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Harrison Holmes has it all: the perfect job, the perfect family, the perfect life. Until it all comes crashing down around him. Of all the problems suddenly complicating his life, the troubling state of his relationship with his wife Willow scares Harrison the most. In an effort to rekindle the dying flames of his once-perfect marriage, he makes plans to whisk Willow off to Italy for their wedding anniversary. But will it be enough, or will Harrison have to face his greatest fear of all, losing the woman he cherishes?

Willow Holmes has the kind of life she’s always dreamed of: a handsome, successful husband, a palatial home in the suburbs, and two remarkable children. So why is she so unhappy? Maybe because she had other dreams that went unfulfilled. Now she's rethinking the career and life she sacrificed to devote herself to marriage and motherhood. When her husband gifts her with a delayed honeymoon in Rome, Willow sees it as a first step in setting their relationship back on track. But how can she make Harrison see that one trip won't fix all that ails their marriage? And what will become of them when the secret she’s been keeping comes to light?

257 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 25, 2018

94 people are currently reading
182 people want to read

About the author

Farrah Rochon

90 books2,513 followers
A native of south Louisiana, Farrah Rochon officially began her writing career while waiting in between classes in the student lounge at Xavier University of Louisiana. After earning her Bachelors of Science degree and a Masters of Arts from Southeastern Louisiana University, Farrah decided to pursue her lifelong dream of becoming a published novelist. She was named Shades of Romance Magazine's Best New Author of 2007. Her debut novel, Deliver Me, the first in her Holmes Brothers series, garnered rave reviews, earning Farrah several SORMAG Readers' Choice Awards.

In September 2010, Farrah joined the Kimani Romance family with the launch of her new series that follows the life of the fictional New York Sabers football team.

When she is not writing in her favorite coffee shop, Farrah spends most of her time reading her favorite romance novels, hanging around on Twitter, and trying to attend as many Broadway shows as her budget will allow. An admitted sports fanatic, Farrah feeds her addiction to football by watching New Orleans Saints games on Sunday afternoons.

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5 stars
114 (56%)
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61 (30%)
3 stars
22 (11%)
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3 (1%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
Profile Image for Claire.
1,021 reviews110 followers
July 18, 2018
Bingo square: "Hero named Harry." Cheating a little, b/c I have a feeling that Harrison, our hero, definitely never went by "Harry." But this was a shockingly difficult square to fill!

I loved:
The rekindling / second chance romance;
"older" hero and heroine;
the focus on their needs, relationship, and learning new skills to be together - especially learning how to communicate;
Very little plot, lots of processing;
The descriptions of Italy! What a fun, luxurious imaginative experience.

