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Cherrywood #1
The Diner
Book one in The Cherrywood Series
Callie’s life is in pieces. After a disastrous relationship break-up, she takes the first flight out of the city to anywhere, landing in small-town Cherrywood with no plan and no hope for the future. But she’s finally free of her ex-fiancé, and that’s what really matters.
Then Callie meets Dylan, the kind and compassionate—and undeniably handsome—stranger who offers her a place to stay. He introduces her to the diner that’s been at the heart of his family and the Cherrywood community for almost seventy years, and before long, Callie’s been charmed by more than just the hearty food and a friendly welcome. Maybe she could build a future here . . .
But even in the happiest of places, the past has a way of catching up. When the future of the diner is threatened by a force a little too close to home, Dylan and Callie find themselves at the center of a dangerous dispute—one that could turn deadly if they don’t work together to protect themselves. Is a future together too much of a risk, or can Callie and Dylan finally find comfort and safety in each other . . . and maybe something more?
The Search, Book Two in The Cherrywood Series, will be available in May 2026.
Callie’s life is in pieces. After a disastrous relationship break-up, she takes the first flight out of the city to anywhere, landing in small-town Cherrywood with no plan and no hope for the future. But she’s finally free of her ex-fiancé, and that’s what really matters.
Then Callie meets Dylan, the kind and compassionate—and undeniably handsome—stranger who offers her a place to stay. He introduces her to the diner that’s been at the heart of his family and the Cherrywood community for almost seventy years, and before long, Callie’s been charmed by more than just the hearty food and a friendly welcome. Maybe she could build a future here . . .
But even in the happiest of places, the past has a way of catching up. When the future of the diner is threatened by a force a little too close to home, Dylan and Callie find themselves at the center of a dangerous dispute—one that could turn deadly if they don’t work together to protect themselves. Is a future together too much of a risk, or can Callie and Dylan finally find comfort and safety in each other . . . and maybe something more?
The Search, Book Two in The Cherrywood Series, will be available in May 2026.
- GenresAmazon
363 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 2, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
April 18, 2026
This had me hooked from the start right until the very end.
This story follows our FMC Callie. Who up and leaves her life after an altercation in her abusive relationship and gets on the next flight available to anywhere.
She ends up in the small town of Cherrywood.
With no plans, no accommodation and no hope for the future.
That is until, she meets our MMC Dylan. Caring, attentive, supportive and handsome guy steps up and helps her with a place to stay.
Introducing her to his cousin and the diner, things start to fall into place.
Don’t be fooled that everything is all cosy and sweet, because this has a surprising turn. But it worked brilliantly into the story.
This was a great palate cleaner and an easy going read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This story follows our FMC Callie. Who up and leaves her life after an altercation in her abusive relationship and gets on the next flight available to anywhere.
She ends up in the small town of Cherrywood.
With no plans, no accommodation and no hope for the future.
That is until, she meets our MMC Dylan. Caring, attentive, supportive and handsome guy steps up and helps her with a place to stay.
Introducing her to his cousin and the diner, things start to fall into place.
Don’t be fooled that everything is all cosy and sweet, because this has a surprising turn. But it worked brilliantly into the story.
This was a great palate cleaner and an easy going read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 8, 2025
-Classic small town charm, a mysterious side plot, and budding relationships all rolled into a story
-Charming story about Callie who in a moment of desperation, flees an abusive relationship and lands herself in a quaint small town in Michigan where she meets Dylan who's also more in tune with her than her ex-fiancé. As Callie acclimates to the town, and to the eponymous diner, she finds herself embroiled in the drama of the town
-Cherrywood sounded so idyllic and truly makes for a great setting for the location of the Diner
-This was an enjoyable and heartwarming read from beginning to end
-Charming story about Callie who in a moment of desperation, flees an abusive relationship and lands herself in a quaint small town in Michigan where she meets Dylan who's also more in tune with her than her ex-fiancé. As Callie acclimates to the town, and to the eponymous diner, she finds herself embroiled in the drama of the town
-Cherrywood sounded so idyllic and truly makes for a great setting for the location of the Diner
-This was an enjoyable and heartwarming read from beginning to end
April 20, 2026
Book 1 of The Cherrywood Series. And a wonderful start it is! Look forward to more from this world.
'Dylan and Callie find themselves at the center of a dangerous dispute—one that could turn deadly if they don’t work together to protect themselves. Is a future together too much of a risk, or can Callie and Dylan finally find comfort and safety in each other . . . and maybe something more?'
The characters were very appealing and likeable and complicated and absolutely perfect together. Plot was intriguing and exciting and well paced. World building was solidly drawn and impressive. Enjoyed immensely and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
'Dylan and Callie find themselves at the center of a dangerous dispute—one that could turn deadly if they don’t work together to protect themselves. Is a future together too much of a risk, or can Callie and Dylan finally find comfort and safety in each other . . . and maybe something more?'
