Darcy and Jason seemed to be destine to be together until they weren't due to one picture, then in a whirlwind Darcy is married to the town Judge while Jason wants to make things right between them. We start the book after Judge George Harper has passed away and see things unfold when Darcy is left in the awkward position of being interim Judge, having Georges two sons out for blood after being left nothing along with George's long term partner who he left and married Darcy a town that thinks she isn't worthy of anything, one sweet wee dog Stogey that has some minor issues with flatulence and her ex wanting to reconnect. I liked how it also took me a little time to warm up to Darcy but as we got to see everything she had been through as a child and what George had done for her you understand her so much better and rooting for her be the best judge and get the guy. There is loads of laughter, a few tearful times, determination, twists and surprises and a love that could be amazing again if only given the chance and that's what makes this a fantastic read!

After the passing of her husband, Darcy Jones Harper feels so alone. The people of Sunshine look down on her because of her family's reputation. Her marriage to the elderly Judge Harper hadn't helped either. Things get even worse when she's appointed to her late husband's judgeship. My heart broke for Darcy. She's a really good person but her insecurities run deep. Her true love, Jason, wants to win her back. She left him after she saw him in a passionately embrace. Will he be successful? I hoped so. They are perfect together but I wasn't sure. Everything seems to be such a mess. Melinda Curtis had me worried. I was really concerned about Darcy, but I shouldn't have been. The Widow's Club had a plan and Jason won't give up on Darcy and their HEA. I became emotionally invested in this story. I cared for these characters. The plot is complex and had unexpected surprises. I couldn't stop reading until I found out what happened. Jason's agent, Ken, was a smart and savvy man who added charm and humor to the story. He better watch his back. He might find his forever love. You never know what's going to happen in Sunshine.
I received a copy of this book which I voluntarily read and reviewed. My comments are my honest opinion.

Melinda Curtis is a new author for me but I am looking forward to reading more by her. This was a clean, inspirational romance about second chances. A second chance at romance and a second chance at life. Darcy is a previous con artist guilty of crimes from petty theft to cattle-rustling. She didn't set out to be that way - it was the family business. Jason is a world-class bull rider with a wild streak. Darcy and Jason met while in juvenile detention and were a long term item until Darcy saw Jason kiss another woman. So she up and married Judge Harper - a much older rich man who needed a companion. Judge Harper saw potential in Darcy and helped her pass the bar exam. Upon his death he requested she take his seat as acting judge. Darcy's guilt would not allow her to believe she deserved the position. Jason has learned the error of his ways, wants Darcy back and with the help of the Widow's Club puts his plan into action to win her back. Throw in Jason's not too bright partner Iggy and the adorable "tooting" bulldog, Stogey and you have a most enjoyable story.
Thank you to NetGalley and Forever Publishing for this advanced review copy. In return, I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

thank you netgalley for making sure i got to read this book early! it was so fun and sweet and i really love that!! i'm glad these characters exist.

I received a copy of this novel as an ARC from NetGalley. This is the third book in the sunshine series. The second chance, small town romance between Darcy and Jason is charming and the humor sprinkled throughout makes it a light, enjoyable read.

The widows club strikes again. Curtis’s matchmakers keep you laughing throughout. I really enjoyed seeing Darcy come into her own, even as she falls.

Darcy Jones and Jason Petrie met when they were troubled teenagers, fell in love, and turned their lives around. Their love seemed set in stone until Darcy saw Jason kiss a woman after winning at bull riding, a kiss that seemed more ardent than advertising. At least to Darcy so she broke them up and then married Judge Harper, who had been her mentor for years. But now the Judge is dead and Darcy’s suddenly the town judge and has a reputation to uphold, one that being with Jason could only ruin.

I had not read a Melinda Curtis book until the Sunshine Valley series, but now I’m going to be a faithful reader and if that had ever been in doubt, Dream a Little Dream cemented it. In this series, Curtis has created a wonderful cast of multi-layered characters, all different in their own ways, and some delightfully eccentric. She even tackles multi-generation point-of-views, which is rarely done in romance novels. My only criticism regarding her characterization of some of her 60-plus-year old characters is that they seem older than the 60-plus-year olds I know in real life. Truly, 60 is the new 50.

The pairing of Darcy and Jason is romantic, sweet, and lovely. Jason turned out to be my favorite character in the novel, which I didn’t expect on the way in. He seems to always be thinking of Darcy, and one presumes that this has always been the case. He remembers her favorite thinks, her habits, and the date of her mother’s birthday and what that will mean to her. His character was one element that made this novel work so exceptionally well for me. Jason is a Prince Charming in a Stetson and Fryes.

I also liked the way the romance unfolded. There wasn’t the angsty, push-and-pull stuff that I no longer find romantic. Darcy and Jason felt like a mature (mostly, Jason took awhile to get that title despite being a Prince Charming) couple, acknowledging how they felt, and, on Darcy’s part, why it probably wouldn’t/couldn’t work.

Dream a Little Dream is warm-hearted, funny, and great escapism. And, it’s due to Melinda Curtis’ ability to create characters that her readers care about that makes this novel so very good. I’m hoping that we’ll go back to Sunshine Valley for another installment.

While the Sunshine Valley series is a series with recurring characters, Dream a Little Dream could be read as a standalone although I believe you’d enjoy bingeing on the entire series just to keep up with the antics of the Widows Clubs and Darcy and her friends.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This romantic comedy was such a fun read! From the little dog that constantly toots (even in a crowded courtroom), to the voice of Darcy's dead husband putting in his two cents worth, the chuckles in this book just never ended.
What is a judge supposed to do when she discovers that she might be a bigamist? That's only one of Darcy's problems. She inherited a judgeship from her husband (the second and dead one!) that she never wanted. She also inherited the love of his life and a tangled mess with his two sons who want the judgeship and as lawyers are determined to give her fits. And by the way--the first husband, Jason the hunky bull rider, wants her back. Could her life be any more of a mess?
Definitely a lighter read in this mess of a time.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.

Dream a Little Dream is the third title in the Sunshine Valley series and brings us the story of Darcy and Jason who we’ve been introduced to previously as they made an appearance in A Very Merry Match. If you haven’t read the entire series, don’t let that hold you back from an emotional second chance for two childhood sweethearts who made choices that changed the course of their lives for years.

Darcy is the new, temporarily appointed judge for her small town after her husband’s death who was the previous judge and had set in motion the handing down of the position to his widow. To say that his decision was not well received by several of the townsfolk would be an understatement. Darcy had married George, who was older than she was and had been a mentor to her as she set out to get a life far different than her family’s. They each had their reasons, there was affection between them but not the burning love she’d had for the town bad boy and a future bull rider, Jason. No, Jason lost Darcy when she saw him kiss another woman after a rodeo win – even though it wasn’t a romantic kiss. Darcy believed otherwise and broke off their relationship and built her life in the law, as a lawyer, and eventually as George’s wife.

Now she’s sitting on the bench as judge and Jason is back in town after an injury, re-evaluating what he wants his life to be now. And what he wants most is Darcy back in his life, at his side. Yet, the reality is that both Jason and Darcy still have some growing up to do, some letting go of the past, and seeing each other with new eyes as the different people they are now. But all that is nothing the town’s Widow Club matchmakers cannot handle as they set out to get this couple back together and on their way to happiness. It’s not going to be an easy journey, there are potholes along this road for both Darcy and Jason to face and overcome before their happy ever after has a chance of becoming a reality. Yet, when the love is, and always has been, real and the timing finally is right – love wins every time.

I enjoyed Dream a Little Dream very much. I love a small-town romance, it’s where I grew up so I’m comfortable with the unique situations that living in a small town where everyone knows your business, even if they get the details wrong, is like. So returning to Sunshine Valley is always a trip back home for me in many ways. The writing, as usual, is smooth, the plot detailed, and the romance definitely closed doors. We’ll find another romance brewing in the background, one that I smiled and chuckled at when they were on-page. Jason really has to work to get Darcy to give him a second chance, as she’s deep in impostor syndrome feelings with her appointment to the judge’s position, as well as knowing her family’s reputation in town isn’t anything to be proud of. Add in some tensions from some people in town who believe she shouldn’t be the judge and you’ll find that Darcy is dealing with a lot of plates juggled in her hands. Watching how both Jason and Darcy grew through their story, the re-kindling of a love that never really died, and the hope forming for their future was a delightful, emotional journey. Now, it’s time to wait for the next visit to Sunshine Valley (and I really hope there is another visit soon).

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher, Forever via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

Using a perfectly balanced blend of humor and emotion, Melinda Curtis has created another sweet, witty, and heart-tugging journey to love that had me eagerly turning pages from beginning to end. I love this quirky community of characters that Curtis has created with a wacky band of matchmaking widows at its core. You just never know which couple will land in their sights next.

Second-chance romances are one of my favorite tropes and Jason's and Darcy's romance came with some unexpected twists that I did not expect but that gave their story, and their characters, extra depth. I appreciated Darcy's complexity and her struggle with self-acceptance and forgiveness. I enjoyed her relationship with the gassy, digestive-challenged dog she inherited and the role he played in her journey. I flat-out loved that dog. Jason was no less complex as he struggled with his own life decisions while doing his level best to win Darcy back. I loved how supportive he was, how he accepted responsibility for his part in what led to their parting ways, and how determined he was to do right by the woman he loved the second time around.

As is typically the case in Sunshine Valley, the main couple aren't the only characters in the spotlight in this book. There's an unlikely mature couple in the making, peeks into relationships that were center stage in the first two books, dysfunctional family dynamics to sort through, stages of grief to navigate for Darcy's late (much older) husband's girlfriend (trust me, it will all make sense), and (frequently unwanted) advice from Judge George Harper (the late husband) who seems to be living in both Darcy's and Jason's minds. Apparently, the Judge, who guided them both through their teens, doesn't see any need to stop imparting wisdom simply because he's beyond the veil.

Once again, a trip to Sunshine Valley had me laughing out loud, sniffling a bit, smiling a lot, and eager for future visits. There are many more intriguing characters ripe and ready for matchmaking and I am here for them all.

4.5 stars

*ARC received for fair and unbiased review

Darcy Jones Harper is a widow, who had married her elderly mentor as his dying wish. She has two grown step sons who despise her and now she has just found out her late husband has recommended her to take his place as the judge of Sunshine Valley. She feels unprepared to accept the position and manage the massive estate her husband left her. When she sees Jason Petrie, her ex-boyfriend in town, she wonders if things could get any worse. The matchmaking Widow’s club though is right in the thick of things to help Jason wins Darcy’s heart.

This is such a sweet story by Melinda Curtis. It was so nice to return to Sunshine Valley to see what the Widow’s club was up to this time. All of the main and supporting characters were so well written, I was drawn right into the story from page one. If you have not had the chance to read this series, you want to put it on your list, you will love it. I would like to thank the author Melinda Curtis, Forever (Grand Central) Publishing and NetGalley for an advanced copy of the book to review. I absolutely loved the book. The opinions expressed for this review are unbiased and entirely my own.

We are back in Sunshine Valley and the Matchmaking Widows have their sights on Darcy and Jason. Of course the path to love isn't smooth though! For one thing, Darcy's life is a mess! She's just been appointed judge on the recommendation of her dead husband (the former judge who she only married because he was her mentor and he was near death) but no one respects her, especially her stepsons, and she's completely shocked at this appointment! Not only that, she has a ton of other things going on, including a needy dog! Jason only wants Darcy - it's been that way since their youth - so he's totally on board with the Widows! Bringing Darcy around to his way of thinking will be a challenge but he's not a champion bull rider for nothing - he's going to do this! Come meet the crazy characters in Sunshine Valley. You never know what's going to happen!

I really liked this book, honestly I have really enjoyed this series its been so fun. I really hope this is not the end of the Matchmakers they always seem to be up to no good which will guarantee you laughing alone the way. I feel like this was such a romantic comedy and I wasn't sure if I was laughing or crying. I loved Darcy even though she faced so much she was a true fighter and ready to be this strong independent women with out her families past hanging over her head. Jason was an outsider looking in but was not willing to stand on the sidelines no matter what. I finished this book in one setting and it was so worth the read.

A wonderful and sweet second chance romance in Sunshine Valley.

Darcy is hoping her new position as town judge will help the town see past their judgement of her and the reputation she and her family have. Jason, the boy who broke her heart, has returned to town from his career as a bull rider. He's determined to win Darcy back.

I really liked Darcy and Jason and their development individually and as a couple learning about each other at this point in their lives. The secondary characters and storylines also added to the charm of this small town romance.

It’s interesting how things work out in our lives. Darcy has certainly had an unusual life and has had to deal with situations and circumstances that I hope you have not. It certainly makes for a good story though. What a group of interesting characters who live and visit in Sunshine. Some of the most outstanding folks are in The Widows Club. You just know they are going to be in the thick of things. Come join this lively bunch as they learn about themselves and see just what they are made of. As if all these folks weren’t enough, you can count on George and Stogey keeping you entertained. I can’t wait to go back to Sunshine again. I received this book from NetGalley, but my opinion is my own.

Second Chance for Childhood Sweethearts
Darcy Jones is devastated when her bull riding long term boyfriend kisses another woman on prime time television and promptly marries her mentor, a man old enough to be her grandfather. After his death a year later, she unexpectedly finds herself made interim judge of the town and facing a hostile crowd of townspeople, more experienced lawyers and court officials. The last thing she needs is her ex telling her she might have unknowingly committed a crime and her con artist mother showering her with approval.
This small town romance is a lot of fun, with lots of interesting characters and muddles that need to be straightened. Whilst one in a series it can be read as a standalone.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

If you are a fan of small-town, second chance romance, this book is for you. Jason and Darcy have known each other since childhood and have been together nearly as long. That all changed when Darcy sees Jason, a bull-riding champion, kissing another girl on TV and decides to break it off with him and marry her long-time mentor, Judge George Harper. Little does she know that when Judge Harper passes away he names Darcy as his successor in all things. Darcy, who had grown up as a town outcast due to her parents, finds herself not only as the sole heir to Harper's home, fortune, dog, and judgeship but also quickly learns that Jason still loves her deeply and wants her back.

This is the third book in the Sunshine Valley series but can be read as a standalone. It is full of quirky and lovable characters that are fun to catch up with in each book. I liked that despite Darcy and Jason having somewhat troubled pasts they each overcome that in their own ways. They are well paired in supporting one another. I also found it unique that this book follows a couple already really in love from the beginning and explores the idea of whether being in love is enough or if there is more that must be overcome. The women of the widows matchmaking club bring that extra laughter to the book and Stogey, the dog, is a cute ball of a mess and yet such a great addition.

I've enjoyed reading Sunshine Valley. It's a little escape from the real world and I like the small town feel where all the characters know, and look out for, one another. I look forward to more books from this author in the future.

I've been really enjoying the #SunshineValley series by Melinda Curtis. She's done a great job of writing her town and the people who live there. You want to know more about them. Plus let's admit it the cover really draws you in.

I really liked Darcy in the prior books and couldn't wait for her story. The shocking part is that I had trouble getting into it. I'm not even sure why. It wasn't for long maybe a chapter but enough that I kept putting it down.

Really pissed me off since I was looking forward to reading it.

The good news is that after having a bit of a challenge getting throw that chapter it was smooth sailing from there. Thankfully! Once I was able to get into the story I couldn't put it down. I really enjoyed how Darcy handled her life and what came of it after her husband's death. She had some going against her before that I'm not even sure how she kept going in this town.

I spent a lot of time being pissed off at people for her. So many treated her badly and really shouldn't have. She's a very sweet, good, caring person. I really like her. Now Jason is a different story. I didn't really have a problem with him per se, it was just I felt he needed to grow up some. I understood why he did what he did. I just don't think he got it.

Jason wants the best for Darcy and feels that he's working hard to give her that but I have to wonder if it's really for him. He wants to give her everything and is working hard to make the money to do so but the only thing she wants and doesn't have is him.

With time they both working it out with a little help from George. I love how much George helped them. And shouldn't he have. He wasn't really fair to Darcy either. Those who are reading this series will really enjoy Dream a Little Dream very much. I kinda think that Iggy is who put me off a bit in the beginning. I'm not sure how I feel about him.

Cosy, uplifting, and sentimental!

Dream a Little Dream sweeps you away to the small town of Sunshine Valley and into the life of Darcy Jones Harper, a young woman struggling to overcome her family’s reputation as well as her own feelings of inadequacy and worthlessness, and Jason Petrie, a professional bull rider who seems to finally be ready to move on and focus on a future that includes settling down and having a family of his own.

The writing is light and sweet. The characters are kind, supportive and endearing. And the plot is an optimistic, humorous tale about life, love, loss, family, friendship, self-reflection, forgiveness, contentment, community, romance, and finding one’s true self.

Overall, Dream a Little Dream is a cute, heartwarming, funny tale with dabs of heartfelt moments that I really enjoyed. It’s the perfect addition to the Sunshine Valley series, and I can’t wait to read more.

This is the type of book I typically enjoy, but I just couldn't get into this one. It really drug for me and I wasn't feeling the connection with any of the relationships. There were some laughs, but not enough to salvage this one for me.