This was a sweet Christian romance. I like reading books by this author. She always brings me to new experiences. This one has music as a part of it with the return of some old friends from another book. It also deals with a heavier subject matter of domestic violence. The author does not go too far in describing the domestic violence scenes, making it less traumatic for me to read. I like her message of hope and moving forward. There is an easy peasey recipe for fruitcake that I am thinking to try this coming Christmas. ( )

The topic of physical and emotional abuse is difficult to tackle, but author Josie Riviera handles the subject extremely well. When Emmanuelle Sumter arrives to visit her friend Dorothy, she is running from her ex-boyfriend. As is the case with many battered women, she needs to get past the belief that she somehow must have deserved the abuse before she can move emotionally forward with her life.

Emmanuelle and Dorothy’s brother, Deputy Nicholas Thompson, had become friends via Skype when Dorothy was in rehab. However, they did not stay in touch. Nicholas was engaged at that time, but his fiancée has since left him.

This beautiful story allows us to feel the pain as the two work through their hurt and learn to love and trust each other. There are times I felt it was a bit rushed, but since this is a novella, it is a given that things move at a faster pace than in real life.

I love the addition of the dog as he adds a lighthearted touch that serves to relieve some of the tension. Neither Emmanuelle nor Nicholas are particularly domestic, so it is fun to watch them take on challenges in the kitchen.

This is a Christian based story, and it is comforting to see how faith leads them into a future together.
A Christmas to Cherish is the second book in Ms. Riviera’s Cherish series. ( )

A Christmas to Cherish by Josie Riviera
Always enjoy reading a Christmas story, and it's just July here. Book starts out with a few words from the author and list of her other works.
Started with Emmanuelle, a professional harpist and she's on her way to Dorothy's store. She's starting her new life after years of troubles.
Loved hearing about all the Christmas decorations.
She prays to God to help her get through the transition and to let things lay in the past.
Her ex took everything from her...
Story also follows Nicholas who's a deputy and is free from his ex girlfriend after she left him at the altar on their wedding day.
Dorothy hopes to get Emmanuelle to stay and work at her music studio. She knows her and Nicholas have spent many an hour over the year and they have many common interests.
This book is filled with holiday events, mystery and danger and twists and turns and love and believing in God.
Like the location and hope to read more from this locale. A note from the author about the book is included at the end, bonus recipe! acknowledgements, about the author, and other works by the author.
Excerpt from The Love Song to Cherish is included.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion. ( )