The Dream

Crosslyn Rise #1

by Barbara Delinsky

The Dream by Barbara Delinsky released on Dec 25, 1995 is available now for purchase.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Fiction, Chick Lit, Contemporary

250 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published February 4, 2014

About the author

I was born and raised in suburban Boston. My mother’s death, when I was eight, was the defining event of a childhood that was otherwise ordinary. I took piano lessons and flute lessons. I took ballroom dancing lessons. I went to summer camp through my fifteenth year (in Maine, which explains the setting of so many of my stories), then spent my sixteenth summer learning to type and to drive (two skills that have served me better than all of my other high school courses combined). I earned a B.A. in Psychology at Tufts University and an M.A. in Sociology at Boston College. The motivation behind the M.A. was sheer greed. My husband was just starting law school. We needed the money.

Following graduate school, I worked as a researcher with the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, and as a photographer and reporter for the Belmont Herald. I did the newspaper work after my first son was born. Since I was heavily into taking pictures of him, I worked for the paper to support that habit. Initially, I wrote only in a secondary capacity, to provide copy for the pictures I took. In time, I realized that I was better at writing than photography. I used both skills doing volunteer work for hospital groups, and have served on the Board of Directors of the Friends of the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center and on the MGH’s Women’s Cancer Advisory Board.

I became an actual writer by fluke. My twins were four when, by chance, I happened on a newspaper article profiling three female writers. Intrigued, I spent three months researching, plotting, and writing my own book - and it sold.

My niche? I write about the emotional crises that we face in our lives. Readers identify with my characters. They know them. They are them. I'm an everyday woman writing about everyday people facing not-so-everyday challenges.

My novels are character-driven studies of marriage, parenthood, sibling rivalry, and friendship, and I’ve been blessed in having readers who buy them eagerly enough to put them on the major bestseller lists. One of my latest, Sweet Salt Air, came out in 2013.  Blueprints, my second novel with St. Martin’s Press, became my 22nd New York Times bestselling novel soon after its release in June 2015.  Making Up, my work in progress, will be published in 2018.

2018? Yikes. I didn’t think I’d live that long. I thought I’d die of breast cancer back in the 1900's, like my mom. But I didn’t. I was diagnosed nearly twenty years ago, had surgery and treatment, and here I am, stronger than ever and loving having authored yet another book, this one the non-fiction Uplift: Secrets From the Sisterhood of Breast Cancer Survivors. First published in 2001, Uplift is a handbook of practical tips and upbeat anecdotes that I compiled with the help of 350 breast cancer survivors, their families and friends. These survivors just ... blew me away! They gave me the book that I wish I’d had way back when I was diagnosed. There is no medical information here, nothing frightening, simply practical advice from friends who’ve had breast cancer. The 10th Anniversary Volume of Uplift is now in print. And the money I’ve made on the book? Every cent has gone to my charitable foundation, which funds an ongoing research fellowship at Massachusetts General Hospital.

Connect with me on Facebook: facebook.com/bdelinsky
Look for my photos on Instagram: instagram.com/barbaradelinsky

Reviews

[Theresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

First in the Crosslyn Rise Trilogy set on Massachusett's north shore, this first in the series introduces us to the once magnificent mansion and its grounds and waterfront, still family owned after 5 generations. We also meet Jessica, the last of the family and facing the reality that she has to let it go as she cannot maintain it any longer and there is no other family to assist. With the help of her local banker, Jessica comes up with a plan to develop Crosslyn Rise as a planned exclusive community that would preserve the integrity of the mansion and its setting.

Carter was the local bad boy, the son of the gardener and housekeeper for Crosslyn Rise while Jessica was growing up there. To say they rubbed each other the wrong way is to put it mildly. However, Carter is now an acclaimed and gifted architect who is hired for the development and becomes a primary partner in the consortium formed to bring Jessica's dream to life. Can true love be far behind the initial conflict and bad memories?

I loved the story laid out about Crosslyn Rise itself. As a real estate lawyer in NYC, it's a familiar story, and the real estate story is well laid out. Our lovers are an interesting pair, and Jessica's reserve and academic nature coupled with some pretty deep emotional wounds, was well handled. There's some steamy sex, makng it just a hot enough read. It is written in the 90s and there are some pretty entertaining period touches like pay phones and cars long out of production.

[Marianne · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Dream is the first book in the Crosslyn Rise trilogy by American author, Barbara Delinsky. Crosslyn Rise is in trouble: run down and in need of repair. Jessica Crosslyn doesn’t have the money to do it (her father squandered the family’s fortune) but she can’t bear to sell. Her radical plan is for a sensitive development of the grounds with cluster condominiums, to draw in investors. Her bank manager and close friend, Gordon Hale, recommends Carter Malloy to do the design. Despite his urging, Jessica is reluctant: the only memories she has of Malloy are unpleasant. But when they meet, he’s nothing like she remembers. A romance that develops excruciatingly slowly, with a predictable outcome. The main character is over-sensitive and over thinks everything. The male lead probably saves this from being a poor read. This is early Delinsky, and it shows. Her later novels are much better.

[Judy Churchill · Rating 3 out of 5]

An aging mansion, a penniless owner and a talented, handsome architect- to set the scene. The pretty owner and the architect work on a plan to develop the property. Average.

[Marilyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is the first one of three books in one written by Barbara Delinsky...all written in 1990, so the settings of the stories are quite dated. I can't complain...I bought it for 50 cents at St. Timothy's yard sale.

[elstaffe · Rating 2 out of 5]

Started this book disliking the heroine, ended by disliking the hero and really disliking the heroine. Maybe it's that the "oh no, I have to break up my family estate on the North Shore into expensive condos," maybe it's the insane jealousy tactics used at the end, but...no. Wavering between one and two stars only because there were some nice New England descriptions. Not the book for me.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jessica has to do something about the estate and mansion she has inherited but there is no money to do it with. She and her banker hit on a plan but it involves an architect that she has strong feelings about both good and bad.
Great read as usual

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story hasn’t aged well and the „I’m not easy like other women“/„she doesn’t like sex because she’s never done it with the right man“ thing is really not my thing. The writing is also not particularly good, with repetitions, awkward conversations and a weirdly timed story arch.

[Tamara Lane · Rating 1 out of 5]

I suppose I just prefer her later publications.

[Tatiana Coimbra · Rating 3 out of 5]

2,5 stars - não é meu tipo de leitura! Sei lá, não curti...

[Presly Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could give this book a six star rating I would. MY GOD!!! this was mind blowing. You are one hell of an amazing story teller Ms Delinsky. This right here is a fave

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Probably more a 2.5 rating. A little more graphic than I like.

[Cathy Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a predictable story but was written with twists and turns. The characters had many layers so it was fun to read.

[Jean Darroch]

Nice story

[Carol · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was dated and it showed.

[Annika Savimägi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Käib kah sopakas.

[Marianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delinsky is always a pleasure. Looking forward to the next story in this delightful trilogy

[Gwen S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an unputdownable novel! Jessica Crosslyn, Harvard professor and sole own of the Crosslyn Rise manor, has to come up with an idea to infuse cash into her legacy while trying to save it. She along with Gordon, her old family friend and financier/ banker, toy with the idea of turning this historic place into a high luxury resort/ condominiums. The architect to help formulate her vision is no other than her childhood nemesis and only incorrigible son of her family cook and gardener, Carter Malloy. Carter, who has now matured into a famous, reputable architect, has lost his 'disenfranchised chip' from his shoulder, and sets out to convince Jessica that he is the man for the job. In the process of doing so, he falls in love with her and shows her how to trust, once again. The two make a formidable team on this joint venture as each learn and grow.

The plot, characters, and dialogue make this a truly exciting novel. This was especially true for Carter's. He held this novel together, as he did a 180 degree change in his life, while Jessica tended to be superficial, and vacillated a lot, which made her seem wimpy. Kudos, Ms. Delinsky!

[Gigi Ann · Rating 2 out of 5]

My Thoughts...

This is not the first book I've read by Ms. Delinsky. I usually enjoy her books, however, when I started reading her books it was her later books I read and I really enjoyed them. Unfortunately I did not like this book. I could not relate to the characters, Jessica was just to whiny and how can I say this kindly...she was undecisive, stubborn, and way too into herself.

Another thing I didn't realize when I started to read this book, that it was the first book of a trilogy. So therefore, the ending was kind of a let down. If I want to know anymore of what is happening with Jessica, Carter and Crosslyn Rise, that means I will have to read the other two books which is never going to happen.

Because I struggled to get this book read and since it was the first book of a three parter, I will only be awarding it 2 stars. This book is part of my Nook Library.

[Dana Lowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book years ago and still remember it. Compelling story line, great romance, fun to read. Made me a Barbara Delinsky fan and I still read anything written by her. If your looking for a good, romantic story with sex that is pretty hot and steamy but not to 50 Shades with the steamy parts this is a good book to read.

[Katie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found the character of Jessica to be super annoying. I just wanted to shake some sense into her! The character of Carter was great and he put up with alot from her. I wouldn't recommend this short story at all.

[Laurie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I read one of her books a few years ago and I adored it but this book was just awful. It was mostly terrible, unrealistic dialogue. The characters are very one-dimensional and the ending came out of nowhere. Nothing was resolved except two people who are practically strangers wanting babies.

[Dawn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Written in 1990 it feels its age. Romance based on heroine with old mansion family home that needs to be sold and/or restored...enter architect...who was bully in her past. You can figure out the rest.

[Kerrie (Layton) Box · Rating 3 out of 5]

it is an easy read, I hope in the second book the characters become more intriguing and the the plot more interesting all in all a story you really care about and can't put the book down. which was not the case with book one but will give book two a chance.

[Bonnie G. Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of The Dream

I enjoyed the book. Perhaps a little more graphic in places than I like but it is overall a good book. I like books that have sequels so the story doesn't have to end.

[penelopewanders · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not bad, quick read, nothing to write home about.

[Janai · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nothing extremely exciting but its a cute and realistic story. ill continue to read the others

[Krista · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Great characters, and not too many dated references except that the Hero served in Vietnam. Downloaded the other 2 in the trilogy.

[Gail Glogowski · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read a few negative reviews but I liked it. It was light, fast reading and I just finished some heavy pieces so it was a nice relief.

[Geovanna Maya · Rating 4 out of 5]

es una buena historia pero tuve problemas al final con la protagonista, me llego a molestar, si, pero pues para ser una historia corta no estuvo tan mal y él protagonista compensa todo.

[Mattie Wynne · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ugh. The main character is blah. I wanted Carter to find someone more interesting. I'm halfway through and about to abandon which I rarely do.