There’s nothing a Christmas kiss won’t cure. Except perhaps a shattered heart… told her Cherish is a safe haven. But she never expected Dorothy’s brother, Deputy Nicholas Thompson, would relight the one thing she thought she’d lost forever. A spark of hope.
Not long ago, while Nicholas’ sister was in rehab, Emmanuelle’s voice and smile on his Skype screen held him together. After that, she seemed to disappear, an absence he felt keenly when his ex-fiancée left his faith in God dented but not broken.
Now she’s in Cherish, even more stunning in person. Yet she’s holding tight to a private pain she refuses to reveal. Nicholas resolves to be patient, vowing that he’ll never let anyone hurt her again. Even when her past rears its ugly head to destroy what’s left of her heart.
Note: Contains references to verbal and physical abuse.
From USA Today bestselling author Josie Riviera comes a new contemporary Christian Romance series set in the small town of Cherish, South Carolina. These sweet and wholesome stories, where God is at the center, brim with love and laughter.
Are his arms a safe haven sent from God…or a Christmas promise waiting to be broken?
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First things first. This is a sweet, wholesome book that’s a quick, easy read. Easy on the angst, it doesn’t go too deep, and the spiritual aspects are done with a light hand to serve as a reminder that God patiently waits for us.
I’ll be honest. I was on the fence between giving this book three or four stars. I usually want a little more in my romance. I like to really feel the emotions of the main characters and experience everything with them, rather than the book leaving me simply with a “well, that was nice.”
However, it’s the fruitcake recipe that sold me, and this recipe, alone, is worth the book. This is the same recipe my grandmother used, passed down by her previous matriarchs. I remember many a Christmas season with batter all over my hands trying to coat each piece of fruit and nut, then pressing it all into the pan. Let me warn you though. It’s not included in the book’s recipe, but we cut brown butcher paper to fit the pan and greased it, as well as the pan, which makes it a lot easier to get the cake out after it’s cooled. And trust me. Even if you despise fruitcake, you won’t be able to get enough of this one! So enjoy reading Nicholas and Emmanuelle’s story and then try the fruitcake. Hopefully you’ll get to enjoy it more than they were able to! 😉
*I reviewed a gratis edition of this book freely and voluntarily, having made no commitment to provide feedback and receiving no compensation of any kind from any source.
Emmanuelle and Nicholas were both hurt by people they loved, Emmanuelle by a controlling ex who was physically and verbally abusive and Nicholas by his ex-fiance who called off their wedding the day of. Both of them are afraid to risk their hearts to love again. Professional harpist Emmanuelle goes to Cherish to visit her friend and Nicholas’ sister Dorothy, who is newly married to the love of her life Ryan and running their music store and to escape her past for a while. But her past comes calling when her ex finds her. Will she ever feel safe and open her heart to love again? I had hoped from the last book that Nicholas would find love again. He was such a sweet guy and I loved his dog and how much he cared about her especially after she was hurt. It was funny about all the burnt fruit cake attempts. I feel the same way Nicholas does about that holiday dessert.
A Christmas to Cherish is a wonderful sweet and clean romance. The characters are interesting and nicely developed. I appreciate that they turn to God for guidance in difficult times. Those difficulties are realistic and the author taps into the vulnerability, self doubt, and terror a victim of domestic violence feels. The town of Cherish sounds delightful and like a place I’d enjoy. The narrator gave a very nice performance.
A Christmas to Cherish is a sweet, heartwarming romance. Ms. Riviera has several books set in Cherish, SC. I am pretty sure that I would like to move there! Emmanuelle and Nicholas are two broken souls who might have the power to heal each other – if they can let go of the past. This well written romance has a bit of suspense as well. I thoroughly enjoyed this tip to Cherish!
Ms. Riviera really knows how to write a touching story that will pull at your heartstrings but also leave you with a smile on your face. This is one of those stories that when you are done, you don’t want it to end. It’s a beautifully written story that is filled with love, hope, and faith, and it had me completely immersed till the end. The characters were amazing and Ms. Riviera definitely knows how to write the story in a way that brings them and the story to life such that you feel as if you are a part of it. The story brings up some complex issues and deals with them in a delicate and sensitive manner. A really well-written story that I really enjoyed. Definitely recommend!
I was gifted an advanced reader’s copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving my review.
I was given a free copy of this Audiobook In exchange for an honest review. A sweet and wholesome holiday novella. Cherish #2 Emmanuelle has come to Cherish, SC at Christmas time and it looks like a big holiday snowflake/ snowglobe as she gets off the train. She has had years of pain and abuse and is starting fresh and could use to be closer to God again too. She met Nicholas, his wedding fell through and he had stopped going to church. I Love both of these characters and can relate to them. We know that new beginnings are possible through the Grace of God. Will they be able to find that truth with the help of friends, family, each other and the Lord? This book has some twists and is a good addition to the Cherish collection. Definitely recommend
I love the story between Em and Nick, it was a very touching read. They both had a lot of heartache to overcome.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The second book in the Cherish Series a well written story with a very good storyline. Emmanuelle Sumter comes to Cherish, South Carolina and meets Deputy Nicholas Thompson. I enjoyed seeing their story come together with is suspense, drama, danger, a villain, and romance. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Emmanuel and Nicholas have both been through a lot and whilst not looking for love, love finds them. This is a sweet read about two people who really deserve love having a chance at it while tackling some sensitive subjects in a tactful and respectful way. There are some highs and lows you go through as you watch things change between Emmanuel and Nicholas and the fact it is based around Christmas makes it that much more delightful!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
There are interesting and entertaining characters with complex issues that have to be dealt with. The holidays add a dynamic to each of their stories. Good read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The characters talk about their faith in God and offer prayers, but there is no preaching in the story.
The situation she came out of was very well handled and her recovery from the psychological effects of abuse was not glossed over.
These two are in such dark places in their minds, but when they’re together, the mood lightens… in spurts.
They’d been good friends over a year ago and quickly fall back into their friendship, though a bit guarded now. Slowly they drop their guard and realize they love each other… but is she still in danger??
Hurting people making Christmas memories and finding their happily ever after. Wonderful story with all the feels.
A clean, spiritual book with strength and romance put together. I enjoyed listening to this book. Perfect for Christmas time.
This is a review of the audible copy gifted by the author. I thought the story well written. There is the problem of an abusive man in Emmanuelle’s life that she has to get over. Nicholas is a very patient, sensitive man, just right for her. I enjoyed the story very much. The audible copy is good.
A tender holiday romance!
Emmanuelle has come to the small town of Cherish to spend Christmas with her friend, Dorothy, but she is also there to escape her abusive ex-husband. He has destroyed her confidence and her faith in God has been shaken.
Nicholas, Dorothy’s brother, is a deputy in Cherish. When his bride abandoned him on their wedding day in a text message, Nicholas became embittered toward women and his bitterness and anger caused his faith in God to weaken. He and Emmanuelle were both very active in Dorothy’s recovery and spent hours on skype talking with each other but now that she is in Cherish, they are each uneasy that the other has romantic intentions.
This is such a sweet Christmas romance. It is a clean story with a message of faith and hope. It made me happy reading it.
Josie Riviera never hesitates to write about tough subjects, in this case abuse. Her characters are so well written that you feel Emmanuelle’s fear, Nicholas’s frustration and George’s evil. You find yourself continuing to read to see what is going to happen next. I enjoyed this book.
Josie Riviera has a wonderful way with words that make every scene come alive. You can almost see the Christmas decorations, snow, and smell the burnt fruitcakes.
Emmanuelle a professional harpist is a broken abused woman who learns to be whole again with the help of her friend’s brother, Nicholas, who is also dealing with being rejected. Their faith is a very important part of the story.
A very good faith filled Christmas story.
Sweet Christmas story about reclaiming faith and second chances. Nicholas and Emmanuelle know each other from Skyping while helping Dorothy (Nicholas’s sister and Emmanuelle’s friend) recover from her addiction. Emmanuelle comes to Cherish to spend Christmas with Dorothy. Both Nicholas and Dorothy have pasts to overcome before they can trust each other. Telling more would spoil your reading.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
A really sweet romance about two hurting people. They had a connection because of his sister and became friends. A year later and both of their lives have drastically changed. Can they help each other to heal? A story of faith and turning back to the only One who can truly heal you.
Emmanuelle run away from abusive relationship, she is visiting her friend Dorothy. She get to spend a lot of time with Dorothy’s brother, Nicholas. During time they spend together they develop more then friendship.
Love this book.