Indigo Burns is excited. Her wedding preparations to the man of her dreams are under way, her career as a photographer is a success, and her family seems to be doing better than ever--all except her brother Reuben who nobody has seen in years. But that's about to change, because Reuben has decided to move back home to Jubilant, Texas. But Reuben's hope to find healing with his sisters doesn't seem to be working. Soon enough their lives intersect in dramatic, sometimes painful, and ultimately healing ways. This insightful novel by an Essence bestselling author will pull in women readers from the urban market and beyond.
Stacy Hawkins Adams is an award-winning journalist, author and essayist who invites readers to explore life's truths through entertaining fiction and thought-provoking nonfiction.
In late 2019, she released a book of original quotes and inspirational musings titled "Abound! Principles for Next Level Living."
Her 9 novels feature themes of friendship and sisterhood, faith, forgiveness, grit and hope. You'll put down one of her books feeling like you've left behind people you know and love.
Her most recent novel, "Finding Home," is the third book in her Winds of Change series, and is written as a stand-alone title. Her novel "Lead Me Home," received a Publisher's Weekly starred review. Another novel,"Coming Home," was a 2012 Target stores Recommended Read.
Stacy's sole nonfiction book, "Who Speaks To Your Heart? Tuning in to Hear God's Whispers", is a spiritual, devotional guide for busy women seeking to strengthen their faith.
Visit her LifeUntapped.com blog for regular inspiration from Stacy and her guest bloggers.
And sign up here for Life Untapped!, the author newsletter she occasionally distributes to share updates on her work and to introduce readers to other great authors: http://www.tinyurl.com/LifeUntapped
I struggled with giving the book between 3 and 4 stars. I was engaged in the story and I had read another book by Stacy Adams but this book was not as realistic to me for some reason? The story line just seemed too extreme, or canned to me. I know the subject matters dealt with are very real but the presentation for me was not convincing. Irene resonated with me though out of all of the characters. I think because of some issues of feeling like a parent that failed a child, I could understand her. I look forward to reading more books by this author though. I like the God story without it being over the top.
Dreams That Won’t Let Go (Jubilant Soul Series - Book 3) by Stacy Hawkins Adams
Indigo Burns should be happy, she should be on cloud nine. Her photography career is off to a great start, she is planning her wedding day. Everything should be going fine.
But, when Indigo’s brother, Reuben decides to move his wife and son back to Jubilant, Texas after a long absence, things go from bad to worse.
Reuben hopes to find healing and love from his sisters Indigo and Yasmin, but life altering decisions make him wonder if they will ever be free to own up to their mistakes and live their dreams.
My Thoughts:
When I first started reading the book, I felt as though Indigo was maybe being a little petulant and jealous about Reuben’s return. She wanted her mother’s attention and she felt Reuben could do no wrong. But, as I continued reading I began to see it was more than that. Indigo was hurt by Reuben in the past and that was just how she was showing that pain.
Yasmin was hurt by decisions her parents/grandparents made about her career and ended up making a huge decision that would change the family forever.
Reuben’s pain dealt more with what happened to him when he survived a car accident that took the lives of both his parents. He was feeling not only guilt over a broken promise, but what some would call survivor’s guilt.
Dreams That Won’t Let Go was really about families and how they interact and how honesty plays such a vital role in the family dynamic. Being honest about your feelings, and owning up to your mistakes. Telling family members when you are hurting and allowing them to help you and give you the wings you need to carry out your dreams.
I liked this book a lot because it showed a real family and a real struggle that readers could identify with. I also liked how the families faith in God seemed to be the cornerstone of their lives. How they were able to turn to God not only in the worst of times but in the good times as well.
Stacy Hawkins Adams in her new book, “Dreams That Won’t Let Go” published by Revell returns us for the third time to the town of Jubilant, Texas and the family of Indigo Burns, her sister, Yasmin and brother, Reuben.
Reuben had left Jubilant and the family a decade before and the separation caused a wound in the family that could never heal because Reuben did not want to return home and deal with this issue. Now, due to Indigo’s actions, Reuben is bringing his wife and young son home to Jubilant and the sisters are having trouble dealing with his return. Part of the issue is the sibling’s parents had both died and it is the grandparents that are raising them and they were also wounded by Reuben’s departure. So they are now doting on him and giving him special attention that both sisters resent and have to deal with.
This book is all about family relationships, brothers with sisters and sisters with sisters and the consequences of our actions within the family. The story shows how the Burns family has their own personal issues and yet they are able to deal with them without losing their love for each other.
All the characters are likable and Ms. Adams has a way of bringing you into the story and making the little town very real.
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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell Publishers. 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.”
This third book in Stacy's series can't be the end. I don't want it to be. I want to read more about the families in Jubilant, and the stories the characters have to tell. Dreams that Won't Let Go continues the story of Reuben and his young family's arrival back into the lives of his siblings and the grandparents who raised them. There is more than a little bit of resentment on his sisters' parts when he gets all the attention, though he never asked for it. Yasmin wants to start modeling again and causes her own drama within the family that shakes them up, yet brings them together at the same time. And Indigo is trying to plan a wedding but nobody seems to be paying attention.
My favorite character in this book was Reuben's wife, who happens to be visually impaired. She really touched my heart because I know people like her. They present as competent and in control and yet there is a vulnerable side to all women, even competent ones. I thought it was sweet that he saw her need for him. That was a moving scene when she woke and he wasn't there. Reuben was a good guy and a great husband to her. I loved how she touched all of his family and helped bridge the gap between them with her assured and loving ways. I also liked how the pastor was brought into the family circle to help them all heal. That shows a great example of how the church can be effective when people need help and the pastor is truly there for them. Overall, I enjoyed this book, but I have to say my favorite in the series was the second book, Worth a Thousand Words. But any book Stacy writes is a good story. She has a unique writing style and voice that always holds my attention.
Dreams that Won't Let Go is a riveting and beautiful book. I have not read the earlier books in the Jubilant Souls series, but I will make it a point to go back and read the first two. However, the third installment stands on it's own very well, I never felt lost. I just want to rad the first two to learn more about some of the characters and to enjoy more of Ms. Adams' writing.
So what about this book stood out to me? First the characters. I enjoyed getting to know Indigo and Reuben and their loved ones, Max and Peyton along with their family members. The characters are well done and you feel things for all of them. The story plays out through the characters and keeps you wanting to read more and learn more. The characters also grow through the book, both Indigo and Reuben are searching for something and though they seemed stumped to begin with on how to make things better, by the end they are making progress on working things out.
The plot is also amazing. Every time I thought I had something figured out, Ms. Adams took it in another direction. Yet nothing felt like it was out of the blue or not fitted in with the story. It is well plotted out and very interesting to read.
Conversation in this book also flowed well. Nothing felt stilted or strained. The message was one of love and forgiveness and I loved how it was written out in the book. The pastor that helps them out feels real and loving and very typical of what I am use to in the church. Not judgmental but understanding and loving. That comes out fully in the book without seeming preachy, and I think it is a beautifully written message.
Summary:This story is about where Reuben,indigo,and Yasmin face their fears and they all hope that their dreams come true. But the family has come to struggles to overcome pain and hurt that has festered for years. Reuben the brother lived far away and indigo brings him back to the family.Reuben decides to move back home and hope to find healing with his sister. But indigo isn't so sure so Yasmin make a life changing choice which she ran away which brought the family back together. Reuben had a new environment to get used to by bring a new baby in the family.Being a confidante to be Peyton husband. A lot of secrets come out of this book.
Theme: There's a lot of trust,healing,survival,faith,protection,love,and mostly about trust. 3 quotes: "Daddy,you did the best you could,and your still doing that." (141) When the real father passed away they got a new father and ever since the step dad has felt like he been doing everything wrong but Reuben finally tells him he not doing anything wrong and he the great person with the family too. "I can't believe that nearly 20 years after my parents deaths, i could still be affected so deeply." (190) This shows that he still having a hard time without his parents and that he still healing. Shows he is tough and strong on the inside and teaches him to be more on his own like a lesson. "but also prepare you for the decisions she's made" "She is 18. She has her own right to make her own decisions. (221+223)She finally relized that her mom not going to be there for here 24/7. its like a life changing for her that she has to make decisions on her own and have faith in herself and trust her self with her decisions.
Dreams That Won't Let Go by Stacy Hawkins Adams is the third book in her powerful Jubilant Soul series about the Burns family of Jubilant, Texas. Indigo Burns is counting down the last few weeks before her wedding to soulmate Max when her brother Reuben announces his return from living out of state. Their parents become so focused on his homecoming after ten years away that Indigo can't help but feel resentful of the attention, and when youngest sister Yasmin disappears it's apparent that she's been wounded by it as well. I really enjoy Adams' books, because they are populated by real people with real problems. Reuben, Indigo, and Yasmin are all still struggling with the death of their real parents almost twenty years ago and it impacts every aspect of their lives. The author focuses in on how secrets and hidden hurts can create distance within a family. God wants us to be open and honest with each other about our pain, especially within the family unit where we can best deal with it, and Adams illustrates that point beautifully here. Another thing I love about this series is that each volume skips a few years into the future giving the reader the opportunity to see characters learn from their mistakes and truly grow from them. I look forward to seeing what will happen next with Yasmin.
It’s been four years since we’ve last checked in with the Burns family. Since older brother Reuben has moved back home to Jubilant, Texas. Indigo is engaged to Max. Baby sister Yasmin is sulking after having to give up her modeling career.
Irene and Charles are so caught up in ‘Reubenmania’ that they don’t realize how they’ve ostracized their other children and responsibilities. Instead of always being able to come home, the move is more difficult as both sisters are harboring resentment.
When Yasmin flees Jubilant, Texas, in order to live out her dream the Burns family crumbles as the parents seem to go into seclusion, keeping secrets and shying away. This is part of the reason why Reuben ran off in the first place. Can this family finally find a way to get real with one another in order to heal their foundation?
‘Dreams That Won’t Let Go,’ the third novel in the Jubilant Soul series, is a real eye opener. I loved how the story grates on the difficult tasks of dealing with reality, holding on to secrets and being able to relate to one another as well as getting personal with God. Stacy Hawkins Adams’ ministry is in her writing. I thank God for her words and effortlessly recommend this series to others. I am hoping that this is not the last that we’ve seen from this family.
Title: Dreams That Won't Let Go Author: Stacy Hawkins Adams Publisher: Fleming H. Revall Company Series: Jubilant Soul #3 Reviewed By: Arlena Dean Rating: 5 Review:
"Dreams That Won't Let Go" by Stacy Hawkins Adams ....
"Indigo Burns is excited. Her wedding preparations to the man of her dreams are under way, her career as a photographer is a success, and her family seems to be doing better than ever - all except her brother Reuben who nobody has seen in years. But that's about to change, because Reuben has decided to move back home to Jubilant, Texas."
What I liked about "Dreams That Won't Let Go"
This is a beautiful and enjoyable series that I have loved reading...a journey with the Burns family. I liked how this author brought out to the readers that a family's with hidden secrets can almost destroyed relationships. "Dreams That Won't Let Go" is a very inspirational read that was about 'real life circumstances' that occur in our everyday life that will deals with love, grief and family issues. This will definitely be a read of 'emotional intensity' with some twist that will keep you turning the pages. The characters: Reuben, Indigo, Yasmin, Peyton, Max, Pastor Taylor...to name a few were all well developed and very believable...only giving you one amazing read.
Indigo Burns is planning her wedding, and it should be the happiest time of her life, but turmoil is on the horizon. Her brother has moved back home to Jubilant Texas after years of being gone. Her younger sister Yasmin is rebelling against her parents because they made decisions about her modeling career. All of this has everyone on edge, Indie is having feelings of anger towards her brother for abandoning them with no explanation and unknown to her, her brother has his own demons he is fighting.
How will all this be resolved, will it ruin Indigo and Max's wedding? Will Yasmin stay home and graduate from school. Will Ruben admit his failures and mistakes? How will the Burns family resolve all of this hurt, that has been glossed over for years?
A book full of faith, and forgiveness as the theme, this book is good to the end, in fact do not lay this book down without finishing it, the ending makes the book. Stacy Hawkins Adams truly has written a great book. $US 12.99 236 pages, 4 stars.
This book was provided by Revell for review purposes only, no payment was received for this review
Available January 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group
reams that Won't Let Go follows Indigo and her family as she is about to continue on with her photography dream and about to get married. Everything seems perfect except for the fact that her oldest brother, Rueben, who the family hasn't seen in years, is moving home and taking away all of Indigo's attention. This book follows the relationship between the three siblings and Indigo and her fiance and extended family members as she tries to figure out what's the next step. How does she follow her dreams without stepping on people around her?
I enjoyed this book more than the first one because it was more relatable for me, but the storyline was still somewhat predictable and nothing ground breaking. It does say a lot about things like looking from different perspectives and thinking about others rather than just yourself. I'd recommend this book to someone that likes a good wholesome book with a decent plot. 3 stars.
Fantastic read; been reading the book; Dreams that won't let go, now here’s the review Dreams that won’t let go-the book review, of the book by Stacy Hawkins Adam, published by Revell; a division of Baker Publishing Group. The Burns family is familiar with tragedy, heartaches and pain maybe too familiar, so much so that it would appears as if sometime some individuals in this family deliberately seeks out or invites pain, and if and when the chance of resolving issues presents itself, such are vigorously resisted. Read more
I was not disappointed by this next book in the series. There were still a few things that had me lost for a bit but I'm not sure if that was the author's intent or I was missing background info by not having read the first book in the series.
While Dreams That Won't Let Go did divulge an unknown from Reuben's past; it didn't have the same shock effect as when we learned about Brian's past in the second book but it still made for a good storyline.
I'm somewhat disappointed that this is the final book in the series because I would love to hear more about the lives of the Burns family (Indigo's married life, Reuben's family and Yasmin's modeling career).
It was a great book just like the other two. One thing that has stuck and will stick with me was near the end of the book. The next to last page to be exact. Reuben had just given his testimony at church and was about to sing. He stated he had not sung since he was 12. He said he thought the song had died in him when his parents died in the accident. (this next statement) Reuben stated "I've realized that the song didn't die- I smothered it." WOW!! Powerful. I think we have all smothered our own dreams, hopes, aspirations and even what God has shown us. We cover it up with our own MESS!!
The best in The Jubilant Series. I enjoyed the story of the Burns family coming full circle to a satisfying conclusion. I liked that the Burns family finally confronted all of their skeletons and put them out in the open so they could be overcome. Even with all of his struggles and faults Reuben was a likeable character, and I wanted to know the outcome of his journey. I was also glad to know Indigo got her happy ever after. And Yasmin found her answers. The only problem I had was with the Rachelle character. I didn't enjoy her story as much, plus she became an overly preachy and pushy character in the last two books.
First of all, thank you to good reads for this book. I don't think I would have chosen this book on my own. Even though it is very religiously based, it still has a wonderful message. It shows how important it is for a family to have open lines of communication in all facets of life. Without communication only hurt can result. If the lines of communication are open a family and the individuals within it can get through all the tough times in life. It is a message that I think many families need.
Langauge: No adult language. Sexuality: Mentioned but nothing explicit. Violence: Mentioned and hinted but not a major theme.
I was not a fan of this book. I have never read anything by this author and didn't realize it was sequel until after I had started. The story line was too predictable and I kept waiting for the twist and it never came. I had a hard time relating to any of the characters. Maybe if I had read the first book I would think differently but the characters all seemed a bit flat to me.
It's the first book that I've read by this author. I have to say that I enjoyed the book.
It makes me think about how all of us have to come to terms with old hurts or disappointments from our past. This is especially true in families if we are going to be truly happy.
The only thing that bothered me about it was the fact that the grandchildren called the grandparents Mom & Dad.
Indigo Burns is recently engage and flabbergasted about her life. Indigo needs her mother to be there for her, but things changes when her brother, Rueben moves back to the area. Rueben has been away from his family for years. Since the return of Reuben and his family the focus is on them. Reuben returns to his hometown for healing. The baby girl, Yasmin decides to run away from home on her eighteenth birthday. There are times when we have to let go and let God!!!
This was a wonderful read! A faith-based novel about reconciliation and forgiveness. It is full of suspense and the final book in the Jubilant Soul series trilogy. You finally get to meet Rueben and his family which reveals the history behind the Burns family. You will feel good after reading this story as it is very uplifting.
Stacy Hawkins Adams does a wonderful job of realistically presenting the mess we can find ourselves in when we don't authentically live our lives in relation to God and our friends and relatives.
What to do when your nightmares and panic attacks threaten your sanity? Reuben comes back to his hometown to hopefully solve his nightmares. Long ago he made a promise to his parents who died but has never fulfilled the promise. This is the 3rd book in this series and links Reuben, Indigo and Yasmine and their extended families. Reuben is trying to get close to his sister but nothing seems to be working. Yasmine finds out something her parents kept from her and it causes her to runaway from all her family. Indigo is planning her wedding but lacks the support she needs from the persons he desired to share these times with. Secrets are revealed that have been hidden for sometime. Love the stories and the storyteller...God shows up and shows out on many fronts...
I enjoyed reading the book and glad to see how the Burns family come together and addressed issues that was happening within the family. Great to see Reuben got the help he needed to get the burden off his shoulders and forgive himself as well as Indigo and him connecting together. I loved Pastor Taylor character! The ending of the book brought tears to my eyes as I feel and worshipping the LORD as if I was there in church! Woot!
It would have been great to see the outcome of Yasmin, Reuben and Indigo come together or how Yasmin character turns out. Perhaps a 4th (Jubilant Soul) book? 🙂
Awesome! I learned so much from this book. The revelation brought me to tears. I was able to use the story in the bible of Hezekiah in Isaiah 38 and his terminal illness as I shared it with a family member going through a illness. God wants so little of us, and yet we rob him of everything. We see our families being torn apart everyday and refuse to step up to make a difference. What have you done today to glorify God?
"Dreams That Won't Let Go" by Stacy Hawkins Adams was a very enjoyable read. The characters were authenic and entertaning while also representing an important lesson about sibling love and not allowing disagreements to keep them split apart.