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Cherish and Simon #1

Cherish and Simon: The First Year

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Parenthood. A momentous occasion which garners joy, unconditional love, and sleepless nights. There is nothing in the world to fully prepare new parents for the responsibility of a new, little life. But, not every birth is joyous or easy. There is a fine line between beautiful life and untimely death during the delicate process.

For Simon Gabot, his joy was taken as his wife, Emily, took her last breath giving birth to their son. What should’ve been tears of happiness were replaced with mourning.

Down the hall, giving birth to her daughter, was Cherish Montgomery. She watched her boyfriend walk out of the room, never to return. Homeless and scared with the threat of losing her child, Cherish must rely on Simon, who she’d only met once with Emily, to help her.

With emotions running high, these strangers must find peace amidst their personal turmoil and sudden life-changing circumstances. The first year of parenthood is one the hardest. They will find a way to navigate through emotions, death, and raising two babies who need them. There is no choice or redo button, life will continue with or without them.

On top of the stress from social norms and familial issues for this blended household, Cherish and Simon will have to trust one another, find themselves, and, perhaps, discover a way to love again.

521 pages, Hardcover

Published March 17, 2021

114 people are currently reading
55 people want to read

About the author

Eva Morian

30 books51 followers
Eva Morian, one half of the newly established Morian & Watson partnership, was born, raised, and currently lives in Florida with her husband, their daughter, and the abandoned cat. Writing since the age of five, she may not have the prestigious writing accolades, or The New York Times best seller title, but she does have the passion and drive to put her work, written with Madeline, out for the masses. Together, she and Madeline write graphic, Indie stories of all walks. Never one to stay in a single genre and write the hell out of it, Eva will always push the boundaries to bring the intricate worlds and storylines she's created to life.

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5 stars
172 (61%)
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71 (25%)
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22 (7%)
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9 (3%)
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4 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
Profile Image for Rosie.
1,630 reviews32 followers
November 9, 2019
2.75 Stars

I was briefly between books and needed something to read, I came across this book and the story line initially intrigued me ...

Cherish, an unwed 19 year old woman with an non-attentive boyfriend gives birth to a baby girl. On the same day, at the same hospital, Emily, a happily married woman gives birth to a baby boy and dies. Her husband Simon is devastated. Meanwhile, Cherish has been abandoned and with nowhere to go is threatened with losing her baby girl. Simon (and Emily) having previously met Cherish comes to her rescue by offering her a temporary place to live, at his home.

When his in-laws quickly discover that he has an unknown woman with a bi-racial baby living with him and his newborn, I thought things would get interesting and they did, very briefly. His in-laws tells his parents about his arrangement and they visit to get to the bottom of things. Simon is given the third degree and he explains the circumstances surrounding the situation.

I continued to hang on with this story because I wanted to see where it would go especially after Simon mistakenly goes to the bedroom he once shared with his dead wife--where Cherish is now sleeping with the children. Nothing untoward happens and that story line doesn't go anywhere.

Then, a man-eater from Simon's law firm named Susan subtlety tries to make a play for him. Of course Simon is oblivious and makes up excuses for Susan's behavior when she gets out of line with her snarky comments about Cherish. Susan appears, disappears and reappears in the story with her personal agenda of trying to get Simon to notice her. For most of the story, Simon and Cherish lets her get away with outrageous comments time and time again and I couldn't understand why she wasn't put in her place.

Though Susan was indeed snarky, there are lots of nice people (Cherish, Simon & others) in this story and there were several times where I laughed out loud. What was really special was how Simon embraced Baby Jasmine as his daughter, right from the beginning. I loved that!

Just as the story was winding down I thought it would end with an epilogue. Nope, there's more! Cherish and Simon: The First Year should have been a major clue. Duh!

WARNING: This story needs an editor! It's very, very long and the pacing is much too slow, some scenes are long and drawn out, descriptions are too detailed, and there are minor editing issues. Nothing really exciting or interesting happens to the characters. We are majorly exposed to the often mundane day to day routine of their lives. The length of the story, the lack of sizzle and the book cover will deter some readers from reading this book.
Profile Image for Danger Kayutak.
184 reviews
March 6, 2021
I amended my rating after rereading this.

When I first read it I was struck by the unusual premise, a really fresh "widower with new baby" story. Unfortunately there are some aspects of this story that just bogged it down.

Number one: It was too long, much of the day to day details of Simon and Cherise's lives together could have been summarized. There were some moments that were important, like the way they swapped nursing care for their babies. That was important to the story. But so much could have been condensed. I flipped past a lot of pages and it was still too long.

Number two: Simon has been widowed, it would have been icky for them to jump into bed immediately but the "should they or shouldn't they" was just dragged out way too long. They have been sleeping in the same bed, it is really silly to think that haven't played around a bit, like at all. Doesn't seem reasonable that loneliness and hormones wouldn't have led to something, when they have shared the same bed for months. Unless I missed something flipping pages. And when they finally consummated their relationship it went from no sex at all to a porn fest for two. Maybe save that for the second or third time.

I'm still debating two or three stars. I mean, it was compelling enough that I read it twice. The book didn't change in between readings, I just paid more attention.
Profile Image for Iris.
33 reviews2 followers
August 31, 2020
Cherish & Simon: The 1st Year

I really enjoyed this book and give it five stars. I enjoyed both the hero and heroine, as well as the secondary characters. I liked the pacing of the book, because nothing felt rushed or too slow. Everything progressed naturally and organically.

Most of the times I felt like a character in the book. Almost like I was a member of the family shopping at Walmart, going on dinner dates, skiing in Colorado, visiting the spa, and attending the Twins 1st birthday party.

I felt like there wasn't just one antagonist in the story. It was more like multiple people with their own agendas with different degrees of selfishness, evilness, and hatred. Pretty much like real life. That is why this book feels more realistic as opposed to fiction.

I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a nice long read about life. Plus, it's part of a 4-part series with two more books coming out within the next year and a half. Great job Ms. Morian & Ms. Watson! I can't wait to read more of your work. 😀
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
6 reviews
June 21, 2020
Good Read

Im stuck between giving the story a 3.5-4 rating.
So the story is about Cherish, a battered woman, and Simon, a successful lawyer. Cherish has just given birth but was left at the hospital by her abusive boyfriend while, during the same time, Simon’s wife just died giving birth to their son. Their paths cross and Simon offers to take Cherish in. With that being said, you follow the blossoming relationship between to people who both need each other to heal.

Pros: The characters were well-developed. I loved Simon and his family; especially his mom. It was entertaining and kept me reading from start to finish. The author seemed very knowledgeable on the different topics mentioned in the story. For example, she explained in great detail what it’s like taking care of a newborn. For me, I have no children. So if I were writing this, I would have to do ample research so that I know what to expect. Reading this gave me a great visual on what’s it like having a child. There were other scenarios that I also noticed that she seemed knowledgeable. And, it’s a very descriptive novel, you can imagine yourself in the book.

Cons: The bad grammar was very distracting and annoying. It’s clear the book wasn’t edited before being sold. In my opinion, there wasn’t any true obstacle between the two main characters. At least, to me, it wasn’t significant enough. The obstacles seemed like the author needed to come up with something but couldn’t think of something strong enough to keep them a part. Cherish was annoying with the way she reasoned. She’s young, but even at her age, she made no sense. And finally, the descriptive writing was a double edge sword. She rambled too long in some parts, causing me to scroll until I found noteworthy dialogue.

Overall, the book was fleshed out and there was a clear storyline that kept the reader wanting more. I loved that she didn’t just have the characters sleeping together right away. You got to see the characters evolve. I would recommend this story if you have time and do not care about grammatical errors.
673 reviews4 followers
May 8, 2020
Loved this book

An original storyline with well thought out characters and situations. I got introduced to cool concepts such as blackout dining. The chemistry is palpable. Family, including grandparents, unconventional and funny. The only negatives are the grammar and spelling errors on almost every page of the book. But I would still read this book despite the headache of mentally proofing.
Profile Image for Dejia.
94 reviews18 followers
March 1, 2021
This was a happenstance discovery during a dig through Kindle Unlimited. The blurb intrigued me and despite this being a chunky read from authors I’m unfamiliar with, I jumped right in.

Aside from the loss and abandonment at the beginning, this was a feel good story. There wasn’t a major conflict; it was a pretty breezy read. The story was truly the timeline of their first year together. I was expecting more friction with Simon’s parents and in-laws but their easy acceptance of Cherish worked out. After having so many characters–specifically Simon and Emily’s families–welcome Cherish with open arms, I was surprised by the animosity she received from a newly introduced character at the end of the story. I’m guessing this will lend some conflict to the next book. The authors have hooked me. I have to see how Cherish, Simon, Jasmine and Jr. fair in the following years.

The authors left no detail to question when setting their scenes. It was pretty long winded but I actually enjoyed it! I don’t know if I want everything I read to be so thoroughly detailed but it wasn’t a negative for me in this instance.

I would like to have read more of the babies’ first year milestones as they occurred: such as first steps, first words or attempts at words, etc. Despite that, the babies were not an afterthought at all; they were a major presence in the story.

The mechanics of the writing was disappointing and needed some attention. The editing was lacking. Every so often there was a word missing or the structure of a sentence was strange. I’m not referring to run on or fragmented sentences; sometimes the sentences didn’t make sense or fit with the surrounding sentences. Usually this would drive me nuts but I was able to push past it; I was just that interested in the premise of the story. Some readers are put off by poor editing and it would be a shame for them to miss a story they may have enjoyed.
The flow of the story was a bit strange as well. It is told in third-person and I didn’t like the way the story was jumping from character to character between paragraphs. Every writer has their own style, I’m sure, but I’m accustomed to third-person narratives following specific characters for a time and then transitioning to another character. Even though the story is written in third-person, I still get a semblance of character perspective. With this story, it was all over the place. It felt like I was reading a sitcom at times, if that makes sense. I know nothing about screenplays or scripts but the writing brings them–at least what I assume they are like–to mind. The bright side to the odd way the character perspectives were switching so frequently is that I was able to know what multiple characters we thinking or feeling during a scene.



I'm glad I stuck this one out; I enjoyed Cherish and Simon’s story and look forward to reading more about this new blended family.
Profile Image for Nelly.
333 reviews1 follower
May 6, 2020
Astounding and compelling

I must admit the cover of this book really turned me off and I had bypassed this book many times. However, after putting aside my prejudice I decided to render this book a chance.

And once I started reading I was traumatized as if I've touched an electrical grid. The writing reel me in like a fish on a pole. This author possesses a talent that I’m so glad that I had a chance of witnessing first hand.

What a terrific way to start a book. With uncertainty, heartbreak and unselfishness. I didn’t expect to like this as much as I did, but it was certainly very interesting. The plot it poses is an interesting one, and the whole premise of the two main characters with something in common was very intriguing.

The book is about two young parents and the life that follows. It is very engaging and kept my attention to the very last chapter. The beginning was tragic, however it very relatable. When your first introduced to Cherish you feel sorry for her and then when you meet Simon your heart aches for him. He’s such a wonderful guy who was thrown into such a terrifying state of affairs.

I cannot even begin to convey how wonderful this book was. I have enjoyed every second of it. It was brilliant, astonishing, and heartbreaking at times. The characters and the convoluted plot kept me attracted to this story.

I will most definitely recommend giving this book and author a chance for she can weave a story exceptionally well.
Profile Image for CLorraine.
1,708 reviews15 followers
October 1, 2020
Lovely

One of the other reviewers noted that the book cover was off putting. I thought the same thing and wouldn’t even read a sample. Well yesterday I read a sample and I have been reading this amazing story none stop...
The book is long but the characters tug at your heart. Our main characters, Cherish and Simon, come together out of happenstance and sad circumstances. Simon’s wife dies in childbirth and Cherish’s no good, dirty, rotten boyfriend abandoned her and her new born at the hospital. Overhearing Cherish and the hospital officials, Simon takes her with him when he leaves. He knows who she is but it is a very slight acquaintance.
Together the two broken people form a solid family unit. It is unorthodox but strong and loving. The grandparents are amazing....both sets.
Cherish has had a lot of trouble in her short life but has found her tribe. I think Simon took too long letting Cherish know what he was feeling but the pay off is worth.
Cousin Jim and Shark Susan will surely cause trouble in book 2...and not good trouble.
164 reviews
August 4, 2020
Wonderful Story

This book is about Simon and Cherish.They do start their relationship in tragic circumstances,but they come through everything together.This book is a slow burn.So if you like insta love this may not be the book for you.I honestly not only loved Simon and Cherish but I loved the parents, Imani, and especially the sweetness that is Jasmine and Jr.😍😍😍I like widow and widower romances but only if they're done RIGHT.This book was done right.These authors should tell other authors you don't have to bash the dead spouse to make room for the new one.Emily's death in this book was heartbreaking, her family made it clear how wonderful she was and how much she would be missed.The funeral home scene was enough to break your heart.But they also showed how the whole family made room in their hearts and lives for Cherish and baby Jasmine.It was a really great story and I don't know who wouldn't enjoy it.I heard there was another book so.....on to that one!!!
41 reviews
December 8, 2020
Simon and Cheris

What a surprise. I could not put this book down. Two unlikely people meet in a hospital and find love. The day Simon's wife dies in childbirth; he meets Cherish a single mother abandon by her child's father. Each are driven by grief but for different reason. With Simon its the lost of his wife Emily. Its the dream of having family. And Cherish, it was possibility of losing her child because she is homeless. Simon steps in and they become a family unit. I like that this book was about them bonding as parents. They were friends before they became lovers. Simon saw her heart. He didn't look at her past and thank she was unworthy of his love. Instead he loved more. Cherish had a heart of gold. Where a lot of people would have been beaten by demons of bad childhood, Cherish still had the compacity to love and give love. Whether Cherish realize it or not, that is what drew people to her.








