What do you think?
Rate this book
When I Get Where I'm Going
From the bestselling author, an inspirational novel about three sisters who rediscover each other-and themselves...
After thirteen years in Hollywood, Alicia Day is giving up her dream of stardom and heading home to Detroit-and back to her roots.
Hope Teesdale is desperately seeking the truth about her husband's death when she hears from her long-lost half-sister Alicia. Suddenly her idea of family is put into question.
Heaven Jetter hasn't spoken to her sister Hope in years. Her spirit is being held captive by an abusive boyfriend. Her only comfort comes from admiring a mysterious man from afar on the streets of Detroit.
As the sisters reunite, they're determined to help one another find their silver linings. And realize that they never have to go it alone again...
After thirteen years in Hollywood, Alicia Day is giving up her dream of stardom and heading home to Detroit-and back to her roots.
Hope Teesdale is desperately seeking the truth about her husband's death when she hears from her long-lost half-sister Alicia. Suddenly her idea of family is put into question.
Heaven Jetter hasn't spoken to her sister Hope in years. Her spirit is being held captive by an abusive boyfriend. Her only comfort comes from admiring a mysterious man from afar on the streets of Detroit.
As the sisters reunite, they're determined to help one another find their silver linings. And realize that they never have to go it alone again...
448 pages, Paperback
First published July 29, 2010
7 people are currently reading
145 people want to read
About the author
Cheryl Robinson
34 books63 followersCheryl currently resides in Florida. For the past sixteen years, she has been busy writing contemporary adult fiction. While writing is her first love, making delicious green smoothies is easily her second. She also enjoys spoiling her miniature Schnauzer and whipping up healthy meals from recipes she finds online.
For more about Cheryl and the Until Ray trilogy visit: cherylrobinson.com and untilraytrilogy.com.
For more about Cheryl and the Until Ray trilogy visit: cherylrobinson.com and untilraytrilogy.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
August 18, 2011
I was put off at first with some of the characters in the novel. But, the story grew and so did the characters and I end up enjoying the novel.
September 8, 2010
Alicia Day is a struggling actress originally from Detroit, now living in Hollywood. When she headed west with her best friend, Aubrey, both were determined to become the next big thing. So far Aubrey has made it big, but the only big things about Alicia are the fibroid tumors she keeps ignoring.
Hope Teesdale lost her second husband in a boating accident. At twenty-seven she's too young to be the bitter, widow that she's become. She's locked into her small corner of the world that consists solely of work and her daughter, Havana.
At only twenty, Heaven Jetter has lived entirely too much. As a child she grew up knowing that her father had killed her mother. This alone should have been enough to keep her from abusive men and the mean streets of Detroit, but it hasn't. She's a born party girl and even though she knows that her actions hurt those closest to her, she can't stop.
Heaven and Hope grow up as sisters, but it's not until a letter from their imprisoned father comes to Heaven that she learns that they have an older sister, Alicia. Alicia is thrown off by the brash, in your face young lady that reaches out to her long distance. A trip home solidifies their relationship, but trying to create a happy family complete with Hope is going to be a lot more difficult than either Heaven or Alicia imagined.
What did you like about this book?
Each of the sisters is a mess and the author doesn't try to "prettify" their situations. Each is dealing with realistic issues and I fully appreciated the author exploring them.
What didn't you like about this book?
The story is told in third person narrative for the most part and I really would have preferred first person, especially since each character is given their own chapters to tell their stories.
What could be done to improve this book?
It's so minor that I feel silly even typing it, but I hated the cover model's cankles. Yes, I said cankles. How do I know that her calves and ankles are the same size, thus producing cankles? I don't. It just looks like it to me. Could be the cheap red shoes or the fact that I hate seeing heels like that worn with jean, I don't know. I just hate the look.
Hope Teesdale lost her second husband in a boating accident. At twenty-seven she's too young to be the bitter, widow that she's become. She's locked into her small corner of the world that consists solely of work and her daughter, Havana.
At only twenty, Heaven Jetter has lived entirely too much. As a child she grew up knowing that her father had killed her mother. This alone should have been enough to keep her from abusive men and the mean streets of Detroit, but it hasn't. She's a born party girl and even though she knows that her actions hurt those closest to her, she can't stop.
Heaven and Hope grow up as sisters, but it's not until a letter from their imprisoned father comes to Heaven that she learns that they have an older sister, Alicia. Alicia is thrown off by the brash, in your face young lady that reaches out to her long distance. A trip home solidifies their relationship, but trying to create a happy family complete with Hope is going to be a lot more difficult than either Heaven or Alicia imagined.
What did you like about this book?
Each of the sisters is a mess and the author doesn't try to "prettify" their situations. Each is dealing with realistic issues and I fully appreciated the author exploring them.
What didn't you like about this book?
The story is told in third person narrative for the most part and I really would have preferred first person, especially since each character is given their own chapters to tell their stories.
What could be done to improve this book?
It's so minor that I feel silly even typing it, but I hated the cover model's cankles. Yes, I said cankles. How do I know that her calves and ankles are the same size, thus producing cankles? I don't. It just looks like it to me. Could be the cheap red shoes or the fact that I hate seeing heels like that worn with jean, I don't know. I just hate the look.
September 24, 2025
This book was so good. it was some twists and Hope really got on my nerves but I definitely enjoyed this read!!!
November 12, 2011
The prologue was so unreal I didn't bother to read the rest of the book.
March 26, 2025
Chile, When I Get Where I’m Going took me through it in the best way. This story had layers—grief, healing, and love all wrapped up in some deeply felt storytelling. I really appreciated the way the author handled the emotions, making me feel every ounce of the pain and hope along the way. I was rooting for the characters, even when I wanted to shake them a little! 😩😂
The writing? Chef’s kiss. The emotions? Heavy but real. The romance? Sweet and healing. It’s one of those books that sneaks up on you, and before you know it, you’re invested and feeling all the feelings.
The writing? Chef’s kiss. The emotions? Heavy but real. The romance? Sweet and healing. It’s one of those books that sneaks up on you, and before you know it, you’re invested and feeling all the feelings.
February 20, 2018
I love her style of writing! Once again I couldn't put her book down. This book gave hope that no matter what you are going through when the time is right and you work hard you will overcome the challenges in life and get to where you are going in life.
September 12, 2010
When I Get Where I’m Going
3 sisters with one thing in common, their father.
Heaven is a confused, abused and a lucky girl.
Hope is angry, hurt and is a widow from suspicious circumstances
Alicia has been trying to make it in Hollywood for 13 years, with a friend who is her worse enemy.
The sisters find out about each other from a letter from their father, who is in jail for murder.
Alicia has been contacted by Heaven who claims to be her sister. They share the same father. So when Alicia comes home to have surgery, they have a family get-together. Hope wants nothing to do with this gathering nor Heaven or her father. Heaven and Hopes mother was killed by their father and Alicia was a high school mistake. Glenn, the father tells them they have an elder sister, Alicia that he hopes they will connect with. Hope has her own issues. The mysterious death of her husband 2 years ago has her still in mourning and with no closure. Heavens life is chaos. On probation, a man who beats her and she’s not living, she’s existing. She has also stole her sister’s identity and racked up 10,000 in debt, while her sister was going through the lost of her husband. So the two sisters are estranged.
They say you can’t pick your family but you can surely pick your friends. These sisters become the friends and family they choose. Persistence and several life changing events in these sisters lives, make them realize that they are a blessing to each other they never knew they had.
I truly LOVED this story. I felt the pain and anguish of each sister and LOVED how they came together. Cheryl is one hell of a storyteller. She had me so wrapped up that I could not put this book down. I also loved that she brought Olena Day, the character from In Love With A Younger Man into the story so we could catch up with her. I am always left wondering when reading Cheryl’s books; how much of this is true because it’s so real. Her stories always seem to come from so deep down and feel like they are true confessions.
This book was an outstanding read and is one of the best books I’ve read in 2010. Cheryl if I could give you a 10 on this I would but 5 is as high as I can go. High 5 Cheryl!
3 sisters with one thing in common, their father.
Heaven is a confused, abused and a lucky girl.
Hope is angry, hurt and is a widow from suspicious circumstances
Alicia has been trying to make it in Hollywood for 13 years, with a friend who is her worse enemy.
The sisters find out about each other from a letter from their father, who is in jail for murder.
Alicia has been contacted by Heaven who claims to be her sister. They share the same father. So when Alicia comes home to have surgery, they have a family get-together. Hope wants nothing to do with this gathering nor Heaven or her father. Heaven and Hopes mother was killed by their father and Alicia was a high school mistake. Glenn, the father tells them they have an elder sister, Alicia that he hopes they will connect with. Hope has her own issues. The mysterious death of her husband 2 years ago has her still in mourning and with no closure. Heavens life is chaos. On probation, a man who beats her and she’s not living, she’s existing. She has also stole her sister’s identity and racked up 10,000 in debt, while her sister was going through the lost of her husband. So the two sisters are estranged.
They say you can’t pick your family but you can surely pick your friends. These sisters become the friends and family they choose. Persistence and several life changing events in these sisters lives, make them realize that they are a blessing to each other they never knew they had.
I truly LOVED this story. I felt the pain and anguish of each sister and LOVED how they came together. Cheryl is one hell of a storyteller. She had me so wrapped up that I could not put this book down. I also loved that she brought Olena Day, the character from In Love With A Younger Man into the story so we could catch up with her. I am always left wondering when reading Cheryl’s books; how much of this is true because it’s so real. Her stories always seem to come from so deep down and feel like they are true confessions.
This book was an outstanding read and is one of the best books I’ve read in 2010. Cheryl if I could give you a 10 on this I would but 5 is as high as I can go. High 5 Cheryl!
February 12, 2011
Fans of Theodore “Tower” Evans, Porter Washington, Georgia Brown, and Olena Day, take note! Here’s the story of a tragedy that one family cannot seem to get away from, that is until they realize you gotta be in it to win it. Sisterhood is winning, moving pass family dysfunctions together and ultimately being free; is the winning ticket.
When I Get Where I’m Going opens with a letter addressed to Heaven from her dad. In his letter it is his prayer that all of his letters are being forwarded to Heaven’s new address and all of his girls come together as a family. He also tells Heaven a secret he’s been keeping for quite some time; that aside from Hope she has another sister name Alicia Day; who at last contact lived in the Detroit area. Her father wants Heaven to search for her and bring unity between herself, Hope and Alicia. What these three sisters don’t know but will come to know and understand is each one of them has the cure for what ails the other.
Ms. Robinson stories are written with a grand passion for her craft and the characters she introduces us to and When I Get Where I’m Going certainly doesn’t fall short. All the people I mentioned in the beginning of this review are taken from her previous books. They like Heaven, Hope and Alicia have left an impression on this reader. Throughout the book there’s a recurring theme that is never quiet; when you pour life into someone your life becomes blessed. I’m sure Alicia can say amen to that after she was told by Attorney Foxmoore that she was NOT going to be sued. You’ll have to read the book to find out more about that. (Smile)
When I Get Where I’m Going is a story of pain, regrets, family dysfunction, celebration and how sisterhood is the beginning to overcoming it all. I’m glad I had the opportunity to meet Alicia in Robinson’s previous book “In Love with a Younger Man and Heaven Jetter at her blogspot back in March.
Missy
5 book marks
Readers Paradise
When I Get Where I'm Going
When I Get Where I’m Going opens with a letter addressed to Heaven from her dad. In his letter it is his prayer that all of his letters are being forwarded to Heaven’s new address and all of his girls come together as a family. He also tells Heaven a secret he’s been keeping for quite some time; that aside from Hope she has another sister name Alicia Day; who at last contact lived in the Detroit area. Her father wants Heaven to search for her and bring unity between herself, Hope and Alicia. What these three sisters don’t know but will come to know and understand is each one of them has the cure for what ails the other.
Ms. Robinson stories are written with a grand passion for her craft and the characters she introduces us to and When I Get Where I’m Going certainly doesn’t fall short. All the people I mentioned in the beginning of this review are taken from her previous books. They like Heaven, Hope and Alicia have left an impression on this reader. Throughout the book there’s a recurring theme that is never quiet; when you pour life into someone your life becomes blessed. I’m sure Alicia can say amen to that after she was told by Attorney Foxmoore that she was NOT going to be sued. You’ll have to read the book to find out more about that. (Smile)
When I Get Where I’m Going is a story of pain, regrets, family dysfunction, celebration and how sisterhood is the beginning to overcoming it all. I’m glad I had the opportunity to meet Alicia in Robinson’s previous book “In Love with a Younger Man and Heaven Jetter at her blogspot back in March.
Missy
5 book marks
Readers Paradise
When I Get Where I'm Going
February 4, 2016
One thing in common that will take them from not having that perfect life, their father that will introduce them from his prison cell by a letter, but time is on their sides.
Alicia Day left Detroit behind along with her best friend that turns out to be her worst nightmare and it was so hard for her not to believe all the auditions that was stolen right from under her by the one and only, two face of a best friend. Life for Alicia turns out to be a bitter sweet when she has to return back to Detroit the place she said “She would never come back to.” For thirteen years in Hollywood, Alicia Day is giving up her dream of stardom and heading home to Detroit-and back to her roots.
Hope life starts off perfect with the husband and daughter that she loved so much, but one day her husband takes a fishing trips and never returns. Hope Teesdale is desperately seeking the truth about her husband's death when she hears from her long-lost half-sister Alicia. Suddenly her idea of family is put into question. She’s very educated with a promising feature ahead of her working at a bank until the FDIC comes in to take it over. But life has dealt her a bad hand that leaves her no choice but to be mean and walk very lightly and don’t trust her family.
The apple didn’t fall to far from the tree when it came to Heaven, she learned from the best. Sad to say her parents didn’t teach her the skills of a criminal mind but she watched and learned the life that she was brought up in. It has been Heaven and Hope with a promise to always take care of each other until the very end. But Heaven didn’t keep that promise but instead takes Hope to the cleaners. Heaven Jetter hasn't spoken to her sister Hope in years. Her spirit is being held captive by an abusive boyfriend to come out with a bitter sweet ending of a lesson that only Heaven will learn from.
Visit me at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPUrtt...
Alicia Day left Detroit behind along with her best friend that turns out to be her worst nightmare and it was so hard for her not to believe all the auditions that was stolen right from under her by the one and only, two face of a best friend. Life for Alicia turns out to be a bitter sweet when she has to return back to Detroit the place she said “She would never come back to.” For thirteen years in Hollywood, Alicia Day is giving up her dream of stardom and heading home to Detroit-and back to her roots.
Hope life starts off perfect with the husband and daughter that she loved so much, but one day her husband takes a fishing trips and never returns. Hope Teesdale is desperately seeking the truth about her husband's death when she hears from her long-lost half-sister Alicia. Suddenly her idea of family is put into question. She’s very educated with a promising feature ahead of her working at a bank until the FDIC comes in to take it over. But life has dealt her a bad hand that leaves her no choice but to be mean and walk very lightly and don’t trust her family.
The apple didn’t fall to far from the tree when it came to Heaven, she learned from the best. Sad to say her parents didn’t teach her the skills of a criminal mind but she watched and learned the life that she was brought up in. It has been Heaven and Hope with a promise to always take care of each other until the very end. But Heaven didn’t keep that promise but instead takes Hope to the cleaners. Heaven Jetter hasn't spoken to her sister Hope in years. Her spirit is being held captive by an abusive boyfriend to come out with a bitter sweet ending of a lesson that only Heaven will learn from.
Visit me at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPUrtt...
May 12, 2013
Although it took me 8 days to finish this book, believe me; it's not because it wasn't good because it really was. This novel was about family, forgiveness, learning your self worth, and growth. Sisters Hope and Faith grow up without their parents and witnessed the death of their mother. That single event understandably shaped their life. Their father informs them one day that they have another sister named Alicia. Alicia was unaware of her birth father or the fact that she had sisters.
The author does not leave anything to chance as she describes in great detail the what, when, where, and why of each character's choices. I feel like I've gotten a taste of Detroit. Each of the sisters is relatable on some level, especially for me because I too am 1 of 3 sisters. I think Hope was my favorite sister for a variety of reasons. She was actually more complicated than initially perceived. I think little Miss Havana was just a little too grown but otherwise enjoyed the supporting cast of characters. My favorites were Sir and Benita.
All in all, good read. Recommend.
The author does not leave anything to chance as she describes in great detail the what, when, where, and why of each character's choices. I feel like I've gotten a taste of Detroit. Each of the sisters is relatable on some level, especially for me because I too am 1 of 3 sisters. I think Hope was my favorite sister for a variety of reasons. She was actually more complicated than initially perceived. I think little Miss Havana was just a little too grown but otherwise enjoyed the supporting cast of characters. My favorites were Sir and Benita.
All in all, good read. Recommend.
April 14, 2015
Audiobook I read this several years back and wrote a review afterwards;narrated by Sherri Peele 2010. I am a picky reader/listener and I happened to pick this book up when I became frustrated with another book that was going no where fast. This book did not whet my appetite to begin with but I automatically knew it would be better than the one I dropped. This book was good. The characters evolved. The storyline was different and I can say that this author did not have to drape and saturate the story with sex in order to keep it interesting. That was refreshing. I don't think the characters are memorable but I appreciated how she wrote them. They were good. They were real. When a book evokes emotion then you know that the writer has done their job. I actually cried. I am not one of those readers that love mushy, sentimental walks into the sunset types, but I think change is good sometimes. The second half of this book was the best. The narrator was good and I think she did a decent job.
December 23, 2011
This book did have some redeeming qualities. Most notably there was an actual plot which had a few twists and turns although some seemed highly unlikely.
This is the story of three sisters overcoming their past to find peace with themselves and each other. However, the writing is quite trite and a bit elementary as many books in this genre are. The author's attempt to be descriptive only succeeded in inundating the reader in unnecessary details about streets, restaurants and other places in Detroit. Speaking as a Detroit native, these places are in fact real but the inclusion of the ridiculous place-dropping adds nothing to the story; it only validates the author in fact knows Detroit. Time should have been better spent developing the main characters more so that the reader cared about at least one of them.
The end of this novel breaths a bit of life back into the book. However, the end went on a bit too far reminiscent of a Spike Lee's Mo Better Blues.
This is the story of three sisters overcoming their past to find peace with themselves and each other. However, the writing is quite trite and a bit elementary as many books in this genre are. The author's attempt to be descriptive only succeeded in inundating the reader in unnecessary details about streets, restaurants and other places in Detroit. Speaking as a Detroit native, these places are in fact real but the inclusion of the ridiculous place-dropping adds nothing to the story; it only validates the author in fact knows Detroit. Time should have been better spent developing the main characters more so that the reader cared about at least one of them.
The end of this novel breaths a bit of life back into the book. However, the end went on a bit too far reminiscent of a Spike Lee's Mo Better Blues.
September 14, 2012
Heaven, Hope and Alicia three sisters who need each other more than they think. What kept my attention was the fact that I never grew up with sisters so I wanted to know what was so bad that Hope wouldn't want anything to do with them. I wasn't crazy about Hope's character but I really liked Heaven and wanted her to be alright. I was happy when Alicia finally opened her eyes regarding both her best friends. I was even glad that Hope found love right in front of her. Mostly because when people find love right in front of them it is always amusing and interesting to me. Although some of the descriptions wore me out (I didn't need to know the color of the tablecloth in the resturant) I was still wanted, needed to know the outcome.
A good story of sisters finding real sisterhood.
A good story of sisters finding real sisterhood.
November 26, 2010
This book is very good. It's the kind of book that has you wondering what is going on with the characters when you are not reading it. I loved hearing about Hope, Heaven, and Alicia and who can can resist a happily ever after ending.
March 6, 2013
I was not expecting much. This book was a little silly, but I enjoyed it. Good light reading. And she didn't make the characters talk like idiots just because they were black. I will read more of her books.
January 21, 2014
A long read-not to say it wasn't good but it does have it's lulls and at time is a bit predictable. All in all it is a book which reminds us that there is nothing like the bonds of family thru the good and bad, highs and lows, ups and downs.
October 19, 2010
This was an easy read, full of twist and turns that made it a page turner. All of the characters are interesting.
Currently reading
May 24, 2011eh not that interesting
August 21, 2011
I loved this book! I hope that there's a sequel to it!
December 19, 2011
This was a really good book the ending wasn't quite what I thought it was going be.
June 20, 2012
Even the Prologue is boring! I stopped 20 pages in.
January 5, 2011
Great book. It started a little slow then it really picked up.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews