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Here Dreaming Though Wide Awake
"You can never forget the things you wish to."Dreams were fickle creatures, Desmond never really knew what to do with them. Somehow, he stumbled upon a secure future, and all he needed to do was survive a dinner party. But when Desmond suddenly must learn to reclaim who he is, will it be worth the risk of becoming a version of himself he can barely stand?
Now Molly’s desire for a happily-ever-after becomes a balancing act. She too must remember that some stories are better if you write them yourself.
All the while, George is fighting a darker battle, his monsters follow a clock that no one has control over. And when the time comes, he must decide between harbouring certain secrets forever, or releasing a beast that’s far more terrifying. For he well knows, some nightmares haunt you, even during waking hours.
The story continues in this conclusion to the An Awfully Big Adventure Duet.
Now Molly’s desire for a happily-ever-after becomes a balancing act. She too must remember that some stories are better if you write them yourself.
All the while, George is fighting a darker battle, his monsters follow a clock that no one has control over. And when the time comes, he must decide between harbouring certain secrets forever, or releasing a beast that’s far more terrifying. For he well knows, some nightmares haunt you, even during waking hours.
The story continues in this conclusion to the An Awfully Big Adventure Duet.
425 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 18, 2023
12 people are currently reading
896 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
November 20, 2023
I cannot stress the amount of STRESS this book gave me in the best way.
I loved it. I loved it maybe more than the first book. The angst 🤌🏼 the suspense 🤌🏼 the love story 😩🥰
I need more than five stars. Immediately this is a favorite book, rivaling my current number one for top stop. Incredible.
The writing was somehow improved from the first book. The tropes were everything I need. The twists literally had me screaming.
Prepare tissues and expect a sore throat
I loved it. I loved it maybe more than the first book. The angst 🤌🏼 the suspense 🤌🏼 the love story 😩🥰
I need more than five stars. Immediately this is a favorite book, rivaling my current number one for top stop. Incredible.
The writing was somehow improved from the first book. The tropes were everything I need. The twists literally had me screaming.
Prepare tissues and expect a sore throat
December 31, 2023
4.25 ⭐️
Ahhhhh, what a story! This cosy Edwardian piece was a meeting of historical fiction & fairytales. The whimsy was touching.
I can’t say much because *spoilers* but you’ll find family secrets, deep hurt, strong heart ties, found family, tender romance, and allllllll the angst in abundance. Trust me when I say I was stressing there for a bit, haha. 🤭
Since there was a period of several months between when I read the first book and this one, I was fuzzy on a few details of significance and the presence of a few side characters. Nothing that interrupted my enjoyment. It just took me a couple chapters to regain my footing in the story world.
The resolution was all I hoped for! As much as I adore Desmond, George & Molly have always been my favourite. Their bond just melts me. 🥹
And that cover!! 😍😍
Ahhhhh, what a story! This cosy Edwardian piece was a meeting of historical fiction & fairytales. The whimsy was touching.
I can’t say much because *spoilers* but you’ll find family secrets, deep hurt, strong heart ties, found family, tender romance, and allllllll the angst in abundance. Trust me when I say I was stressing there for a bit, haha. 🤭
Since there was a period of several months between when I read the first book and this one, I was fuzzy on a few details of significance and the presence of a few side characters. Nothing that interrupted my enjoyment. It just took me a couple chapters to regain my footing in the story world.
The resolution was all I hoped for! As much as I adore Desmond, George & Molly have always been my favourite. Their bond just melts me. 🥹
And that cover!! 😍😍
November 21, 2023
When I tell you this book was an emotional turmoil, I mean it! The twists! The characters! The ending! Everything was perfect!!! 😍
September 15, 2025
4.75
This book was everything I needed it to be!
The people I was rooting for found their way to each other in an even better way then i could’ve imagined. Characters grew into the best version of themselves even if they had to completely break down first to get there.
There was a dog! Who doesn’t love a good dog companion?
We got introduced to some new characters who were all so lovely and formed a little found family for the person who needed a new family the most🫶🏼
This book picked up right where the previous one left off and we continued with the secrets and mysteries except that they finally got uncovered and explained!
I didn’t think it was possible but I fell in love with George even more than I already was. And I just I LOVED IT!!
This duology felt like a warm hug🫂❤️
This book was everything I needed it to be!
