This book was an easy read. The author does a great job of hooking you in from the start, and describing characters and their world. I really appreciated the dialogue and liveliness of supporting characters, as well as the main character. Some parts i didn’t love- how many fake engagement stories can one read? It’s a retelling of a story, not sure if that happens in the original or not. I will have to read that book next. All in all, a very easy breezy beach read for sure.

Thank you to Simon and Schuster and NetGalley for this Advance Reader’s Copy.

This is a book for someone who likes to read to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It is about escaping your life in order to live. It’s about dealing with illness and suffocating parents - but also about letting yourself craft another identity through running away and accepting a fake proposal, and following your passions at a university.

If you loved Nicola Yoon’s Everything Everything for the idea of love opening doors for you (like, literally helping you leave your house), then this is for you. If you are a hobby or professional ornithologist and loved the fake dating trope in Birding with Benefits (Sarah T. Dubb), you literally have to read this. To me, When the Forest Dreams is the perfect marriage of both these books. Though the official bio will also connect it to L. M. Montgomery’s The Blue Castle - I just haven’t read that one.

For me, I LOVED this one particular delicious, serendipitous twist at the end. But I must say that I was struck by some descriptions and dialogue. I wasn’t sure what to think about a couple references, like a duck being described as “looking like a little Chinese man wearing the most wonderfully crafted kimono.” As for dialogue, I feel like sometimes people tend to talk in a bit more truncated lines, so examples like this maybe didn’t feel the most natural, “Jake whispers in my ear, ‘Just pretend to drink it. It’s pretty awful and watch out, it’s strong.’” This writing style also loves its semi-colons; however, I think the rule is that both clauses need to be full sentences. This was not the case on the rare occasion, like this line: “I roll my ankles, and I feel a twinge in my right ankle; the same one I sprained.” I understand this is an advanced copy, though, and don’t hold that too much against the text - to be honest, it became an interesting point to count the semicolons. I kinda liked that.

#WhentheForestDreams #NetGalley

I enjoyed the book. It was a bit of a slower pace than what I normally read, but the author did a great job ensuring the reader gets invested in the characters.

What a darling book! It’s a story of self-discovery woven with romance and sprinkled with...birding. I thoroughly enjoyed both the story and its characters. Emma is such a wholesome and likeable protagonist, and I think many of us can relate to the feeling of boxing ourselves in and not quite living up to our fullest potential.

Before reading this, I hadn’t heard of The Blue Castle, but it’s now firmly on my to-read list.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC!

Overall, this was an enjoyable read. The pacing leans a little slow, but it’s still engaging and easy to move through. This was my first book by this author, and I was especially curious about the Blue Castle retelling aspect. While I did like it, I can see this being more suited to a specific type of readers. If you enjoy character-driven stories with a quieter pace, this one might work really well for you. 3.5⭐ rounded up!

Thank you to the publisher for this ARC!

I adore L.M. Montgomery and the original book: The Blue Castle. This is a modern rendition and I thought she captured the MMC Emma very well in a contemporary lense. This is a slower paced, character driven cute story.
Emma is a likable parent pleasing "good girl" who daydreams and fantasizes about who she could be and what she could do with a kernal of courage. She watches her mom deteriorate with MS and assumes that it is coming for her next. She is a dreamer and a romantic who just wants to live a little before she dies.
I thought she was quite endearing and loved her actions paired with her sassier inner monologue. She has a sheltered naivety that reminds me of Toula from My Big Fat Greek Wedding. Great character development not just for Emma, but also Jake, and Vee.
I was rooting for Emma throughout the book and overall it was a feel good read that I hope inspires others to not wait 26 years before living their life and finding their people.
I shockingly learned a lot about birds and Polish food.

this book is a treat to read and done well, a little slow to read but I enjoyed the similarities to L.M. Montgomery's book and will probably put this on my e-reader reread list to capture it again sometime.

