What do you think?
Rate this book
Chapel Cove #3
Cherish Me
All she ever wanted for herself was to be loved.
At thirteen, Naomi Macnamara and her two best friends each pen a wish list of things they want to achieve. Deciding to bury a tin containing their life goals, the friends vow to unearth the metal box once they’ve all turned forty. But as the decades pass and each girl chases her dreams, the lists are forgotten.
When her beloved aunt’s sudden illness sends Nai back to Chapel Cove days before her fortieth birthday to manage the town’s bookstore, her successful, independent, organized new life in Texas seems a million miles away. Between a book-hoarding aunt, a leaky roof, unruly pets, wobbly faith, and flaky bookstore staff, the last thing she wants is to have to rely on local cop Mateo Rodriguez for help.
Mateo, returned to the Cove to help his aging grandfather, never forgot his first love Nai or the one sweet kiss at sixteen that sent her running. Normally confident and capable, being around each other shoots them both back into their teenage shyness and insecurity.
They'll need to overcome soul-deep hurts, trust in God, and risk being vulnerable enough to accept their second chance at love. Will a crisis bring them together -- or tear them apart?
Welcome to Chapel Cove, Oregon, where life begins at forty.
As their fortieth birthdays loom, three childhood friends return unexpectedly to their home town. Stunning coastline, a harbor against life’s storms, and a welcoming community await them. Hurt by challenges, disappointments, and failures; reminded of their unfulfilled hopes and dreams, they’re offered a fresh start. And, if they’re brave enough to accept it, a second chance at love. Will they allow God to safely anchor them in their hearts’ home, or will doubt and uncertainty drive them to repeat their old mistakes?
Discover this small town filled with love, hope, and faith, in Chapel Cove Romances, a series of sweet and clean standalone Christian stories from three bestselling authors.
Book 1 - Remember Me by Marion Ueckermann
Book 2 - Love Me by Alexa Verde
Book 3 - Cherish Me by Autumn Macarthur
Book 4 - Choose Me by Marion Ueckermann (launching summer 2019)
Book 5 - Hold Me by Alexa Verde (launching fall 2019)
Book 6 - Marry Me by Autumn Macarthur (launching late fall/early winter 2019)
And more stories to come in 2020!
At thirteen, Naomi Macnamara and her two best friends each pen a wish list of things they want to achieve. Deciding to bury a tin containing their life goals, the friends vow to unearth the metal box once they’ve all turned forty. But as the decades pass and each girl chases her dreams, the lists are forgotten.
When her beloved aunt’s sudden illness sends Nai back to Chapel Cove days before her fortieth birthday to manage the town’s bookstore, her successful, independent, organized new life in Texas seems a million miles away. Between a book-hoarding aunt, a leaky roof, unruly pets, wobbly faith, and flaky bookstore staff, the last thing she wants is to have to rely on local cop Mateo Rodriguez for help.
Mateo, returned to the Cove to help his aging grandfather, never forgot his first love Nai or the one sweet kiss at sixteen that sent her running. Normally confident and capable, being around each other shoots them both back into their teenage shyness and insecurity.
They'll need to overcome soul-deep hurts, trust in God, and risk being vulnerable enough to accept their second chance at love. Will a crisis bring them together -- or tear them apart?
Welcome to Chapel Cove, Oregon, where life begins at forty.
As their fortieth birthdays loom, three childhood friends return unexpectedly to their home town. Stunning coastline, a harbor against life’s storms, and a welcoming community await them. Hurt by challenges, disappointments, and failures; reminded of their unfulfilled hopes and dreams, they’re offered a fresh start. And, if they’re brave enough to accept it, a second chance at love. Will they allow God to safely anchor them in their hearts’ home, or will doubt and uncertainty drive them to repeat their old mistakes?
Discover this small town filled with love, hope, and faith, in Chapel Cove Romances, a series of sweet and clean standalone Christian stories from three bestselling authors.
Book 1 - Remember Me by Marion Ueckermann
Book 2 - Love Me by Alexa Verde
Book 3 - Cherish Me by Autumn Macarthur
Book 4 - Choose Me by Marion Ueckermann (launching summer 2019)
Book 5 - Hold Me by Alexa Verde (launching fall 2019)
Book 6 - Marry Me by Autumn Macarthur (launching late fall/early winter 2019)
And more stories to come in 2020!
262 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 6, 2019
708 people are currently reading
202 people want to read
About the author
Autumn Macarthur
92 books193 followersAutumn Macarthur is an Australian writer of inspirational romance living near London with her very English husband and six spoiled cats. She loves reading, cooking, gardening, and writing deeply emotional stories to make you smile and remind you how big and wide and deep God's love and forgiveness can be.
She tends to talk a little too much, laugh a little too loud, and eat a little more than maybe she should. She's thankful to be blessed with some good friends and a very patient husband. Most of all, she's eternally grateful for God's great love and mercy.
When she's not writing or talking to her strawberry plants and cherry blossoms, she can be found blogging at www.faithhopeandheartwarming.com or on Substack.
She'd love to hear from you!
Sign up for the newsletter at her website and access exclusive subscriber only behind-the-book content and giveaways!
She tends to talk a little too much, laugh a little too loud, and eat a little more than maybe she should. She's thankful to be blessed with some good friends and a very patient husband. Most of all, she's eternally grateful for God's great love and mercy.
When she's not writing or talking to her strawberry plants and cherry blossoms, she can be found blogging at www.faithhopeandheartwarming.com or on Substack.
She'd love to hear from you!
Sign up for the newsletter at her website and access exclusive subscriber only behind-the-book content and giveaways!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
May 10, 2019
To be loved and cherished is something we all want. Naomi has wanted this for all her life, but because of hard situations growing up, she never felt she was worthy enough to receive love. Mateo has loved her since they were teens, but because of insecurities, shyness, and unfortunate events, he didn’t let her know how he felt. Will it be too late now they are back in the same town again? Will she believe him or the lies she hears in her head?
This is the third book, in a series of books by some fantastic authors.
These stories are all set on the beautiful coast of Oregon. Okay, I’m a little bit bias because I live in Oregon and LOVE our coast.
The story is full of many fun moments. From a bird attack, dogs going wild, books over-running the place, a scary crisis with a loved one, and a mystery of lost books, this story has it all! I laughed, I sighed, I giggled, and fell in love with these characters!
Autumn Macarthur is a gifted storyteller. She can weave a story with just the right amount of flair that I started believing these were real people and a real place.
All the authors in this series have made Chapel Cove so real I want to go there, HOWEVER, it’s not real. My mind knows this, but my heart wants it to be real so I can meet these wonderful characters.
If you want a fun series to read and to hear of a beautiful place called Oregon, then you need to pick this book and this series up.
I was given this book by the author for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
This is the third book, in a series of books by some fantastic authors.
These stories are all set on the beautiful coast of Oregon. Okay, I’m a little bit bias because I live in Oregon and LOVE our coast.
The story is full of many fun moments. From a bird attack, dogs going wild, books over-running the place, a scary crisis with a loved one, and a mystery of lost books, this story has it all! I laughed, I sighed, I giggled, and fell in love with these characters!
Autumn Macarthur is a gifted storyteller. She can weave a story with just the right amount of flair that I started believing these were real people and a real place.
All the authors in this series have made Chapel Cove so real I want to go there, HOWEVER, it’s not real. My mind knows this, but my heart wants it to be real so I can meet these wonderful characters.
If you want a fun series to read and to hear of a beautiful place called Oregon, then you need to pick this book and this series up.
I was given this book by the author for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
May 6, 2019
Cherish Me is an inspiring second chance romance, set in Chapel Cove, Oregon. Autumn Macarthur seamlessly weaves elements from Book 1 (Reese) and 2 (Kristina), a mélange of animals (2 exuberant dogs, a cat, and a talkative parrot), a mystery of missing priceless antique books, heart disease, dreams, stubbornness, hurt pride and a caring community into a page turner. “We should never limit our dreams. God has many more wonderful things for us.” Looking forward to the next story in the Chapel Cove Romance series.
May 6, 2019
I am so in love with this Chapel Cove series, and this third book is amazing! Nai's character hits so close to home for me - I can do anything without help mentality - it is such a pleasure to read her journey! I love the cross-over between the three best friends as well during this timeline. So looking forward to more in the series!
May 9, 2019
Cherish Me by Autumn Macarthur is a delightful Christian contemporary romance. It is the third book in the Chapel Cove series but can be read as a stand-alone.
Autumn Macarthur always writes novels that wrap themselves around the reader with their warm and welcoming atmosphere. The community seems to reach out from the pages to encompass the reader. Small town living means everyone pulls together. There are no secrets just warm welcomes.
Words spoken over us remain. “The memory of being called ugly, of feeling ugly, and of wanting so badly not to be ugly.” We believe what others say of us when really we should be listening to what God says. His opinion is the only one that matters. There are times when the reader’s heart breaks. “A familiar chorus of put-me-downs echoed in her head.” No matter how old we are, old hurts remain if we do not deal with them. We need to hand our hurts to God and live loved. “Believe Jesus really does love me, even if my mom doesn’t.”
Survivor’s guilt threatens to swamp. “He could not stop blaming himself that he’d lived and she’d died.” Guilt pushes a character to work for love and approval. He is atoning for his sins and forgetting that grace exists and his ‘sin’ is not sin but guilt. The reader is reminded that God loves us unconditionally. We cannot earn His love and we cannot lose it.
No one is too old for love. I love the fact that the leading characters are all forty plus. It is a delight to see match making in action and love blossoming.
Pets complete a home. I loved the inclusion of two whacky dogs, an aloof cat and a vocal parrot in the story.
Cherish Me is a delightful read that is grounded in and covered with the love of God. A feel-good read that will leave you smiling.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
Autumn Macarthur always writes novels that wrap themselves around the reader with their warm and welcoming atmosphere. The community seems to reach out from the pages to encompass the reader. Small town living means everyone pulls together. There are no secrets just warm welcomes.
Words spoken over us remain. “The memory of being called ugly, of feeling ugly, and of wanting so badly not to be ugly.” We believe what others say of us when really we should be listening to what God says. His opinion is the only one that matters. There are times when the reader’s heart breaks. “A familiar chorus of put-me-downs echoed in her head.” No matter how old we are, old hurts remain if we do not deal with them. We need to hand our hurts to God and live loved. “Believe Jesus really does love me, even if my mom doesn’t.”
Survivor’s guilt threatens to swamp. “He could not stop blaming himself that he’d lived and she’d died.” Guilt pushes a character to work for love and approval. He is atoning for his sins and forgetting that grace exists and his ‘sin’ is not sin but guilt. The reader is reminded that God loves us unconditionally. We cannot earn His love and we cannot lose it.
No one is too old for love. I love the fact that the leading characters are all forty plus. It is a delight to see match making in action and love blossoming.
Pets complete a home. I loved the inclusion of two whacky dogs, an aloof cat and a vocal parrot in the story.
Cherish Me is a delightful read that is grounded in and covered with the love of God. A feel-good read that will leave you smiling.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
May 7, 2019
Cherish Me is a delight to read. Nai is so very sure that she never wants to marry and just wants to be successful in her career, until her Aunt Ivy needs help back in the home town that Nai escaped from. Her childhood friend and almost boyfriend, Mateo, is back to help his grandfather. Her two best buddies also live in Chapel Cove again. I found all of the main and supporting characters to be likable. There are deep-seated hurts that both Nai and Mateo have to overcome before a romantic relationship can work. I loved how Nai and Mateo helped each other heal with God's help. There are some decidedly humorous moments, especially when Aunt Ivy's pets are around. The story flows well, and the dialogue feels natural. I definitely want to read more of Autumn Macarthur's books. I highly recommend this book to clean/wholesome romance readers and to Christian romance readers. I got my copy through KU.
May 8, 2019
LOVED this book!! A great follow-up to Remember Me and Love Me!! Can't wait for the next books in this series!! Love that they are all 40 somethings, and shows that you never know what God has in store!! Never too late to turn to Him, to trust Him, and that He's always there!
May 7, 2019
Brought up by a mother who blamed Naomi for wrecking her life and was never slow to say so - or to make any other derogatory comments, whether true or not - Naomi fled Chapel Cove as soon as she could to make a new, and completely different, life elsewhere. She was determined never to return, and even the news that Mateo, the only man she had ever kissed, had returned home and was still unmarried didn't tempt her to leave her highly paid and much enjoyed job in Austin. But then Aunt Ivy, who had been more of a mother to her than her actual mother, had a heart attack and needed care for both herself and her bookstore - and Naomi can't say no, however much she might want to. Coming back to Chapel Cove was never in her plans, so why does it feel right? As she spends time with Mateo and the old attraction returns, remaining gradually becomes a possibility - if she can overcome her mother's brainwashing...
This is the first of the Chapel Cove series that I've read, but I'm definitely planning to read more! (And note that, while the stories presumably do intertwine to some extent, I had no problem with reading this out of order.) With the author's usual good writing and enjoyable storyline, as well as some problems to overcome in the relationship and a few quirky characters (Oscar was a hoot - if birds count as characters?), this made for a fun read with the potential for plenty more couples to be paired up in future, though Naomi and Mateo had their own satisfactory 'happy ending' (it would be good to see more of how they go as a couple in future books...). I look forward to seeing more of the world of Chapel Cove and hope it will be soon.
Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.
This is the first of the Chapel Cove series that I've read, but I'm definitely planning to read more! (And note that, while the stories presumably do intertwine to some extent, I had no problem with reading this out of order.) With the author's usual good writing and enjoyable storyline, as well as some problems to overcome in the relationship and a few quirky characters (Oscar was a hoot - if birds count as characters?), this made for a fun read with the potential for plenty more couples to be paired up in future, though Naomi and Mateo had their own satisfactory 'happy ending' (it would be good to see more of how they go as a couple in future books...). I look forward to seeing more of the world of Chapel Cove and hope it will be soon.
Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.
Read
November 7, 2020FREE today (October 20, 2020) on Amazon.
May 11, 2019
Cherish Me was so good! It's book three in the Chapel Cove Romance series, but can definitely stand alone. Following three childhood friends around their fortieth birthdays, Cherish Me is Nai's time to shine. After her appearances in the first two books, it was great getting to know Nai better.
Ivy's on Spruce was such a charming store. Sure, it needed a little tlc, but the eccentric employees and rambunctious animals gave the store character.
One of the things I loved most about this book was the strong spiritual message of letting go and trusting God to take care of things. It's a good one to remember and keep in all of our hearts.
I've loved my time in Chapel Cove. It's a wonderful place filled with wonderful people. This book just reiterated the fact even more that I wish this town were real. It'd be an ideal place to call home.
I received a copy of this book from the author and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.
Ivy's on Spruce was such a charming store. Sure, it needed a little tlc, but the eccentric employees and rambunctious animals gave the store character.
One of the things I loved most about this book was the strong spiritual message of letting go and trusting God to take care of things. It's a good one to remember and keep in all of our hearts.
I've loved my time in Chapel Cove. It's a wonderful place filled with wonderful people. This book just reiterated the fact even more that I wish this town were real. It'd be an ideal place to call home.
I received a copy of this book from the author and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.
May 12, 2019
Cherish Me is a delightful small town, second chance romance with wonderful characters nearing 40. With 2 rambunctious dogs, a cat, a talking parrot, an aunt's heart attack, an aging grandfather, a leaking roof, and interesting bookstore personnel, this book has something for everyone. No one should miss this inspiring romance.
June 2, 2019
I read this book via an Amazon KINDLE Unlimited download.
With all of the Christian books I’ve been reading recently and with my desire to return writing my debut YA Christian romance novella [I’ve written other romances], I found this book being able to begin to rekindle my creativity in writing this endeavor.
The thing I didn’t get married until I was 42 and my dear OH was 39, so the age factor definitely was there as I stepped in the shoes of the story’s protagonist Nai. Also, being a child of the 1950’s, as I read this story, I couldn’t help but recall at the age of sixteen my listening to The Association singing their song “Cherish” on the radio:
Cherish is the word I use to describe
All the feeling that I have hiding here for you inside
You don't know how many times I've wished that I had told you
You don't know how many times I've wished that I could hold you
You don't know how many times I've wished that I could
Mold you into someone who could
Cherish me as much as I cherish you
Perish is the word that more than applies
To the hope in my heart each time I realize
That I am not gonna be the one to share your dreams
That I am not gonna be the one to share your schemes
That I am not gonna be the one to share what
Seems to be the life that you could
Cherish as much as I do yours…
I couldn’t help sensing how this song in some ways epitomizes the story and the reason I loved reading it.
With all of the Christian books I’ve been reading recently and with my desire to return writing my debut YA Christian romance novella [I’ve written other romances], I found this book being able to begin to rekindle my creativity in writing this endeavor.
The thing I didn’t get married until I was 42 and my dear OH was 39, so the age factor definitely was there as I stepped in the shoes of the story’s protagonist Nai. Also, being a child of the 1950’s, as I read this story, I couldn’t help but recall at the age of sixteen my listening to The Association singing their song “Cherish” on the radio:
Cherish is the word I use to describe
All the feeling that I have hiding here for you inside
You don't know how many times I've wished that I had told you
You don't know how many times I've wished that I could hold you
You don't know how many times I've wished that I could
Mold you into someone who could
Cherish me as much as I cherish you
Perish is the word that more than applies
To the hope in my heart each time I realize
That I am not gonna be the one to share your dreams
That I am not gonna be the one to share your schemes
That I am not gonna be the one to share what
Seems to be the life that you could
Cherish as much as I do yours…
I couldn’t help sensing how this song in some ways epitomizes the story and the reason I loved reading it.
May 20, 2019
A heartwarming romance
"Naomi's Aunt Ivy had collected a mix of pets from the animal shelter, including a parrot who had *somehow* learned the phrase ""Naomi should marry Mateo!"" However, having seen her mother making poor choices, she determined to never rely on a man, That was simply out of the question. Wasn't it?
Mateo was a kind man who had loved Naomi almost as long as he had known her. Driven by his scars, both seen and unseen, to prove his worth to those around him, he was constantly serving and was well loved in the small town. He was also noble in giving up a higher rank in the big city police force and a higher salary when he moved home to care for his aging grandfather. I really liked his dedication and servant heart.
Naomi not only had to learn that it is okay to rely on those around but also that God desires us to rely on Him. Moreover, Mateo needed to learn to surrender the survivor guilt he lived with every day.
The books in this multi-author series intertwine, as the main characters from each are best friends. This did make for an unusual reading as they take place concurrently. An incident where a search party was sent out ended up feeling incomplete due to the reference to the search and no details other than the result. I know this was addressed in another book yet it seemed awkward.
One thing in the book that bugged me, though, having grown up with a parrot I know that they imitate and don't understand what they are saying. It was when Aunt Ivy's parrot changed from saying 'Naomi should marry Mateo"" to ""Nai should marry Mateo"" because Naomi began going by that nickname. That isn't something a parrot would figure out. I didn't take away any stars for this but felt compelled to mention it!
Readers who enjoy small town romances, especially those with older couples getting their second chances will want to pick up a copy of this lovely book.
Read my full review at at Among the Reads
I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own."
"Naomi's Aunt Ivy had collected a mix of pets from the animal shelter, including a parrot who had *somehow* learned the phrase ""Naomi should marry Mateo!"" However, having seen her mother making poor choices, she determined to never rely on a man, That was simply out of the question. Wasn't it?
Mateo was a kind man who had loved Naomi almost as long as he had known her. Driven by his scars, both seen and unseen, to prove his worth to those around him, he was constantly serving and was well loved in the small town. He was also noble in giving up a higher rank in the big city police force and a higher salary when he moved home to care for his aging grandfather. I really liked his dedication and servant heart.
Naomi not only had to learn that it is okay to rely on those around but also that God desires us to rely on Him. Moreover, Mateo needed to learn to surrender the survivor guilt he lived with every day.
The books in this multi-author series intertwine, as the main characters from each are best friends. This did make for an unusual reading as they take place concurrently. An incident where a search party was sent out ended up feeling incomplete due to the reference to the search and no details other than the result. I know this was addressed in another book yet it seemed awkward.
One thing in the book that bugged me, though, having grown up with a parrot I know that they imitate and don't understand what they are saying. It was when Aunt Ivy's parrot changed from saying 'Naomi should marry Mateo"" to ""Nai should marry Mateo"" because Naomi began going by that nickname. That isn't something a parrot would figure out. I didn't take away any stars for this but felt compelled to mention it!
Readers who enjoy small town romances, especially those with older couples getting their second chances will want to pick up a copy of this lovely book.
Read my full review at at Among the Reads
I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own."
May 30, 2019
Another winner, but all the books in this series are. Written by the wonderful Autumn Macarthur this follows the third friend at 40, Naomi/Nai as she comes back to Chapel Cove to care for her ill Aunt Ivy. She also meets up with former friend/possible first love Mateo. It's set in Aunt Ivy's quirky book store with a quirky loveable cast of characters and then Aunt Ivy's pets.
Both Nai and Mateo have deep scars from their childhoods. Feelings for not being good enough, scars. Can they with our wonderful God's help get past these and move on?
I loved this story. Loved references and to other authors in the series. You need wonderful authors if the story is set in a book store. Love Oregon and the coast. It has twists that I wasn't expecting. I can't wait to read the next in the series to find out who's story we will see next. Thank you wonderful Autumn and Alexa and Marion for doing what you do. Blessings!
Both Nai and Mateo have deep scars from their childhoods. Feelings for not being good enough, scars. Can they with our wonderful God's help get past these and move on?
I loved this story. Loved references and to other authors in the series. You need wonderful authors if the story is set in a book store. Love Oregon and the coast. It has twists that I wasn't expecting. I can't wait to read the next in the series to find out who's story we will see next. Thank you wonderful Autumn and Alexa and Marion for doing what you do. Blessings!
August 29, 2019
Cherish Me
What a great book about true love and all the mistakes that can happen to young lovers. Nai and Mateo were good examples of how two people who live each other and learn to live apart for 24 years only to have a family member take sick and bring the back together. Then all the other things that take place to keep them apart only to have Mateo get shot and then everything falls into place for Nai. She follows him and they end up together even though she felt the things her mother used to say to her were true until she realized that the truth was her mother was unhappy and did not want Nai to have a good life. The good Lord above had other ideas and kept at them till everything fell into place and they ended up married. This was a free book and this review is written by me I my own words and on my own time. Thank you for the well written book I was able to read in a day. Norma Gorrill
What a great book about true love and all the mistakes that can happen to young lovers. Nai and Mateo were good examples of how two people who live each other and learn to live apart for 24 years only to have a family member take sick and bring the back together. Then all the other things that take place to keep them apart only to have Mateo get shot and then everything falls into place for Nai. She follows him and they end up together even though she felt the things her mother used to say to her were true until she realized that the truth was her mother was unhappy and did not want Nai to have a good life. The good Lord above had other ideas and kept at them till everything fell into place and they ended up married. This was a free book and this review is written by me I my own words and on my own time. Thank you for the well written book I was able to read in a day. Norma Gorrill
January 30, 2020
Great series
This is such great series! Though written by different authors, they still the in the events that happened with other throughout the book's timeline. I also like that while they include a bit about other's stories, it mainly focused on this one particular couple. Despite the fact that they include important things from the other books, they do it in way that is unique to this couple and without it being redundant from having read the previous books. The authors really had to collaborate together well to pull off such a great seamless work! Even how each books starts with the same event, but through a different person's perspective, makes it brand new material.
This is such great series! Though written by different authors, they still the in the events that happened with other throughout the book's timeline. I also like that while they include a bit about other's stories, it mainly focused on this one particular couple. Despite the fact that they include important things from the other books, they do it in way that is unique to this couple and without it being redundant from having read the previous books. The authors really had to collaborate together well to pull off such a great seamless work! Even how each books starts with the same event, but through a different person's perspective, makes it brand new material.
August 8, 2020
I loved this story and all the stories in the Chapel Cove Series.
Nai and Mateo had know each other all their lives and they kissed for the first time when Nai was 16.
Nai's mother had a lot of problems and had constant boyfriends come to the house. The mother did not like her daughter at all and made derogatory remarks to Nai that she hated her. As a result of this, Nai had a bad outlook on asking a man for help. Nai also thought that since her favorite Aunt Ivy never married that Nai did not need a man in her life.
I really liked the fact that Nai had really good friends in Reese and Kris. Isn't it wonderful that Nai never felt that she was a "third wheel" with these girlfriends!
If you like a sweet romance, then this is the book for you.
Nai and Mateo had know each other all their lives and they kissed for the first time when Nai was 16.
Nai's mother had a lot of problems and had constant boyfriends come to the house. The mother did not like her daughter at all and made derogatory remarks to Nai that she hated her. As a result of this, Nai had a bad outlook on asking a man for help. Nai also thought that since her favorite Aunt Ivy never married that Nai did not need a man in her life.
I really liked the fact that Nai had really good friends in Reese and Kris. Isn't it wonderful that Nai never felt that she was a "third wheel" with these girlfriends!
If you like a sweet romance, then this is the book for you.
November 4, 2020
Naomi Macnamaa and her two friends made a pact at 13 writing down their hopes and dreams. Now
Nai about to turn 49 is brought back to Chapel Cove because of her beloved Grandmothers heart attack. She is going to run her grandmother's book store until her grandmother is better and then return to her job in the city.
On her first morning there, trying to see why the roof is leaking, she meets the man, Mateo who she has loved since she was a teenager. He has returned to town to care for his aging grandfather. He offers to help her fix her roof, which after quite an argument and no one else available she finally grants him the job.
She only plans on being in town for a very short time. She does all she can to avoid Mateo, but he is not going to be put off. Read the book and see what barriers they have to conquer if they are going to have a chance at the love they both feel. It is an exciting, fun read.
Nai about to turn 49 is brought back to Chapel Cove because of her beloved Grandmothers heart attack. She is going to run her grandmother's book store until her grandmother is better and then return to her job in the city.
On her first morning there, trying to see why the roof is leaking, she meets the man, Mateo who she has loved since she was a teenager. He has returned to town to care for his aging grandfather. He offers to help her fix her roof, which after quite an argument and no one else available she finally grants him the job.
She only plans on being in town for a very short time. She does all she can to avoid Mateo, but he is not going to be put off. Read the book and see what barriers they have to conquer if they are going to have a chance at the love they both feel. It is an exciting, fun read.
May 7, 2019
This book drew me in from the beginning. Chapel Cove is the one place that Naomi (Nai) wants to avoid but she loves her aunt more than she hates the town. Forced to return to town following her aunt’s heart attack, Nai finds herself responsible for a book store, eccentric employees, a bird, a cat, two dogs and more personal stresses than she thinks she can handle. Luckily God has patience and will wait for us to turn to Him for answers. Mateo has been in a holding pattern for the last 23 years, ever since he and Nai both left after high school. Now he hopes it is finally his time. Autumn MacArthur has a good story line and wonderful characters for this story.
May 11, 2019
Naomi flew into Portland to see her Aunt Ivy in the hospital and was asked to head to Chapel Cove to take care of the bookstore and Aunt Ivy’s menagerie, two dogs, a cat and a parrot. Though Chapel Cove is the last place she wants to return to, she agrees for her Aunt Ivy. A plus, seeing her besties who have returned recently and though she doesn’t want to admit it to herself, Mateo as well. I loved getting to know a bit more about Aunt Ivy, Fern and Violet who we met briefly in the earlier books, as well as Mateo and Nai. Another great addition to this series and a small town that grows closer to the heart with each book and character introduced.
May 28, 2019
I have fallen in love with this series and do appreciate each book is a stand alone as well. This is book three but the first one I have read. The story of Naomi(Nai) and Mateo is a one of shyness and uncertainty on both their parts. Through a series of events their lives were drawn together once again after 20 some years. They learn to truly trust one another and open their hearts to each other as well.
A wonder clean read with an inspirational overtone that I woul feel comfortable with recommending to any one of any age who likes romances. I received a free copy of this book and chose to write a review.
A wonder clean read with an inspirational overtone that I woul feel comfortable with recommending to any one of any age who likes romances. I received a free copy of this book and chose to write a review.
August 5, 2022
I enjoyed this book. However, I don’t like it overly much when a lot of the dialogue happens in one’s head (e.g. Nai thinking a lot about Mateo, never talking to him about the reason they lost their friendship when they were teens…). It always gives me the impression that the story is stagnating instead of progressing. Nonetheless, it is an amazing story about patience, love, and faith.