The characters were very appealing and likeable and complicated and absolutely perfect together. Plot was intriguing and exciting and well paced. World building was solidly drawn and impressive. Enjoyed immensely and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 6, 2024
I LOVED this book, and couldn't put it down!
The Diner is a charming story about Callie who, in a moment of desperation, flees an abusive relationship and takes the first flight out of town - literally. She lands herself in a quaint small town in Michigan, and there meets Dylan, a hunk of a man, who's also more in tune with her than her ex-fiancée. As Callie acclimates to the town, and to the eponymous diner, she finds herself embroiled in the drama of the town... and things heat up between Callie and Dylan.
I had such a fun time reading, and it's the kind of book that makes you want to cozy up in a blanket and read through the night. It was such a treat for a first novel, and I can't wait to read the next in the series!
The Diner is a charming story about Callie who, in a moment of desperation, flees an abusive relationship and takes the first flight out of town - literally. She lands herself in a quaint small town in Michigan, and there meets Dylan, a hunk of a man, who's also more in tune with her than her ex-fiancée. As Callie acclimates to the town, and to the eponymous diner, she finds herself embroiled in the drama of the town... and things heat up between Callie and Dylan.
I had such a fun time reading, and it's the kind of book that makes you want to cozy up in a blanket and read through the night. It was such a treat for a first novel, and I can't wait to read the next in the series!
June 5, 2024
The Diner by Allison Wilden - LOVED IT!!!
Adorable small town, girl in distress and a handsome stranger! What’s not to love?! The town Cherrywood enchanted me right off the bat. Callie’s challenges are so relatable, she felt like a friend by the end of the book. And Dylan - swoon!!! The love story was the teensiest bit spicy and there is a mystery/thriller angle that I don’t want to spoil. But it’s GOOD!! Reminded me a lot of Nora Robert’s style. Completely hooked and can’t wait to see what’s next for Callie and Dylan and the Diner!!
Adorable small town, girl in distress and a handsome stranger! What’s not to love?! The town Cherrywood enchanted me right off the bat. Callie’s challenges are so relatable, she felt like a friend by the end of the book. And Dylan - swoon!!! The love story was the teensiest bit spicy and there is a mystery/thriller angle that I don’t want to spoil. But it’s GOOD!! Reminded me a lot of Nora Robert’s style. Completely hooked and can’t wait to see what’s next for Callie and Dylan and the Diner!!
June 17, 2024
Wow, I loved reading The Diner so much. This book had me anxious, laughing out loud, crying, and getting butterflies. I truly loved that this wasn’t a simple boy meets girl story, it has so much depth and reality to the story. I can appreciate those light hearted romance novels, but sometimes I find them a little cheesy and too good to be true (although that’s sometimes fun to read) this book has that light hearted read with a more realistic life story attached to truly feel that Callie and Dylan are in Michigan right now, living their lives. Overall highly recommend this wonderful novel!!!
April 19, 2026
The Diner by Allison Wilden is a warm, heartfelt romance about second chances and the healing power of community. Callie’s escape from heartbreak leads her to Cherrywood, where Dylan and his family’s diner offer her both refuge and hope. With its blend of small‑town charm, emotional depth, and tender romance, this story is as comforting as a home‑cooked meal. Cozy, romantic, and uplifting.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 29, 2025
If you enjoy Abby Jimenez or Laurie Gilmore, check this book out! Allison Wilden’s writing pulled me in immediately. Small town vibes like Laurie, writing that leaves you smiling like Abby. I can’t wait to see what she does next!
April 20, 2026
This was a really cute sweet, small town romance. I loved Callie and Dylan. They were so sweet together. And that little bit of danger really pulled this story together. I had the best time reading this one.
July 8, 2024
This book did not disappoint. I loved the character development, the mystery, the romance, the dual point of view. I couldn’t put it down and I am excited for more from this author!
October 13, 2024
An absolute page turner! I finished this book in record speed; it drew me in with the love story that unfolded after a necessary but challenging breakup.
September 20, 2025
I felt like this had potential to be good, but the whole thing - plot, characters, everything - just felt very flat.
January 27, 2026
Read in one day! Super cute and easy read for my snow day!!!
April 19, 2026
Super cute small town romance. Highly recommend for younger romance readers, or those who prefer closed door romance!
May 11, 2026
Loved the book and how Callie was able to start a whole life in Cherrywood ❤️❤️ read this book in 2 sittings
September 5, 2026
This was really charming! I’m not usually a huge fan of insta-love so the MMC gave me the ick at first but he grew on me.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews