A Homecoming To Cherish

by Josie Riviera

All relationships require a commitment, but is she ready to sacrifice her heart again?

Hard-working accountant Nora Lancaster returns to her modest hometown to help manage an inn that her parents once owned. In order to escape small-town living, she’d married young and moved away. Now, as a single mother of a rebellious teenage daughter, she doesn’t intend to stay long—only a few weeks at most—or until the current owner of the inn recovers from his heart attack.


World-weary Julian Wilson is a businessman who arrives in town for one reason—to open another restaurant. He’s lived life as a bachelor and is at the peak of a rewarding career. Interested in the possibilities of another profitable venture, he views the town as a place to manage an extensive restaurant chain and finally settle down.

Nora never expected to meet a man like Julian—all business, as well as a formidable opponent—or to be instantly attracted to his kind nature and faith in God.

But can Julian convince Nora he’s not the rival she fears?

Genres: Christian Romance, Romance

202 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 20, 2021

About the author

USA TODAY bestselling author Josie Riviera writes contemporary, inspirational, and historical sweet romances. She lives in the Charlotte, NC, area with her wonderfully supportive husband. They share their home with an adorable shih tzu, who constantly needs grooming, and live in an old house forever needing renovations.

Send her an email at: josieriviera@aol.com


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Reviews

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet summer love story. Nora is a strong, stubborn woman with a teenage daughter who keeps her on her toes.

Read full review in the 2022 March issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[Julie Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Homecoming To Cherish by Josie Riviera
This story starts out with Nora and she's just arrived at the Inn where her daughter Samantha and her will be living for months to run the Inn while the owner recuperates.
We learn a lot about Nora and Samantha and their thoughts on a lot of different subjects. The one I am interested in are the ones about God. Nora has lost all hope to reaching out to God.
She meets Julian at the Inn while waitressing and doing other jobs. They form a friendship and we learn about how his past has brought him to rely on God.
Like hearing the scriptures verses throughout. Nora feels she's getting too close and God hasn't answered her yet and she wants to leave to head back to VA and her job.
Sam has started to make friends and is cheerful again about life and learning about God from others.
It's a wonder they don't split and leave the Inn with those running it.....
Enjoyed the read because it's about a woman over 30 and she has raised her daughter by herself.

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Homecoming to Cherish
Cherish Series, Book 5
By: Josie Riviera
Narrated by: Allyson Voller

Can you go back home? Nora is returning to Cherish to help out at the inn her parents used to own. The current owner is in poor health and Nora is determined to help out. Plus this will give her daughter a chance to see where she grew up. Not liking the small town life, she left to marry the wrong man and she carries some guilt from leaving her parents as the inn began to flounder. Julian is in town to check out the new location of a restaurant his company will be opening. Immediately taken with Nora and the charm of the small town, he finds his comfort in the inn and church. But will he put down roots? Will Nora want to stay in this small town and find the love of her life? Josie Riviera enlightens us with a fabulous story of finding peace and love. There is nothing better than searching the heart and finding out what is truly important, and Riviera lets Nora work her way to happiness with a few nudges from Julian. He is a bright light and he lets it shine for Nora! It's an uplifting and happy story, sure to warm the heart.

Allyson Voller gives a fabulous performance with this story. She is a wonderful narrator, able to delve into the personalities of each character and find the best suited voices for each. From old to young, male and female, she is spot on and made this listen one to remember.

[Keren Herrera-Lyles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again Author Josie Riviera has created a sweet story that sweeps you off your feet like a fairy tale dashed with Christian values.

In this story "A Homecoming To Cherish" we walk down the sweet sidewalks of Cherish with Nora and Julian to discover that the past is not what your future is meant to be. Nora an accountant now with a teenage daughter return to Cherish to help Tom the Cherish Inn owner to save the sweet place. But little did Nora know, that going back will be a blessing to her and her daughter. Julian, the manager of a famous restaurant is there to establish another site for the company he works. Growing up he moved too much to call a place home, and lacking a family atmosphere. But the little comfy, small town has a surprise for them both.