Enjoy getting to know Nai as she realizes that loving Mateo is no show of weakness but only a step in love’s direction.
I received this book for free, but it would definitely have been worth to be bought as well ☺.
Enjoy getting to know Nai as she realizes that loving Mateo is no show of weakness but only a step in love’s direction.
I received this book for free, but it would definitely have been worth to be bought as well ☺.
May 20, 2019
When Nai comes back to Chapel Cove to help Aunt Ivy her life will change. Watching Nai try to hide her feelings for Mateo will have you on the edge of your seat waiting to see what happens next. The characters in this book are all very special people who you will love reading about. I had the honor to review this book for the author for a honest review. I would give this book a higher rating than a five star review if I could. This book is truly inspirational and you won’t be able to stop reading it
June 7, 2020
This is a sweet, clean story of returning to one's first love at the age of 40. Naomi decided as a HS teenager that she didn't really need a man to fulfill her life, after being emotionally hurt by the actions of young Mario who cancelled out on taking her to her HS prom. Hurt many times over by her mother, this hurt was more than Naomi could handle. Naomi (Nai) is still tied to her home town through her Aunt Ivy and friends Kristina and Reese, and a second chance arises. Thoughtful and interesting reading.
May 10, 2019
Nai is a dedicated business woman, confident in her singleness. She shook the dust of her hometown off her shoes many years ago, unfortunately life happens, and she finds herself back where she started. Fortunately her teenage crush is still single and still interested. Crazy fun with two dogs, a cat, a parrot as well as two flighty bookstore employees. What's not to like about three best friends finding their forever/
May 11, 2019
I am so loving this Chapel Cove series. Getting to know the people and all about their lives is truly delightful. The story of Nai and Mateo is fraught with fear in regards to possibly ruining a good friendship. Will the hurts of the past be dealt with or will they continue in fear. Very well written with a look at how God is always with us regardless of how we look the other way. Highly recommend.
May 12, 2019
Nai is back in Chapel Cove to take care of her Aunt Ivy and her bookstore after her heart attack. She promised herself to never come back because of all the bad memories from her childhood but can God and her friends make Nai realise she is worth loving? Can the old feelings fro Mateo, her best friend, resurface and will they find love at last? A touching love story about facing your past and your fears and embrace God’s love
May 13, 2019
This is the first book I've read in this series, but it promises to be a great series. Nai and Mateo have been friends since childhood and close to more in their teens. Reunited over 20 years later can they start where they left off? This was a sweet story about second chance love, but also about learning to love yourself through God's love. Mateo is such a great guy and Nai has been lost, but is good at heart and is finding her way. They are sweet together when they get out of their own way.
May 14, 2019
This story can be read as a standalone book but I'm glad I read the first two and saw how it fitted in to the series. However you can read them in any order as they touch on the same time frame. The prologue sets the scene and the idea of when you're young making plans and then seeing if you have achieved them by the time you are forty is fascinating.
I found I couldn't put it down and stayed up late to finish it. Highly recommended.
I found I couldn't put it down and stayed up late to finish it. Highly recommended.
November 4, 2019
Another successful book in the Chapel Cove series. This one was Nai and Mateo and even though I laughed many times, I cried reading what Nai's mother did to her. But God was with them and it took Mateo getting shot to get Nai to realize how much she loved him and the life she was living in Chapel Cove.
This is such an amazing and I am glad God brought me to this series. It is uplifting and powerful.
This is such an amazing and I am glad God brought me to this series. It is uplifting and powerful.
April 7, 2020
Letting go of insecurities ...
What a journey for Nai to let go of her insecurities and allow healing in her life. I am so excited about these Chapel Cove books and the personification of the typical small town environment. These are amazing characters that just invite you in to get lost in them...whether it’s watching Violet in the book store, Fern in one of her fashions, or walking Heinz and Catsup with Mateo.... you feel like you are right there beside them.
What a journey for Nai to let go of her insecurities and allow healing in her life. I am so excited about these Chapel Cove books and the personification of the typical small town environment. These are amazing characters that just invite you in to get lost in them...whether it’s watching Violet in the book store, Fern in one of her fashions, or walking Heinz and Catsup with Mateo.... you feel like you are right there beside them.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews