Contact: Audra Jennings, The B&B Media Group, 800-927-0517 ext 104, ajennings@tbbmedia.com

DALLAS, Sept. 16, 2011 /Christian Newswire/ -- When Kim Cash Tate began writing Cherished, she had no idea that a real life story paralleling that in her book was about to unfold. In 2009, Christian rapper Da'T.R.U.T.H. released this statement, "In light of a moral indiscretion in my personal life, I will be taking a sabbatical from music ministry and teaching. I have repented first to God and then to my wife and family. It is my prayer that my family, supporters and the brethren in Christ will collectively be able to forgive me."

When Tate read his public statement in its entirety, including how God had shown him the power of forgiveness and restoration, she said, "That's what Cherished is about. That God is a God who redeems and a God who restores."

Da'T.R.U.T.H. had followed the same path as one of Tate's characters by committing adultery. Although he felt hopeless and lifeless, God was not finished with him. "He totally restored me and provided me with everything I needed. It was a hard, difficult and rough journey and the terrain was rocky, but the Lord was with me," Da'T.R.U.T.H. said. Two years have passed, he and his wife Nicole have worked through the pain.

The main male character in Cherished is a Christian rapper. Tate had felt moved from the very beginning to include this character and contacted Gessie Thompson, Da'T.R.U.T.H.'s manager, in order to learn more about the life of a rapper from a manager's perspective. When the book was finished, Tate asked Thompson to read it and see if Da'T.R.U.T.H. would be willing to endorse the book. Thompson loved the story and how it coincided with that of her client, so she forwarded the book to him. Da'T.R.U.T.H. had been wanting to write a song for his wife but nothing had been quite right. But he was so touched by the story that he chose to write a bonus track to be included on his album -- a song for his wife to let her know how much she was cherished. And as an additional gift, he asked their dear friend and mentor Ce Ce Winans to sing with him. Nicole heard the song for the first time during a video shoot with her husband and Tate. You can see her reaction at www.youtube.com/user/xisttv. The new album titled The Whole Truth released September 13.

www.kimcashtate.com