As, they meet, they click and find themselves finishing their thoughts without a word to say. And they Julian's faith in God grasps Nora's heart to the faith she holds weak in her heart. This sweet story is a magnet to a romantic at heart, and is sure to capture your attention from the start.

Sweet story that I recommend. You can't go wrong with these stories.

Received a ARC from the publisher/author. My thoughts here are my own.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nora has taken off work for a month and, together with her daughter Samantha, returned to her hometown of Cherish to assist Tom at the Cherish Inn while he recovers from a heart attack. Nora’s parents had owned the Inn when she was younger and had sold it to Tom shortly before they were killed in an automobile accident. Nora had eloped when she turned 18 and had never gone back but she had kept tabs on the Inn over the years. From the first day in Cherish, Nora was enveloped in the charm of the town, things she had rebelled against in her youth, and Julian, who had come to town to scout out the location for a chain restaurant, was a breath of fresh air. Josie Riviera once again created a beautiful story full of love and faith and changed lives that is so sweet you’ll want to keep reading to the end!

[J Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Home is where the heart is…

Nora Lancaster has returned to the town of Cherish with her teenage daughter for just a short time. When she left home as a teenager she did not realize she would never see her parents again. By helping the current owner of her parent's old inn, Nora is hoping to put some of her grief and guilt to rest. She walked away from God years ago and after so many sins she does not see how He could take her back.

Julian Wilson’s job keeps him on the move, never staying anywhere or in any relationship for very long. It suits the lifestyle he grew up in but something about the woman who serves his table at the inn makes him wish he could stay in Cherish longer. The more he gets to know her the more he wants to be with her. It took God’s help to overcome his problems and Julian believes God can help Nora too if she will open her heart.

Josie Riviera's romances always leave me feeling uplifted and happy. They carry beautiful messages of faith and hope.

[Marie Bourgery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nora and Julian are flawed characters. She ran away with a boy as soon as she graduated high school and they divorced soon after their daughter was born. She worries about her weight, struggles with her faith, works too much, and is missing out on time with her daughter who sounds like she is hanging out with troublemakers. Julian was an alcoholic and although he's successful he's never put down roots and is missing the sense of community that Cherish brings. For Nora coming to Cherish with Samantha for a month was a way to reconnect with each other and her past. I loved that this book reconnected with characters from previous Cherish books.

[Bernadette Cinkoske · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Homecoming to Cherish is another uplifting, heartwarming romance set in the town of Cherish. The book focuses on allowing God to heal our sins and guide us, the nurturing nature of folks in small towns and overcoming the past. A few characters from past books appear - but it will not confuse someone who has not read the previous books. I love the characters and their journey. If you love clean, small town romances, you will love this book!

[Renate Deutsche Oma · Rating 5 out of 5]

The joy of ordinary life in a quaint decent respectable town. With the book's perfect cover, nice humorous introduction, roosters, coffee, and your neighborhood intriguing characters makes this romance a delightful read. Josie Riviera draws the reader into the page turning plot and satisfies the reader with a believable conclusion. Crissy's Chicken 'n Dumpling Recipe included. I enjoy the Cherish series. Each story including book 5 A Homecoming to Cherish is self-contained.

[Pam Vogt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love inspirational romance stories and this did not disappoint. Cherish is such a wonderful small town. Nora lives in VA but comes to Cherish with her daughter, Samantha, to help out Tom, the owner of the Cherish Hills Inn, after his heart attack. Nora’s parents were the previous owners of the Inn. She and Samantha would help at the Inn doing whatever they could while Tom recuperates. Nora meets Julian who runs restaurants and wants to open a new one in Cherish. They hit it off but Nora is afraid to sacrifice her heart since neither of them will be staying in town long. Samantha is not in such a hurry anymore to go back to VA. Can Nora put her faith in God’s hands and learn to let her heart trust again. You will have to read this wonderful story to see if there can be a future for Nora and Julian. Highly recommend this book.

[MaryEllen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nora and Julian are both in the small town of Cherish for a short, set time.

Nora is independent, although she's struggling with doubt as she deals with her teen daughter.
Julian is a mix of high-handed and adorably sweet.
They like each other but have lives away from this town in near opposite directions.

This is my voluntary review of a copy I received from Booksprout.

[Linda Lavoie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful story filled with love for God and also human kind, we learn through all the characters that you don’t have to be alone, everyone can count on everybody in this small town. We follow Nora, Samantha her teenager and Julian . Coming back to her roots, we find Nora questioning her major decisions , it is wonderful the way she gets all her answers slowly as she opened up to life and God. Julian will be your next book husband, he has all the extremely great qualities needed to be the best husband ever. Make sure you have time and no interruptions in order to read it and get the full Julian effect.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Enjoyed the inn setting and being back in Cherish, NC. The characters were so very down to earth and likeable, and develop at a wonderful pace. The book gives the reader alot to think about as far as how important a good community and a supportive Church can be to a spiritual journey. Definitely recommend.

[Vicki Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Great Addition to This Beautiful Series

What a great addition to this beautiful series. Based solidly on God's Love and Grace for us all - even when we have struggled with our faith! I really enjoyed this storyline and the characters just crawled into my heart. There are 5 single stories in this series and I have read each of them - definitely not in order (I read #1 last!). They have supplied me with a lot of sweet, peaceful, and thoroughly enjoyable reading time.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fifth story in the Cherish series. Nora Lancaster, her teenage daughter Samantha and Julian Wilson's well written story. The characters are strong it has a very good storyline and has them all finding out what they really want and were they belong. the story is well worth reading.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet story of finding love when least expected or desired. Wonderful read with romance and drama.

[Lucia Valenzuela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nora and Julian are great characters. This is an amazing, inspiring story. Julian continues to tell Nora about having faith in God. Nora hasn’t really believed since high school. Watching their continued growth and relationship is enjoyable to read. I enjoyed returning to Cherish.
I received a free copy of this book and this is my voluntary, honest review.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story from Josie Riviera is delightful. We meet Nora, who is returning home to Cherish to help out at an inn formerly owned by her family, and her teenage daughter, Samantha. Tom, the elderly current owner of the inn, is reluctant to accept aid but finds her assistance invaluable.

Tom is not happy that a large chain wants to put an upscale restaurant in town – one that could draw customers away from his dining room. The chain has sent Julian, who will be managing the new location, to town and he is staying at the inn. There is an instant attraction when Nora and Julian meet in the inn’s restaurant where she is filling in as a server. But how can a romance bloom when she plans to be in town for only a few weeks and his stay is also temporary? Is there a way to make a relationship work?

I like the way the daughter plays into this story. She helps round out Nora’s character but also has a very distinct personality of her own. Many readers will recognize the way she goes through boyfriends and how she is discovering her own strengths.

Although readers are reintroduced to some of the townspeople met earlier in the Cherish series, there is enough background information provided that you do not need to have read the previous books to enjoy this one.

There are many references to the Christian faith throughout the story, so keep that in mind if you do not like religious content. For everyone else, you will find the Christian aspect blends in beautifully with the family, friendship, and romantic elements of this book.

[Josie Riviera]

I enjoyed creating the fictional, faith-filled community of Cherish, and hope you have come to love the characters in these books as much as I loved writing them.
Sometimes a story and romance just clicks, and this happened when I wrote the heroine, Nora, and the hero, Julian, and put them together. I hope you find their sweet, inspirational romance irresistible. I also had fun writing Nora's teenage daughter, Samantha.

I'm excited to share the following two reviews:
Review from Publisher's Weekly:
"The lighthearted fifth entry in Riviera's Cherish series follows single mother Nora Lancaster as she takes her teenage daughter on a monthlong trip to her "sleepy little" hometown. Nora returns to help the ailing owner of the restaurant. She waits on Julian Wilson, a businessman. After an evening of flirty banter, Julian convinces Nora to go on a date with him, but Nora remains wary. knowing she'll soon leave town and that Julian's new restaurant could put the inn out of business.
As they continue to see each other, Julian introduces Nora to the Christian faith she'd left behind when she moved out of Cherish as a teenager. When things become more serious between Nora and Julian, she must decide if she will postpone her stay indefinitely. Readers will root for Nora and Julian."

InD'Tale Magazine Review:
"A sweet summer love story. Nora is a strong, stubborn woman with a teenage daughter who keeps her on her toes. The friendship between Nora and Julia that begins to blossom is tender and dear ...and the relationship blossoms in a tender way. A Homecoming to Cherish is a delightful story filled with faith and scripture to lift the religious reader up and keep them smiling."

A Homecoming To Cherish is available here:
mybook.to/homecomingtocherish

This book is also in the boxed set, Cherished Hearts:
mybook.to/CherishedHearts

All books are FREE on Kindle Unlimited.

[Aud · Rating 5 out of 5]

“A Homecoming to Cherish” (Cherish series book #5) by Josie Riviera Narration by Allyson Voller
The Right Place at the Right Time
I am lucky, well sometimes and this was one of them… I received an email from the author with the offer of a free audiobook code (if I was lucky and there was still a code left when I responded!). And as you can see, I was one of the lucky ones who scored a code to access the audiobook. I was enjoying the story so much that I read the book in a single day. Yes, there were smiles and maybe even a chuckle or two or three, and of course there were the tears, too. Life is not smooth sailing. It is a good story and I really liked the characters.. and good narration never hurts. Be prepared to not want to stop listening once you start this book. Oh, and the recipe for the ‘Chicken & Dumplings’ sounds really good.. I need to copy the recipe down for future reference. Happy Reading ! !
NOTE: This review expresses my honest opinion
I received a copy of this audiobook from the author via Authors-Direct.

[Ashley Hedden · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Homecoming To Cherish (Cherish #5) was a great read by Josie Riviera. Nora Lancaster returns to her modest hometown to manage an inn her parents once owned. She is now a single mother of a rebellious teenage daughter. She is only intending on staying for a few weeks at most. Julian Wilson is a businessman who is in town to open another restaurant. He knows that in this town he could finally settle down. Nora never expected to meet a man like Julian but is instantly attracted to him. I enjoyed reading this book and cant wait to read more by the author.

[Dotty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cherish your memories

Julian is in Cherish to see about opening a new chain restaurant. He never stays in one place long.
Nora and her daughter are in Cherish because Nora feels guilty for leaving her parents years ago. She is helping Tom the owner of Cherish Inn for a month while he recovers from a heart attack.
Both Nora and Julian seem to be blocking people out for different reasons. Can they find God and build a relationship. Grab this sweet beautiful clean book and find out.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Homecoming To Cherish by Josie Riviera is a good, and enjoyable clean wholesome sweet romance read. The story has a great entertaining world building story line with an easy to read story line. The characters are great, wonderful, and they have great chemistry. This story is a very entertaining sweet inspirational romance read with a happily ever after ending. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoy characters that are strong and can make choices about their lives. There may be a few unexpected thoughts and bumps on the road but with their faith they're willing to try and move past it. Like the setting and the characters in this story as they maneuver through the road to romance and love. Inspirational and entertaining read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read several books written by Josie Riviera; she is becoming one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of her books.

This is the fifth book in the Cherish Series; it is a stand-alone book. The story is about Nora & Julian; she’s a single mom that moves back to her hometown to manage the inn her parents used to own; he’s new to town and completely different than any of the hometown boys.

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspirational story with Nora and her teenage daughter Samantha returning to her hometown after years away and meeting Julian who is a recovering alcholalic. She has moved away from God and Julian helps her to move back at the same time realizing that for the first time in his life he wants to settle down with Nora and have a family.

[Linda McNeley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet story of new beginnings

Loved it, the characters and the good feeling when the story ended. I can't wait to read another Josie Riviera book. We need happy endings right now!

[Cathie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good story!!

Not as good as the previous stories in this series. It just didn’t have the same feel. That doesn’t mean it’s not a good book. Had I not read the previous Cherish books, this one would have been great!! Josie writes wonderful books.

[Kylene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each story in this series is a treasure

I have loved reading each story in this series and the characters are wonderful. I love the faith being openly discussed and how the relationships and romance evolved in each story. Highly recommend these books. Each one gets five stars

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed A Homecoming to Cherish. I loved the humor and banter between Nora and Julian from the very beginning! Such flirting! I also enjoyed Julian's faith that brought transformation to Nora and her daughter. A delightful read!