Cindy Bauer Books

Shades of Blue is the story of Susan Watson, a soon-to-be-married-bride. She is completely in love with her husband, and he believes he loves her too. But soon after they get married, things start to change. Her husband, Tom, who once seemed to care for her, and love her deeply, is now coming home later and later, spending little time with Susan. He ends up involved with alcohol and drugs and even becomes abusive. Tom seems to come to his senses and even gets help from their pastor. When evil raises its ugly head again her friends Laura and Greg McKenzie take her in. Will the cycle ever end? What will happen when her son, Tommy, ends up missing as well? Susan must believe in God to help her get through her problems, and pray for Tommy's safe return. Shades of Blue is a great story of how to pick up your life after problems, and it also shows that God can help you through anything. -- Crosswayz Books

FOUR STAR REVIEW

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. -- Wanda -- Ghostwriter Reviews

The second book in Cindy Bauer's 'Memory Box Trilogy'. The spotlight is now on Susan as the protagonist (Laura's nanny from the first book 'Chasing Memories.') This is a nice twist, as I had expected the main character from the first book - Laura, to again be the focus of the story. Laura and her family and other familiar characters do continue to play important roles in the book.

Susan has married the man of her dreams, Tom; however, it is not long before things start to go wrong. Susan realises too late that she may not have known everything about Tom before she married him, and there are some very dark secrets waiting to be uncovered.

Cindy Bauer has done well in portraying the character of Susan as a very typical victim of domestic violence, a woman who is blinded by her love for her partner so much that she does not see the signs and does not heed the warnings. Half way through the book I was wondering whether Susan was a credible character as it seemed almost impossible that someone who had suffered so much at the hands of their partner would continue going back for more even though she had close friends who were willing to help her. However, as the story progresses, Cindy Bauer manages to develop Susan's character well, so she does become believeable. In fact she reminded me of women I came across when I worked as a lawyer assisting women who were victims of domestic violence.

There are many tragedies and problems for Susan to deal with in the novel.

I found the novel to be very engrossing in parts, especially the second half of the book. At the end there is a surprising twist which hints at what is to come in the third book to keep the reader hooked. Cindy has again produced an inspirational novel which is a must-read for anyone suffering similar problems in their daily life.

4 Stars! - Maria Savva - UK

Shades Of Blue is another great book by Cindy Bauer! Following closely in the footsteps of Chasing Memories, we tail-gate Laura's best friend, Susan, into her exciting life as a new bride, a wife and a Mother. Years of happiness and turmoil fill her life, but she manages wonderfully and comes out victorious with God! Another winner Cindy! -- 5 Stars! -- V.K. Sansone, Midwest

"Book 2 in this series is proving to be better than the first one and that speaks volumes! I am looking forward to the 3rd of this series!! This writer is down to earth, inspiring and her books are filled with a lot of drama and suspense!!" - 5 stars!- Cindy J. Greever, Washington State USA

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

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