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Dream a little dream
First published 1998 · 528 pages
A fiercely emotional and surprisingly funny journey of two broken outcasts finding their way back to life and love in a judgmental small town.
What it feels like
Reading this classic contemporary romance feels like sitting on a sun-warmed Southern porch while a summer storm rolls in—equal parts comforting and turbulent. The narrative moves at a brisk, engaging clip, driven by the crackling, antagonistic banter between a fiercely desperate mother and a hero drowning in his own grief. It masterfully balances the heavy, aching weight of past traumas with a wry, sassy humor that keeps the story from ever feeling bogged down. You are immersed in a small-town atmosphere that is initially hostile but slowly thaws into a quirky, protective community. It is a deeply satisfying read for anyone who loves watching two prickly, wounded souls slowly dismantle each other's defenses to build a hard-won, joyous family.
- Mood
- small-town cozy
- angst-laced
- hopeful
- Tone
- wry
- heartfelt
- sassy
- tender
- Pace
- brisk
- Themes
- healing from grief · second chances · maternal devotion · overcoming prejudice · found family
- The writing
- Snappy and dialogue-heavy, balancing sharp, witty banter with moments of deep emotional resonance.
- The arc
- Moves from desperate isolation and profound grief to hard-won trust, vulnerability, and joyous belonging.
- Who it's for
- Readers who crave classic contemporary romances featuring fiercely protective heroines, deeply wounded heroes, and small-town redemption arcs.
Content notes
- grief
- past loss of a child
- past loss of a spouse
- bullying and ostracization
About the book
A DESPERATE YOUNG MOTHER Rachel Stone's bad luck has taken a turn for the worse. With an empty wallet, a car 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.
Description from Open Library.
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