Amazing. Incredibly clever and unique. A riveting story that is equally exciting and heartwarming. This is one of the most creative time-travel books I've ever read - it's not sci-fi, it's not fantasy, it just seems SO REAL. It makes you believe crossing time is a possibility in the future. Or maybe it already is :) Hands down - a new favorite for 2018!

Carly Sears is struggling with incredible heartbreak. She's just found out her baby has a very serious heart condition and will not live. Fresh from the the loss of her husband in the Vietnam war, this baby is all she has left of Joe. She refuses to believe this baby won't survive. It's the only piece of Joe she has left.

Her brother-in-law Hunter, a physicist, believes there is something she can do to save her baby. It's ludicrous - a ridiculous suggestion that is downright insane! And definitely NOT even possible. Or is it? Does Carly have the courage to go through with this crazy idea that Hunter has? Will she do anything to save her unborn child, even if it defies everything she knows and believes in?

I'm in awe of this novel. I adored every single character. The spanning of decades seamlessly jumps from one to another, with a bit of wonder and novelty at the heart of the story, it's fascinating and so fun to watch unfold. And you root for Carly the entire time, and desperately hope she can save her child. I was entranced from the very beginning and in tears by the last page - this story is incredible and I loved every minute of it! Do not pass this one by. A must read.

The Dream Daughter by Diane Chamberlain was provided to me by NetGalley and St. Martin's Press in return for an honest review. Thank you to both of them.

As a lover of the Outlander series, I do enjoy a good time travel story and this one tugs on the heartstrings. When Caroline learns that her unborn child will have an inoperable heart condition and won't survive, her brother-in-law has some remarkable news...he came from the future to 1970 and in 2001 they CAN perform the surgery to keep her baby alive. Caroline will do anything to save her child and willingly makes plans to go to the future, have the surgery and immediately return to 1970 to give birth and raise her child.

Of course, nothing goes as planned, especially when traveling to the future! Caroline's life is completely changed once she travels to the future and nothing can ever be the same again. The Dream Daughter is a heartbreaking look at the lengths we will go to have healthy children...even when all looks to be lost. An inspiring novel by an eloquent author.

This book started slow for me. I'm not sure if it was the character development was slow or that I just didn't have the patience to wait it out. However, I am happy that I picked it back up. My 15 year old daughter needed a book to read for study hall and I suggested this book. She came home on the second day and said how far are you? I said it's slow, she said NO it's amazing. I started reading hard that night. I loved Hunter!! The time travel was a little crazy but it was not over the top so I didn't find myself annoyed by it. Carly had to make some extremely hard choices, ones I am not sure I would make or would be strong enough to make. I loved Joanna's family, loved them. I think that Diane Chamberlain had another keeper with this one. She hasn't disappointed me yet.

This book is an absolute 5 star read. I absolutely love everything I have read by Diane Chamberlain but was slghtly afraid I might not enjoy this book because of the time travel element of it - but I was sooooo wrong. When you pick this book up be sure you have plenty of reading time because you simply will not want to put it down. The first evening I started reading I stayed up way too late into the night reading and then I woke up a couple of more times in the night just to read a little bit more! This book is one of my favorites I've read this year!

I'll preface my review with sharing that time travel is not really my cup of tea... Diane Chamberlain, however, IS my cup of tea and I am now convinced that this is the perfect combination.

Beginning in 1970, Caroline finds herself pregnant with a daughter that has a fatal heart condition if unaltered. The caveat? She will have to travel through time in order to have the surgery- in New York City in 2001. Assisted by her physicist brother-in-law, Caroline takes the ultimate leap of faith in order to do what is best for her unborn daughter.

I loved the juxtaposition of the Vietnam War with the months leading up to 9/11, as well as everywhere in between. I found myself rooting for all of the characters on every single page, just like in every single Diane Chamberlain book I've read. Diane Chamberlain is the master of developing complex characters and emotional storylines.

I received an advanced copy of this book from St. Martin’s Press through NetGalley.

The hits keep coming for Carly Sears. Her husband Joe was killed in Vietnam, and the joy she felt at discovering she was pregnant turned to devastation when she learns her unborn baby has a fatal heart defect. Her brother-in-law tells her a way her baby can survive and it sounds insane to Carly... but she's willing to do whatever it takes to save her baby girl.

This isn't your typical Diane Chamberlain novel. The blurb calls it "mind-bending" and it's an apt description. I think it's safe to say that it's known at this point that there is a time travel aspect to this story. Time travel is a common aspect in many science fiction novels, but this story—despite the time travel—doesn't read like science fiction in the slightest. If this was a concern for you, trust me when I say that it only enhances a fantastic story.

Carly's willingness to do anything to save her child is something I could easily identify with. Her anguish at hearing of her daughter's fatal heart defect, and the surge of hope she felt when her brother-in-law offered to help was so well written—the emotions Carly experienced mirrored what I felt as I read about it. Each step of the way, as new conflicts and problems came about, I knew how Carly would feel before reading it, because I felt a deep connection with this character.

When it comes to stories with a time travel element, certain rules have to be established in order for the reader to be able to suspend disbelief. (In the Outlander series, for example, the ability to time travel is made possible by a group of standing stones, specific times of the year, and the use of gemstones... but only specific people have the ability to time travel.) The Dream Daughter also follows a set of rules that make time travel possible.

As a reader of numerous time travel novels, I have to say I was impressed with the set of rules Chamberlain devised for this novel. Things that factored into the calculation of traveling to a certain date—as well as issues that could throw the calculations off—made a lot of sense to me. The rules were elegant in their simplicity, and easy for any reader to understand. I also appreciated the fact that there were limitations to the ability to time travel, because that sparked an intriguing sub-plot that was enjoyable to read, as well as creating a sense of urgency to the main story.

I could go on and on about all the things I loved about this book. The characters introduced throughout were well written, and even the most minor character was enjoyable to read about. There are many choices that result in (or arise from) conflicts of some nature; each choice was a hard one that had meaningful impact later on.

I do hope you'll give this beautiful book a chance... it's definitely a book worth reading.

I received an advance reading copy of this book courtesy of St. Martin's Press.

I honestly didnt care one bit for this book and I'm in the vast minority here. Just didn't do it for me. I could have abandoned this book almost from the start. 2.5 and not rounding up although tempted to say 3 stars because the writing was okay. Though sometimes just a bit too sappy. "My shoulders were heaving with my tears." "I covered my face with my hands and sobbed my grief into them." "Oh, Joanna, I love you so much!"

Time traveling. Love. Question:--what would you do for your [unborn] child?

In 1965, Carly, a physical therapist, meets Hunter [a time-travelling physicist] at the hospital where she works. She introduces him to her sister, Patti, because she believes they will be a great match. [They marry and have a son, John Paul]. Carly is married to Joe who is in service in Vietnam. Widowed before Joe knew they were to have a child, Carly finds out in 1970 that her unborn child has a heart defect which can be repaired in 2001--according Hunter. Hunter does his calculations to send Carly to the future [to his mother--also a physicist] to find a medical solution to fix her baby's heart defect.

And though [no spoiler from me], I didnt guess the ending, I did see precursors of what did happen other times in the storyline --that went back and forth through the various times Carly and Hunter appeared [1965, 1970, 2001, 2017]. If not for what I correctly guessed to be new complications in the 2001 story; the book would have ended much earlier and be even less interesting [to me].

Some of the things that were interesting--had to do with the time travelling. What didn't exist in 1965, and 1970 that were in 2001--especially, and in 2017. For example, cell phones, microwaves, the Apple world, etc. Just not enough to change my opinion.

So many readers loved this book. I did not. See for yourself.

When Carly Sears, a young woman widowed by the Vietnam War, receives the news that her unborn baby girl has a heart defect, she is devastated. It is 1970, and she is told that nothing can be done to help her child. But her brother-in-law, a physicist with a mysterious past, tells her that perhaps there is a way to save her baby. What he suggests is something that will shatter every preconceived notion that Carly has. Something that will require a kind of strength and courage she never knew existed. Something that will mean an unimaginable leap of faith on Carly’s part.

And all for the love of her unborn child.

The Dream Daughter is a rich, genre-spanning, breathtaking novel about one mother’s quest to save her child, unite her family, and believe in the unbelievable. Diane Chamberlain pushes the boundaries of faith and science to deliver a novel that you will never forget.



My Thoughts: While I have not read many books involving time travel, Diane Chamberlain’s books always capture me, so The Dream Daughter was definitely one for me.

Having lived in the 1970s, during and after the Vietnam War, I could relate to Carly and her issues, especially her concern about her brother-in-law Hunter’s idea to “send her” to 2001.

In 2001, the surgery for her child was a success, but several setbacks afterwards made it impossible for Carly to travel back to 1970 with her daughter. So she went alone.

From this point on, everything fell apart and turned out completely wrong for Carly. Searching for her daughter and trying to make up for the errors that followed kept me intrigued until the very end.

Some strange and unexpected events transpired, and for those who find the idea of time travel impossible to wrap their heads around, everything might seem unlikely. How did the September 11, 2001 date complicate events for Carly and her daughter? Would she find a way to fill in the years that eluded her?

By this point, I was held captive by each page, wondering how or if Carly and her dream daughter would connect again. An intense story that will keep me pondering the events. 5 stars.***My e-ARC came from the publisher via NetGalley.

What would you do to save the life of your unborn child? This question is the central issue in Diane Chamberlain's book, The Dream Daughter.
Carly Sears is a young woman, pregnant with her first child. Sadly, her soldier husband had just been killed in Vietnam. Carly had not even had time to inform him that he would soon be a father.
While dealing with this tragic loss, Carly learns that her unborn child has a heart defect and cannot survive. No hope at all exists is what is offered by the medical field. She has already lost her husband, now the child, her only link to him, will be lost too.
What can she do? How far is she willing to go to save this child? What risks will she take? Who will she trust?
A solution is offered by her brother in law., Hunter, husband of her beloved sister, Patti. He will send her 30 years into the future where in vitro fetal heart surgery can be performed. The baby can survive. Is Hunter sane? Over the next few days Carly comes to believe in Hunter's time travel narrative.
With much planning and discussion for what lies ahead, Hunter sends Carly off to the future.
Landing in 2001, Carly begins her quest to save her child. But even in the future, you can plan, but life has its own plans. The do not always coincide. The bumps in the road that Carly travels range from stressful personal interactions to major life altering issues for herself and others around her.
The author, Diane Chamberlain, takes the reader thru the life Carly must lead as she travels back and forth thru time and interacts with people who do not know or understand the role she is playing in their own lives.
This is a lonely tale that seems to indicate that sheer determination will get you to your goal. As a result, the story becomes more wish than real. You may like a neat and tidy solution but really neat and tidy rarely occurs.
I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley. #Netgalley #TheDreamDaughter

ThIs book was fantastic!! Usually I'm not a fan of time travel book, but this one sucked me right in. I read it straight through. It's a mind Bender and a nail biting clencher. So many times I sucked in my breath because there was such a critical pivot in the story. 9-11, Vietnam, the fifth trip. I won't describe the stages of the story because readers will have to experience the thrill, despair, and a lot of anxiety for these characters themselves. I haven't read Chamberlin before, but she is a genius. How she kept the different time frames separate and then the dialogue pertinent to each zone would have given me a migraine. Read this book!!

Thank you to NetGalley for the chance to read and review this book.
I have read a lot of books by Diane Chamberlain and she is one of my favorite authors. I liked this story, but it was not one of my favorites. I think because I am not a fan of time travel. I don't think it is anything to do with the author. I just think it wasn't for me. It was a good story and I will continue to follow this author and read her books.

The Dream Daughter is a unique blend of historical fiction, a contemporary story, and a bit of magic. At the heart of this story is a young woman who is desperate to save her child, a young woman who would believe in and do something completely irrational and radical to ensure that her child is given every chance to survive. The book is a real page-turner, as we follow this incredible and thoughtful journey. At times, the book seemed a little far-fetched to me, so I had to let go of my own notions and just enjoy the ride!

WOW!!!!!!!!!!! This book (just like all her others) was amazing!!!!!! I read this book in just 1 day and enjoyed every minute of this story. If you haven't read any Diane Chamberlain books yet you are seriously missing out.
Carly Sears is a physical therapist in 1970 and she introduces her sister to one of her patients who becomes her brother in law. Well Carly's husband dies in the Vietnam War but a few wks after she finds out she is pregnant. 6 mths into her pregnancy she finds out that her baby has a fatal heart problem. Then her brother in law tells her a story that forever changed the course of her life. You seriously don't want to miss out on this book. Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read this amazing novel.

Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and Diane Chamberlain for the ARC to review. I was drawn to this book by the cover. I have never read anything by Diane Chamberlain before, but I will read more of her books in the future. I really enjoyed this one.

I am not a fan of time travel but this story was different. I loved the story from beginning to end. If you had the chance to save your childs life by time travel would you. All you have to do is travel from 1970 to 1991, as soon as the child is well, find a portal and come home. Nothing is ever that simple, and so the story goes.
There were so many twists and turns in this story. I thought I had the ending all figured out, but the authors ending was brilliant.

This is a must read.

This book has it all! A mother's devoted love for her daughter and a loving supportive family all wrapped into a can not put down book! It's 1970 and Carly finds out her daughter has a heart condition and will not survive after birth. Her brother in law Hunter tells her there is a chance her daughter can be saved. Carly just has to time travel to 2001! At first, Carly thinks Hunter has lost his mind but then she realizes she will do anything to save her daughter. This is an amazing story of a mother's ultimate love for her child. Carly is so incredibly brave and much stronger than she ever thought she could be. I was very sorry to see this book end as I didn't want to leave the characters. I received an advanced readers copy from NetGalley and St. Martin's Press. All opinions are my own.

4.5 stars

The year is 1970 and Caroline Sears baby has a heart defect and the baby needs surgery, and really does not have a chance. The only chance for her baby is to time travel to the time period that they have this surgery.

To save the baby, she would need to have feral surgery or it wouldn't have a chance to live. Carly's brother in law is a physicist and he knows how to time travel. Carly asks Hunter, How do you time travel and travel to the future? Hunter has it all figured out. Hunter tells her he would have to use his computer to find out exactly where and when she would step off. She asks him, "Step off, what are you talking about. He tells her there are naturally occurring gateways into time. They exist all around the U.S. There are infinite number of them and they are linked to a specific time and place. We call them portals. You have to figure out the exact - within seconds, less than 60 seconds at any rate - time you need to move into a specific portal to get to a particular time and place. You have to step off from something at least sixteen feet above the ground, either a roof of ledge, so that for a few seconds you are not earthbound. To be in the air untethered at the exact right moment.

This is a rich, genre -spanning breath taking novel about one mother's quest to save her child, unite her family and believe in the believable.

This is the second book that I have read about time travel and I loved both of them. I now want to read more books about time travel. It is so interesting. I loved this book and couldn't put it down. I just wanted it to go on forever and I didn't want it to end. I was captivated while reading this book. Time travel might be unrealistic but it was so interesting to explore another world in the future.

The characters were all well done. Their feelings were so real. There were so many emotions in this book and I felt all of them.
I loved the writing style. I am becoming a Diane Chamberlain fan and so far this is the best book that I read by her and I now want to devour more of her books.

I want to thank NetGalley, Diane Chamberlain and St. Martin's Press for the copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book is wholeheartedly unexpected and refreshing. It is by far one of my favorite Diane Chamberlain books.
If you had an opportunity to save your unborn child by using time travel (which you don't really believe exists) would you? What if it means that saving your child could mean losing her at the same time?

These are the questions of a mother's love, family and faith that are explored throughout this book. Even if you're not a fan of sci fi or fantasy or time travel, give it a shot and I bet you'll be pleasantly surprised. It's fascinating to look at modern technology and events through the eyes of a woman from the 1970s...something we really don't stop to consider on a daily basis.

Beneath it all are Chamberlain's strengths as a writer. You're certain to get immersed in this beautiful writing and character development. Bravo Ms. Chamberlain. Bravo.

This book hit a soft spot with me as soon as I read the premise. See, I have an older brother that passed from a heart issue in 1980. They didn’t know until after he was born and surgeries were still experimental then. So as I read this book, I often thought of my mom. What would she have done? If given the opportunity, would she of made the same choices?

The Dream Daughter is Chamberlain’s best yet. Just when I think I can’t love her writing more, she comes at me with this. The story draws you in from the very first chapter with the introduction of Hunter, an integral character in Carly’s story.

I was honestly a little surprised at the science fiction element that had a strong part in the story and upon the first introduction, wasn’t sure how it would go. But Chamberlain wove it in like the pro that she is. The book never took on a science fiction feel, even though the obvious element had everything to do with the heart stopping suspense of the novel.

There is so much love, loss, and strength in this story. What would we do to save our children? Would our choices be in their best interest, even if it breaks us? How in the hell do we possibly have the strength to make those choices? A mother’s love is a tremendous thing.

This is in my top books of the year. It kept hold of me, the characters and dialogue are incredibly genuine, and the story was so impressively thought out. I highly, highly recommend this to you. It is simply unforgettable.

I received an advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own. (Out October 2)

Loved getting an advance copy of this book. I love her books. It was different than her typical book but I loved it. It made me believe in time travel - lol. She did a great job of tying each time period together and it was such fun to reminisce about those periods of time. I suspect this will be a home run for her much like her other books!!

I haven’t read a ton of Diane Chamberlain — after all, this is her 26th book and only the fourth that I’ve read — but I would consider myself a fan. I was so happy to get an email from St. Martin’s Press offering me an ARC of this book. St. Martin’s really is the best.

The premise was so interesting and definitely a big change from the kind of books I usually associate with Diane Chamberlain. Time travel books can be pretty hit or miss for me, and I was a little concerned that I wouldn’t be able to suspend my disbelief at that aspect of the story, but it ended up working out pretty well. I can’t really tell you whether the method of time travel is at all realistic, but it seems to make sense within the context of the book.

Overall, I enjoyed this book, but it’s not my favorite of Chamberlain’s. It raised interesting questions of how far you’d go to save your child and what you’d do to ensure your child’s happiness. I struggled a little bit with the pacing and I didn’t always connect with the characters, but it was a good story.

If you enjoy books like The Time Traveler’s Wife, I would absolutely recommend it.