Cover Image: What Dreams May Come

What Dreams May Come

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Member Reviews

What Dreams May Come is a sweet romance novel that is reminiscent of While You Were Sleeping with this story taking place during regency times. Dana LeCheminant is a new to me author and I found the story to be a quick read and also charming at the same time.

Lucy Hayes is traveling to avoid an unwanted suitor by taking a governess position elsewhere. When she winds up at the same coaching inn as him, she is aided by an unexpected stranger named William Calloway. He helps her escape the clutches of her suitor by pretending they are engaged. When William falls ill, Lucy accompanies him to his family home, and the family mistakenly believes she is William’s betrothed.

I liked Lucy as a character although I felt frustrated at times with all the back and forth, she was doing. The entire Calloway family was exceedingly kind and accepting of Lucy even though she was a stranger. I did question at times why nobody was asking personal questions about her life, especially if she is going to be marrying William. Her growing relationship with Simon was a slow-burn romance filled with a lot of angst and emotion. Their chemistry was apparent, and their first kiss was worth the wait. The last few chapters grabbed my attention and I could not wait to see how it would all work out in the end.

The characters made the story and this one had a lot of them that delighted me, especially when characters like Olivia and Nick are thrown in. Of course, my favorite being the swoony hero, Simon. The dual POV gave me a better idea as to Lucy and Simon were feeling. If there was anything I would change it would be the pace of the book which was kind of slow in the middle. I also would have liked to see a little more honesty and less lies and half truths from Lucy. Overall, this was still a nice story that is filled with moments that were both funny and touching.

Thank you Netgalley and Covenant Communications for my advanced readers copy of What Dream May Come in exchange for my honest review.

Rating: 3.5 stars

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In trying to escape from Mr Granger who is determined that they must marry, governess Lucy Hayes finds herself going from one drama to another. In a journey to start a new life, she is waylaid by a storm and seeks shelter in an inn. There she meets William Calloway who allows her and her friend, to take his room, to avoid seeing Mr Granger. Yet before long, she finds herself accompanying William to his family home, as he has fallen unconscious due to a fever. When she arrives, his sister and mother believe her to be William’s betrothed. Though she realizes she should admit the truth, the family’s warmth and welcome make it all too easy to play along, just for a while. Until she meets Baron Lord Simon Calloway, William’s older brother. Whilst Simon is suspicious of Lucy, he finds himself drawn to her as they spend time together, awaiting William’s recovery. Yet when Mr Granger returns, Lucy fears that Simon will despise her even if she knows that he can never really be hers.
With elements of my favourite movie ‘While you were sleeping’, this book captures the intense feelings between a couple that find themselves captivated when in each other’s presence. I found myself immersed in the world of this couple, whose chemistry could not be contained. This is a sweet romance that had me smiling long after I had read the last page. Dana LeCheminant has captured the time period, with all the elegance and its detail.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Hook line and sinker… right from the start! I didn’t want to put it down! The characters, the setting, the lies! Perfect! This lined up perfectly with “While you were sleeping!” Love that movie, so I loved all the ways it was perfectly regency! Left me supremely satisfied!

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Be still, my beating heart! One of my very favorite movies in college was WHILE YOU WERE SLEEPING and this story was the perfect mashup of that movie and a Regency romance. This author closely follows that story, while tossing in perfectly wonderful elements unique to the times and to her tale, making it her own.

Lucy is being pursued by an unwanted suitor and William steps in to rescue her and then suddenly falls ill to a fever. His grumpy and fussy brother, Simon, arrives and all sparks break loose. LeCheminant does a fantastic job of bringing these characters to life! I especially loved the nearly dandy friend, Nick, and I'm desperately hoping for him to get a book. But honestly, the whole crew was delightful, beloved, and entertaining.

I loved the slight hints of danger as Lucy tries to evade Mr. Granger, I devoured the friendship between sister Olivia and Lucy, and I was captivated by the interactions between Simon and Lucy. I was also taken by surprise by the ending and couldn't stop smiling.

Such a sweet, fun, and reminiscent story!

Content: mild moments of peril; mild romance (kissing, light innuendo)

*I received a complimentary copy through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own and were voluntarily given.*

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What Dreams May Come by Dana LeCheminant:

“To her surprise, Simon stood and slid his hand into hers. For a moment, she couldn’t concentrate on anything but their fingers pressed together…”

This book is a regency retelling of While you were Sleeping. I loved seeing the similarities to that wonderful movie, but this story was unique and stood all on its own as well.

I really enjoyed Lucy and Simon. Both characters go through so much growth and both characters help each other along the way. My favorite part of this story was the family. I really loved the supporting characters and they made the story for me!

Read for:
🤍Fake identity
🤍Forced proximity
🤍Fake relationship
🤍Secrets
🤍Suspense
🤍Wonderful family and found family
🤍The meet cute
🤍The happily ever after

I had no idea how this story would end. It all came together very happily.

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A Regency version of While you were sleeping! A fantastic read and one I couldn't put down!

I received an ARC through Netgalley and all opinions are my own.

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A regency version of While You Were Sleeping? Yes, Please!

'Somehow she had become a man's betrothed in the course of a day. And not just any man! The brother of a baron. A wealthy baron at that. The kind of man who could ruin what little life Lucy had, no matter how warm his smiles.'

Oh Lucy.

It doesn't matter if she's in a romantic comedy from 1995 or a regency novel set in 1815. Lucy gets herself in an interesting predicament and I'll be honest...no matter the version, I am here for this storyline!

I loved the similarities and also loved the differences the author used to make this more regency appropriate and still be it's own story. The mild suspense and twists and turns were fun to discover along the way. The similar vibes are real, but seeing Lucy and Lord Calloway discover friendship (and more) while not being able to do anything about it was fun to watch as it all unraveled with the hopes it would be tied up nice and tight with how we all wanted it to end!

'Never would he have thought a woman would be his undoing. Not just any woman. His brother's betrothed. His future sister-in-law.'

This was a fun relaxing read with so many tender and heartwarming scenes! If you are looking for an enjoyable historical romance that will make you smile this a good one to choose!!

Thanks to the author and publisher for the copy. All thoughts in this review are my own.

Content/Trigger: Deceit with good intentions. Mild suspense. Loveable Family. Kissing.

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Set in 1802, What Dreams May Come is a retelling of While You We’re Sleeping, a successful romcom movie from 1995.
The book is a good regency version of While You We’re Sleeping. I like the twists the author makes to have the story work in the time period.
I do think the book lingered too long in the uncertainty of Lucy feeling guilty and also worry about Mr. Granger.
Simon is a troubled but kind and strong male lead. The Calloway family is wonderful.
The emotions created in the story felt real. I enjoyed reading What Dreams May Come.
I would say the book is a strong 3.5 stars.
I think those who enjoy sweet romances will love What Dreams May Come.
Thanks to Netgalley and Covenant Communications for the opportunities to review this book.

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Lucy is happy to be taking a new position since her employer's brother has been growing increasingly unwilling to take 'no' for an answer. When she spots him at an inn, she's afraid of what he'll do it he finds her, but her attempts to hide attract the attention of another young gentleman. This man offers to protect her and refers to her as his wife before the landlord, but unfortunately succumbs to a fever before he can do anything more. The pair, with Lucy's maid, are accordingly taken to his home nearby so he can be nursed, and Lucy is unwillingly forced into the deception of being his betrothed. In watching over his brother's illness, Simon comes to care for his brother's supposed fiance and finds being around her increasingly easy, and yet difficult. But when the truth comes to light, will he be able to overlook her deception?

'Oh, what a tangled web we weave', and all that. It's certainly true here that Lucy gets herself into a right mess by not telling the truth upfront! I enjoyed the book overall, but found it hard to fully understand why some of the characters acted the way they did at times - it didn't seem to quite fit. Nevertheless, I liked watching Simon learn to accept that life is more than just work, and that him 'not being his father' is a fact, not a condemnation. Lucy definitely vacillated quite a lot as to whether or not, and when and where, to tell the truth, but overall it felt understandable - there was potentially a lot at stake. Nick was a great addition to the story and I'd love to see more of him in a future book.

Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.

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I love the movie While You Were Sleeping. This is a definite nod to that. The premise is great but seemed a little difficult to execute.

Personally I got frustrated a bit with the "deception" and felt that it went on too long. Some information could come out while other had to be kept secret. I was confused about certain things related to that once a resolution came. I understand this may seem cryptic, I just don't want to give away any spoilers. I was just frustrated along the way. I can understand the reason for the "lie" for the first part of the book. It just seemed to drag on and even when some information was revealed, other parts were still kept. secret. I didn't understand, especially once the resolution came.

But overall I did enjoy the characters and the storyline. Simon and Lucy were both appealing characters. I loved Nick and the Calloways. I really hope we get to read Nick's story!

The execution of the "While You Were Sleeping" was just slightly off in some way for me. I'm glad I was given the opportunity to read this though. I've seen so many reviews already and am glad to add mine to the mix.

Thanks to Covenant Communications and Netgalley for my complimentary digital copy.

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What a great read! This book hooks you on the first page and doesn't let go. It's full of suspense and will keep you turning the pages to see what happens next. Loved it!!
I received a complimentary copy from Covenant Communications via NetGalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Simon has my heart. 😍 Any of you While You Were Sleeping fans? It’s been a favorite movie of mine for years and Dana did a retelling of it…but during the regency era! *Sigh* Staying true to the story, you’ll recognize some names, themes, and actions that happened in the movie. Except Dana made this all her own with the plot, conflict, and twist in how to take a beloved movie and turn it into a book in a different era.

I’m a fan. 😁 Soooo hope this becomes a series. Just saying.

Definitely one to keep an eye out for. Loved it and love Dana even more!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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While You Were Sleeping Regency Style!
Read in 1 sitting! 5 ☆
Aa soon as I read the synopsis I knew I had to read this story! The heroine's name is even Lucy, just like the movie!
While the premise is the same, the story is definitely its own. There were several moments my stomach sank as I was carried along with Lucy's emotions re. all she was going through as she and Simon were drawn together.

QUOTABLE:
"You’ll be his wife soon enough, so there could hardly be anything untoward in visiting his sickbed. If we can get him to wake, I am sure he would be most eager to see you.”
Eager? Hardly.
Confused? Most certainly.

No indication on the book cover this will be a series, but I certainly hope so! There are MANY unanswered questions about the wonderful character that is Nicholas Forester!

*clean read
*no faith elements 😔

I received an eVersion from the publisher and NetGalley . All opinions are mine alone without expectation or compensation.

𝓑𝓸𝓸𝓴 28 𝓖𝓸𝓸𝓭𝓡𝓮𝓪𝓭𝓼 𝓡𝓮𝓪𝓭𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓵𝓵𝓮𝓷𝓰𝓮 📚 2023

Release date Tu., May 2, 2023
Reviews will be posted to my blog: BlueJeansAndTeacups.blogspot.com, GoodReads, NetGalley, Amzn, B&N, Kobo & my IG

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This is a sweet regency romance similar to the movie While You Were Sleeping with a villain added in. Lucy, a governess, is saved from an unwanted suitor by a man she’s never met, William Collaway. He falls into a fever and misunderstandings abound as he is unconscious and they end up at his family home with his family thinking they are engaged to be married. As Lucy struggles between wanting to tell the family the truth and keeping up the facade to keep herself safe, she meets Williams brother Simon and starts to fall in love. She helps Simon feel more balanced and calm and he helps her feel safe and like she belongs. Each page made me want to keep reading to see how things would resolve. I couldn’t put this book down!

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Another amazing read! I couldn’t put it down and was on the edge of my seat. The thread of suspense with touches of humor. Golden! I truly enjoyed this regency and cannot wait for more from this author.

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“There is nothing I can give you except my heart, and I fear I lost it to you long ago anyway…” ~ Lucy

Lucy has taken a new post in order to escape the unwanted attention of her previous employer’s brother. His pursuit of her is undesired and uncomfortable, but she doesn’t realize just how fanatical or dangerous he truly is until he shows up at an inn she is seeking refuge in. In an effort to stay undetected, she approaches a handsome stranger and he proposes a ruse of marriage to ensure her safety. No sooner does she enter his room and breathe a sigh of relief, William, her would be protector falls victim to a potentially fatal fever and loses consciousness. Lucy, being the kind and caring woman she is, knows that she must see this stranger safely home. Little does she know his home will be the one place filled with all the love and family she could ever want or need. And no matter how much she desires to clear the air and correct the misunderstanding that she is not William’s intended, she can’t muster the courage to break their hearts.

What Dreams May Come is a dream come true for anyone who loves a good, clean, sweet regency romance with a While You Were Sleeping vibe. Be prepared to fall head over heels in love with the whole Calloway family! I love how they accepted and embraced Lucy even though she was a complete stranger to them. Lucy is a little outspoken and misleading, but she is also charming, caring, and genuine. Simon doesn’t stand a chance in his attempts to not fall in love with his pretend soon-to-be sister-in-law.

Loved this one! The slow burn is perfect. And the moments Simon and Lucy spend in each other company are so intense and enjoyable!

Thank you Netgalley for my advanced copy, all opinions are my own.

#danalecheminant #whatdreamsmaycome #regencyromance #cleanromance #netgalley #arcreview #bookstagram

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A Regency While You Were Sleeping

While You Were Sleeping is one of my favorite movies of all time. Dana LeCheminant took the premise, a mistaken engagement with a man who's unconscious, and made it her own. I loved the little nods to that story and also the aspects that were entirely new.

Lucy is a governess, and is traveling to a new position, glad to escape the attentions of her previous employer's brother. But Mr. Granger follows her. A stranger at an inn tries to help her out of the public inn before she's seen by claiming Lucy is his wife. When the stranger falls ill, and Lucy helps return him to his home, the innkeeper has already written ahead about William's wife. Her friend corrects that misconception, only to say that Lucy is his fiancé instead. The Calloway family welcomes her with open arms.

The Calloway family, and their friend, Nick Forester were wonderful! As an orphan, Lucy has been alone for the last five years, except for her friend now posing as her lady's maid. Seeing her be loved unconditionally be this wonderful family, filled my heart. Of course, I also adored Simon, William's older brother. He was serious, playful, diligent to his family, and needed Lucy.

This book came together so perfectly, I want to recommend it to all of my clean romance loving friends! I can't help myself, I'll probably recommend it to strangers too! This book had humor, heart, a little bit of suspense, and a whole lot of finding your place in the world.

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Lucy on journey to new place when strom hit and make her go in defferent way. One event leading to another she now fake engage to William and taking care of him. She meet Simon and feel the attraction. I like how their relationship build, really slow and become steadt and strong, little misunderstanding at the end hurt my chest. I enjoy this book.

Thank you to NetGalley for provide this book, it is pleasure to review this book.

#WhatDreamsMayCome #DanaLeCheminant #Covenant Communications #NetGalley #ARC

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Where do I even start with this? I absolutely loved it so much and can already tell I’ll be rereading it asap!

I love me a dual point of view. It’s my absolute favorite.
Also love angst just a few chapters in. I’m a glutton for punishment. I hate angst in real life. Give it to me in a book and I’m SOLD.

Witty. Charming. Lovely. Are some of the words that come to mind.

It was so good!!! I loved it all. Simon and Lucy were just perfect! This story was everything I wanted it to be and more. The plot was well done and the characters worked so well.

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Who doesn't love and adore the movie, While You Were Sleeping? It's such a delightful movie full of great characters, fantastic lines ("It looks like he's leaning"), hilarious moments, emotions, great focus on family and finding true love! Sooo good!!! If you're a fan like me (and many, many others) and you love Regency stories, then you're in for a treat with Dana LeCheminant's newest book.

Lucy finds herself alone in the world and trying to escape a man who is not to her liking. But unfortunately her best laid plans go awry. Stranded at an inn due to weather, and avoiding the very many she's trying to escape, her rescuer comes in the form of William. Who offers her a facade of being married. He'll protect her. Hesitantly she accepts, he falls ill and she's good enough to get home safely home to his mother. What ensues is pure comedy. Of course you're familiar with all of that if you're familiar with the movie I mentioned above. Poor Lucy is pulled into this loving and caring family and tries not to deceive them but things happen, assumptions are made and bam! She's William's fiancee. Good luck with that Lucy!

I loved all of the nods and similarities to While You Were Sleeping. But at the same time, the author made it her own and created a delightful story for readers. I loved this family that Lucy finds herself deceiving. Again, poor girl. She attempts to reveal her subterfuge but more layers and layers to her struggles add up and have her holding her tongue. And let's just say that William's brother, Simon, doesn't help matters any either. Seriously you're going to love the dynamics between these two. The chemistry was very well done! I loved their story so much. And I loved the ending!!! Lots of heart eyes for it!

Grab your copy and follow along Lucy's journey of discovery, as she comes to know what family and love really mean.

Content: Clean. Some moments of mild suspense and peril. Some kisses but nothing further.

I received a copy from the publisher, Covenant Communications, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!

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