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In Dreams
In the world of morning television, Rebecca Pandey shines as the charismatic producer and host of an animal programme, but behind the facade, she battles nightmares that refuse to let her rest. Desperate for relief, she turns to a specialist known for unravelling the most perplexing subconscious puzzles.
Out and proud dream therapist Emma Parker feels conflicted when her new client turns out to be her secret celebrity crush. Always professional, she keeps her distance, but their sessions become a struggle once she delves into the realm of Rebecca’s dreams and learns the attraction may not be just one-sided.
Uncovering layers of suppressed emotions and desires, they discover a long-buried truth that challenges Rebecca’s traditional background and turns her world upside-down. Will Rebecca find the strength to defy her family’s expectations and embrace the love she never knew she craved? And will Emma finally find her happily ever after?
‘In Dreams’ weaves a narrative of courage, self-acceptance, authenticity, and the transformative power of dreams.
Out and proud dream therapist Emma Parker feels conflicted when her new client turns out to be her secret celebrity crush. Always professional, she keeps her distance, but their sessions become a struggle once she delves into the realm of Rebecca’s dreams and learns the attraction may not be just one-sided.
Uncovering layers of suppressed emotions and desires, they discover a long-buried truth that challenges Rebecca’s traditional background and turns her world upside-down. Will Rebecca find the strength to defy her family’s expectations and embrace the love she never knew she craved? And will Emma finally find her happily ever after?
‘In Dreams’ weaves a narrative of courage, self-acceptance, authenticity, and the transformative power of dreams.
341 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 25, 2024
164 people are currently reading
263 people want to read
About the author
Lise Gold
51 books689 followersLise Gold is an author of lesbian romance. Her romantic attitude, enthusiasm for travel and love for feel good stories form the heartland of her writing. Born in London to a Norwegian mother and English father, and growing up between the UK, Norway, Zambia and the Netherlands, she feels at home pretty much everywhere and has an unending curiosity for new destinations. She goes by 'write what you know' and is often found in exotic locations doing research or getting inspired for her next novel.
Working as a designer for fifteen years and singing semi- professionally, Lise has always been a creative at heart. Her novels are the result of a quest for a new passion after resigning from her design job in 2018.
When not writing from her kitchen table, Lise can be found cooking, at the gym or singing her heart out somewhere, preferably country or blues. She lives in London with her dogs El Comandante and Bubba.
Working as a designer for fifteen years and singing semi- professionally, Lise has always been a creative at heart. Her novels are the result of a quest for a new passion after resigning from her design job in 2018.
When not writing from her kitchen table, Lise can be found cooking, at the gym or singing her heart out somewhere, preferably country or blues. She lives in London with her dogs El Comandante and Bubba.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
February 10, 2024
4,5 ⭐️
Very likable MCs and bonus points to the author for not splitting up the couple on the 80 % line.
Very likable MCs and bonus points to the author for not splitting up the couple on the 80 % line.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 11, 2024
A very weak 3 stars.
This is the first Lise Gold book that has left me flat. While the characters were nice enough and seemingly had interesting backstories (dream therapist/TV host), the story lacked that hook/spark that keeps you interested in the couple and their developing relationship. I found I had to force myself to continue reading and that is never a good sign.
This is the first Lise Gold book that has left me flat. While the characters were nice enough and seemingly had interesting backstories (dream therapist/TV host), the story lacked that hook/spark that keeps you interested in the couple and their developing relationship. I found I had to force myself to continue reading and that is never a good sign.
March 5, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
A late coming out story. Very likeable femme characters in Dream Therapist Emma Parker who is out and proud, and Rebecca Pandey, a charismatic producer and host of an animal TV programme who suffers from nightmare and is sleep deprived.
A novel that explores the significance of dreams in our lives. It also highlights the value of support and acceptance; not only by others but by oneself as well. Very low on angst and drama.
A late coming out story. Very likeable femme characters in Dream Therapist Emma Parker who is out and proud, and Rebecca Pandey, a charismatic producer and host of an animal TV programme who suffers from nightmare and is sleep deprived.
A novel that explores the significance of dreams in our lives. It also highlights the value of support and acceptance; not only by others but by oneself as well. Very low on angst and drama.
February 29, 2024
A fun book, well written with a good story. Loved the large dog and the reality of coming out when a celebrity. Recommended.
February 29, 2024
✔Sapphic Book Bingo Challenge 2024 🌈✨: Main Board - No Third Act Breakup
4 stars. A gorgeous coming out romance. I love Gold’s writing style so much. Every time I pick something up from her it’s just so easy to fall into her books. The plot of this was intriguing as hell. Rebecca is a tv host of an animal show and she’s been having trouble sleeping due to nightmares so she goes to a dream therapist, Emma (swoon!) and things go from there.
I love that Rebecca’s dreams were about her running from her true self and I loved the way she and Emma became close even though it muddied the water a bit. Emma was super professional and immediately stopped being her therapist when Rebecca told her how she felt about her. The romance between them was everything. It’s extremely swoon worthy. Their chemistry was fantastic, both women are incredibly likable and I appreciate that Emma was so patient with Rebecca as she was scared to come out to the media and to her family. Once she did gain the courage to come out it was wonderful and I was proud of Rebecca’s growth as a character. There’s no third act breakup (hallelujah!) just these two women loving each other through the hard times and I adored it. Great read.
{Challenges completed:
✔Mostly Women Loving Women: 2024 A-Z Title Challenge
✔For Love of a Book: We Need a Cupid Challenge
✔Turn of a Page: Restaurant Hopping Challenge}
4 stars. A gorgeous coming out romance. I love Gold’s writing style so much. Every time I pick something up from her it’s just so easy to fall into her books. The plot of this was intriguing as hell. Rebecca is a tv host of an animal show and she’s been having trouble sleeping due to nightmares so she goes to a dream therapist, Emma (swoon!) and things go from there.
I love that Rebecca’s dreams were about her running from her true self and I loved the way she and Emma became close even though it muddied the water a bit. Emma was super professional and immediately stopped being her therapist when Rebecca told her how she felt about her. The romance between them was everything. It’s extremely swoon worthy. Their chemistry was fantastic, both women are incredibly likable and I appreciate that Emma was so patient with Rebecca as she was scared to come out to the media and to her family. Once she did gain the courage to come out it was wonderful and I was proud of Rebecca’s growth as a character. There’s no third act breakup (hallelujah!) just these two women loving each other through the hard times and I adored it. Great read.
{Challenges completed:
✔Mostly Women Loving Women: 2024 A-Z Title Challenge
✔For Love of a Book: We Need a Cupid Challenge
✔Turn of a Page: Restaurant Hopping Challenge}
April 3, 2025
Tessa Stavers' narration of Lise Gold's In Dreams was just what I needed.
Rebecca Pandey lives in Primrose Hill, London, and hosts a popular animal show. She has been struggling with sleep and an unsettling feeling she can't identify for some time. To understand what this means, she seeks the help of a dream psychologist.
Emma Parker lives in Notting Hill, London, is the founder of a dream clinic. An avid viewer of Rebecca’s show, she has been harbouring a secret crush on the TV celebrity. Imagine her surprise when Rebecca walks through her door seeking help.
This beautifully narrated story of self-discovery, family expectations, and balance of professional boundaries is a page turning novel that captures the essence of personal growth and unexpected connections, not to mention an unforgettable cat!
Rebecca Pandey lives in Primrose Hill, London, and hosts a popular animal show. She has been struggling with sleep and an unsettling feeling she can't identify for some time. To understand what this means, she seeks the help of a dream psychologist.
Emma Parker lives in Notting Hill, London, is the founder of a dream clinic. An avid viewer of Rebecca’s show, she has been harbouring a secret crush on the TV celebrity. Imagine her surprise when Rebecca walks through her door seeking help.
This beautifully narrated story of self-discovery, family expectations, and balance of professional boundaries is a page turning novel that captures the essence of personal growth and unexpected connections, not to mention an unforgettable cat!
February 26, 2024
This is a beautiful late coming out story precipitated by bad dreams. Rebecca has an early morning animal show but she's being plagued by bad dreams. She contacts Emma a PHD Dream Therapist. But when she's near Emma, Rebecca gets a funny feeling in her stomach.
This delves into dreams and how to interpret them. A beautiful late coming out love story, with cute animals! 5 stars!
This delves into dreams and how to interpret them. A beautiful late coming out love story, with cute animals! 5 stars!
January 30, 2024
A Wonderful Late Coming Out Love Story!
Dreams can trouble us or excite us or cause anxiety and that is only if you remember them. What happens when you know that a dream woke you but you are not sure what it was about? But once it wakes you then you are up, no going back to sleep. Rebecca was a tv personality whose segments mostly involved animals. But with the lack of sleep these past few weeks, her concentration and her weary face have been getting notice not only by her coworkers but the fans too who actually have been commenting in an unkind way. So Rebecca decides to go to a dream therapist. A therapist who specializes in how to interpret your dreams. Emma is a therapist who tries to help her patients with their dreams and what might be behind them. Lise Gold takes us on an adventure in exploring dreams and what they can uncover. In Rebecca’s case, she is gay. The story has some interesting characters and some twists and turns that makes this a must read book.
Dreams can trouble us or excite us or cause anxiety and that is only if you remember them. What happens when you know that a dream woke you but you are not sure what it was about? But once it wakes you then you are up, no going back to sleep. Rebecca was a tv personality whose segments mostly involved animals. But with the lack of sleep these past few weeks, her concentration and her weary face have been getting notice not only by her coworkers but the fans too who actually have been commenting in an unkind way. So Rebecca decides to go to a dream therapist. A therapist who specializes in how to interpret your dreams. Emma is a therapist who tries to help her patients with their dreams and what might be behind them. Lise Gold takes us on an adventure in exploring dreams and what they can uncover. In Rebecca’s case, she is gay. The story has some interesting characters and some twists and turns that makes this a must read book.
February 11, 2024
It’s a splendid book that is such a beautiful coming out story. I love the idea of knowing of each other before meeting and falling in love. I also love the traditional family and the unconventional juxtaposition. Overall, a phenomenal story and, I feel like I always say this but it’s true, one of Lise’s best!
November 13, 2024
I absolutely loved this!!! Dreams tell us a lot. Loved the narrator and a brilliant story line.
December 8, 2024
Morning television meets dream therapy. In Dreams is a fabulous low angst story about coming out and being accepted by peers and family.
Rebecca seems to be living the perfect life. She produces and hosts a popular animal themed television show and is adored by her fans. Nightmares are keeping her from sleeping, and lack of sleep is beginning to take its toll.
Emma is a renowned dream therapist who suddenly finds herself face to face with her celebrity crush. The line between professionalism and real life begins to blur when both women find it hard to mask the mutual attraction that has formed.
I listened to the audio version of this story, and I didn’t love the narration. That’s not me saying that Tessa Stavers did a bad job, I just couldn’t gel with the way she delivered the lines. I have been known to be fussy when it comes to narrators, so if audio is for you, it’s still worth checking out.
With two MCs who show their flaws and come together with the realisation that side by side, they can move forward, In Dreams is about healing and bringing love and joy back into their lives. Overall, Lise Gold has written a lovely romance with real-world themes likely to touch readers for many different reasons.
I received an ARC from the author and am leaving a voluntary review
Rebecca seems to be living the perfect life. She produces and hosts a popular animal themed television show and is adored by her fans. Nightmares are keeping her from sleeping, and lack of sleep is beginning to take its toll.
Emma is a renowned dream therapist who suddenly finds herself face to face with her celebrity crush. The line between professionalism and real life begins to blur when both women find it hard to mask the mutual attraction that has formed.
I listened to the audio version of this story, and I didn’t love the narration. That’s not me saying that Tessa Stavers did a bad job, I just couldn’t gel with the way she delivered the lines. I have been known to be fussy when it comes to narrators, so if audio is for you, it’s still worth checking out.
With two MCs who show their flaws and come together with the realisation that side by side, they can move forward, In Dreams is about healing and bringing love and joy back into their lives. Overall, Lise Gold has written a lovely romance with real-world themes likely to touch readers for many different reasons.
I received an ARC from the author and am leaving a voluntary review
July 26, 2024
(rounded down from 3.25)
I didn't enjoy this one as much as I've enjoyed several other Lise Gold books and I think it's because of the inherently problematic foundations of this relationship (therapist and vulnerable person they are treating). I found the fact that this therapist treats someone she has a crush on and then continues to treat them despite having feelings for them and also hangs out or visits them personally deeply problematic, since that dynamic is so rife for abuse and completely unequal as a start to a relationship, especially with someone who is literally figuring out their sexuality. I'd expect better of a responsible professional therapist to many celebrity clients.
Aside from that, I appreciated that the main character is Indian and there are references to her food, culture, parents' expectations as immigrants and celebrity status as a WOC who is relatively famous. I was also slightly put off by missing words and typos every now and then (not enough to annoy, but enough to be worth mentioning here). Overall, a fun, light book but if the above dynamic troubles you as it does me, it may be worth skipping this one.
I didn't enjoy this one as much as I've enjoyed several other Lise Gold books and I think it's because of the inherently problematic foundations of this relationship (therapist and vulnerable person they are treating). I found the fact that this therapist treats someone she has a crush on and then continues to treat them despite having feelings for them and also hangs out or visits them personally deeply problematic, since that dynamic is so rife for abuse and completely unequal as a start to a relationship, especially with someone who is literally figuring out their sexuality. I'd expect better of a responsible professional therapist to many celebrity clients.
