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Cavanaugh Island #5
Cherry Lane
A place to call home . . .
In New York City, attorney Devon Gilmore devoted all her time and energy to fast-track her career. She lost her boyfriend . . . but found herself with a surprise baby on the way. To begin a new life, Devon needs a place to settle down-a place like Cavanaugh Island, where the pace is slow, the weather is fine, and the men are even finer.
From the moment David Sullivan meets Devon, he knows he can't fight the laws of attraction. Whether it's helping fix up the old cottage she just bought on Cherry Lane or working together on a pro bono legal case, he can't help feeling a little protective. But will the most eligible bachelor in town be ready for an instant family? Only if he can convince Devon to put her heart on the line one more time-for all time.
In New York City, attorney Devon Gilmore devoted all her time and energy to fast-track her career. She lost her boyfriend . . . but found herself with a surprise baby on the way. To begin a new life, Devon needs a place to settle down-a place like Cavanaugh Island, where the pace is slow, the weather is fine, and the men are even finer.
From the moment David Sullivan meets Devon, he knows he can't fight the laws of attraction. Whether it's helping fix up the old cottage she just bought on Cherry Lane or working together on a pro bono legal case, he can't help feeling a little protective. But will the most eligible bachelor in town be ready for an instant family? Only if he can convince Devon to put her heart on the line one more time-for all time.
400 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 26, 2015
76 people are currently reading
597 people want to read
About the author
Rochelle Alers
221 books1,056 followersRochelle Alers was born in Manhattan, New York, USA, where she raised. She obtained degrees in Sociology and Psychology, before started to work. She is a member of the Iota Theta Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., and her interests include gourmet cooking and traveling. She has traveled to countries in North, Central and South America, and Europe. She is also in accomplished in knitting, crocheting and needlepoint.
Published since 1988, today a full-time writer, has been hailed by readers and booksellers alike as one of today's most prolific and popular African-American authors of romance and women's fiction. With more than fifty titles and nearly two million copies of her novels in print, she is a regular on the Waldenbooks, Borders and Essence bestseller lists, regularly chosen by Black Expressions Book Club, and has been the recipient of numerous awards, including the Gold Pen Award, the Emma Award, Vivian Stephens Award for Excellence in Romance Writing, the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award and the Zora Neale Hurston Literary Award. She also wrote as Susan James and Rena McLeary.
Rochelle Alers lives in a charming hamlet on Long Island.
Published since 1988, today a full-time writer, has been hailed by readers and booksellers alike as one of today's most prolific and popular African-American authors of romance and women's fiction. With more than fifty titles and nearly two million copies of her novels in print, she is a regular on the Waldenbooks, Borders and Essence bestseller lists, regularly chosen by Black Expressions Book Club, and has been the recipient of numerous awards, including the Gold Pen Award, the Emma Award, Vivian Stephens Award for Excellence in Romance Writing, the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award and the Zora Neale Hurston Literary Award. She also wrote as Susan James and Rena McLeary.
Rochelle Alers lives in a charming hamlet on Long Island.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
May 25, 2015
Cherry Lane is a beautiful story about finding love in unexpected places. Devon has just found out she is pregnant and that the father of her child is actually married to another woman. After deciding she needs to get away, she visits her friend in Charleston, SC. What started out as a reprieve, a breather, may end up changing her entire life.
David is a lawyer and perfect gentlemen. I loved how he was direct and didn't shy away from his feelings. He knew what he wanted and pursued it. Devon never stood a chance with David. He treated her like a prized possession, like she was beautiful and special - the way she should be treated.
I love stories about unexpected pregnancies and men who step up, just because they are great men. This story had all the ingredients for me to love it, but I had a difficult time getting into the story. The language and dialect is very formal and almost felt like it belonged in a historical romance novel. It wasn't what I expected from a book set in Charleston, SC in present time. Do I think this will bother most people, absolutely not. However, it did take away from my enjoyment, as it was difficult to connect to the characters.
This is my first novel by Rochelle Alers, so this maybe just be her writing style. If you are familiar with it and enjoy it, I am sure you will also enjoy Cherry Lane.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
David is a lawyer and perfect gentlemen. I loved how he was direct and didn't shy away from his feelings. He knew what he wanted and pursued it. Devon never stood a chance with David. He treated her like a prized possession, like she was beautiful and special - the way she should be treated.
I love stories about unexpected pregnancies and men who step up, just because they are great men. This story had all the ingredients for me to love it, but I had a difficult time getting into the story. The language and dialect is very formal and almost felt like it belonged in a historical romance novel. It wasn't what I expected from a book set in Charleston, SC in present time. Do I think this will bother most people, absolutely not. However, it did take away from my enjoyment, as it was difficult to connect to the characters.
This is my first novel by Rochelle Alers, so this maybe just be her writing style. If you are familiar with it and enjoy it, I am sure you will also enjoy Cherry Lane.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
May 11, 2015
Well... This book is different then I'm used to.
Okay so Devon was in a relationship with a man who is engaged for about a year and she ends up pregnant. Her family shuts the door in her face for being a unwed mother and she travels to sc to visit her friend/ client.
At her friends party she meets David who is an attorney like her. They hit it off right away and David just feels this connection to Devon. Days later they have their first official date and they like spending time together. Everyone thinks they are a couple and Devon has decided to relocate to sc from ny to start her life.
She finally tells David that she is pregnant and he wants to take care of her and the baby and become a real couple. They get engaged and start planning a wedding and moving into the house she buys on cherry lane.
First things first I liked both David and Devon together from when they first meet but as far as their relationship goes it moves to fast for my liking. I get they wanted to be together because they liked each other but they hardly know each other. All the sudden Devon goes from being alone to have a new family and great friends in a blink of a eye. I think it was a little much and maybe a little unrealistic for a modern day romance.
Then her babies daddy takes over office for her father and they hire a hit man to take her and her baby out of the picture so it doesn't ruin his career. I liked the mystery of it but I thought that part wasn't long enough. It should have started a little after the beginning of the book and not rushed. It didn't really have the whole drama effect of why they rushed things. I did like the women she became friends with and wonder what their stories were like since they seem so happy.
Since this is the first book in the series I have read I'm not sure if I will continue this series or start at the beginning unless the next book is better then this.
Okay so Devon was in a relationship with a man who is engaged for about a year and she ends up pregnant. Her family shuts the door in her face for being a unwed mother and she travels to sc to visit her friend/ client.
At her friends party she meets David who is an attorney like her. They hit it off right away and David just feels this connection to Devon. Days later they have their first official date and they like spending time together. Everyone thinks they are a couple and Devon has decided to relocate to sc from ny to start her life.
She finally tells David that she is pregnant and he wants to take care of her and the baby and become a real couple. They get engaged and start planning a wedding and moving into the house she buys on cherry lane.
First things first I liked both David and Devon together from when they first meet but as far as their relationship goes it moves to fast for my liking. I get they wanted to be together because they liked each other but they hardly know each other. All the sudden Devon goes from being alone to have a new family and great friends in a blink of a eye. I think it was a little much and maybe a little unrealistic for a modern day romance.
Then her babies daddy takes over office for her father and they hire a hit man to take her and her baby out of the picture so it doesn't ruin his career. I liked the mystery of it but I thought that part wasn't long enough. It should have started a little after the beginning of the book and not rushed. It didn't really have the whole drama effect of why they rushed things. I did like the women she became friends with and wonder what their stories were like since they seem so happy.
Since this is the first book in the series I have read I'm not sure if I will continue this series or start at the beginning unless the next book is better then this.
November 6, 2015
We met Devon Gilmore in the last Cavanaugh Island book, Magnolia Drive, and I knew that she would get her own book one day. After visiting her friend Keaton on the island, Devon starts toying with the idea of moving there from the fast pace of New York City. Finding out that she’s pregnant by someone she sees no future with helps to solidify her decision to relocate. An instant romantic connection with aloof lawyer, David Sullivan, makes a hectic time in her life more complicated.
I love the Cavanaugh Island books because of the characters, the sweet communities and the rich Gullah history they include. While I enjoyed revisiting the area and its people, this isn’t one of my favorites so far in the series as it seemed the plot moved at a breakneck speed throughout to get to the happy ending.
I love the Cavanaugh Island books because of the characters, the sweet communities and the rich Gullah history they include. While I enjoyed revisiting the area and its people, this isn’t one of my favorites so far in the series as it seemed the plot moved at a breakneck speed throughout to get to the happy ending.
August 19, 2015
I don't really know why I couldn't like this book. It just didn't really appeal to me. It was pretty well written, however, and it was a pretty cute love story. But I guess it was just not for me.
Would recommend.
I was fortunate enough to win a free copy from goodreads in exchange for my honest review
Would recommend.
I was fortunate enough to win a free copy from goodreads in exchange for my honest review
February 5, 2025
David and Devon are a sweet, energetic romance story. There's intrique, suspense and humor. It is so good to watch these two come together.
May 24, 2015
Full review pending
December 12, 2019
Cherry Lane is a sweet, romantic story that I didn’t mind the insta-love. A pleasant read for sure.
I found myself hooked right away because of the South Carolina setting and Devon’s character. The book is rich with details so vivid I felt like taking a trip to Charleston, South Carolina myself. I wish Cavanaugh Island really existed because I would visit that small-town place too. Cavanaugh Island sounds and looks homey and the people are super friendly.
Devon is a very successful entertainment lawyer and I love seeing what she’s done for herself despite coming from a stifling home life. She’s pretty funny when she wants to be and, like David, I’m always surprised by the things that come out of her mouth. She’s incredibly humble and gracious. She’s also really talented, which I wish that was brought to the forefront more.
Of course, David is a charmer – really the total package of a handsome southern gentleman. He too is a successful lawyer so I liked that he had that in common with Devon. I wish we could have seen more of his quirky, nerdy side because those were such bright moments and interestingly contrasted with what one normally thinks a lawyer to be like.
Really, Devon and David are literally the perfect couple and do have their moments of contention with one another. This is important because I really can’t find any actual flaws in their characters.
The lack of flaws or any real conflict/antagonist was practically non-existent. The scum that is Gregory – Devon’s last boyfriend – doesn’t show up until towards the very end where you’ve pretty much settle with the notion of an obvious happily ever after already wrapped up in a nice neat bow. I really thought what Gregory could bring to the story should have come up sooner. The minimalism might as well have not been there because it soured the ending.
Despite the unsatisfactory ending, Cherry Lane was a good book and romance read. I would definitely read more books by Rochelle Alers.
I found myself hooked right away because of the South Carolina setting and Devon’s character. The book is rich with details so vivid I felt like taking a trip to Charleston, South Carolina myself. I wish Cavanaugh Island really existed because I would visit that small-town place too. Cavanaugh Island sounds and looks homey and the people are super friendly.
Devon is a very successful entertainment lawyer and I love seeing what she’s done for herself despite coming from a stifling home life. She’s pretty funny when she wants to be and, like David, I’m always surprised by the things that come out of her mouth. She’s incredibly humble and gracious. She’s also really talented, which I wish that was brought to the forefront more.
Of course, David is a charmer – really the total package of a handsome southern gentleman. He too is a successful lawyer so I liked that he had that in common with Devon. I wish we could have seen more of his quirky, nerdy side because those were such bright moments and interestingly contrasted with what one normally thinks a lawyer to be like.
Really, Devon and David are literally the perfect couple and do have their moments of contention with one another. This is important because I really can’t find any actual flaws in their characters.
The lack of flaws or any real conflict/antagonist was practically non-existent. The scum that is Gregory – Devon’s last boyfriend – doesn’t show up until towards the very end where you’ve pretty much settle with the notion of an obvious happily ever after already wrapped up in a nice neat bow. I really thought what Gregory could bring to the story should have come up sooner. The minimalism might as well have not been there because it soured the ending.
Despite the unsatisfactory ending, Cherry Lane was a good book and romance read. I would definitely read more books by Rochelle Alers.
December 15, 2016
Where old fashion values, traditions and family are always at the heart of the family and heart of the kitchen. Devon was taking a break from the Big Apple to make changes to her life and time to re-evaluate things. She was invited to Cavanaugh Island by her long time friend Keaton. He invited her to a party the day she arrived, as she was waiting to go into the house she was meet at the steeps by David Sullivan. When came to make some changes she never dreamed within a month she would be in love with the man she just meet and had a new family. While here she found family can be those who are not bound by blood and who will not judge you for past or present choices.
August 23, 2017
While I expect romances to be sappy, these are so predictable.
I read them because I want to know what ends up happening with the characters and their friends, but
- in the first few pages, a man and woman meet and are immediately thinking about spending their lives together.
- all the women (main) have stunning figures and 'shapely legs', while of course, the men are tight and toned and fit their pants well, ad nauseam.
I read them because I want to know what ends up happening with the characters and their friends, but
- in the first few pages, a man and woman meet and are immediately thinking about spending their lives together.
- all the women (main) have stunning figures and 'shapely legs', while of course, the men are tight and toned and fit their pants well, ad nauseam.
May 6, 2022
LOVED, LOVED IT ❤❤
I enjoyed reading David and Devon's story,and what a story it was. This was a very captivating interesting read,I loved David and Devon's chance meeting and the way they came together slowly and easygoing. I would absolutely recommend reading this book I don't think you'll regret getting this book. I enjoyed it so much that I am going to read the rest of the books in this series. Great job Ms. Alers please keep these wonderful stories coming. Thank you.👍🙏❤
I enjoyed reading David and Devon's story,and what a story it was. This was a very captivating interesting read,I loved David and Devon's chance meeting and the way they came together slowly and easygoing. I would absolutely recommend reading this book I don't think you'll regret getting this book. I enjoyed it so much that I am going to read the rest of the books in this series. Great job Ms. Alers please keep these wonderful stories coming. Thank you.👍🙏❤
February 20, 2018
3.5 stars
I enjoyed this book. It had some tropes I don’t usually like, but I thought were well handled. There were a few bits that felt over the top, but it was a overall a good read. My biggest complaint is the ending felt really rushed. I think if the political storyline with Devon’s ex had been introduced earlier in the story and developed a little more, it would have been better.
I enjoyed this book. It had some tropes I don’t usually like, but I thought were well handled. There were a few bits that felt over the top, but it was a overall a good read. My biggest complaint is the ending felt really rushed. I think if the political storyline with Devon’s ex had been introduced earlier in the story and developed a little more, it would have been better.
March 4, 2023
Excellent read
Excellent read, I enjoyed the characters and storyline. Devon and David met at a birthday party, their attraction was instantaneous. Devon was pregnant with another man’s child. But David pursued her regardless of her condition. This is a beautiful love story with plots, mystery and action.
Excellent read, I enjoyed the characters and storyline. Devon and David met at a birthday party, their attraction was instantaneous. Devon was pregnant with another man’s child. But David pursued her regardless of her condition. This is a beautiful love story with plots, mystery and action.
December 17, 2023
What second chances are for
A true romantic who loves being in love and second chances. Fate intervened and God created the strongest bond. A ready made family with love, wonder, mystery, drama, and truth. Enjoy!
A true romantic who loves being in love and second chances. Fate intervened and God created the strongest bond. A ready made family with love, wonder, mystery, drama, and truth. Enjoy!
November 5, 2024
Devon found out she was pregnant. Then she found out her boyfriend was actually engaged to another woman. Then she met David. They hit it off instantly. He stepped right in to be a man she could rely on.
I enjoyed this story a lot. The whole series was wonderful.
I enjoyed this story a lot. The whole series was wonderful.
May 7, 2017
The story was not as good as the others. It felt as though it was written in a rush.
June 10, 2017
enjoyable, but a bit predictable.
July 8, 2017
First time with this author. Writing very Macomber-esque. Good light reading
April 17, 2018
I received this book as a gift and thought I would give it a chance. It was ok but wasn't my typical read.
February 13, 2019
Lot of privileged people.
September 11, 2019
Cherry Lane
Another wonderful and warming romance story by Ms. Alers, girlfriend never disappoint. Her characters are warm and you wish they were your friends!
Another wonderful and warming romance story by Ms. Alers, girlfriend never disappoint. Her characters are warm and you wish they were your friends!
October 4, 2020
Awesome book
Because I really like this author and have most of her books and I would recommend to all the women in my family
Because I really like this author and have most of her books and I would recommend to all the women in my family
January 26, 2021
Cherry Lane
What I liked most about this book was David's and Devon's romance. Devon turned out good to have come from such family.
What I liked most about this book was David's and Devon's romance. Devon turned out good to have come from such family.
February 12, 2021
Love the low country!
Since reading, "A Younger Man" and the "Innkeepers" series, I have continued to enjoy this author's works. This book surpassed my opinion of her writing. The writing showed her versatility and creativity. I would recommend any of my books that I've read as a starting point.
Since reading, "A Younger Man" and the "Innkeepers" series, I have continued to enjoy this author's works. This book surpassed my opinion of her writing. The writing showed her versatility and creativity. I would recommend any of my books that I've read as a starting point.
March 1, 2021
I really liked this book. A story of instant love, unexpected twists and turns, and a happily ever after ending! I’ve read a lot of her books and I think this is the best one yet!
September 23, 2021
Great read!
This series was so good and so ENLIGHTENING! I enjoyed each and every book in the series!!!!!! It's a series you have to add to your list!
This series was so good and so ENLIGHTENING! I enjoyed each and every book in the series!!!!!! It's a series you have to add to your list!
June 7, 2022
4.5 stars
February 12, 2023
the best of the series
The author improved with time. The best one, more action, I could not predict the conclusion. That’s why I like it.
The author improved with time. The best one, more action, I could not predict the conclusion. That’s why I like it.
July 29, 2023
You Are Worthy:
I would recommend to anyone who has doubts about being worthy of love and respect. Open yourself up to love.
I would recommend to anyone who has doubts about being worthy of love and respect. Open yourself up to love.
August 1, 2015
http://openbooksociety.com/article/ch...
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jerjen
Devon Gilmore has returned to Cavanaugh Island for a birthday party for her good friend’s fiancé. She loves the island and the sense of family and friendship she feels whenever she is there. She feels that she is closer to some on the island then she is with her friends in New York City. And when she meets David Sullivan at the party, she feels an instant attraction. She would like to get to know him better, but there are a couple of problems with that idea. First, she is only visiting and does not want to start a long distance relationship. And second, and an even bigger problem, is that she is pregnant. After breaking up with her boyfriend and finding out that he has been cheating on her and actually has a fiancé, she learns that she is pregnant. She tries to let the father of the baby know, but he does not return any of her correspondence. She decides that she will keep the baby and raise the baby as a single parent. She does not want to get involved with anyone while carrying another man’s child. Talk about bad timing.
When David meets Devon, he too feels an instant attraction. After spending just a short amount time with her, he knows that he wants to keep her in his life. He has never met anyone like her and he cannot imagine his life without her in it. When he finds out that she is pregnant, it only takes him a small amount of time to accept the child and decide he wants to raise it as his own. He just needs to convince Devon that they are meant to be together and that she will grow to love him.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The writer is very descriptive and she made the book come alive for me. Whether I was reading about the island or the food or the Gullah culture, I felt like I was right there, experiencing these things first hand. There are many scenes where the food they are cooking and eating are described in tantalizing detail and my mouth was almost watering. The author must be a gourmet cook because you could tell that she has a lot of knowledge of fine cuisine.
The characters are well rounded and well developed. I like both Devon and David and feel like they are people I would like to be friends with. I enjoyed reading about their relationship but I felt like the relationship developed way too fast. Within just a couple of weeks they were engaged to be married and making their wedding plans. They were married within a month of meeting each other. This was just too fast to be realistic, at least for me. I would have liked it much more if the relationship had evolved over the course of months, not weeks.
I enjoyed reading about the other characters that I met when I read Magnolia Drive. It was great to catch up with them and see how their lives were going. I liked that Francine was back to add a touch of paranormal to the book.
There is suspense and mystery in the book because of Devon’s ex-boyfriend. When it was introduced in the story, it was a surprise to me and I enjoyed that. It is a great twist in the book but I just wished that it would have been developed a little more than it was. I do not want to give anything away but I wish that more time would have spent with the suspense aspect because it added an extra layer to the story.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well-developed romance. The author is a very good writer and she pens a great story that is descriptive and detailed. This is the second book I have read in the series and I have enjoyed them both.
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jerjen
Devon Gilmore has returned to Cavanaugh Island for a birthday party for her good friend’s fiancé. She loves the island and the sense of family and friendship she feels whenever she is there. She feels that she is closer to some on the island then she is with her friends in New York City. And when she meets David Sullivan at the party, she feels an instant attraction. She would like to get to know him better, but there are a couple of problems with that idea. First, she is only visiting and does not want to start a long distance relationship. And second, and an even bigger problem, is that she is pregnant. After breaking up with her boyfriend and finding out that he has been cheating on her and actually has a fiancé, she learns that she is pregnant. She tries to let the father of the baby know, but he does not return any of her correspondence. She decides that she will keep the baby and raise the baby as a single parent. She does not want to get involved with anyone while carrying another man’s child. Talk about bad timing.
When David meets Devon, he too feels an instant attraction. After spending just a short amount time with her, he knows that he wants to keep her in his life. He has never met anyone like her and he cannot imagine his life without her in it. When he finds out that she is pregnant, it only takes him a small amount of time to accept the child and decide he wants to raise it as his own. He just needs to convince Devon that they are meant to be together and that she will grow to love him.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The writer is very descriptive and she made the book come alive for me. Whether I was reading about the island or the food or the Gullah culture, I felt like I was right there, experiencing these things first hand. There are many scenes where the food they are cooking and eating are described in tantalizing detail and my mouth was almost watering. The author must be a gourmet cook because you could tell that she has a lot of knowledge of fine cuisine.
The characters are well rounded and well developed. I like both Devon and David and feel like they are people I would like to be friends with. I enjoyed reading about their relationship but I felt like the relationship developed way too fast. Within just a couple of weeks they were engaged to be married and making their wedding plans. They were married within a month of meeting each other. This was just too fast to be realistic, at least for me. I would have liked it much more if the relationship had evolved over the course of months, not weeks.
I enjoyed reading about the other characters that I met when I read Magnolia Drive. It was great to catch up with them and see how their lives were going. I liked that Francine was back to add a touch of paranormal to the book.
There is suspense and mystery in the book because of Devon’s ex-boyfriend. When it was introduced in the story, it was a surprise to me and I enjoyed that. It is a great twist in the book but I just wished that it would have been developed a little more than it was. I do not want to give anything away but I wish that more time would have spent with the suspense aspect because it added an extra layer to the story.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well-developed romance. The author is a very good writer and she pens a great story that is descriptive and detailed. This is the second book I have read in the series and I have enjoyed them both.
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November 19, 2015FULL REVIEW POSTED!
Cherry Lane by Rochelle Alers is the last book in the Cavanaugh Island series. It follows two lawyers; Devin Gilmore who we met in Magnolia Drive and David Sullivan, Jeff’s cousin who we know from Angel’s Landing.
Devin is Keaton’s business manager and lawyer and decided to visit Cavanaugh Island for a little rest and relaxation after the betrayal of her ex boyfriend and the discovery that she is pregnant. Enter David Sullivan. They meet on the night of her arrival at a get together. A week later they are in love and engaged to be married.
I am used to the trademark Rochelle Alers style and am quite aware that the vast majority of her characters fall in love and get married really quickly. I’m typically fine with it but for this story, however, it didn’t really work for me. I just found it hard to believe that David was so willing to become a father to Devon’s unborn baby so quickly. He knew absolutely nothing about the real circumstances surrounding her pregnancy and failed relationship until well after the fact.
Don’t get me wrong, I know there are good men out there and more than a few that would willingly step up to the plate if they felt called to but this one was a bit much. He didn’t even have time to process the fact that the woman he was interested in was pregnant. He went from thinking she was beautiful to offering her a position at his new law practice and then proposing and becoming her protector in record time. There was no hesitancy on his end or anything. While I am willing to suspend my disbelief a lot when reading fiction, I couldn’t really do that in this situation. I wanted him to at least contemplate whether he was sure about his decision. I wanted him to ask more questions, I wanted there to be at least a little chink in his armor. There is such a thing as too perfect and David Sullivan was it. I didn’t really believe his character and how he reacted to this new situation and that is an absolute first for me in any Rochelle Alers book.
Devon was a bit more tolerable on my end but even she too irritated me quite a few times. In the end I guess this is why they were perfect for each other.
Aside from that, the book did have its redeeming qualities. We got a peek into everyone’s lives and received updates on all of the couples from the previous books. That for me was worth it and why I would still say it was an okay read. Fans of Rochelle Alers would be happy with this book. Per her usual, we got rich history, beautiful backdrops and the sort of love between the characters that we have come to expect.
Cherry Lane was probably the weakest of the Cavanaugh Island books in my opinion. However, if you have read the other books in this series I would recommend reading it to properly tie up the series and the characters we have become acquainted with.
If I were asked whether to buy or borrow this book, I would probably say to borrow it.
Cherry Lane by Rochelle Alers is the last book in the Cavanaugh Island series. It follows two lawyers; Devin Gilmore who we met in Magnolia Drive and David Sullivan, Jeff’s cousin who we know from Angel’s Landing.
Devin is Keaton’s business manager and lawyer and decided to visit Cavanaugh Island for a little rest and relaxation after the betrayal of her ex boyfriend and the discovery that she is pregnant. Enter David Sullivan. They meet on the night of her arrival at a get together. A week later they are in love and engaged to be married.
I am used to the trademark Rochelle Alers style and am quite aware that the vast majority of her characters fall in love and get married really quickly. I’m typically fine with it but for this story, however, it didn’t really work for me. I just found it hard to believe that David was so willing to become a father to Devon’s unborn baby so quickly. He knew absolutely nothing about the real circumstances surrounding her pregnancy and failed relationship until well after the fact.
Don’t get me wrong, I know there are good men out there and more than a few that would willingly step up to the plate if they felt called to but this one was a bit much. He didn’t even have time to process the fact that the woman he was interested in was pregnant. He went from thinking she was beautiful to offering her a position at his new law practice and then proposing and becoming her protector in record time. There was no hesitancy on his end or anything. While I am willing to suspend my disbelief a lot when reading fiction, I couldn’t really do that in this situation. I wanted him to at least contemplate whether he was sure about his decision. I wanted him to ask more questions, I wanted there to be at least a little chink in his armor. There is such a thing as too perfect and David Sullivan was it. I didn’t really believe his character and how he reacted to this new situation and that is an absolute first for me in any Rochelle Alers book.
Devon was a bit more tolerable on my end but even she too irritated me quite a few times. In the end I guess this is why they were perfect for each other.
Aside from that, the book did have its redeeming qualities. We got a peek into everyone’s lives and received updates on all of the couples from the previous books. That for me was worth it and why I would still say it was an okay read. Fans of Rochelle Alers would be happy with this book. Per her usual, we got rich history, beautiful backdrops and the sort of love between the characters that we have come to expect.
Cherry Lane was probably the weakest of the Cavanaugh Island books in my opinion. However, if you have read the other books in this series I would recommend reading it to properly tie up the series and the characters we have become acquainted with.
If I were asked whether to buy or borrow this book, I would probably say to borrow it.
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