The people I was rooting for found their way to each other in an even better way then i could’ve imagined. Characters grew into the best version of themselves even if they had to completely break down first to get there.
There was a dog! Who doesn’t love a good dog companion?
We got introduced to some new characters who were all so lovely and formed a little found family for the person who needed a new family the most🫶🏼
This book picked up right where the previous one left off and we continued with the secrets and mysteries except that they finally got uncovered and explained!
I didn’t think it was possible but I fell in love with George even more than I already was. And I just I LOVED IT!!
This duology felt like a warm hug🫂❤️
December 13, 2023
I can not tell you how much I ADORED this book. It made me go through a roller coaster of emotions and I absolutely loved it all. The story, the characters, their growth, the ✨romance✨, everything was perfection. Shawna did an amazing job with the last book of the duet, as it is now my new favorite book.🤭
December 3, 2023
💙“Tell me, Miss Jones, do you enjoy being one of my secrets?”💙
Guys… THIS BOOK😩❤️ The banter, the story arcs, the friendship scenes, the family moments, the romance of it all…. It was such perfection💓 I cannot talk about this book enough, it’s so sweet, cozy, & angsty. It’ll remind you of your old self, of that little girl or boy, who loved fairytales & pirates, magic & fairies, love & laughter & all of those sweet moments that make you who you were back then in your younger years.
This book taught me that there still is magic even at 22 years old, it’s in ordinary things if only we wish to see it✨
This below is my initial reaction above is my full review🥰
✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
I have no words, this was magic, this was fairytales, & this was hope & love wrapped all in one🥺💓💓💓 millions of stars, I cannot say enough… now I’ll be mourning this world & these characters🥺❤️
Guys… THIS BOOK😩❤️ The banter, the story arcs, the friendship scenes, the family moments, the romance of it all…. It was such perfection💓 I cannot talk about this book enough, it’s so sweet, cozy, & angsty. It’ll remind you of your old self, of that little girl or boy, who loved fairytales & pirates, magic & fairies, love & laughter & all of those sweet moments that make you who you were back then in your younger years.
This book taught me that there still is magic even at 22 years old, it’s in ordinary things if only we wish to see it✨
This below is my initial reaction above is my full review🥰
✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
I have no words, this was magic, this was fairytales, & this was hope & love wrapped all in one🥺💓💓💓 millions of stars, I cannot say enough… now I’ll be mourning this world & these characters🥺❤️
January 1, 2024
This book was incredible. I randomly saw an Instagram post with a quote from this book and decided to buy it on Amazon. Then, I began reading it. I was immediately enthralled with it. It inspired me to want to read again. I ended up reading this book faster than usual. I could have read it faster but I had to stop myself because I didn’t want it to end.
December 12, 2023
This book was so cute, and made for excellent study breaks since I was reading it during finals. If you're looking for realism, this is not the place to find it, but if you're looking to read something for the vibes alone, this book is full of them. It's very cozy and low stakes, but I love the characters and the atmosphere
The writing is lyrical and descriptive, and there were times I wished it was more grounded and less metaphorical, but I honestly prefer this to the opposite problem
This is an enjoy-the-journey kind of book. I pretty much knew where the plot was going, but it was fun to follow the characters on their way. I feel like Molly, George, Desmond, and I would be friends if I could somehow crawl into the pages of this book.
The writing is lyrical and descriptive, and there were times I wished it was more grounded and less metaphorical, but I honestly prefer this to the opposite problem
This is an enjoy-the-journey kind of book. I pretty much knew where the plot was going, but it was fun to follow the characters on their way. I feel like Molly, George, Desmond, and I would be friends if I could somehow crawl into the pages of this book.
December 3, 2025
y’all. it was the PERFECT ending.
this book took me through every emotion and it was SO much better than the first.
i went from hating certain characters to loving to see how they grew and became better.
i was giddy over all of the romance.
i cried bc my heart was shattered, put back together, and then shattered again. it’s all fixed now tho.
i fell in LOVE.
and the writing and the story is just so good, so sweet, so PERFECT. coming of age, embracing your inner child, learning to love the world despite its imperfections. BE LIKE MOLLY. if we were all like molly the world would be a better place.
this book took me through every emotion and it was SO much better than the first.
i went from hating certain characters to loving to see how they grew and became better.
i was giddy over all of the romance.
i cried bc my heart was shattered, put back together, and then shattered again. it’s all fixed now tho.
i fell in LOVE.
and the writing and the story is just so good, so sweet, so PERFECT. coming of age, embracing your inner child, learning to love the world despite its imperfections. BE LIKE MOLLY. if we were all like molly the world would be a better place.