I wished the pre-diabetes storyline, with its emphasis on their child's weight loss, hadn't taken up so much space in the story. (Honestly, I'd rather it hadn't been there at all.) But otoh, that may be a good example of "not for me" rather than a criticism.
Profile Image for Ang.
135 reviews1 follower
June 27, 2018
Love it .. great story!
Profile Image for Sarah.
600 reviews39 followers
February 11, 2019
Farrah Rochon's writing never disappoints. There's not a ton of "long-standing, relatively happy marriages in peril" books, and this one was great -- realistic and emotional.
Profile Image for Coffee&Books.
1,164 reviews108 followers
June 7, 2018
I tell you, folks. Sometimes I feel extremely fortunate to know some super talented, entertaining writers. Farrah Rochon is among them, and one of the best I have ever read. I thought the Bayou Dreams series was good... and then came Maplesville. And then she restarted the Holmes Brothers (which was her first book) series. Cherish Me is Book 7 in this series and every gotdang one of them is so good.
Every time Farrah hops a plane, I know I'm going to see that city in a book somewhere, because with Farrah, the setting is always a major part of the story, from beautiful Tuscany to the quaint French Quarter. Recently, Farrah went to Italy so I knew I was going to be enveloped in a story in which I felt like I was IN Italy and I was not disappointed.
But I'm getting ahead of myself. CHERISH ME is for the grown and sexy reader. Don't get me wrong, newness is fun to plot and plan and write. Meet Cutes and fresh starts and long, lusty gazes between people who have just met are much easier than establishing a long, comfortable relationship. And showing that love and the cracks in the foundation and still making it a viable, entertaining story can be a challenge.
That's what we've got, what we've seen brewing between Willow and Harrison for the past few Holmes Bros books. They've been together a long time, have an enviable marriage, have two great kids with great kid problems. Like any couple, they have some issues, but Harrison seems a bit blindsided by Willow's withdrawal over the past few months and when she asks for a temporary but MAJOR change, he's thrown for a loop. He's done nothing but love his wife and provide for his family. He can't imagine what the issue between he and Willow might be.
I feel like the dual POV is so helpful here because we watch both Harrison and Willow work through their issues and struggle to see eye to eye, all the while being committed to loving each other and working it out. When Harrison surprises Willow with a trip to Italy (though he doesn't fly), it seems like that may be the salve that heals the relationship. Some time away in a gorgeous, historic, romantic country? Yes, please.
But those of us who live real lives know it takes more than a romantic gesture, some nice words and steamy sex to heal a rift in a relationship. The eventual conversation between this couple is... whew. So realistic. We aren't always nice and sweet to each other.
Like any romance, we hope to see a happy ending, especially between a long-married established couple. More important to me is the journey from fractured coupling to a whole relationship and restoration of what they had before. The true talent and skill in storytelling is in that journey.
This is a great one, well worthy of your face! Pre-sale links are up, grab this one!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
298 reviews
July 9, 2018
I have enjoyed every book I have by Farrah Rochon and I really would have liked this one more had it not been for Willow Holmes. Geez, I just wanted to smack this woman. Still smh...She had it all: wonderful husband, great home, loving children and extended family but still something was missing. She wasn't fulfilled (give me a break). It wasn't like her husband was ignoring her or pushed her to the side. He was fighting for his marriage and she kept putting off talking to him. It took a trip to Italy for them to get it together. Girl, bye! Other than Willow, I enjoyed the story and liked seeing other members of the Holmes family. I look forward to this author's work and I'll continue to be a fan but Willow...still smh.
Profile Image for Natalya | TheIslandReader.
283 reviews11 followers
January 17, 2019
3.5 stars

Willow and Harrison Holmes are at an impasse in their marriage. He’s sleeping in the studio apartment upstairs his law firm and she’s at home with the kids, trying not to let them see how much she regrets their predicament.

They both still deeply love each other and want to be together. Harrison is willing to do the work, even if it means facing his fear of flying to take his wife on the overdue honeymoon of her dreams.

Willow loves her husband and her family, but she’s unfulfilled. She’s having a tough time coming to grips with that and explaining to her husband the reasoning behind their recent separation.

She also has a secret that is causing her a lot of guilt. Truth be told, there were a few times that I wanted to talk some sense into Willow. Don’t get me wrong, Harrison wasn’t a saint, and he was a chronic workaholic, but he was more open in expressing his emotions.

One of the things that kept me interested was that there wasn’t some huge over the top conflict with them. It was subtle, it was convincing and it was relatable. There are quite a few couples that can read this novel and immediately see how these two characters got to where they were in their marriage.
I also really appreciated that the blame wasn’t placed on one person’s feet. Willow and Harrison were equally responsible and eventually, they were willing to own up to both of their parts.

Though Cherish Me is the seventh novel in the Holmes series, it can be read as a stand-alone. I haven’t read any of the previous novels and had no problem following along with secondary characters.

In the end, Willow and Harrison are reminded of their priorities and the love they both crave and cherish.
Profile Image for Jen (That's What I'm Talking About).
1,741 reviews312 followers
August 30, 2018
What happens to a happily married couple after nearly twenty years together? Cherish Me takes a hard and realistic look at the troubles couples can face after many years, life, and kids impact a marriage. There is no one big thing that causes Harrison and Willow to drift apart, but rather the wear and tear of life that takes its toll.

When the book opens, we discover that Harrison and Willow have been living apart for three weeks after she asked him for a break to think things over. She never expected him to leave without a fight, and since we read the story from both Willow and Harrison’s perspectives, we learn neither is happy with the situation. Harrison is frustrated because he honestly doesn’t know what went wrong, which drives him nuts because he’s a fixer and he doesn’t know how to fix things with Willow. Meanwhile, Willow is equally confused because she loves her husband and misses him terribly, but she just can’t figure out why she’s so unhappy.

I appreciate how the author infuses such genuine emotion and realism into the story, without making it overly dramatic. There is no cheating spouse or horrendous situation. Willow and Harrison still love each other deeply but have hit a rough spot. After twenty years, things don’t necessarily flow the same as the did when a couple first gets together. They are scared to talk to one another - more so Willow - because they are both afraid of what the other may think/say/do. And there are no easy fixes in this relationship. They recognize there is a tough road ahead, and there will be bumps in the road. The author doesn’t sugarcoat the situation, but still finds a way for an HEA.

Cherish Me is romantic and touching, sexy and difficult. Willow and Harrison work, because at their core, they love and cherish one another, and they are willing to work for their happily ever after.

My Rating: B+ Liked It A Lot
Review copy provided by the author.
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About
634 reviews
September 9, 2018
Harrison Holmes has it all: the perfect job, the perfect family, the perfect life. Until it all comes crashing down around him. Of all the problems suddenly complicating his life, the troubling state of his relationship with his wife Willow scares Harrison the most. In an effort to rekindle the dying flames of his once-perfect marriage, he uses plans he had made to whisk Willow off to Italy for their 17th wedding anniversary; some place she always longed to visit, but he was afraid to fly. Will it be enough, or will Harrison have to face his greatest fear of all, losing the woman he cherishes? Willow Holmes has the kind of life she’s always dreamed of: a handsome, successful husband, a palatial home in the suburbs, and two remarkable children. So why is she so unhappy? Maybe because she had other dreams that went unfulfilled. Now she's rethinking the career and life she sacrificed to devote herself to marriage and motherhood. When her husband gifts her with a delayed honeymoon in Rome, Willow sees it as a first step in setting their relationship back on track. But how can she make Harrison see that one trip won't fix all that ails their marriage? And what will become of them when the secret she’s been keeping about going out to dinner with her first love comes to light?
Profile Image for Amanda.
574 reviews58 followers
January 17, 2019
I’ve enjoyed the estranged spouse trope in the past a lot, so I was eager to read this, but it made me think that maybe I only like that trope under certain circumstances?

Don’t get me wrong—this book was well-written and a lot of people will love it. I have admittedly been in a massive reading slump lately that has made it hard for me to enjoy much of anything... another reason why I maybe didn’t like it as much as anticipated.

The book delivers what you’d expect—an exploration of a marriage in trouble. I like that the book delved into Willow’s feelings about being a SAHM instead of exploring her own career. And that it touched on Harrison being a workaholic and why he is that way. So much of this felt realistic... there’s no manufactured drama, IMO. And that is certainly to the book’s credit.

I think what made this so frustrating for me was the fact that they don’t reconcile until very late in the book. There is so much lack of communication about what has caused the separation, and I just wanted them to sit down and TALK about it instead of putting it off over and over again.

I think there is something fundamental about the plot that just didn’t work for my current mood, but I am not discouraging anyone who has this on their TBR from reading it.
Profile Image for Celeste .
582 reviews6 followers
June 26, 2018
Rekindling the flame

It's cliche but it's true, communication is key to a healthy long lasting relationship. Harrison and Willow had reached a cross road in their marriage. One that on the surface seems simplistic, yet if tested one will discover how dyer the situation was.

Farrah draws you in at the first paragraph. As you're like what's the issue. Surface level Harrison and Willow are fine. But fundamentally there were cracks that if not dealt with would lead to no return.

You know a story hits the mark if you get misty eyed. Prepare for that moment when Harrison and Willow finally sit down and have two of the most critical conversations that would impact their marriage forever.
Profile Image for Emily.
1,265 reviews21 followers
May 9, 2019
Jumped straight into this after finishing Manhattan Beach, and i think the reading experience suffered a bit from that book hangover... the relatively straightforward writing of a romance novel was a bit jarring after that! That and the nature of picking up the seventh in a series instead of starting with the first bogged me down a bit. Really appreciated the low drama, down to earth nature of the story, and how it was hot & emotionally high-stakes just the same. Usually one of my favorite things about romance is seeing two relative strangers get to know each other, and I enjoyed the new perspective of two people with very little left to learn about one another but plenty to reckon with within themselves.
Profile Image for Maggie Haberman.
120 reviews4 followers
November 17, 2021
I’d bought this book a while ago when it was a “blind date with a book” option at the Ripped Bodice in Culver City. It took me a couple of years but I finally started it about a week ago.

Not much happens in this story; it’s a fairly straightforward broken up: back together romance. However, Rochon’s writing is extremely engaging, her characters are interesting and relatable, and the story is lovely. Normally I’m very poor focused and there is some plot here but not a tonne. The writing is really wonderful and what kept me interested the entire time.

It’s also just nice to read a story in which the characters are good people who behave in a manner that seems logical and reasonable. Very refreshing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for The_Book_Queen.
1,677 reviews281 followers
June 26, 2018
✦ Already married couple (17 years, two kids) + marriage in trouble = EMOTIONS ahoy!

✦ He’s a lawyer

✦ She’s a STAHM but always wanted to work in the science field

✦ Trip to Italy!

✦ Car BJ scene tho 🔥🔥

✦ And the perfect-height table . . . 🔥🔥

✦ I have to admit, the wrap up/ending wasn't as satisfying as I wanted, considering they spent 90% of the book "separated" (as in, marriage)


~ * ~ * ~ * ~


If you wish to look at some quotes/thoughts I highlighted, please check out my Twitter feed

Profile Image for Ruby.
627 reviews2 followers
July 14, 2018
Well Worth the Wait!!!

This was a book that I was waiting to read since Willow and Harrison's marital problems were mentioned in earlier books in the series. Harrison and Willow were separated at the beginning of the story which was a surprise to everyone including Harrison and Willow. The love was there but there was something underlying that was keeping them apart. To try and overcome their problems, Harrison decides to take Willow to Italy for their anniversary. What follows is a journey of love, understanding and forgiveness. This story was well-written and did not disappoint.
Profile Image for Deena.
540 reviews10 followers
July 6, 2018
Worth the Wait!

I've been waiting for Harrison and Willow's story since the series refocused on this branch of the family. I'm so happy to say that the story was well worth the wait.

These two have been married for seventeen years and are still in love and happily married...or so it seems. This was a good look at what happens when you put things on autopilot and don't really keep the focus where it should be. The book certainly made me reevaluate some things.

Loved this couple and really enjoyed going to Italy with them. A great read, from start to finish.

Eagerly awaiting Jonathan's story!
215 reviews3 followers
Read
March 29, 2021
Beautiful love story.

Harrison and Willow's story was very good. They were married a long time and got used to each other. It is not good to keep secrets and Willow did about her exp boyfriend. I'm To let it go along for a year was too long. Willow slipped into low self esteemed and it got out of hand. Athens missed his father and Lily got into a fight at school and was expelled. The good thing was Harrison loved his wife and would do anything for her. The trip to Rome started their communication and in the end they were able to fix their marri was he.
4 reviews
July 7, 2018
Farrah does a masterful job of presenting us the story of Harrison and Willow. Cherish Me presents the complexities of what we as women identify as a successful life while also presenting a cautionary message of how well women can create a pretty prison and then lock ourselves up in them without the benefit of maintaining the keys. A must read for those looking for more than early romantic relationships.
Profile Image for Tracy.
130 reviews11 followers
July 1, 2018
I love the Holmes Series but this is my favorite. Although I wanted to shake the mess out of Willow I truly understood where she was coming from, I just wished she would have opened her mouth sooner. Trust is everything in a marriage. Harrison is just all that. Farrah Italy is definitely on my list to visit.
Profile Image for Lena Neely.
135 reviews7 followers
July 1, 2018
True live never dies

I must admit that I personally wanted to pop Willow upside the head a few times for letting this madness go on. But I'm so happy that she finally revealed to Harrison what all of us women feel sometimes, even when we work outside the home. True love still prevailed.
Profile Image for Selina Durio.
2,523 reviews12 followers
July 15, 2018
Great read

This was a great read! Many books put couples together with their HEA and never revisit them again. It was wonderful to visit with Willow and Harrison. Being married for more than 25 yea s myself this story hit close to home. A marriage is work, but the best kind of work. This story was a great read for us old married folk!
770 reviews3 followers
July 19, 2018
Finding love

This book was awesome. Two people who loves each other but gets lost in their busy lives and never see themselves moving further apart from each other. This is so relatable in many households. Thank you for giving ideas on how to communicate and keeping relationships together.
Profile Image for Odessa Dangerfield.
58 reviews
July 23, 2018
Enjoyable but....

I loved finally reading about folks closer to my age, but Willow got on my nerves. To discover that she put her husband out for really no reason was just kind boggling. Don't be me wrong, I was glad that it wasn't the usual reason, but she was just so fickle! Overall it was a great story, I just didn't like Willow's reason/no reason.
5 reviews1 follower
July 1, 2018
Best Holmes Brothers book yet!

This has been my favorite so far. It's not too often you get the story of how couples manage to STAY in love after their happily-ever-after ending and then life happens. Loved this story.
Profile Image for JoAnn Litman.
230 reviews2 followers
July 1, 2018
Awesome Awesome

I love the Holmes Family and their friends. I so afraid Willow and Harrison wouldn't find the love they thought they had lost. However, love do conquer all. The book was great and I can't wait for Jonathan's story.
75 reviews
July 13, 2018
Wonderful!

Farrah Rochon did it again! Another heart felt Holmes Brothers book. Harrison and Willow will have you cheering for them to get their act together from the beginning to the end.
Profile Image for Matysha.
385 reviews2 followers
July 18, 2018
Another Holmes family hit

Although I wanted to shake Willow a couple of times, this story was a joy to read. It showed that with love and communication there’s no obstacle that keep two people who belong together apart! So ready for Jonathan to get his HEA!
Profile Image for Jennifer Copeland.
1,733 reviews43 followers
August 2, 2018
Great Book

I just loved Cherish Me by Farrah Rochon! I loved the storyline and the chemistry between Willow and Harrison. Can’t wait for the next book in this series! I couldn’t put my kindle down!
Profile Image for Jackie Roberts.
231 reviews8 followers
August 7, 2018
Communication Is the Key

Lack of communication was the main catalyst in the breakdown of Willow and Harrison’s marriage. Will they be able to resolve their issues and live happily ever after? You will have to read Cherish Me to find out. Thanks Farrah Rochon for the visual tour of Italy. I would love to go someday.
Profile Image for Shannan Harper.
2,450 reviews28 followers
August 25, 2018
Harrison and Willow, the only couple who have been together the longest, besides the parents, are having marital issues after being married for 17 years. Willow irked me, especially since she seemed to think Harrison was a mind reader, but she finally got it together. Great story.
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