand, you can overcome the obstacles and make the most of it. I especially liked the descriptive prose of each chapter. I could see the snow falling, smell the pine of the Christmas tree, and feel the warmth of the characters."
..........Submitted by Karen L. Petty, Winter Park, FL, Amazon Rating: 4 Stars
"What a pleasure, in today's traumatic world, to be able to get comfortable in your recliner and have a "good read" about "normal people" who tackle some of the same problems you and your lady friends have faced from time to time. This book reminds me of the ones my mother's book club read in the 1930's before "Forever Amber" came on the market and caused such a "splash". This was back when Faith Baldwin wrote such good stories, ones that held your attention and about good people who "just did the best they could" and did it with grace. I am looking forward to this writer's "follow up" story."
..........Submitted by Kay White Miles, Clinton, MO, Amazon Rating: 4 Stars
"I was very impressed with this book. I felt so sorry that Laura had so much tragedy happen in a short period of time. I was glad that somewhere in her subconscious, the motherly instinct kicked in and she was able to re-connect with her daughter. I am anxiously awaiting to read the second book in Cindy's trilogy."
..........Submitted by Karen Mills, Batesville, AR, Amazon Rating: 5 Stars
"I was drawn into this book by how the author was able to describe everyday events with ease. The more I read, the more I felt for the main character and all her challenges. I am looking forward to the next book in the series to find out how life continues to challenge her."
..........Submitted by Margaret Knisely, Clinton, MO, Amazon Rating: 4 Stars
TESTIMONIALS
Shades of Blue
This book is fabulous. Shades of Blue picks up where Chasing Memories stopped. All the characters from the first book have returned along with some new ones. Susan Barnes portrays the main character in this book. She goes through some trials and rough times, but manages to overcome the odds by the end of the book. Be prepared to read this book in one sitting as you will not want to put it down once you start it.
I give it 5 stars!
..........Submitted by: Rebecca Albin, Clinton, MO
Chasing Memories
"This is a wonderful story, very heart touching. I like how you carefully describe each scene. It makes me, the reader feel as if I'm actually there. I could visualize every scene. The flow is smooth. It is easy reading...easy to follow what is taking place step by step.
This is surely a story of tragedy, a bond between two friends and a strong desire to want to move forward. Although all these obstacles were thrown before her, and through her frustrations, perhaps, bitterness at times and the willingness to accept the things she cannot change and work with what she got was a real touching message for me as well.
I loved the story tremendously. Very articulated, well thought out story line, well written and an ethical and moral story for all who has a forgotten memory. I'm happy the story ended the way it did and not the way I had anticipated. This makes the story feel real. I'm saying "bring on the next one"...Shades of Blue. Your book could make a LIFETIME movie."
..........Submitted by: Alice Grant, Greenwood, MS
"I first saw in the Assumption newsletter about your book. I had our library order it. It's great. Can't wait to read your next book!"
..........Submitted by: Diana Smith, Roanoke, VA
"I found this book hard to put down. I found myself relating to the main character, Laura. The house fire and incidents following were very realistic. I can't wait to read the second book in this trilogy."
..........Submitted by: Rebecca Albin, Clinton, MO
"I started reading it and couldn't put it down. It had me on the edge of my seat. I have to know what happens next and can't wait for the next book to come out!"
..........Submitted by: Cheryl Weaver, Peru, IN
"I loved your book! I can hardly wait to read the next one!"
..........Submitted by: Sami Cowsert, Clinton, MO
"Chasing Memories is wonderful! I couldn't put it down and I can't wait for the next one!"
.......... Submitted by: Darlene Dice, Clinton, MO