December 28, 2023
Love, love, love. This book was so amazing that I could not put it down, and the second I finished, I wanted to start the journey all over again. I fully expect to return to this beautiful, magical, swoony fairytale over and over again. I can’t rate it highly enough, and I don't know if my heart will ever recover from this flawless rollercoaster ride of emotions.
August 13, 2024
Excerpt from the book, “My heart beats in tune with your hours- even those spent in the dark. So, give me your worst, and if it is all I’ll ever have, that will be enough. In this world and those imagine, and every world in-between, I’ll be here. Withstanding every storm. Doing what I can to reignite your dreams. For that is where I am, every time I am with you. Here dreaming even though I’m wide awake.”
AH~ Such a captivating read. I’ve been cheering for both Molly and George since the first book, and I’m happy with the sweet ending, exactly what I have envisioned! The swoony love confession, slow romance and poetic writing were wonderful. George truly embodies the chivalrous man or white knight one desire in fantasy books. A slight ick on the story line was that somehow all three women used to be good friends and they all three had a connection with the same “James”, the three were either engaged, married or in scandalous relationship with him. Their children ended falling for each other, I was expecting a triangle love fight, but fair play for Desmond to back down considering he left Molly tattered and torn when he run away. For a split moment, my mind banter between “Who is more broken to be loved”, Desmond or George. I had hoped for Beatrix to end up with Desmond, pity that he has to witness his former lover and best friend/half-brother in a relationship, but great ending and epilogue.
AH~ Such a captivating read. I’ve been cheering for both Molly and George since the first book, and I’m happy with the sweet ending, exactly what I have envisioned! The swoony love confession, slow romance and poetic writing were wonderful. George truly embodies the chivalrous man or white knight one desire in fantasy books. A slight ick on the story line was that somehow all three women used to be good friends and they all three had a connection with the same “James”, the three were either engaged, married or in scandalous relationship with him. Their children ended falling for each other, I was expecting a triangle love fight, but fair play for Desmond to back down considering he left Molly tattered and torn when he run away. For a split moment, my mind banter between “Who is more broken to be loved”, Desmond or George. I had hoped for Beatrix to end up with Desmond, pity that he has to witness his former lover and best friend/half-brother in a relationship, but great ending and epilogue.
December 1, 2023
Like most readers, I have a hard time picking my favorite book because I love so many books for so many different reasons.
And though that is still true, Here Dreaming Though Wide Awake definitely my favorite book of the year, and just maybe my favorite book ever. I don’t think any other book has had my grinning and crying tears of joy as much as this book has.
Shawna’s writing is poetry. If I annotated this book I’d have dried up multiple highlighters.
This book came out swinging right of the bat. Chapter one was beautiful and only 60 pages in my jaw was dropping at the reveals.
Honestly this book will put you through so many emotions but it delivered exactly what I was hoping for.
The character development and healing everyone in this story got was phenomenal.
Chapters 31 and 33 are probably the greatest literary achievements of our time.
Truly cannot express how amazing this book is. I’m completely in love. Pleaseeee give this book a read and show Shawna some love because she deserves it after writing such a masterpiece 💚
And though that is still true, Here Dreaming Though Wide Awake definitely my favorite book of the year, and just maybe my favorite book ever. I don’t think any other book has had my grinning and crying tears of joy as much as this book has.
Shawna’s writing is poetry. If I annotated this book I’d have dried up multiple highlighters.
This book came out swinging right of the bat. Chapter one was beautiful and only 60 pages in my jaw was dropping at the reveals.
Honestly this book will put you through so many emotions but it delivered exactly what I was hoping for.
The character development and healing everyone in this story got was phenomenal.
Chapters 31 and 33 are probably the greatest literary achievements of our time.
Truly cannot express how amazing this book is. I’m completely in love. Pleaseeee give this book a read and show Shawna some love because she deserves it after writing such a masterpiece 💚
January 9, 2024
The reason I gave this book three stars, and I really don't do that often, is because the storytelling could be better. The POV changes between the three main characters, so you get to see what's happening from each perspective. Awesome! After the high drama of Part 1, I was invested in the story for all three characters, but what followed in Part 2 was only one character's perspective going from Autumn 1904 to Spring 1905 - a big chunk of time. I was aching for the resolution to the drama from the beginning, and a lot of that character arc just wasn't interesting to me. There were hints about what was happening with the other two character, and I was tempted to skip ahead to find out what it was. Then, Part 3 went back to Autumn 1904 and told the story from the other two character perspectives and followed through to Spring 1905 where the first POV converged with them. This was confusing and frustrating. I would rather have read all three POV's in rotation as they happened concurrently. The way it was presented made the book drag in the middle and confusing toward the end when I had forgotten what happened.
The story itself has good bones. The characters are enjoyable and relatable. The love story is sweet and satisfying. I won't spoil that, but I could sit in a story with the two love interests for hours. If you like stories for the vibes, this book has all of them. If you like fine details on clothing and scenery, it has that, too. All of that is why I wish the story had followed all three characters simultaneously because I really did enjoy the plot of this duet.
I would say that if you've read the first book, this one is worth reading, but it might be slow-going.
The story itself has good bones. The characters are enjoyable and relatable. The love story is sweet and satisfying. I won't spoil that, but I could sit in a story with the two love interests for hours. If you like stories for the vibes, this book has all of them. If you like fine details on clothing and scenery, it has that, too. All of that is why I wish the story had followed all three characters simultaneously because I really did enjoy the plot of this duet.
I would say that if you've read the first book, this one is worth reading, but it might be slow-going.
January 10, 2024
Where can I even begin? This book is love and light. It took my darkest fears and wove ribbons of stardust into them. Showed me dreams; showed me hopes. Showed me wishes I never dared to believe in.
Things I never believed I deserved.
This book is cozy tea and warm blankets, with just the right amount of stormy nights.
I was crying, laughing, and dreaming along with the characters. And there may or may not have been a few too many tissues involved. But, what book doesn’t have just a little bit of darkness in it in order to showcase the light?
This book has changed me for the better – wholly, incandescently, and irrevocably. It has been a kick in my healing journey. Has helped me discover things about myself that I never knew existed. Has helped craft the mould for a more authentic me.
And, all I can say is “thank you.”
Thank you to the author for bringing this book into my life!
The book that I so desperately needed to help me overcome my own shadows. ❤️
Things I never believed I deserved.
This book is cozy tea and warm blankets, with just the right amount of stormy nights.
I was crying, laughing, and dreaming along with the characters. And there may or may not have been a few too many tissues involved. But, what book doesn’t have just a little bit of darkness in it in order to showcase the light?
This book has changed me for the better – wholly, incandescently, and irrevocably. It has been a kick in my healing journey. Has helped me discover things about myself that I never knew existed. Has helped craft the mould for a more authentic me.
And, all I can say is “thank you.”
Thank you to the author for bringing this book into my life!
The book that I so desperately needed to help me overcome my own shadows. ❤️
December 30, 2025
This book had me on the edge of my seat. With Molly and Desmond splitting up and Desmond starting a new life. I had hoped in the first book that Molly and George would end up together and was pleasantly surprised when I found out that it is a duologoy.
There was a perfect amount of depth and lighthearted storytelling and whismy that made this book fully dimensional. The author did a fantastic job of keeping the friendship of George and Desmond, and not ruining the friendship due to the romantic relationship between George and Molly.
Setting in this book in London was amazing and Shawna tied up each of the characters storylines wonderfully. Here dreaming though wide awake, made this girl that loves fairytales and tea and all things simple and whimsical very happy.
There was a perfect amount of depth and lighthearted storytelling and whismy that made this book fully dimensional. The author did a fantastic job of keeping the friendship of George and Desmond, and not ruining the friendship due to the romantic relationship between George and Molly.
Setting in this book in London was amazing and Shawna tied up each of the characters storylines wonderfully. Here dreaming though wide awake, made this girl that loves fairytales and tea and all things simple and whimsical very happy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 17, 2025
10000000/5 stars this book is everything, the characters were written so well I felt everything and understood all of their actions. The love story took such a twist that I didn’t expect but definitely wanted. I loved George from the beginning and was so happy with the ending. (Remind me to never trust the first love interest bc I clearly haven’t learned my lesson) and the story of Molly finding herself and becoming the person she wanted to be was just beautiful. I want to redesign my entire life and the way I look at the world. I just knowwwww I’m about to hit the biggest reading slump of my life after this and I’m not even mad because I need time to process this book.
March 3, 2024
So I have put off writing this because I just didn’t have the words to describe how I feel about this book. I cried twice over the way this book smacked me in the face with all the feelings that come with growing up. I think I liked this book even more than the first one, and it was so much fun watching my three friends grow and figure out who they are. I love them so much. The writing is poetic and fresh, and I can’t wait to read more from Ms. Woodland. Why are you still reading my review? GO BUY THE BOOK.
September 16, 2024
It was pure magic. All of it. I'm so happy and giddy at the end. I'm feeling magical.
I can't believe that at 41% of book 1 of the series, I was about to give up and did NOT root for George and Molly. Stupid, stupid me. It was so well connected, so beautifully written, even the pain, anguish, and the stressful parts were irresistible. I wanted to devour it at once and still not finish. It was that good.
"George?" "Fairy girl." "Dance with me?" "Always."
dreamy sigh
- M. M
I can't believe that at 41% of book 1 of the series, I was about to give up and did NOT root for George and Molly. Stupid, stupid me. It was so well connected, so beautifully written, even the pain, anguish, and the stressful parts were irresistible. I wanted to devour it at once and still not finish. It was that good.
"George?" "Fairy girl." "Dance with me?" "Always."
dreamy sigh
- M. M
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 2, 2025
this book DESTROYED me. i’ve been staring blankly at the wall, cheeks stained with dried tears, unable to move. i wish to convey my thoughts and feelings as beautifully as mrs. woodland but once again i fall short. i have a sneaking suspicion this duology will be the stories i get lost in on days i’m not quite myself, curled under my fairy lights, cradling my mothers tea ❤️
December 4, 2025
Swooooooning. 🌷🥰🫶🏻🤭💐
George is just so wonderful. Molly is full of magic and whimsy. Sweet Desmond gets to grow and feel safe, dear boy. All the lovely hearts find their homes and it is so so sweet.
I still love Jeremy & Victoria as a couple. And Jeremy’s brother Thomas was a delight in this book too.
George is just so wonderful. Molly is full of magic and whimsy. Sweet Desmond gets to grow and feel safe, dear boy. All the lovely hearts find their homes and it is so so sweet.
I still love Jeremy & Victoria as a couple. And Jeremy’s brother Thomas was a delight in this book too.
January 4, 2024
The coziest, warmest book I’ve read in a long while. I absolutely fell in love with the characters, I don’t think I’ll get over this book for a while. If you want a cozy beautiful story, this is it. ❤️
February 14, 2024
OH MY GOSH, THIS WAS HEARTBREAKING BUT ALSO HEALING.
This story is beautiful. I cried and I laughed and I SCREAMED. I couldn't put it down because I needed to know how it ended.
A full review is to come. I just need to process first, but know this is the perfect conclusion to the duet.
This story is beautiful. I cried and I laughed and I SCREAMED. I couldn't put it down because I needed to know how it ended.
A full review is to come. I just need to process first, but know this is the perfect conclusion to the duet.
February 12, 2025
Ahhh!! I definitely think the second book was sooooo much better than the first. This one had me both giggling and crying! I was so scared of the end but it was perfect. I also didn’t expect so many twists! I loved how everything worked out in the end. So good! 😍
December 25, 2023
Absolute gem of a book. I am obsessed in every way.
January 1, 2024
This book exceeded EVERY expectation. Beautiful and let’s just say I’m thrilled about the conclusion.
February 14, 2024
I think I felt every emotion that exists while reading this book, and there may be some tears on the pages. Absolutely amazing and I want everyone I know to read this book.
February 22, 2024
Emotionally devastating in the best way possible. I could not have asked for a better sequel with the most satisfying ending ever 🖤
March 27, 2024
I. LOVE. THESE. BOOKS. 😆🥹😭😩🥰😍
Read
April 4, 2024“She laughed. She laughed and I heard music.”
😭😭😭🫠
😭😭😭🫠
September 9, 2024
✨Character development✨ George is my favorite character I’ve ever read and I would die for him. This book is perfect, no notes.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews