The Dream Comes True

Crosslyn Rise #3

by Barbara Delinsky

The Dream Comes True is the final novel in beloved bestselling author Barbara Delinsky's classic Crosslyn Rise trilogy about a family estate that's fallen into disrepair—and those who dream of bringing it back to life. Originally published in 1990, now available as an e-book for the first time.



Love is always a good investment.

Realtor Nina Stone is known for getting results. When it comes to Crosslyn Rise, she will use every aggressive sales tactic she can dream up…unless John Sawyer has his say. An investor in the once-majestic Massachusetts estate, he refuses to go along with Nina's plans for profit. The attraction he feels for her, however? Priceless. Could it be that these two strong-willed individuals are ready to negotiate their real estate—in each other's hearts?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Fiction

256 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1990

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]

The conclusion to the Crosslyn Rise Trilogy brings us to the final stages of the development, especially the marketing and sale. It centers on Nina, a fast-moving, fast-talking, driven workaholic real estate broker and partner in the consortium, who wants the price the townhouse condo units higher than others in the consortium think wise. Specifically John, owner of a local bookstore who invested in the consortium as a way to raise the funds needed to provide longterm schooling for his young special needs son. John believes the pricing is too high and will not guaranty a sellout, thus jeopardizing the ultimate profits of the project.

John is also slow-talking, slow-moivng, contemplative, intellectual. It drives Nina crazy. Yet when the consortium insists they work together to reach a compromise on the pricing and marketing, the spakrs flying are heated and not only about a difference of opinion. Nina has quite an emotional and personal journey in this story, before she realizes true happiness.

Once again the real estate aspects interested me and were well presented. I also like that the author does not have a boilerplate for her steamy sex scenes from book to book, nor do they overwhelm the plot. I was really happy when Nina realized her HEA, and that in an epilogue we got to see the Crosslyn Rise development in completion.

[Judy Churchill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although there was some sameness in this book, it was better. The plan comes together. The conversion of the lovely old mansion is complete. The condominiums are stunning and the marina complete with shops is all leased. This was a satisfying story even though dated. It was published in the early 1990s.

[Jenny Lyn Senter · Rating 3 out of 5]

I purchased this book for a quick read during an epic winter storm. It served it purpose. At first I was puzzled by the theme of a woman not being too independent, but by the end, I got the message. Good food for thought at any rate.

[Marianne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Delinsky has the magic touch.

[Presly Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

After TLC, The Dream Comes True is my second favourite. You are an amazing author Delinsky. You always have the right ingredients to make for a stunning read. I totally loved this book and am going to look for more of your works.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short read, decent story, nothing spectacular.

[Cathy Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nina finally sees that she can have love and a career. But it took her Mother’s bad health to make her see it was possible. John knew it all along and just waited for her to see it for herself.

[elstaffe · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not terribly written per se, just really didn't enjoy the story or the characters (particularly the "hero", eesh). Not for me.

[Annika Savimägi · Rating 1 out of 5]

Hale sopakas.

[Gigi Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

For five generations Crosslyn Rise has been the very heart of one of Massachusetts's finest families. Now the majestic estate has been converted into an exclusive condominium complex, attracting an eclectic mixture of investors.

For Nina Stone, Crosslyn Rise represents the ultimate successful move in her real estate career. There's no limit to what she can do for the secluded complex with her aggressive sales ideas. No limit, that is, except one....

John Sawyer. He's a laid-back bookseller, but he's also an investor in Crosslyn Rise. One who refuses to jump on Nina's fast track. Her ambitions may be sky-high, but his reality is firmly established on the ground.

Now all John has to do is convince Nina that's where dreams are built.

This is what I call one of Barbara Delinsky's 'vintage' books that she wrote in 1990. I have read many of her more recent books, so this is a contemporary women's romance fiction book. A bit of different style of writing than what she does today. This book had a few steamy parts, but, since I was in a mood for reading a fluffy chic lit book, and Barbara Delinsky is one of my favorite authors I chose to read this book today. It was a quick read and a bit predictable, but I enjoyed it anyway. It had a happily ever after ending, just like I like my Cinderella books.

[Chetta · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the third in a trilogy of romance novellas. They were written back in the 90's, I believe, but that doesn't excuse the total stereotyping of the characters. I realized when I started this third story that was the problem I was having with the trilogy. The female protagonist in this story was type A to a fault. The first was conservative to the same degree. I don't even remember the second. Using recognizable stereotype isn't a problem in itself but these characters never became fully-formed into more than just flat characters.

[Gwen S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nina and John, two diametrically opposite characters, who are on the Crosslyn Rise consortium board, develop an attraction to each other and sparks fly. Personality-wise, Nina' s character was stronger and more steadfast than Jessica's in Book One. She did not vacillate between wanting John and not wanting him. What Nina struggled with was her independence and her freedom once she committed to loving John and J. J. This novel was a pleasure to read, even though I read it out of order, it was truly a 'stand alone' novel.

[Abi_88 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did not read the other two book belonging to the seris but I have to say as an independent book this was really good. I mean that's if you like romance novels. The protagonist seemed very realistic to me because her behavior towards men is very similar to mines.

[Kerrie (Layton) Box · Rating 2 out of 5]

very predictable, easy read, a popcorn book, glad it was the last of the triolgy, i have this hang up that once I start I have to finish I very rarely do not finish a book or the series. if you want a fast easy read this would be for you.

[Marilyn]

This is the third book of three in one by Barbara Delinsky. I've only read two of the chapters so far.

[Carol · Rating 2 out of 5]

typical Harlequin romance - just some light reading on the side while I work thru Anna Karenina

[Jackie Simons]

Read 3/98

[Theresa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Great beach read.

[Wendy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Better than the second in the trilogy as the characters were a little more developed. A middle of the road good book.

[Diane Wachter · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Dream Comes True, Barbara Delinsky, PB-B, @ 1990, 6/00. A busy real estate woman eventually falls for a bookseller/singer father with a special needs son. Good.

[Adeline Kam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quite a boring, typical love story. Just skimmed thru the book since I have bought it.

[Andrea · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well-written romance, satisfying to read.