Audrey Carlan is the Queen of writing Deeply emotional sisterhood bond with second chance romance. To Catch a Dream is A heartwarming, wry and deeply emotional story which will melt your heart and you will love it.

Highly Recommend it to all readers.

There were elements of this book that I really enjoyed, but overall, while I liked the book, it was all a bit surface for me and didn’t dig in really deep to anything that happened… and there was a lot that happened.

The story is told first person from Evie’s POV, but while we learned more about Evie’s motivations than anyone else’s, I feel like so much was held back. I completely understood her resistance to getting close to anyone, because eventually everyone leaves. I understood her desire to take things slow with Milo. I understood her complicated feelings about her sister and anger at her mother. Those all made sense. But then she almost instantly decides that Milo is forever. And she doesn’t harbor the same anger at her father, who was also never home, as she does at her mother. But there is nothing that explains her change of heart or why she felt it was different for her father to never be there, but not her mother aside from his job in the military. That job was still a choice.

Every time the story gets to a point where it would be appropriate to go deep, it just grazes the surface and keeps going. Even the deeply hidden family secret gets no deep introspection. And the letters from her mother, while mentioned once or twice, really don’t play a major part and they could have, to explain the past or hint at motivations.

I wanted more of almost everything in this book. Both Evie and Milo grew up on a reservation and they return frequently in the book, but only small glimpses are given to their lives there and the traditions of their tribes. There is so much rich history there, but it is not shared in the story.

On the other hand, there are some very descriptive sex scenes that are not necessary to the story. Don’t get me wrong, I have no problem with on the page sex, and love a descriptive sex scene when it moves the story along. But there were a couple of scenes that were really just sex and didn’t advance either the relationship between Milo and Evie, or the plot of the story.

This isn’t a bad book, and it was enjoyable in many ways, I just wanted more.

Disclaimer: I received an eARC of this book through Net Galley on behalf of the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is a Women's Fiction/Romance, and this is the second book in the Wish series. This book as a lot of Native American's in it. I have to say I felt this book was just ok. I really did not like how some of the characters talk to each other because it just did not feel real. The storyline was good, and I loved the ending. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Harlequin) or author (Audrey Carlan) via NetGalley, so I can give honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.

i really enjoyed reading this romance novel, the characters were great and I really enjoyed going through the romance novel. It was a beautifully done book.

This book was everything! I could not put down. Audrey Carlan had me captivated with her story telling from the beginning of the book until the very end.

Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin- Romance for an egalley in exchange for an honest review.

The second book in the Wish series, this was my first Audrey Carlan read and I enjoyed it much more than I had anticipated. I found myself drawn into Evie's story of feeling out of place on her family's reservation and constantly living with the feeling of being abandoned by all those she loves. In walks a childhood crush, Milo, a Native American, who often came to the blond-haired, blue-eyed Evie's rescue when she was younger. Their relationship was one that I enjoyed and I didn't feel as cynical about this fictional romance. I appreciated that it wasn't too gushy-gushy and there was a good meaty story with Evie dealing with unresolved conflict with her sister and also with her identity. It felt real enough to keep me interested and I may be interested in continuing the series.





Publication Date 09/03/21
Goodreads review 02/06/21


#ToCatchaDream #NetGalley

I am a big fan of this author’s Calendar Girl series, so I was interested to see how she branched out into a story like this. I wasn’t disappointed.
While parts of it read like a run-of-the-mill romance, there were enough unique aspects to make it a more interesting read.
I particularly liked the focus on Native American traditions, language, and perspectives. I have virtually no experience with any of that, so I have to assume the author did her research and that it was all accurate.
I’ve always liked learning about new things, especially when it comes to belief systems. For this reason, I found the sections with Tahsuda to be especially informative and enlightening. I also liked the nicknames and language usage.
I kind of wish the author had expanded on the racism that Evie experienced on the Reservation. I think that was an important point both in the story and in the current climate in real life that could have been emphasized and explored.
Then again, it’s a romance, so maybe it wasn’t the place.
I understood Evie’s perspective on falling for Milo, but I thought her reasoning wasn’t supported as well as it could have been. It was sort of like her reasons made sense but didn’t fully develop into actions.
Likewise, there were a few plot threads that seemed to disappear. Maybe I just missed it, but I was never quite clear on what business deal Milo wanted with Evie. I mean, it was mentioned, but once one domino fell, that seemed to go by the wayside.
In fact, the entire job purpose seemed murky to me.
The twist at the end was something but I wish that, too, had been a little bit more hinted at along the way. As it was, it seemed like it just came out of the blue in the last 20% of the book – almost like the author decided the story needed a little kick and just threw it in.
I will say that Milo is by far one of the hottest heroes I’ve read in a while. Romance novels tend to exaggerate size in general, but I could picture him as Evie saw him.
This was a quick, enjoyable story, and I would recommend it.

This was simply beautiful. It started with love between two sisters, went into intense romance in mid-section, followed by heart-choking emotions at the end.

My first book by author Audrey Carlan, I loved the depth with which the author wrote this story. Evie Ross and Suda Kaye were sisters but with a complicated past. They had the same mother but different fathers. When their mother passed away, they received letters on their birthday that showed how much she loved them.

The book weaved in and out of the sisters’ lives. This was Evie’s story when the love of her life Milo actively wooed her. As relationships went, theirs too had ebbs and flows. But when Evie’s father died, the book became the emotional story that the blurb promised it to be.

The last section which showed me the love the parents had for all their daughters had me trying to swallow the tennis ball in my throat. It was so beautifully written. Each word pierced my heart. It was amazing how some authors could show multitude of feelings in a single word. Sheer talent, I must say.

I rarely read romance, but this book touched my heart on all fronts. Evie’s feelings were the same I had felt all my life. The culture of the Native Americans was so well depicted that I could almost feel the richness in the desert air. Beautiful!! Well worth my tears.

Such an emotional and gripping read! These are the types of books I am loving lately. Would love to see this one make it to the screen!

Omg this was so good. Not sure what I expected but I went in blind to and I'm so glad I did.
Thanks for this Arc. Can't wait to read more form this author.

Very good book! This is the second in the series but I believe that reading it as a stand alone would be fine as well. I really enjoyed this story. I thought it was a well written story with lots of twists and turns to get it interesting.

This was a very sweat and heartwarming love story on so many levels. There was the Central Story of Evie and Milo who seem to have been destined from childhood although they haven't been in each other's orbits for a decade. But the emotional story between the two sisters Evie and Suda Kaye.

The sisters are so different from one another and yet they are a perfect pair. Once they open up to one another they are finally able to see where they fit and how they both secretly felt like they didn't quite measure up. The bond between the sisters as they navigated grief and love was extremely touching and felt so true.

The romance between Evie and Milo felt a bit sudden at first but as I read the story and got to know the characters and their history it all fell into place perfectly and became a sweep you off your feet steamy story of destined love. I really enjoyed the happily ever after and look forward to the 3rd book in the series.

I think it's important to note that the author does not identify as Native American however in her acknowledgements she details her research and the personal resources she used to create this series. I'm interested to see how any #ownvoices reviewers feel about the series.

An emotional, uplifting and heart-wrenching tale about healing, love, loss and loyalty, Audrey Carlan’s To Catch a Dream intelligently and sensitively examines the ties that bind, the mistakes we make and the lengths we go to for the ones we love guaranteed to bring a tear to your eye.

Growing up, Evie Ross had always yearned for the one thing her adventure-seeking free-spirited parents could never give her: stability. Having experienced first hand just how all-consuming wanderlust could be, Evie has worked hard and made sacrifice after sacrifice in order to have a quiet and sedate life unencumbered by excitement and adventure. Evie thought that by being a polar opposite to her parents, she could finally find the happiness which she has long been denied to her, but her resolve to never surrender to any desire to be unshackled from duty and responsibility has caused her to miss out on the very best that life could offer.

When their mother had passed away, a stack of letters had been left to Evie and her sister to be opened every year on their birthday. These letters were their mother’s way of guiding and inspiring them as they navigate the trials and tribulations of everyday life. Evie has worked so hard to be something other than what her parents wanted her to be, however, a shocking discovery ends up transforming her life once again and makes her wonder just how well she really knew her mother.

As more letters from her mother are discovered in a safety deposit box, hidden secrets from her mother’s life come to shocking and startling life which may heal old wounds, vanquish past demons and right old wrongs – but only if Evie has the strength and courage to let go of the past.

Audrey Carlan’s To Catch a Dream is a lyrical, hypnotic and captivating read written with flair, compassion and heart. Audrey Carlan writes beautifully about the complexities of family relationships and the way those we love shape and mold us and influence the choices we make that will not only keep readers mesmerized, but also have them recommending this book to all of their friends and family.

I thought Evie was such a great character. She was a flawed, believable and real heroine I was reluctant to say goodbye to when I reached the end of the book.

Audrey Carlan’s To Catch a Dream was the first book of hers I read, but it shall certainly not be my last.

A fast-paced story about two sisters who are both half Native American. It includes many details about life on the reservation, since that is where they were raised by their Comanche grandfather Toko. Evie and Suda Kaye have absentee parents, so they lean heavily on each other and have developed a strong relationship. I enjoyed the story, the romance, the description of the bluff and the sunsets and the Native funeral rites. I did not, however, like the steamy details of the sex scenes. That detracted from the story for me because I was uncomfortable trying to read these scenes. I honestly admit that after the first one (there were several), I just skimmed or skipped to the next part and did not feel like I missed a lot. I did like, though, the inclusion of Native American language throughout the dialog in the book. That added to the realism and setting, too. I enjoyed the characterization of the major and minor characters and the realistic deference shown to Toko by other members of the tribe, including Milo’s parents. I think my favorite part was how Milo and Evie first met and the fact that their love continued for years. I give this book a 3.5 star rating because it was entertaining and educational about Native American lifestyles.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

Thank you to Net Galley for giving me a copy of this book to read. It is a story of a family which consists of a mother who is adventurous and doesn’t stay home and eventually dies leaving letters to the two sisters about life and growing up. One girl, is like her mom and finds a need to be adventurous and travels. The other daughter Evie, is more order oriented and must have plans, not take chances. The dad is military and is not home much.

Both daughters learn to love, each other and their grandpa who is Indian. As in Camanche, He essentially brings them up. They both are looking for an engrossing family with total love and marriage and children.
The story is about despite the differences in folks, if you keep searching for what you strive for in love and life you just might get it.

For me it was an easy read a nice love story with twists and turns but ends up happy. It is not my favorite type of story. But, those who like love stories with happy endings by all means this is your book.

It took me a long time to try and write this review... I am not good with 'the words' so theres no way I can fully express how this story touched me.
I think that most people will read this story and recognize themselves in certain aspects of Evie. For me, I'm the oldest, the one afraid to take a chance, afraid to fail. Thankful I outgrew those traits and we watch our Evie do this as well.
As you read you watch Evie overcome her own insecurities, fall for the real Milo, not just the boy she used to know him as. She discovers that the person to give her the things that she has always wanted is right in front of her and that both of their journeys have led them back to each other.
In my opinion this story glows from the inside out - it radiates feeling, love and understanding... healing.

A favorite passage of mine:
“I would like you to spend a little time focusing on the good your mother brought to your life. The woman is no longer here for you to punish. All you’re doing, Evie, is punishing yourself, over and over, by being angry with her. It’s time to work on letting go of that anger. It’s not helping you. In fact, I believe it’s hindering your progress at trusting the other people in your life.”

--instead of the words Punish and Anger, replace them with the words that fit for YOUR situation... we all have things that we could let go of, things that are weighing us down. If you will let the lessons in this story sink in, you too could have the healing you need.
ALL THE STARS!

For her entire life, Evie Ross has felt alone. Her mother was a wanderer, leaving her and her sister Suda Kaye with their grandfather, Toko, on the reservation. Her father was in the military and didn't spend too much time at home when he was off of deployment. Her sister was much like their mother and had just decided to settle down after 10 years of wandering around herself after the death of their mother. Now all Evie has left are a stack of letters from her mother and her thoughts of always being left behind. When her childhood crush makes a declaration that he wants to be hers, it makes Evie even more confused about the state of her life right now. Will she be able to put the past behind her and make room in her lonely life for Milo or will she continue to be alone.

Thanks to Harlequin and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

I wasn't expecting this to be a mostly romance story when I started reading it, so I wasn't prepared for that being the main focus of the story. I was disappointed that the parts I was looking forward to, mother/daughter relationships, were not prevalent, instead, it was quite repetitive. Overall I enjoyed the story and may have given it more stars if I knew it was romanced centered. The description talks about a secret the mother had been hiding, but that isn’t even mentioned until the last part of the book.

I went back and forth on this review. I’ve actually deleted everything I’ve written a couple of times already because there was so much to unpack in this book. It’s more than just a romance. It’s about family, it’s about sisterhood, it’s about loss. Yes, like I said, a lot to unpack in one book. It also teaches us that one little change can open our eyes to the world around us and how our perspective shapes our memories and how we continue to see things moving forward.
I loved Evie as a character. I really connected with her, as we’re meant to. Her mother left her frequently while she was growing up, and her father was a high-ranking military official who was gone all the time. She did have her younger sister Suda Kaye, and her grandfather Tahsuda, but at first chance, Suda Kaye leaves her for 10 years, leaving Evie with just Tahsuda for family in the area (their mom had passed away). Suda Kaye does eventually come back, and it takes the death of Evie’s father for the two sisters to really reconnect. They’d had a surface connection, but Evie still held a lot of resentment that she hadn’t let go of.
Now, I’m not really happy with Milo, her love. Yes, Milo was her savior as a child, he protected her from bullies, and she’d developed a crush on him when she was growing up, but now they’re both adults. I don’t like the way he demanded things from her. He was talking marriage, family, and children within a few days. He was wanting her to move in with him almost immediately. They didn’t know each other at all and here she is, moving into his home because of feelings she had for him over 12 years ago?
This is the second book in a series, and I didn’t know that when I requested this book from Netgalley. I do not think that I was missing anything by not reading the first book, but this book’s ending does set up the third book.
**I received an ARC from Netgalley and this is my honest and voluntary review

To Catch a Dream is the second book in the Wish series. It involves two sisters who have been left letters by their mother before she died. The letters have set them each on a different path in life. I did read the first book and enjoyed it, so I was looking forward to this one. I didn't like it was much as the first book, unfortunately.

My biggest issue with this book was Milo. He just rubbed me the wrong way. There is a difference between being an alpha male and a jerk. Milo was a jerk and a bit too forceful when it came to what he wanted from Evie. I didn't feel like he listened to her and took advantage of her life long crush. SOme of the overall dialogue was awkward and didn't flow well.

I did like Evie's relationship with her grandfather and her sister. They were more interesting to me than Milo. I liked how Suda Kay helped push Evie out of her shell. Her enthusiasm and energy is hard to ignore. Even though I didn't love it, I would still recommend the book.

Evie Ross is a mess. She basically took care of her little sister all her life as her father was in the military and constantly deployed, and her mother was a wandering spirit that often left her children with her father while she was gone for long periods of time. When she returns home, Evie is 15 and her mom has stage four cancer. She takes Evie and Suda Kaye to Pueblo, Colorado where they live for four years until she dies. Evie struggled after her mother passed away and her sister moved away and took on the vagabond life their mother did. In Evie's mind she is not good enough for anyone she loves to stay. When Suda Kaye convinces Evie to fill in for a belly dancing performance, she was actually trying to set her up with Milo, her crush since she was only eight year old. Milo, had decided it is time to claim Evie as his own. She tries as much as she can to steer clear, but those feelings are still there. Will they be able to deal with the issues between them to have a relationship?

There were so many things I loved about this book, but the couple niggles I had caused me to rate this one a bit lower. First, I really wish I had read the first book in this series, I think I missed a lot of back story that would have made a few things clearer. Evie has so many negative emotions and feelings about herself. She is extremely insecure and Milo wants her to understand that she is perfect just the way she is. She is half Native American and half blonde, blue-eyed European American. She refers to having a foot in two worlds and not belonging in either. Milo is full-blooded Navajo and his mother is not happy with a relationship with a woman who reminds her of his first wife who treated him badly. Milo doesn’t back down and also sticks up for Evie. In business Evie is smart and savvy which I did like, as she was a well-respected and smart business owner. Milo was a swoon-worthy hero, but better suited to Victorian times. That is the one thing I didn't like about this book. He was a bit like a caveman when it came to his relationship with Evie and that rubbed me the wrong way. I love Toko, Evie's grandfather who did not leave the reservation. He is her rock and anchor, the one she turns to when she needs some grounding. As the story progresses, there are a lot of things that had me tearing up, but you will have to read this book yourself to what they are. The final plot twist was unexpected, but sets up the final book in this trilogy. I learned a few things about Native American life and culture, which seemed to be well-researched. Overall, an enjoyable story, that I recommend to those who enjoy contemporary romance. I will warn you, there are a few rather descriptive sexual encounters, so be prepared.