412 reviews2 followers
August 10, 2020
A cute progression to romance

I like the concept of this book; it was a story line I had not read before, so kudos for that.

I like that Cherish didn't rely on anyone. She was grateful for help but strove to be independent. They did not fall immediately into romance which was a positive and more realistic since the book starts with tragedy. Time passes in the book by months and it felt like a natural journey with the parents and grandparents becoming a family.

Although there are minor detractors and internal angst, there is no big blow up or Herculean hurdle that they must get over on the way to romance - at least in this first book.

There were a clue of inconsistencies: Jasmine leaves the hospital without a car seat, pork chops for a seemingly Jewish family, etc. But overall I enjoyed the book.

I also think the cover art is cute
23 reviews
January 11, 2022
I mentioned in one of my reviews that I normally leave two or three word reviews, well I must say;

This was a very good read. Although there were some spelling and grammar errors that I stumbled on. I still will be giving a rating of five stars.

I read First Year some time ago and I'm embarrassed to say I may have starting skimming through the book because it felt like a brand new novel. This time I completed it and it is definitely better the second time around.

There was a comment made by another reviewer that the story dragged or something like that, but I seen it in a different way. For me it was like four-play. The authors took their time bringing these two people together and when they did, it was beautiful, raw and sexy.

I have found my new guilty pleasure, reading Eva Morian and Madeline Watson's books.





Profile Image for Carolyn.
15 reviews1 follower
January 5, 2021
The premise of Cherish and Simon, initially seem pretty far-fetch. Two strangers, who come together after childbirth to support each other, but once you’re further into the narrative their coming together almost appears predetermine by fate.

I found the main characters, an interracial couple, Cherish and Simon to be a delightful pair of struggling, newbie parents and quite relatable. The inclusion of extended family members and co-workers helps with story development. The “twins” are charming newborns/babies with distinct personalities, which I enjoyed.

Cherish and Simon is a long read but well worth it, an entertaining and heartwarming novel with lots of laugh out loud moments. I look forward to reading the next edition of their journey.
1 review
January 15, 2021
Not what I expected

Okay so when I first saw the book cover and read the description, I passed on this book. I regret doing that. This story is refreshing. We meet Cherish who is abandoned by her boyfriend and Simon who wife died in childbirth. The reader goes on a journey with the pair and falls in love with their dynamic. There are moments where you get mad at Cherish but you have to remind yourself that she is only 19 and will make immature choices and I love how the writers did a great job captivating the reader with the portrayal of love, family and acceptance. I would definitely recommend if you looking for something different and not your typical romance story. And for those Grammer nazi year yes there are some errors here and there but not enough to prevent you from enjoying the book. Great story, cant wait to check out book 2.
Profile Image for Stormy.
105 reviews20 followers
June 26, 2020
Past lives ended and a family began in a day

This book has popped up on my feed many times, but I would pass it by thinking that I probably wasn't good. Boy, was I WRONG!!! I sincerely enjoyed every moment of this book. There were some grammatical errors but they weren't severe enough that I felt that it took too much away from the book. This wasn't an insta-love book. Cherish and Simon were two broken people who first had to heal, and grow before they eventually fell in love. I love that there was a steady progression to the relationship and it didn't feel like it stalled for longer than necessary. I am very excited for book 2.
529 reviews4 followers
August 4, 2020
A Very Good and Sweet Interracial Romantic Comedy

Cherish and Simon: The First Year is a very good and sweet interracial romantic comedy that earned a rating of four stars. I found this book to be surprisingly good and inspirational as Simon grieving for his wife's death during child birth and helping Cherish after being dumped after her daughter 's birth. Together they helped each other get through the worst time of their lives while taking care of their children. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it to everyone who enjoys reading very good romantic comedies.
654 reviews4 followers
May 10, 2020
Chance Encounter

How does a grieving first time father cope with the tremendous loss of his wife. ..a newborn...and an uncertain future...well he definitely did not see what was coming literally right around the corner....a crying woman who was destitute who is ironically named Cherish and a baby named Jasmine....they were both abandoned and were about to be separated....Simon stepped in to help a damsel in distress...because that's what his beloved Emily would have wanted...and a beautiful story was born.....what a beautiful mother's day story .....off to book 2...
Profile Image for Bookwurm637.
558 reviews8 followers
June 15, 2020
I loved this book. I loved this couple. I was fully vested in the first chapter
Cherish and Simon are two people who truly build something beautiful out of tragedy.
And it's not just a straight forward HEA. They take you a a serious rollercoaster ride. But it all seems so worth it because such is life. What they endure with all of the outside influences is crazy. And I absolutely loved the extended family. Margaret is a MESS!
The only thing is it was a tad long. Because I found myself staying up late and being late for work more than once. Lol.
Overall a great read and I look forward to the next episode.
12 reviews
July 20, 2022
Love and did I mention LOVED

The story for Cherish and Simon was really moving. The loss they both went through moved mountains and valleys. I also love the humor and openness they and with each other from the get go. Simon Jr and Jasmine are the cutest and I love their relationship. The grandparents are game chargers on this book, they really help Simon and Cherish overcome and evaluate on life and choices they make together. I hope the next book there love will only grow strong. I 1000% recommended this book, you will not be disappointed!!
Profile Image for Nerdyviv.
174 reviews5 followers
June 24, 2020
This was a super cute book. I really enjoyed reading about Simon and Cherish. The chapters were a little to long, but it didn’t stop me from reading. Simon’s parents are soo damn funny! This books gave me a This is Us Vine, I don’t know if that was intentional or not. I think the main turn off people may have would be the cover. I honestly thought it was a graphic novel. I can’t wait to see what the next books bring. Also FUXK SUSAN!
36 reviews
August 21, 2020
3.5 Stars...But a lovely story

This is a lovely and beautiful story with tears, laughter and love. It had some dull moments in there as well and poor editing but not enough to not want to finish the book. I love how the author developed Simon and Cherish's story. However I hate that there where so many obstacles left unresolved. The uncle and coworkers and exes and distant mothers....too many issues for such a fragile love. Well, let's just hope book 2 has this couple kicking ass and taking names while solidifying there love and bond.
3 reviews1 follower
May 26, 2019
One of the best books I've read !

From beginning to the end I was engrossed. This story line was well thought out. So good was this book, that the grammatical errors (small as they were), were over looked. Thanks for a great time (Smile)!!!! Looking forward to reading more about Cherish, Simon, and the parents!
799 reviews2 followers
June 19, 2020
Awesome story!

My first book by this author and I loved it! It was longer than I am use to but it was worth the time it took tie read it. The storyline was very good and believable. I loved the chemistry between Simon and Cherish. It was like viewing a movie. I highly recommend this book to my fellow romance readers. You will love it now on to the second book can't wait.
Profile Image for Shay Spivey.
Author 49 books7 followers
December 24, 2022
Wow oh wow

This was the most detailed, engaging, and engrossing book that I have read in a very long time. This book dives deep into the lives of Cherish and Simon... And doesn't hold anything back. Their thought... Thief feelings... The good the bad and the ugly, its all there.
I found myself rooting for their happy ending. I'm moving on to book 2 immediately. Wow this is good.
3 reviews
January 23, 2024
This was so cute!

I also really like the fact that they weren’t alone of drama bits where random racist/sexist characters just dropped out of the blue for cava negative things to say. They’re still in Horisont, but they’re not so in your face.

I’m looking forward to the next year of Simon and Cherish 😋😉🥰
8 reviews
May 16, 2019
Great book

I can't wait till book 2 is released. This book made me laugh and cry all while cheering for Cherish and Simon to come together. I could not put this book down. I will recommend to all my kindle friends
284 reviews2 followers
May 24, 2020
A sad beginning but sweet towards the next book

I love how Simon and cherish held each down through the bad, how one woman who was love by both of them show them how to make it through the rough spots. I am reading book 2.
1 review
July 17, 2020
Simon is the Ideal Man

This book was written beautifully! I fell in love with the little family that was created between Cherish and Simon! Cherish qas so precious and Simon was so fine!
113 reviews
August 23, 2020
Love, love, love this story

The story is born our tragedy, but it is so good. Cherish and Simon are a couple I fell in love in with. Can’t wait to move on to the next story in the series.
1 review
March 29, 2023
Great read!!!

Absolutely amazing story, from start to finish. Couldn’t put it down. Really enjoyed this love story between Simon and Cherish. Can’t wait to read the next story with the two of them.
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