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Dream a Little Dream

Book 4 in the series:Chicago Stars

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Who Would Like This Book:

Looking for a romance that packs a serious emotional punch? "Dream a Little Dream" is for you! It’s not just a love story, but a story of two people at absolute rock bottom slowly learning to hope again. Rachel is a fierce, resilient heroine you’ll root for, while Gabe is a broken hero who’s rough around the edges but impossible to ignore. The depiction of hardship, small-town judgments, and realistic characters (Chip, Rachel’s young son, is particularly well-written) gives this novel a layer of depth that will especially appeal to readers who love heart-wrenching, character-driven contemporary romance. If you enjoy stories about redemption, second chances, and tough women who refuse to give up, this is your next must-read.

Who May Not Like This Book:

This isn’t your typical rom-com - some readers found the book heavier than expected, with themes of grief, loss, and community cruelty that can be emotionally draining. If you’re sensitive to stories involving tragic pasts, religious elements, or dislike when main characters (especially heroes) are outright unpleasant for a good part of the novel, you might struggle with this one. The secondary romance and faith aspects weren’t everyone’s cup of tea, and a few felt the ending tied up a little too neatly after all the angst.

A powerful, deeply emotional romance with unforgettable characters and plenty of grit - bring tissues and settle in for a read you won’t soon forget.

About:

Dream a Little Dream by Susan Elizabeth Phillips follows the intertwining stories of Rachel and Gabe, who find themselves thrown together in a small town with their own share of personal tragedies. Rachel, a struggling single mother with a scandalous past, is determined to uncover her deceased husband's hidden fortune to secure her son's future. Gabe, a man haunted by loss and self-destruction, reluctantly finds himself drawn to Rachel and her son as they navigate through their hardships together. The book delves into themes of healing, redemption, and the power of love to overcome past traumas, all set in the backdrop of a small town in North Carolina.

Characters:

The characters are richly developed, with Rachel embodying strength and determination, while Gabe's journey through grief showcases his growth; secondary characters enrich the narrative's complexity.

Writing/Prose:

The prose is emotional and engaging, skillfully combining humor and serious themes, enhancing character development.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot revolves around Rachel, a widow, returning to her unwelcoming hometown with her son, searching for hidden money left by her disgraced husband, while navigating her complex relationship with Gabe, a grieving recluse.

Setting:

Set in a small, tight-knit town, the story's setting significantly influences the characters' experiences and contributes to the narrative's themes.

Pacing:

The pacing is intense and gradual, allowing readers to invest emotionally in the characters and their evolving relationship.
The lastof Rachel Stone’s luck ran out in front of the Pride of Carolina Drive-In. There on a mountainous two-lane blacktop road shimmering from the heat of the June afternoon, her old Chevy Impala ga...

Notes:

The protagonist, Rachel Stone, is the widow of a televangelist who scammed an entire town.
Rachel is homeless and living in her car with her 5-year-old son, Edward.
The story takes place in Salvation, North Carolina, where Rachel returns to face the scorn of the townspeople.
Gabe Bonner, the male lead, is a grumpy recluse who lost his wife and child in a drunk driving accident.
The book explores themes of pain, redemption, and the struggle to overcome past traumas.
There is a secondary romance between Gabe's brother, Pastor Ethan, and his secretary Kristy.
The book has been noted for its emotional depth, with some readers crying within the first few pages.
Rachel's character is described as strong and determined, inspiring readers with her resilience.
The romance between Rachel and Gabe develops slowly, adding to the emotional weight of the story.
The story highlights the complexities of grief, both in Rachel's and Gabe's lives.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of grief and loss, economic hardship, as well as the emotional impact of past trauma.

Has Romance?

Yes, the book contains a significant romantic plot and strong romantic development between the main characters.

From The Publisher:

A Desperate Young Mother

Rachel Stone's bad luck has taken a turn for the worse. With an empty wallet, a car's that's spilling smoke, and a five-year-old son to support, she's come home to a town that hates her. But this determined young widow with a scandalous past has learned how to be a fighter. And she'll do anything to keep her child safe-even take on. . .

A man With No Heart

Gabe Bonner wants to be left alone, especially by the beautiful outcast who's invaded his property. She has a ton of attitude, a talent for trouble, and a child who brings back bad memories. Yet Rachel's feisty spirit might just be heaven-sent to save a tough, stubborn man.

Dare To Dream

Welcome to Salvation, North Carolina-where a man who's forgotten what tenderness means meets a woman with nothing to lose. here two endearing lovers will set off on a funny, touching journey of the heart. . .to a place where dreams just might come true.

1998
414 pages

Ratings (32)

Incredible (6)
Loved It (11)
Liked It (10)
It Was OK (4)
Did Not Like (1)

Reader Stats (76):

Read It (38)
Want To Read (21)
Did Not Finish (1)
Not Interested (16)

2 comment(s)

Loved It
1 year

The characters

 
Incredible
2 years

Excellent plot with many twists and turns. The reader gets a real treat with a great amount of suspense. A great read. Will recommend it anytime.

 
 
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