Love and the Dream Come True is the third book in the State of Grace series. Personally, I had read book one---though it had certainly been awhile--- and somehow missed book two so there was definitely a bit of story there that I had missed. However, it didn't feel like it. I found that despite knowing that we get more backstory on some of the characters in previous books in the series, I was given enough that I could enjoy this one as a standalone as well.

This book was written in the present tense, which I must admit is one of my very least favorite styles. I find that it can be quite difficult to do it well, and as such I tend to not enjoy them. While at first it might have been a little distracting, it didn't take long for me to become to drawn into the story that I didn't even notice it. I found all the characters to be well written, and despite my initial hesitations, I needed to keep reading on. The leading characters Cameron and Lexie were very well written, imperfect as they were. I enjoyed seeing them come together and growing throughout. Morgan- Lexie's daughter- added just the right amount of sass to the story as well, and really was a great character. I loved that in some ways, she was quite mature for her age... but that we also saw her act like a teenager as well.

As someone who deals with panic attacks often, I thought the depiction of them in this book was handled very well. It's certainly not the most pleasant of experiences to read about, but I think for those who have never dealt with them, it could be eye opening as well.

There was a lot going on in this story, but it was very well written and kept me hanging on right through to the end! If you enjoy a good Christian romance, this series is one to check out!

**I received a complimentary copy for consideration. All thoughts are my own.

Lexie Walters didn’t plan on becoming a single mother at age 19, but she feels blessed beyond measure with parenthood. And after saving for years, she’s scraped together enough money to go into the house-flipping business with her cousin, Mason. She doesn’t expect to run into the object of her teenage affections at her best friend’s wedding, though. Nor does she expect to find him renting a house two doors down from her reno project.

But God seems to work in mysterious ways, and Lexie has learned how to put the past behind her and look forward with confidence. Or has she just learned to avoid processing the difficult parts of her life?

Cameron Lee feels like a failure, despite his success as a musician. When he reluctantly comes home for his sister’s wedding, he runs into a snarky teen who makes him laugh when he feels like falling apart. Even more amazing, the teen’s mom turns out to be his little sister’s best friend. And she’s all grown up now, and Cameron wonders why he never noticed her before.

Lexie and Cameron provide a haven for each other as trials seem to pile up on all sides. But before their relationship can take root, they both need to make peace with the past.

What I Loved About This Book

Gray’s cast of quirky characters helps readers reach deep inside to explore the power of forgiveness to bring freedom into our lives. Although part of the State of Grace series, readers can enjoy Love and the Dream Come True as a standalone novel.

Achingly poignant, uncomfortably true-to-life in many parts, and subtly spiritual, Love And The Dream Come True is a truly touching read.

"Music is heart and soul and pain and loss.”

I came into this book not having read the two previous stories in the series and I think that worked for me. I was able to meet the characters, especially Cameron Lee, without forming expectations or opinions that may have affected my experience of reading about them. When we meet Cameron at the beginning of the story, he is a mess. Mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. He takes panic pills, hides from family and friends, and is overwhelmed with unexpressed feelings. His path to redemption, forgiveness, reconciliation with his faith and his estranged friends, and healing through love is wonderful to witness.

"Don’t fear anything but chances not taken.”

In contrast to Cam’s grump, Lexie is sunshine. She’s a bit scattered but she is bright and optimistic despite taking on a huge home renovation project and dealing with the angst of her teenage daughter Morgan at the same time. Her light balances the heavy in Cam’s storyline. Not to say that she doesn’t have her dark moments, particularly when it comes to the subject of her sister Annie. But she handles those with maturity and a natural tendency to love generously.

"There is no surviving hardships without faith.”

Another bright spot in the book is Morgan. Having a thirteen-year-old kid myself, I immediately took to her and related with Lexie on the intricacies of parenting her. It’s often difficult to portray children in books, but I think Ms. Gray succeeded in creating a real, multi-dimensional character in Morgan.

"… life is made up of a whole bunch of should’ves … My advice is to learn. Learn from every moment and hope that as you do, the should’ves get further and further apart.”

While the story and the characters engaged me thoroughly, there was an aspect of the writing that distracted me and, in many ways, disappointed me. It’s the casual and repeated use of ableist language. Words and phrases that reference physical disabilities and words and phrases based on neurodivergence are scattered throughout the book. Perhaps unknowingly as these are everyday words. However, they’re expressed in a negative manner and oftentimes could have been substituted with more appropriate language.

"… be grateful for the little things in life. That when you add them all together, they are much grander than the big things we think we need.”

This book made me cry. It also made me laugh and sigh. Huge kudos to the author for invoking strong reactions from this reader and I’m sure from many other readers as well.

I'm all in on this whole series from Tammy Gray...and so sad this is the final book in the series. I enjoyed the first book in the series and was obsessed with book two, so I had high expectations for this one...and it didn't disappoint. Cameron has been an interesting character ever since book one and I was eager for him to get his own storyline...and can I just say, I don't think I've ever related to a male character in a book more than I did Cameron as I read this. He's a musician whose dream has come true...except the dream doesn't feel at all like he expected. I loved watching him come to grips with that. Lexie's a great character, too, and their journey to romance was a delight to read. Loved this final book in the State of Grace series...and I know I'll reread all three in the future!

I received a complimentary copy of this book "Love and the Dream Come True" and all opinions expressed are my own. One of my go to authors. I would prefer to read a series together, I had previously read the other two books. It took me a while to get back into the story and characters. Definitely sad to see the series end. The characters are great and the story flows smoothly. Overall great book.

Unfortunately I didn't enjoy this book. I dislike giving bad reviews because I find its never the actual writing or story that is bad, it is more that it just wasn't for me. In this case I think the issue was I had not read the previous books so I had no connection to the characters and I was confused about a lot of things. I feel like if you had read the previous books though you would really enjoy the book!

The conclusion of a beautiful series by Tammy L Gray.
This is Cameron's story.
To begin with, I found this story a bit hard to get into. It's been awhile since I read the others (Yes, I probably should have gone and read them first, but frankly, who has the time for that?! ;) ).
Cameron's been bitter ever since his best friend Darcy went and got married to Bryson. He'd always thought he would marry her. Forgiveness is not on his agenda.
Then he meets "little Lexie". Lexie's had a crush on this brooding, talented musician for as long as she can remember. It literally is her "dream come true" when Cameron enters her life.
Their relationship is interesting, to say the least. Both have lots of baggage.
I found it intriguing to watch this all play out.
Once again, Tammy Gray has given us a story full of heart and feeling.
If you are looking for an inspirational, sweet romance, then you won't want to miss it.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Cameron is not happy the way his career is going. His agent told him to take a vacation. He reluctantly goes home for his sister’s wedding. Lexie is a single mom who has had a crush on Cameron since high school. Sweet story about finding love and making your dreams come true. Love the relationship between Cameron and Lexie’s daughter Morgan. Excellent book, worth reading.

"Love and the Dream Come True" : I honestly don't know how she does it. She sucks you in and makes you FEEL the emotions that the charaters are having. Tammy Gray is amazing, and I am sad to see this series end. Cameron's redemption story was E-MO-TION-AL! I don't cry a lot, but this book made me cry at least twice. My emotions were all over the map, lol. Walking through all the aspects of forgiveness, bitterness, anxiety, acceptance...the list goes on and on. SO GOOD! This whole series is good! Buy all 3, you won't regret it!

This was a highly highly anticipated release for me. I love Tammy L Gray's storytelling. It is unique and skilled and exactly what I want to read.
I wish I could say I loved this one like I did the first two, but the connections between Lexie and Cam just wasn't believable to me.
Otherwise though, the writing was suburb and the romance was electric.
I will be sad to see this series end. I wish there was room to see Mason get a love story.

I was at the edge of my seat reading this final installment of the State of Grace series. Readers meet, bubbly Lexie, who stays focused on the positive things in life. I liked Lexie’s daughter Morgan, who’s 13 years old going on forty. She does her part to keep things on track, as Lexie plays her favorite music by Cameron Lee’s. This mother, daughter relationship reminds me of Lorelei and Rory’s relationship in the Gilmore Girls, TV series.

I like the way this author pulls readers into the heart of the matter and lets you experience their emotions, giving us an inside look at their joy, love, grief and deep pain, pulling at your heart strings and never letting them go.

This book can be read by itself, as the author catches readers up on the other two books, in this series. But to really understand the deep friendship with the three friends, I recommend reading all three. I enjoyed this book and how the author described the heart of the music that flows through Cameron Lee. I loved getting a peek into how he creates his music and a look at the man through Lexie and Morgan’s eyes.

These three friends are faced with an unavoidable untangling that threatens each of them in one way or another. I enjoyed the natural spiritual thread as this untangling occurs and a few of them struggle with their faith, with God, and forgiveness with themselves and others.

I loved this series and this new to me author. These books make for a wonderful book club discussion and a great thought-provoking read. I highly recommend.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I requested and received a copy of this book by the publisher/NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have 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 Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog https://psalm516.blogspot.com/

Cameron has finally had his story told and I loved it in the final book of the State of Grace series. Love and the Dream Come True has single mom Lexi struggling with with all she has on her plate and Cameron Lee's music always brings her to a place of peace. When Cameron comes back to his hometown for his sister's wedding, he sees a new Lexi than his little sister's friend.
Love and the Dream Come True is the story of finding one's roots and seeking forgiveness from those you hurt when you moved on to a new life. The reader is reunited with Cameron's former love, January, his best friend, Darcy, and band members he left behind when he became famous. Tammy Gray wrote an excellent story focused not only Cameron and Lexi, but also wraps up the storylines that were left dangling in earlier books.
I would recommend that readers read the first two books in the State of Grace series so that the final book is truly enjoyed.
I received a complimentary copy of Love and the Dream Come True thanks to NetGalley and Bethany House, but all opinions are my own.

Title: Love and the Dream Come True
Author: Tammy L. Gray
Genre: Christian, romance
Rating: 4.5 out of 5

When Cameron Lee's music career takes a nose dive, he reluctantly returns home, where he falls fast for single mom Lexie Walters. But fantasies only last so long, and soon they have to face the real world, one fraught with heartbreak and disappointment and questions that can only be answered on your knees.

This was such a sweet read! I can’t relate too much to Lexie and her always-positive attitude—as well as her being so forgetful and always running late—but I really enjoyed her story arc with Cameron: ending up with your childhood crush/rockstar is a pretty sweet fantasy come to life. Cameron’s struggle with forgiveness was hard to read, but I loved how that worked out. This was just a solid romance read, with faith woven seamlessly into the characters’ lives.

Tammy L. Gray lives in Texas. Love and the Dream Come True is her newest novel.

(Galley courtesy of Bethany House in exchange for an honest review.)

Now, we have Cameron's story and I have been looking forward to his. After his devastation with Darcy four years earlier, Cameron has come back home for his little sister's wedding. He is hurting over the past and in his career. He dreads seeing Darcy, especially now that she and Bryson have started their family. It should have been him, or at least he always thought that. But love had other plans and Cameron just hasn't met the right one yet.

Well, technically he did. He has known Lexie since she was a kid, but now she is all grown up. And she has a daughter. Lexie also is still carrying around the huge crush that she has always felt for Cameron. Will he see her as more than his sister's friend? You bet he does, and then the fun, I mean the romance begins.

Cameron has matured in this story, and we can really see it as he checks himself so much more around Lexie then he did with Darcy. I also enjoyed the descriptions of her that he had in his mind. It was so telling of where his heart was before he even realized it mentally. And Lexie, well she was getting her dream come true. The guy of her dreams has noticed her and really likes her.

They are both so mature and at the same time giddy in their relationship. I was so thrilled to see the right one for Cameron and for him to realize this was the best way all along. Now it is not all sunshine and roses for them, they do have some trials to get through along the way. Now my only question is, what about Mason?

I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

Love and the Dream Come True is the third and final book in the State of Grace series, and picks up a few years after the last book left off. I definitely recommend reading the whole series in order, as characters and storylines are continued through all three books. In this satisfying conclusion, we finally understand all sides of the situations that tore this friend group apart.

Cameron was my least favorite character in the previous books, but he redeemed himself in this one - in every sense of the word! He and Lexie brought out the best in each other, encouraged each other to grow, and turned into a couple I was rooting for all the way through. Lexie's daughter Morgan added spunk and sass to this heartfelt story of forgiveness, redemption, and faith. I highly recommend this book (and series) to fans of inspirational contemporary romance authors like Nicole Deese!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I enjoyed this story of dreams coming true. Lexie is an amazing woman. She's gone through a lot of hard times but hasn't let it make her jaded. Her mom's wisdom rings in her head. "The only person you can control, Lexie, is you. Don't spend your life as a grumbling spectator in someone else's story" (location 1390). She's not afraid of getting her heart broken. She's prepared to enjoy each moment that she can get with those she cares for. She's more afraid of missing out on something great than protecting her heart from the fallout when it ends.

Cameron was an interesting character. He is a musician and he feels music in an intense way. It was fascinating seeing him go through his own struggle with trying to get the music back. I appreciated his friend's wisdom in knowing that you can never go back to the past...you need to embrace who the struggles have made you become. I enjoyed Cameron's interactions with Morgan. He seems to get her and relate to her.

I enjoyed this book a lot. It's a great conclusion to the series. It's a hard book to put down. I'd recommend it. Thank you to Bethany House for providing me with an e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

This is a good book. The two main characters are Lexie and Cameron. They have known each other for all their lives. Lexie is in property management and Cameron is a singer. There s an instant attraction. Cameron comes back home to finish an album and he meets Lexie and Lexie’s daughter Morgan. They each have their own issues but together they work them out and fall in love.

Tammy Gray has a way of digging into the subtle dysfunction we flawed humans bring to our romantic relationships these days. Here it’s Lexie’s crush, sustained for more than a decade by her imagination. And Cameron’s relentless pursuit of perfection. Cameron had a loonnnggg way to go (for me) from books one and two in order to be a hero I’d root for. He got there, eventually. Smooth writing, real-to-life characters. Recommended contemporary Christian romance.

✨”Love and the Dream Come True” BOOK REVIEW✨ (release day Aug. 2)

Read if you enjoy…
💜 Rock bands
💜 Home renovation romances
💜 Found family
💜 Faith elements

Tammy L. Gray has done it again!!! I was a bit nervous about reading this final installment in the “State of Grace” trilogy since the first two books were SOOO amazing, but this novel was the absolute PERFECT way of tying up all loose ends from the preceding novels😍

Cameron and Lexie were SUCH great characters!! I loved Lexie’s quirkiness and her relationship with her daughter (Morgan) was very reminiscent of Lorelei and Rory’s relationship from Gilmore girls❤️ I greatly enjoyed Morgan’s spitfire tendencies and her comebacks were all super fun to read🤣

And don’t let me forget about Cameron who was SOOO stinking swoony🥹❤️ His thoughtfulness regarding Lexi’s needs paired with his musical talents gave me ALLL the heart eyes😍😍😍 And the character growth he experienced throughout the novel beautifully showcased God’s patience, mercy, and grace in our lives. This book was an excellent reminder of how truly good our God is!!

All in all, I absolutely ADORED everything about this novel (although I do wish Lexie would get her act together and get Morgan to school on time🤨🙄🤣🤣 #iykyk)

5🌟

🚨Trigger warning: vivid panic attacks (described from the POV of the main character).

A HUGE thank you to Bethany House and NetGalley for giving me a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own!!

I really loved the theme of this novel and really its true sometimes you just have to take a leap of faith and courage. And of course ask God for help along the way.
We shouldn't ever think that we can do it ourselves because we can't
I'm sad that this author will be taking a writing break but I will be looking to see what she does next! We all need a break now and then!
There is a whole lot of raw emotions on a roller coaster ride for Cameron and Lexi. I felt every single one of them.
Their journey in this novel is a tough one but but I knew they could do it.
I can relate to Cameron more through our love of music. I was NOT pleased but yet at the same time I was sad too.
But I believe God had other plans for him just as He does for all of us.
5 stars for a job well done and for keeping my heart full and satisfied.
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.