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Dream A Little Dream
For centuries Fair Castle stood proudly on English soil...until an eccentric millionaire bought and transported it, stone by stone, to America. Today, the ancient stronghold is home to his heiress, lovely Elinor MacLeish and her family...and it is also home to the ghosts that refuse to leave their ancestral dwelling.
Willian Braddock, also known as Lord Norwood, was once an impoverished English peer. But having made his fortune, he has set his sights on America. Fair Castle was once his. And now, he wants it back.
When the English nobleman meets the headstrong American heiress, the battle is joined. Someone-- or something-- wants the castle back, and will stop at nothing to get it. But who will lose Fair Castle, and who will lose their hearts?
Willian Braddock, also known as Lord Norwood, was once an impoverished English peer. But having made his fortune, he has set his sights on America. Fair Castle was once his. And now, he wants it back.
When the English nobleman meets the headstrong American heiress, the battle is joined. Someone-- or something-- wants the castle back, and will stop at nothing to get it. But who will lose Fair Castle, and who will lose their hearts?
354 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 15, 1997
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
March 5, 2022
I found this book discounted via BookBub; this is my honest review
-The book is funny, really funny, up until 20% and then it gets old. Very. Old. I was already tired of the blame at 35% and almost didn't finish the book, like so many other reviewers. At 84%, Elinor learns crucial information but doesn't share; some suspense starts at this point.
-I really don't get Elinor and her attachment to the castle; she doesn't live there anymore and yet, she's obliging her parents and grand-parents to keep it even though they can no longer afford it. I'm dumbfounded when she says there's no place for them (her and Will) to live in the castle -it's a castle, of course there are rooms for them to live in.
-I didn't see anything wrong with a portrait getting askew; it's normal, life happens. I also didn't get Elinor's extreme response to Will's talk of ghosts. I'm still waiting to see if someone will investigate Susan's first husband's death. Nope. So why talk about the possibility of a murder?
-Many repetitions such as Chester's "ham-sized hand" - thrice at 18% into the book.
-Elinor is blaming William for everything (the lights, the $, etc.), calls him names (thoughtless, liar, etc.) and yet she only asked forgiveness once. She's an idiot, desperate, needy, annoying, selfish, hypocrite, drama queen, childish, no respect for her elders (she was SO rude to her DGM).
-I was getting really mad when Elinor forced emotions on William about his family "I'm not sure I'd notice". I totally understand him. What does she know?!
-Kudos to Susan who's the one that finally, finally calls her child as she is. Selfish.
-I get what Tucker was looking for but I still don't understand why Charles & Marianne - the ghosts - needed him. I'm perplexed about the purpose of the ghosts.
-On the day the papers are supposed to be signed, the time is wrong. Since they both woke up at 10am, they can't be waiting 5 hours for the appointment while they've been doing other stuff. They were also in NYC and it takes 2 hours getting to the castle. Even if they didn't eat before leaving, they had to get dressed and find a vehicle.
Editing needs a serious pass (examples): wrong verb (suddenly fetched up short), reversed (there's candles lit, vs. there are lit candles), missing words (from attack), adjectives vs. adverbs (special/especially), wrong tense (give/gave), doubles (the hold in the the right). If you're going to use another language, at least use their accents properly!
-The book is funny, really funny, up until 20% and then it gets old. Very. Old. I was already tired of the blame at 35% and almost didn't finish the book, like so many other reviewers. At 84%, Elinor learns crucial information but doesn't share; some suspense starts at this point.
-I really don't get Elinor and her attachment to the castle; she doesn't live there anymore and yet, she's obliging her parents and grand-parents to keep it even though they can no longer afford it. I'm dumbfounded when she says there's no place for them (her and Will) to live in the castle -it's a castle, of course there are rooms for them to live in.
-I didn't see anything wrong with a portrait getting askew; it's normal, life happens. I also didn't get Elinor's extreme response to Will's talk of ghosts. I'm still waiting to see if someone will investigate Susan's first husband's death. Nope. So why talk about the possibility of a murder?
-Many repetitions such as Chester's "ham-sized hand" - thrice at 18% into the book.
-Elinor is blaming William for everything (the lights, the $, etc.), calls him names (thoughtless, liar, etc.) and yet she only asked forgiveness once. She's an idiot, desperate, needy, annoying, selfish, hypocrite, drama queen, childish, no respect for her elders (she was SO rude to her DGM).
-I was getting really mad when Elinor forced emotions on William about his family "I'm not sure I'd notice". I totally understand him. What does she know?!
-Kudos to Susan who's the one that finally, finally calls her child as she is. Selfish.
-I get what Tucker was looking for but I still don't understand why Charles & Marianne - the ghosts - needed him. I'm perplexed about the purpose of the ghosts.
-On the day the papers are supposed to be signed, the time is wrong. Since they both woke up at 10am, they can't be waiting 5 hours for the appointment while they've been doing other stuff. They were also in NYC and it takes 2 hours getting to the castle. Even if they didn't eat before leaving, they had to get dressed and find a vehicle.
Editing needs a serious pass (examples): wrong verb (suddenly fetched up short), reversed (there's candles lit, vs. there are lit candles), missing words (from attack), adjectives vs. adverbs (special/especially), wrong tense (give/gave), doubles (the hold in the the right). If you're going to use another language, at least use their accents properly!
August 24, 2017
Long and slow
This sounded like a different spin on your typical romance: The Baron can afford to buy back the ancestral castle, the feisty heroine doesn't want to sell and their are ghosts complicating the matter. The execution was tortured and slow. The first half of the book is largely impressions of the heroine who came across as selfish and immature. She had no regard for the economics of the situation and was nasty not feisty. As a result the book was very slow going and I almost didn't finish it. The ghosts are mere confusing snippets and it is difficult even at the end to understand who they were and whose side they were on. The book eventually resolved into the typical happily ever after but it wasn't an enjoyable read due to the nasty heroine and confusing plot line. She needs a better editor
This sounded like a different spin on your typical romance: The Baron can afford to buy back the ancestral castle, the feisty heroine doesn't want to sell and their are ghosts complicating the matter. The execution was tortured and slow. The first half of the book is largely impressions of the heroine who came across as selfish and immature. She had no regard for the economics of the situation and was nasty not feisty. As a result the book was very slow going and I almost didn't finish it. The ghosts are mere confusing snippets and it is difficult even at the end to understand who they were and whose side they were on. The book eventually resolved into the typical happily ever after but it wasn't an enjoyable read due to the nasty heroine and confusing plot line. She needs a better editor
August 7, 2017
Almost missed
This is a good book. Almost missed it because of negative reviews. I don't like books where the main characters are unlikable. Some of the reviews said the heroine was unlikable. But Kristen Hannah said it was awesome and it was about a castle so I took a chance. Glad I did. Elinour the heroine was fighting to keep her home (The castle) and I thought her feelings and actions toward the hero were justified. Despite all that, love conquers all and the secondary characters were charming . Add some ghosts, a sneaky villian, and you have a most enjoyable read. My first book by this author. Will read more.
This is a good book. Almost missed it because of negative reviews. I don't like books where the main characters are unlikable. Some of the reviews said the heroine was unlikable. But Kristen Hannah said it was awesome and it was about a castle so I took a chance. Glad I did. Elinour the heroine was fighting to keep her home (The castle) and I thought her feelings and actions toward the hero were justified. Despite all that, love conquers all and the secondary characters were charming . Add some ghosts, a sneaky villian, and you have a most enjoyable read. My first book by this author. Will read more.
August 8, 2017
A light romance with a twisty plot that needed some editing. The characters were a little flat and the chemistry between the H & h a little bit fast & unexplained. For a book that went on & on about historical details & descriptions of landscapes & interiors, a little more time on the beginning & middle of that relationship would have been welcome.
The story has some great elements - an English castle tucked into the Hudson Valley, a wacky, artistic cast of characters, and an alphahole hero who comes to his senses, it just didn't pack the emotion needed. I'm a little miffed about the lost opportunity, so while this was a good read, it ticked me off that it wasn't great.
The story has some great elements - an English castle tucked into the Hudson Valley, a wacky, artistic cast of characters, and an alphahole hero who comes to his senses, it just didn't pack the emotion needed. I'm a little miffed about the lost opportunity, so while this was a good read, it ticked me off that it wasn't great.
July 30, 2020
I read this book years ago when I was a bookseller. I still have the ARC on my bookshelf despite the fact that it is falling apart. I have read this book at least 5 times—that is a LOT for me, as I rarely even read a book twice.
This is far and away my favorite romance book of all time. There was something so magical about it to me. If read it again today would it give me the same feels? I’m not sure, but I do know this is one of those books I’ll never unhaul.
A castle moved from England to the US brick by brick, enemies to lovers (done in a better way than many), a bit of magic, ghosts, a bad guy—what could be better?
I really miss Antoinette Stockenberg’s novels.
This is far and away my favorite romance book of all time. There was something so magical about it to me. If read it again today would it give me the same feels? I’m not sure, but I do know this is one of those books I’ll never unhaul.
A castle moved from England to the US brick by brick, enemies to lovers (done in a better way than many), a bit of magic, ghosts, a bad guy—what could be better?
I really miss Antoinette Stockenberg’s novels.
June 8, 2019
Unexpectedly Delightful Story
This was my first time to read this author and I was surprised and pleased. Beautifully written and flawlessly edited, this novel spins an intriguing tale around flawed but endearing characters, who are experiencing both real life and a bit of other-worldly interference. I really enjoyed it.
This was my first time to read this author and I was surprised and pleased. Beautifully written and flawlessly edited, this novel spins an intriguing tale around flawed but endearing characters, who are experiencing both real life and a bit of other-worldly interference. I really enjoyed it.
August 27, 2017
I love books that have Ireland in them, this book was funny, suspenseful and for me hard to put down. Loved the characters.
April 26, 2018
4/25/18
June 6, 2018
Easy beach read
June 25, 2019
What a great love story!
It just flows so easily. It's very real. Just enough mystery. Lots of action and subplots. Good family interaction. I was ready to clock the little sister.
It just flows so easily. It's very real. Just enough mystery. Lots of action and subplots. Good family interaction. I was ready to clock the little sister.
October 3, 2020
A little romance with a castle, a Lord and Ghosts. What more could you ask for in the fall..... I think the book got better as it went along.
April 21, 2021
Just a fun romantic read about a family, love and a castle.
February 19, 2017
This wasn't a bad book; it just didn't really hold my interest. I found it difficult to get into and a bit long. Not a bad story, just not that intriguing to me.
April 27, 2016
Fun book. An English castle, sold 50 years before and transported, piece by piece, across the ocean and reassembled on a Bluff overlooking the Hudson River in upstate New York...........that was enough to capture my interest. And the rest of the story kept me fascinated to the end. Three generations of the McLeish family reside in, and mostly love, the old castle but the money to maintain it has dwindled. Enter Will, Lord Norwood, the heir to the estate, who wants to buy it back and transport it back to England for his grandmother. With a couple of ghosts, a battle royal between Will and Elinor McLeish over the possible sale, with daily public tours of the castle underway and a researcher from Canada sifting through the archives, the story kept getting better and better. Throw in danger, family issues, love (centuries old and current), I couldn't ask for more. I certainly would read more by this author!
March 29, 2013
I originally wrote: "So far, so good. I selected this book as a "nook" book for just 99 cents, so I don't expect to feel that my money was badly spent. I like the characters, and although I am only a few chapters into the book, I am enjoying it. It's very light reading, which is what I wanted right now." Well, I can say the price was certainly right. It wasn't wasted money, but I'd say I got what I paid for--which is not much. It was light, for sure, and so light that it had as much substance as cotton candy. The characters were predictable and the plot was just plain fluff. I don't recommend it, but it isn't awful. I finished reading it, not because I was engrossed, but because it was there on my nook and I had some time without any other available reading material.
February 26, 2013
Bought this for my new Nook during one of my buying sprees and so glad I did. I loved the whimsical feel to this book and loved the mystery subplot. Nicely placed red herrings. If you like light romance with a mystery subplot, touch of humor, and a sprinkle of paranormal, Dream A Little Dream by Ms. Stockenberg will make you smile.
March 13, 2013
An authentic medieval castle in the Hudson Valley? Ghosts that talk exclusively in italics? A handsome millionaire Englishman returned to take the castle back? Sometimes, this kind of thing hits the spot. Sometimes, it doesn't.
A quick read, just what I expected it to be. Mostly okay prose. Thin characters. The kind of book you can read with one eye on the TV and not miss a thing.
A quick read, just what I expected it to be. Mostly okay prose. Thin characters. The kind of book you can read with one eye on the TV and not miss a thing.
February 4, 2013
I truly enjoy this author. The characters are fun and I felt the plot was well thought out. The passion was there but there was not as much romance as some of her other books. A great way to spend the weekend.
May 9, 2016
Loved it!
This story kept me turning pages and not wanting to stop so I could see what happened next. I wasn't disappointed. It's already been described as a modern day fairy tale, but that's the best description I can think of.
This story kept me turning pages and not wanting to stop so I could see what happened next. I wasn't disappointed. It's already been described as a modern day fairy tale, but that's the best description I can think of.
May 11, 2016
Didn't disappoint!
I've read many of Antoinette Stockenberg's books. This one is very enjoyable. I enjoyed the characters, the family closeness. I would like to see more of this type of story from her.
I've read many of Antoinette Stockenberg's books. This one is very enjoyable. I enjoyed the characters, the family closeness. I would like to see more of this type of story from her.
May 28, 2008
Very passionate characters, some interesting story lines, but nothing too special.
November 22, 2008
Gave up on this one 1/4 of the way in. It was obvious that the guy and the girl would eventually fall for each other, and I didn't like either one of them. Unusual premise, bad characters.
March 18, 2013
Nice romance
August 7, 2013
Personally did not care for this book. It was just okay.
March 13, 2013
not the best. bought it because it was 99 cents.
April 21, 2013
Very entertaining but long book. This author is good if you are looking for a romantic novel, but not too romantic and has a nice story. This one didn't disappoint.
November 8, 2013
Wonderful mind mush!
May 23, 2016
Fun read, ghosts and love conflict.
December 29, 2013
Her books are always engaging and a quick read.
February 19, 2014
Eh. Cute title. Story was too predictable for me to get into.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews