Steven and Laura Thompson have the ideal marriage, and the birth of Annie only strengthens their bond. Life is perfect, as if they have forever, until everything changes in an instant with one manÂ’s careless decision - to drive while intoxicated - and the resulting accident leaves Laura a widow.
Now a single mother, Laura struggles to move on with her life but two years later, an unimaginable tragedy strikes again. While shoveling her elderly neighborÂ’s snowy walk, a careening car slides into her on an icy patch on the street, and leaves Laura with no memory of either Steven or Annie!
Laura grapples to make sense of the missing pieces of her past, living in the present with a daughter she canÂ’t remember, a friend she doesn't know but must learn to trust, and a future filled with uncertainties. A beautiful memory box, handcrafted by her elderly neighbor and given to her at Christmas, is filled with precious mementos in the hopes she will one day remember.
As Laura instinctively fights for survival, her eventual surrender to a God of love brings hope, healing and a new wholeness to her shattered life.
"And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. ~~1 Corinthians 13:13 - NIV
When Susan Barnes accepted the position at the law firm and moved to Kansas City, leaving her best friend and small hometown behind, she never dreamed she would fall in love and get married. A beautiful handcrafted memory box given to them as a wedding gift becomes her most treasured possession. She's eagerly looking forward to filling the box with years of sentimental mementos, marking their journey through life together.
Tom Watson is a strikingly handsome young attorney with a very promising future. But it isn't long before Susan discovers Tom is not the man she thought she had married. Behind those sparkling gray-blue eyes, lies a secretive side to her new husband and beginning with the birth of little Tommy, she suddenly finds herself on an emotional roller coaster ride, which ultimately costs her an extremely hefty price.
Once a strong Christian woman, now driven to the lowest level possible at the hands of her beloved, Susan summons up the strength to surrender her life into the loving hands of God, once again, for He is their only hope. But will they be able to escape from danger in time?
Don't miss what happens next when all of your favorite characters in Chasing Memories, return in Shades of Blue -- Second in the Memory Box Trilogy!
"We live by faith, not by sight." ~~ II Corinthians 5:7 - NIV
Annie Thompson, DVM. She loved her new title and is anxious to get her new veterinary clinic opened up and hang her sign out front. She's been dreaming of this day since she received Max for Christmas when she was a little girl.
But someone is bent on revenge and is making sure Annie's new business doesn't succeed. He, or she, is stalking her and mysterious accidents result in setback after setback, causing Annie to seek refuge at Susan's shelter, New Beginnings. But who could possibly be behind everything? And why?
Annie's mother, Laura, is also a victim of the unknown stalker, making the puzzle even more mysterious. Neither of them can recall any enemies or anyone who would wish them harm. So how are the two connected?
Could it be Jordan Wentworth, Annie's former boyfriend? Is he seeking revenge because she broke off their relationship and went to college?
In this final installment in the Memory Box Trilogy, find out what happens next as the complete story unfolds, revealing the truth as Annie discovers the importance of a loving and merciful God and the value of family in her life when her mother passes her most prized possession, the memory box, on to Annie.
"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him." ~~ I Corinthians 2:9 - NIV
Book Review/s to share: Crystal Clear Endorsement
“Crystal Clear is a story wrought with mystery, intrigue, plenty of suspense, and sweet romance. You won't want to miss this final installment in the Memory Box Trilogy. And keep your eyes on Cindy Bauer. She is a fine author who knows how to weave a wonderful story and balance it with biblical truths that will inspire and challenge the reader. The Memory Box Trilogy belongs on every reader's bookshelf.”
Sharlene MacLaren, Author *Through Every Storm *Long Journey Home *The Little Hickman Creek Series *The Daughters of Jacob Kane Series
Whitaker House Publishing ----------------------------------------- Crystal Clear Reviews
Crystal Clear is an action-packed intriguing novel intertwined with mystery, suspense, and romance, all in one. Author Cindy Bauer has a unique voice and does a fantastic job at bringing her characters to life. The mysterious plot and the unexpected danger will be sure to keep you turning the pages.
Someone has chosen Annie Thompson as a target. But who? And why?
Come on an emotional journey filled with curiosity and faith. Meet Annie, her mother Laura, and her step-father Greg. And we certainly can't forget Jordan, Annie's ex-boyfriend who may be a prime suspect.
With a satisfying ending and a delightful message of faith woven into the story, Crystal Clear is sure to be a hit. Cindy Bauer is on fire, and I doubt the inferno will be put out soon. A fine debut author.
5 Stars. A recommended read! Martha Ramirez Author of The Fabulous Adventures of Fred the Frog and Gonzo the Curious Cat -------------------------------------------------- "Crystal Clear is a wonderful story that is woven together with a lot of suspense, mystery, with a bit of love and romance kneaded through like the dough in a fine pastry! You definitely will want this final book in the Memory Box Trilogy in your own home library. I loved it! Just when I thought Cindy had said it all, there was more to come in this lovely ending of her MBT series. Be sure to watch Cindy as she goes on to more super books that I know I will definitely read! The best of GOD’s blessings to you Cindy!"
~~ Katie
V. K. Sansone is the author of:
A Daunting Quest For Quincy & Quigley A Strange Day At The Zoo Heavenly Hannah’s Little Black Hat A Tweens Book Of Shorts Pandora’s Incredible Journey My First 24 Hours In Hell My Life Journal (From My Heart To Yours) -------------------------------------------------- "Wonderfully written as always, a few unexpected skillful twists, might I add. And a 'too die for ending', some pro detective legwork, and some action to get my adrenaline pumping... loved it! I've said it before and here it goes again: I cannot wait to turn the channel to the LMN network and see your trilogy: Chasing Memories, Shades of Blue and Crystal Clear all intertwined into a heartwarming, yet action packed movie. I'm impressed with your tenacity for your craft. You always aim for the moon and I'm sure you're going to land among the stars."
~~ Alice Grant
author of: How I Know God Lives - Let Me Count The Ways and Dear Mr. President, Please Send My Daddy Home -------------------------------------------------- 5 stars! By Maria Savva (London)
The third and final book of Cindy Bauer's entertaining Memory Box Trilogy, and I feel this is the most accomplished of the three. Cindy Bauer has really found her voice in this book. 'Crystal Clear' picks up from where 'Shades of Blue' left off, with little Annie asking for Susan's help. I couldn't help feeling almost sentimental as I started to read the book, meeting up again with the loveable characters from the first two books.
As the story progresses, we are taken on an exciting, nail-biting journey, wondering what is to become of Laura, Annie and Greg. Someone is out to get Annie, but who could have a grudge against this girl... and is it only Annie they are after? Is this stalker also hell-bent on destroying the whole family?
The book is full of suspenseful action and mystery. I found it an enthralling read, and I couldn't wait to find out what happened to all the characters.
The book nicely wraps up the trilogy, so that the reader is not left wondering about anything. It is a satisfying and wonderful ending to a very emotional journey.
I'd love to see this trilogy made into a film. -------------------------------------------------- 5 Stars! By Donetta Garman - (Missouri)
This is third and final book of Ms. Bauer's "Memory Box Trilogy", which included the first book Chasing Memories and Shades of Blue.
The first chapter draws in the reader. "The call came as a shock to Susan. She couldn't begin to grasp the reality that her next guest at the shelter would be Annie Thompson. Never had that possibility entered her mind."
As I began to read, the whole plot and story moved along nicely. I instantly recognized many of the characters from the first two books in the trilogy. Each person was like meeting an old friend.
As this suspenseful tale unfolded, I found myself wondering how the author would tie all three of the books together. The great thing was that the plot was not contrived and the story line had several nice surprises.
The tale has Annie Thompson returning home to start her own Veterinary Practice after graduating from college. Soon mysterious mishaps and even danger begins to happen to the young college graduate and her mother Laura along with her step-father Greg. The reader is lead on a journey of suspense laced with intrigue and a touch of romance, as Annie and her family try to figure out the mystery surrounding them.
Cindy Bauer has created a Christian thriller/romance sure to please even the most discerning readers in her book, Crystal Clear. The life-like characters and the nicely woven story, not to mention the imaginative book cover, create a book that I would recommend to others.
Reviewed by: Donetta Garman, author Growing Up Ugly and The Length of a Dream.
Email to share: cindybauerbooks@yahoo.com
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