3.8 stars
We have Declan, an ex-con out on parole and a stranger in Sugar Maple, Felicia, the owner of Tranquil Maple Nursery, her Nana, her friends (the Famous Five), and a bunch of other characters who play varying roles in this small-town romance.
The concept of the book is quite simple and sweet- sometimes all a person needs is a second chance. Not because they messed up the first time, but because they deserve to show their side of the story.
There are times when one doesn’t want to read anything too heavy or introspective. But what if one still wants to read a nice little story? That’s where this book scores points. The writing is engaging and easy. The storyline is more or less predictable and doesn’t drag at unnecessary places. It goes at a steady pace, touching various aspects of life. But none of them are dealt in depth to make it a heavy and somber read.
The characters are quite typical. We know what they will do and how they’ll react. Felicia, despite being referred to as a softie has enough spine to handle most of the stuff thrown at her. Her kind heart is a result of experiencing complexities rather than being a pushover.
Declan is again the typical hero with a troubled past and present insecurities. However, he doesn’t come across as rude, only sad, and resigned. I wasn’t sure how friendly the Famous Five friends were, but they managed to redeem themselves. Book one and two deal with the stories of two of these five ladies. Felicia gets the third book.
How Felicia and Declan help and get to know each other and how they make a difference to the lives of others around them forms the plot.
Overall, it’s a nice book one can finish without stressing too much about what’s and why’s. Just remember- don’t look for surprises in this book. Look for comfort and familiarity.

Trigger warning: Mentions of racism and domestic abuse (nothing explicit).

Thank you, NetGalley and Author Collective 20, for the ARC copy.
#IfYouCherishMe #NetGalley

Felicia is in the square preparing for the festival and the filming of Knox Brevard show and she needs some help after being let down again by her cousin Lacey and she knows just the man for the job. Declan has tried to get a job everywhere but he gets shut down and no one will hire him as he has a criminal record and the town folk are all against him except for the beautiful Felicia, he had all but given up when Felicia asks him for help and of course he says he's as he would do anything for her. There are twists and turns in this story along with betrayal, secrets, hope, forgiveness, love, second chances and never judge a book by its cover and I definitely recommend you read this book, series and other books by Ciara Knight as she is a brilliant author and writer and her books are definitely worth reading.
I voluntarily reviewed an Arc copy of this book.

If You Cherish Me was an engaging romance, especially considering the "give people a second chance"-theme. As it's a romance, it's of course a bit predictable, but the plot had a few twists and turns to make it an interesting read.

A great short read, the story of Declan and Felicia. He needs a job and she needs some help in the plant nursery after being let down by her cousin. but someone is not happy that he is around and is trying to get rid of him. Can Felicia convince him to stay?