I went into this story really intrigued by the premise, a modern retelling of The Blue Castle with a mix of romance and self discovery, and a mysterious search for an ivory billed woodpecker. The writing is gentle and reflective, and I appreciated the themes of stepping outside your comfort zone and choosing to truly live.

Emma’s journey had some heartfelt moments, especially as she begins to confront her fears and long held limitations. The concept of dreams blending with reality and the idea of chasing something rare and possibly imaginary was thoughtful and symbolic in an interesting way.

That said, it just was not fully for me. The pacing felt slower than I expected, and I struggled to feel deeply connected to the characters. While I can see how many readers would find the story comforting and meaningful, I personally wanted a bit more emotional intensity and momentum.

Overall, it is a sweet, introspective read with a hopeful message. It just did not quite capture me the way I hoped.

Review Title:A sweet and cozy escape!
My Review:
"I really enjoyed this story! It’s a modern take on The Blue Castle, and it felt so cozy and atmospheric. I loved following the main character's journey as she tried to find herself—it felt very relatable and real. The writing made it easy to picture the forest and the setting perfectly.
If you’re looking for a sweet, romantic read that feels like a warm hug, I definitely recommend this one. It was the perfect book to curl up with for a few days."
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
Disclosure:
"I received an early copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. These are my own honest thoughts."

Emma’s Window is a heartfelt, feel-good story about a young woman finding courage, love, and her own voice. Emma’s innocence, sincerity, and quiet strength make her endlessly likable, while her growth and relationships—especially with Jake and Vee—keep the pages turning. A slow, cozy read that lingers in the heart.

When the Forest Dreams was a really beautiful and thoughtful book that resonated with me in many ways.
One of the things that resonated the most with me was the protagonist, Emma. As someone with an introverted nature, I could relate to her tendencies, her mannerisms, and even her thoughts at times. Seeing her take down the layers of her protective shell and do things she would never think to do, with the help of Vee, who helped slowly bring her out of her shell. These moments felt very authentic, and I, too, even had a friend like Vee.

I love the friendship between them, how Vee encourages Emma to step outside her comfort zone, try new things, and experience life more to the fullest. Their friendship felt genuine and supportive, and it was lovely to see Emma grow throughout the book.
What I also really liked was Emma's relationship with Jake too. Their connection added warmth to the story and completed Emma's personal journey in a very natural way.

Another thing that stood out to me was the care the author took with specific details in the book. The clear effort to ensure the facts were accurate was apparent, and I really appreciated learning that some of the inspiration came from the author's own experiences, which were transformed into more hopeful, joyful moments for Emma.

As someone who loves forests, nature, birds, and wildlife, I really connected with the atmosphere of When the Forest Dreams. The natural settings added depth and charm to the story, making it a very enjoyable read.

Overall, this was a heartfelt story about growth, connection, and opening yourself up to life (as it is quite short) and new experiences. I'd definitely recommend it to readers who enjoy nature-inspired stories with introspective characters alongside an emotional journey.

When the Forest Dreams is one of those gentle, luminous retellings that doesn’t try to outshine its source material so much as breathe with it—softly, tenderly, in its own modern rhythm. It takes the wistful heart of The Blue Castle and sets it down in 2013 New York, where Emma Jablonski moves through life as though she’s half‑awake, clinging to a recurring dream that feels more vivid than anything her days can offer. There’s a lovely ache to those early chapters: the bakery’s stale bread, the cramped apartment, the boy next door who feels both impossibly close and entirely unreachable.

What makes the novel sing is the moment Emma’s world cracks open. A diagnosis becomes the catalyst for courage, and suddenly she’s saying yes—to Jake, to Vee, to a fake engagement that spirals into glittering parties and impulsive road trips, and to the wild hope of finding a bird that may not exist at all. The ivory‑billed woodpecker becomes a kind of mythic thread running through the story, a reminder that some things are worth believing in even when the world insists otherwise.

The Arkansas forest sequences are especially lovely: humid, green, and humming with possibility. There’s a quiet magic in watching Emma step into herself, shedding fear in small, believable increments. Her romance with Jake unfolds with a sweetness that feels earned, grounded in friendship and the kind of tenderness that grows when two people finally allow themselves to be seen.

This is a story about choosing joy even when it feels reckless, about letting dreams bleed into daylight, and about discovering that the life you long for might be waiting just beyond the familiar edges of home. Warm, hopeful, and gently romantic, When the Forest Dreams is a comforting modern homage that invites readers to slow down, breathe deeply, and believe in second chances.

With thanks to Andrea Ezerins, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC

A beautiful story about Emma, a young Polish lady from a sheltered upbringing, her love of birds and nature, her journey to shake of her shackles and her fear of the unknown.

Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice level 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

When the Forest Dreams by Andrea Ezerins is a quiet, reflective story that emphasizes character growth and emotion.

Emma has spent most of her life staying safe and predictable, but after a life-changing diagnosis, she starts to question what that kind of life is really worth. The story follows her as she slowly steps outside her comfort zone, and I appreciated how gradual that process felt. Nothing about her journey is rushed, which makes it feel more real.

This is definitely more of an internal, character-driven story. A lot of the focus is on Emma’s thoughts, her fears, and the way she starts to shift how she sees herself and her future. She’s not a bold or dramatic character, but that worked for the story—it’s about small choices that end up meaning a lot.

The relationships add some warmth to the book. I especially liked the balance between the romantic elements and the friendships, since both play a role in helping Emma grow. Nothing felt overly dramatic, which matched the story's tone well.

There’s also a slightly dreamlike quality running through the book, especially in the way reality and imagination blur at times. It adds a softer, almost symbolic layer to the story without taking over.

Overall, this is a slower, more thoughtful read. If you like character-focused stories about growth and stepping outside your comfort zone, this one is worth picking up.

I loved this book, that’s the first thing that I need to say about it.
Just a lovely story, well written in a way that kept the natural flow of things.
Nothing seemed fake or forced, just as life the female main character found her way.

It’s a first person pov, a young woman named Emma who was lost in life.
One passion keeps her heart beating a little faster, her love for birds.
Her favorite spot is a bench in Central Park where she sits and watch those feathered creatures live their lives.
Yet, she’s is completely numb in hers.

A mistaken event, will change her mindset and allow her to embrace life again.
Unexpected friendships, new passions and love will add to this new equation.
She had a recurrent dream all her life, that will actually bring her back to the living and out of the dormant state she was in.

One of my favorite quotes is “Life finds a way” and this story embraces it to the full.
I loved reading in, and it left me feeling a little sad when it ended. That’s the first time that has happened to me.
But a bittersweet kind of sadness, as I too need to be more courageous in living my life to the full, too.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me the opportunity to read this arc.

Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐. 5
Spice:🌶️. 5

When the Forest Dreams is a thoughtful and introspective story about what happens when you feel like you have nothing left to lose—and choose to start living life on your own terms.

Emma is 25, yet she feels as though she hasn’t truly begun living. In a moment of desperation, fearing that her future will look exactly like her present, she gives herself six months to take risks and finally put herself first. What follows is a quiet but meaningful journey of self-discovery.

At its heart, this is a story about learning what it means to be seen, wanted, and loved. The narrative is told entirely through Emma’s perspective, which creates an intimate and reflective tone, offering a lens that feels slightly different from more plot-driven stories.

The romance develops somewhat unexpectedly, but within the context of the story’s pacing, it works and ultimately helps bring the narrative together.

The first part of the book unfolds quite slowly, taking its time to establish Emma’s world and her inner landscape. There is a strong focus on her passion for birdwatching, with detailed descriptions that highlight how important it is to her, though at times this felt a bit repetitive and made it harder for me to fully connect with the story early on.

That said, as the narrative progresses, it gradually opens up and introduces new elements that add depth and momentum. After the initial setup, the pacing becomes more engaging, and the story develops in a way that drew me in and made the journey feel worthwhile.

Overall, while it requires a bit of patience at the beginning, the story evolves into a heartfelt coming-of-age journey, enriched by themes of found family, tentative romance, and the courage to embrace change.

When the Forest Dreams unfolds slowly, pulling you into a world that feels lush, quiet, and a little haunting. The atmosphere is the standout—the forest isn’t just a backdrop, it feels alive, layered with memory and meaning in a way that quietly draws you in.

The pacing is intentional and reflective rather than plot-driven, which won’t be for everyone. It asks for patience, but if you give it that space, the introspective depth begins to settle in.

Emma, at the center of the story, is written with a quiet complexity. Her internal world carries much of the narrative—grief, reflection, and a sense of searching that isn’t rushed or overly explained. You don’t get everything handed to you, but that restraint makes her journey feel more real. Watching her process, rather than perform, her emotions adds weight to the story in a way that lingers.

This is a strong pick if you love immersive, mood-driven stories with emotional depth and a slower, more thoughtful pace. Not one of my faster reads—but one that stays with you.

Everything is quiet, predictable, and just a little too safe… until it isn’t—until one moment, one diagnosis, one reckless “what if” shatters the life you’ve been politely enduring and forces you to actually live. When the Forest Dreams by Andrea Ezerins absolutely slid into my brain like a soft lullaby and then hit me with an emotional wake-up call I was not prepared for. Published by She Writes Press, thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the gifted ARC.

This story is less about what happens and more about what changes—internally, quietly, almost imperceptibly at first. Emma Jablonski has been living a life that feels smaller than her own potential, tucked inside family expectations, routines, and a kind of emotional safety that slowly turns into a cage. Her world is bakery shifts, watching life pass by, and holding onto dreams that feel more vivid than her reality. And then everything tilts. What follows isn’t some dramatic, overnight transformation—it’s a series of small, shaky steps toward choosing herself for the first time.

Jake, the boy-next-door, carries that steady, magnetic presence that feels both comforting and just slightly out of reach, while Vee storms in like a necessary disruption—the kind of friend who doesn’t ask permission to change your life, she just does. Their dynamic pulls Emma into experiences she never would’ve chosen on her own: fake engagements, glittering parties, spontaneous decisions that feel equal parts thrilling and terrifying. But underneath all of that is something softer—Emma learning how to exist in her own life without apology.

And then there’s the ivory-billed woodpecker—this almost-mythical thread woven through the story that shouldn’t work as well as it does, but somehow becomes the heartbeat of it all. It’s about chasing something rare, maybe even impossible, simply because believing in it means you haven’t given up on wonder. That symbolism? It lingers.

“Life isn’t meant to be watched from the sidelines.”
Yeah… that one stayed with me.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

This isn’t a fast-paced, high-drama read—it’s slow, intentional, and deeply introspective. The kind of story that asks you to sit still long enough to feel something real. If you’re someone who loves character-driven narratives, soft romance that builds through connection rather than chaos, and stories that feel like a quiet nudge toward courage… this is absolutely your lane. It’s cozy, a little dreamy, and just grounded enough to make you reflect on your own “am I actually living?” moments.

So let me ask you—if your life cracked open tomorrow, would you be ready to step into it… or would you still be waiting for permission?

#WhenTheForestDreams #AndreaEzerins #NetGalleyReads #WomensFiction #ContemporaryRomance #SlowBurnBooks #CharacterDriven #CozyReads #ComingOfAge #BookReview #Bookstagram #ReadersOfInstagram

Thank you NetGalley for the chance to read this book it is released!

This book was pretty different from anything I have read before. In the beginning I was so close to putting it down and not finishing it due to my own discomfort with the main character, Emma’s, life. It just felt too sad and pitiful, much like I can imagine the character herself was feeling. I am very glad I stuck with it. While Emma’s character was very naive to so much of Jake and Vee’s life in New York and at times I just felt like they were taking advantage of her naivety and innocence I had to keep reminding myself that she is a 26 year old female, even if she led a fairly sheltered life up until meeting them.

It was beautiful to see her embrace life and adventure when she thought her life had a time limit on it. I loved seeing life from an immigrants perspective, especially from a Polish person’s background knowing that they are more marginalized. Seeing her connection to her family and realizing that the “beautiful and wealthy” truly didn’t have this glamorous and advantaged life behind closed doors was a great eye- opener for her and helped her truly appreciate her family with a fresh set of eyes. Also seeing how people take their past wounds, stress, etc. and often end up wounding others when they don’t take the time to heal.

Her connection with nature and bird watching is really beautiful and seeing the way she connects with Vee and Jake, and helps them grow as characters was great.

This is an open door book with somewhat brief details when it comes to the intimate scenes.

Possible triggers:
Addiction and overdose
Cheating (not main character, referred to in the past)
Racism
Alcoholism
Drug abuse

For starters, this is only the second romance novel I've read, so I wasn't quite sure how my main topic, birds, was going to fit in when the publisher reached out about this book. Andrea Ezerins's, When the Forest Dreams, is a complex story about a woman deeply embedded in her routine of work, home, and family who evades a medical diagnosis by deciding to 'say yes' to life for the first time. This leads to new friends, new life situations, and broadens her horizons. Where do birds fit in? Well, she is an amateur birder who sits in Central Park and obsessively reads her field guide.

This book was unexpected, charming, and I loved the little bird bits thrown in, which expand as the story goes on. It's a great read for a diversity of interests.

Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for the ARC.

Set in New York City in 2013, the novel follows Emma, whose quiet and routine life revolves around helping at her family’s bakery, birdwatching in Central Park, and trying to make sense of the vivid recurring dreams that seem more real than reality itself. After receiving a life-changing diagnosis, Emma decides she can no longer keep herself on the sidelines of life. When circumstances unexpectedly bring her closer to her wealthy neighbour Jake, she is swept into a fake engagement, glamorous events, and a surprising modelling opportunity, all while becoming consumed by the search for the elusive ivory-billed woodpecker. Her journey eventually leads deep into the Arkansas wilderness, where she begins searching not only for the rare bird but also for hope and a future she never imagined possible.
I really enjoyed the emotional depth of this story and the way it balanced romance, self-discovery, and themes of hope and resilience. Emma was an easy character to connect with, and her journey felt both vulnerable and inspiring as she slowly stepped outside of her comfort zone. The relationship between Emma and Jake developed naturally, and the fake engagement trope added a fun contrast to some of the heavier emotional moments.
The nature elements and focus on birdwatching gave the novel a unique atmosphere that made it stand out from other contemporary romances. While some parts of the story moved a little slowly for me, the emotional payoff and character growth made it worthwhile. An enjoyable read.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

“When the Forest Dreams” by Andrea Ezerins is a modern retelling of The Blue Castle, following a sheltered young woman's search for love, independence, and a rare bird hidden deep within the Arkansas forest.

Even though I haven't read The Blue Castle, I found this to be an inspiring and surprisingly easy read.

Emma has spent her entire life wrapped in the safety of her parents' world, working at their bakery and rarely stepping outside her comfort zone. When she decides she wants to truly live before an illness potentially changes everything, I couldn't help but root for her. I loved watching her slowly spread her wings—finding new friends, a new job, a place of her own, and most importantly, confidence in herself.

One of my favorite aspects of the story was Emma's relationship with her parents. They weren't always expressive, but they loved her enough to let her go. It reminded me that sometimes the biggest thing holding us back isn't our family—it's our own fear. We convince ourselves we're trapped when all we really need is the courage to take that first step.

Jake was such a steady and comforting presence throughout the story. I loved watching their relationship evolve from a fake engagement into something real and meaningful. He constantly reminded Emma of her worth, while Emma helped him grow into someone willing to fight for both himself and the people he loves.

And then there was Vee—the friend Emma desperately needed. Despite battling her own struggles, she became the catalyst that pushed Emma out into the real world and helped her discover who she could be beyond the life she'd always known.

The New York City setting was beautifully done, especially the focus on Central Park and the birding community. Before reading this book, I would've simply called them bird lovers, but I learned so much about birding, different bird species, and even the impact humans have on bird populations. That was honestly one of my favorite parts of the story.

That being said, there were a few things that didn't fully work for me. Emma's behavior in the first half often felt younger than her twenty-six years, which occasionally made it difficult to reconcile her age with her actions. While her sheltered upbringing certainly explains some of it, I still found myself wishing for a little more maturity from her at times.

There were also moments when I felt disconnected from the story due to abrupt scene changes and a lack of depth in certain areas that I wanted explored further.

Despite those shortcomings, the book finished incredibly strong for me. The ending tied everything together beautifully and left me feeling hopeful, reflective, and surprisingly emotional.

Overall, this is a heartfelt and meaningful story about stepping outside your comfort zone, learning to live fully, and finding the courage to choose your own path. A must-read for fans of emotional, character-driven fiction with themes of growth, love, and self-discovery.

Andrea Ezerins’ When the Forest Dreams is a heartfelt and uplifting novel that beautifully explores self-discovery, courage, and the transformative power of embracing life’s uncertainties. Through the eyes of Emma Jablonski, a young woman trapped by routine, family expectations, and fear of the unknown, readers embark on an emotional journey filled with romance, friendship, and personal growth. Ezerins skillfully blends dreamlike imagery, birdwatching, and themes of hope to create a story that feels both gentle and inspiring. Emma’s passion for nature and her search for the elusive ivory-billed woodpecker serve as powerful symbols of her own quest for freedom and purpose.

What makes this novel especially compelling is its balance of introspection and adventure. The romance between Emma and Jake develops naturally, while the supporting characters add warmth and depth to the narrative. Fans of character-driven fiction will appreciate the thoughtful pacing and the authentic portrayal of a woman learning to step beyond her comfort zone. As a modern retelling of The Blue Castle, When the Forest Dreams honors the spirit of the classic while offering a fresh, contemporary perspective. It is a charming and emotionally resonant story that reminds readers that sometimes the life we dream about is waiting just beyond our fears. I highly recommend this book.

Thank you to She Writes Press through NetGalley for allowing me to read the digital edition of When the Forest Dreams by Andrea Ezerins. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

When the Forest Dreams by Andrea Ezerins shows how a young Polish-American woman steps out of her comfort zone.

Can Emma live the life she wanted just for a few months?

Emma
The story is told from Emma's point of view. Emma has been living her life in a scared way until she thinks that a life-changing diagnosis is finally happening for her. She has so many beliefs running through her head from what her father tells her that she doesn't think she can ever truly leave her parents alone. What I like about Emma is that she loves her family, her God, and feeding people, whether it be through cooking or baking. Another thing that I like about Emma is that once she starts going after something, she won't stop. Emma is an awesome character.

Jake
What we see of Jake is through Emma's eyes. Despite that, Jake does seem like a great person. One that Emma may have put on a pedestal until she started to get to know him. Jake's family is wealthy, and he seems to have an excellent life compared to Emma's, but in reality, not everything is what it seems. I like how Jake lets Emma see everything about himself and how he tries to be a better person for Emma.

The Romance
Emma didn't set out to start a romance with Jake; it just happened. Sure, Emma has always had a crush on Jake, but she knew that she couldn't act on it. I like these two as a couple, even though they don't seem to have much in common, but they really do once you get past a lot of things.

Four Stars
My rating for When the Forest Dreams by Andrea Ezerins is four stars. I do recommend this book for the adult readers of my blog. Ms. Ezerins is a great author, and I liked seeing a couple from two different paths come together. I also learned about bird watching in New York City.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of When the Forest Dreams by Andrea Ezerins.

Until the next time,
Karen the Baroness

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