The dream-Whitney Dineen

Loved this easy to read book which I read in one sitting on a rainy afternoon. Although it was a typical romance book the characters weren’t too complex and you ultimately knew what the outcome was going to be. As I read more of the book I realised it must be part of a series of books although this does not detract from this book as it can be read as a stand alone although read as part of the series I think it would be just great. Many thanks to both netgalley and the author for allowing me to read this book.

What a fun and entertaining book!

Ashley Monroe grew up in the wrong part of town, always dreaming that popular Davis would notice her. Many years later their paths cross when she is a caregiver for his grandmother.

This was a very enjoyable read. When I had to put it down (the kids were hungry, I had no choice!) I couldn't wait until I could pick it back up and dive back into Ashley's world. I finished it in a day. I do wish that the book wouldn't have ended right when they had finally worked through their issues and were going to be together. I wish I, as the reader, could have gone on that journey with them instead of hearing about it in a diary entry epilogue.

One note about the diary entries. I liked getting that look at her past, but I didn't like that one scene in the book were broken into so many chapters with diary entries. It made it feel chopped up.

I didn't know that this was part of a series when I started reading it and I am eager to read the other books too.

Warning, sailors, spoilers abound!

It's difficult to say how I felt about this book. I enjoyed the premise and it was a good, quick read.
I'll admit the emotion was well weaved in this story and, despite not having read any of the previous books in this series, I even shed a few tears.
I loved the characters but the thing that stopped me loving the book as a whole was Buck.
Don't get me wrong, I loved Buck. But for Ashley to say in one chapter that she didn't have a "Duckie" to her "Andie", it seemed completely bizarre when Buck showed up to be exactly that.
Then came 6 or 7 chapters of her trying to decide if she was more into Buck or Davis (also, how come Americans have last names as first names, it's weird!?) when Buck had seemingly appeared from nowhere. It almost appeared as if the author wrote Buck in as her prom date and then thought "Aha, I can turn this into a love triangle". I loved the relationship between Buck and Ashley and probably would have loved them as end game if it hadn't all been so out of the blue.
That said, I really enjoyed this and the characters were all well written. I especially loved Gran and the relationships they all had with her (in my head she looks like Maw Maw from Raising Hope").
I think I would have enjoyed this book more of everyone had been kept in their lane and we were just allowed to see a real boy-girl best friend relationship without romantic feelings getting in the way.
3.5 stars.

“...the mood is quickly evaporating to the point I’m not sure we could rekindle it with a dry forest and a blow torch.”

‘The Dream’ contained humor even in the most serious of situations. All of Ashley’s diary entries felt as though she was speaking right to the reader. The entire book felt so relatable which is why it would appeal to a massive audience. The second half of the book picked up pace.The characters seemed like people one would encounter on a daily basis. Details on the careers of these characters helped develop the story better. Davis’s family were homely and fun. Buck, Ashley’s best friend is such an enigmatic character. His dramatic antics were enjoyable. Ashley becomes a more well-rounded person by the end of the book and that was satisfying. Background characters and their stories added depth to this book, one particular character and her story, specifically was heart-wrenching.

The reader gets introduced to a love triangle at 50% of the book. That subplot wasn’t thorough because the reader does not know much about Davis. Ashley never openly communicated with him but expected him to comprehend the hints that she passed out. The reveals at the end of the book were typical and predictable. Buck overshadowed Davis throughout the book. Ashley and Davis’s relationship felt incomplete. The ending was rushed, though it will leave the reader thoroughly satisfied.

This book is recommended for readers who are interested in a typical good old rom-com. ARC provided by 33 Partner Publishing and Netgalley. Thank you.

The Dream was a wonderful story. I especially loved how Ashley transitioned from girl to woman. The ending could not have been better.

A beautiful story by all counts!

I have to thank NetGalley for the ARC.

Just loved it and will definitely recommend it. I have read quiet a few books by the author and this one was, so far, my favourite one. The plot, the characters and the storyline was all good and I finished it in almost one sitting.

A second chance at love with a lot of angst, tears and relatable characters... just how I like it!

Although this book is part of a series it stands on its own so you can read it like a standalone.

The Dream is a well written, modest romance. It is book four of The Creek Water Series. I didn't read the first three books and it stands alone without issue. Overall, I liked it. I thought that the diary entries from when the main character, Ashley, was a teen was a nice way to tie the past and present together. I liked the first 70% of the book, but I didn't care for the fact that Ashley's character evolved to be self-sabotaging and emotionally stuck in the past. She created her own drama after that point and I found it off-putting. I recommend this book for Hallmark Channel fans, but if you like an emotionally healthy and strong female protagonist or any sexual tension in your romance books, this may not be the one for you.

My copy was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this book! I think all the 80’s references were super fun and the characters had struggles that seemed real.

The story follows Ashley and her high school crush Davis. Ashley had a rough time in high school and has really made something of herself but still struggles with confidence. One of my favorite characters is Bucky, I loved his dancing skills and quirks.

This story is about overcoming your past and making the best of your future. Dineen does a great job with relatable characters and creating a love story. I will be checking out her other books!

Ashley has loved Davis Frothingham since she was in high school. But being the girl from the wrong side of the tracks, and being relentlessly bullied meant that she never thought she was good enough for him.

Fast forward years later and she is now responsible for the care of his terminally sick grandmother. Her crush has reignited, only Davis doesn’t remember who she is.

With overtures of Pretty in Pink this has got to be my favourite in the series!

Whitney Dineen is amazing! She welcomes readers into Creek Water with her fantastic characters within the first few sentences she pulls you into the world of these lovable characters. Anyone who struggled to fit in during the high school years will relate with Ashley's memories. I enjoyed the unique manner in which these memories are shared throughout this story and how she confronts the nemeses of her past. The sweet 80's rom com movie references are perfectly woven in. Davis and Ashley's story is perfect and I have to say everyone needs a best friend like Ashley's.
I don't know how Dineen can make me laugh out loud one moment and tear up the next, but she does it perfectly. Whenever I pick up one of her stories, I have to read straight through until I finish! This whole series is a must read.

Let me start by saying that I really love this series by Whitney Dineen. These books are great PG/PG-13 stories that I often recommend to other romance readers. This book just wasn't my favorite of the bunch. It's a modern retelling of "Pretty In Pink" and that aspect of it is so fun! I loved the 80's references and music.

I absolutely loved the female lead. Ashley is a great heroine. She is hard-working, a romantic, a caregiver, loving, sweet, feisty, and fun! I adored the scenes in which she cared for elderly patients in a care facility and the moments between her and one particular elderly patient with Alzheimer's had me near tears.

The male best friend/maybe romantic hero in this story is also so absolutely lovable! The scenes with these two together are hilarious. It makes you long for your own fabulous guy friend to help you make it through the horrors of High School.

The other potential romantic hero was harder for me to like. He is a bit wishy-washy for my taste, although he has a sweetness that I really liked. I just wanted him to be a bit more Alpha and less vague about his feelings and in his actions.

There are some great stories of redemption and righting past mistakes in this book. One that I really liked and one that I felt excused a wrong much too lightly. There are certain acts committed that I feel need much more reparation than an "I'm sorry, here's how MY fear made me do that horrible thing I did to you". Maybe I just have a super-awful, unforgiving, black heart (READ: I can't even participate in the Grudge Olympics anymore because I have gone Pro).

If you like a Love Triangle Romance you might like this one!

Trigger Warning: Attempted Sexual Assault
Note: I received a free ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

4.5
I absolutely loved Ashley’s story! I wish it would’ve been a dual point of view but I still enjoyed Ashley and Davis story!

I haven’t read the first 3 books in the series but I want to because I love this charming town and the people in it! I love that there was redemption for all even the bod guy got some time to shine!

Ashely is a sweetheart who believes in hard work and dedication! As she navigates her world to achieve her dreams she finds that the unexpected is always the lost beautiful!

This was an emotional but beautiful read! I loved Ashley’s strength and her beautiful heart! I also loved Davis’s family! I hope Buck gets a book!

Dreamy:
Warning: Once you start reading you won't want to put it down!
I loved this book which makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. It is cute, fun and will have you chuckling along with some of the comments and goings on. However there is also depth to the story and I liked how the author dealt with the complexity surrounding bullying.
It broke my heart reading about Ashley's life growing up and I admired her determination and grit to make a better look life for herself. She has had a crush on Davis since high school but he was in a different league to her. When their lives reconnect all these years later there are decisions that need to be made and old hurts that need to be healed.
I thought the brief diary entries at the beginning of each chapter were a great addition. It was fun being back in Creek Water. There weren't any crazy antics by the folks in town as in previous books; this was more about exploring how we can be affected by what happens during childhood but thankfully people can also change and move beyond this. I loved the line, "We must live in a state of gratitude while the blessings rain down on us and a state of hope during the darker moments."
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

3 stars
The was a second chance Love story with a lot of heartache along the way. This book was on the long side (almost 400 pages!!).

A great read.

Ashley wants nothing more than to buy her own house and move out of the trailer she lives in.

Davis is from the family that seems to be considered local royalty, and Ashley is dragged in to it what she agrees to accompany his Grandmother as her nurse.

Ashley and Davis were at school together. She has never forgotten him, but wants him to have forgotten her and all the bullying and names from school. Do they have a chance at being together now, or is he back with his ex and her high school bully?

This was the first book of the Creek Water series and I could see hints of past stories and characters woven in. It was a sweet story, but the ending wrapped up a little too quickly and easily for me, if that makes sense.

Kindly received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.