Aside from that, I appreciated that the main character is Indian and there are references to her food, culture, parents' expectations as immigrants and celebrity status as a WOC who is relatively famous. I was also slightly put off by missing words and typos every now and then (not enough to annoy, but enough to be worth mentioning here). Overall, a fun, light book but if the above dynamic troubles you as it does me, it may be worth skipping this one.
February 17, 2024
Good book
Rebecca as having dreams that she couldn't understand and not letting her sleep. She see Dr Emma who helps her with what is going on in her dreams. A beautiful story about changing or better yet figuring out who you really what to be by coming out. Rebecca is struggling to come out to her family and the pics of her and Emma don't make it easy. Emma helps Rebecca learn that its whenever she is ready to come to terms with her sexuality. A beautiful book to read
Rebecca as having dreams that she couldn't understand and not letting her sleep. She see Dr Emma who helps her with what is going on in her dreams. A beautiful story about changing or better yet figuring out who you really what to be by coming out. Rebecca is struggling to come out to her family and the pics of her and Emma don't make it easy. Emma helps Rebecca learn that its whenever she is ready to come to terms with her sexuality. A beautiful book to read
February 16, 2024
Good read, you won't be disappointed.
February 13, 2024
This is a wonderful story about a subject I know little about (dream therapy) but I can see where it would help someone who has a lot of dreams that interrupt their sleep to the detriment of their health.
February 10, 2024
Another Winner for Gold
I love Lise Gold books because of her detailed character development, the main character chemistry, and the steamy scenes. In Dreams delivered all of those elements and also included multi cultural characters.
I love Lise Gold books because of her detailed character development, the main character chemistry, and the steamy scenes. In Dreams delivered all of those elements and also included multi cultural characters.
February 4, 2024
dreamy
Such a fascinating read. I’ve never given much thought into the reason behind dreams as I very rarely remember my own which made this book really interesting. We also get to meet two really relatable main characters who will have your heart from the beginning, along with the side characters and pets this book will keep you turning the pages.
It also deals with the issues related to coming out in later life which is handled respectfully. With the two main characters talking things through and supporting each other throughout instead of the usual breakup/makeup most authors turn towards. For me, this makes the book more real. I’m not a fan of the 80% breakup but as it happens in loads of books I’ve kind of got used to it but I prefer this style.
Such a fascinating read. I’ve never given much thought into the reason behind dreams as I very rarely remember my own which made this book really interesting. We also get to meet two really relatable main characters who will have your heart from the beginning, along with the side characters and pets this book will keep you turning the pages.
It also deals with the issues related to coming out in later life which is handled respectfully. With the two main characters talking things through and supporting each other throughout instead of the usual breakup/makeup most authors turn towards. For me, this makes the book more real. I’m not a fan of the 80% breakup but as it happens in loads of books I’ve kind of got used to it but I prefer this style.
February 7, 2024
brilliant
I love all Ms Gold’s books but I think this is the best. Brilliantly written, great main & supporting characters and interesting storyline. Would highly recommend
I love all Ms Gold’s books but I think this is the best. Brilliantly written, great main & supporting characters and interesting storyline. Would highly recommend
February 2, 2024
This Was A Very Different But Very Good Story
I’ve never read a book that was centered on dreams, let alone a romance that happens, in part, because of dreams. But Lise Gold delivers another thoughtful story of finding one’s true self and both the joy and trepidation of coming out after realizing that you’re not straight.
But read it! It’s a different love story but you can trust Lise Gold to find that happy ending even through such a scary moment in someone’s life.
I’ve never read a book that was centered on dreams, let alone a romance that happens, in part, because of dreams. But Lise Gold delivers another thoughtful story of finding one’s true self and both the joy and trepidation of coming out after realizing that you’re not straight.
But read it! It’s a different love story but you can trust Lise Gold to find that happy ending even through such a scary moment in someone’s life.
February 2, 2024
Excellent story…
Made even better with Bernard the St Bernard and Penny the klepto kitty. I had an erroneous belief that Rebecca’s Indian family would never accept her lifestyle. I’m so glad I was wrong.
It was a bonus to learn about dream interpretation. Emma had keen insight and provided Rebecca with the confidence ‘do the work’ to begin sleeping through the night. Enjoyable read.
Made even better with Bernard the St Bernard and Penny the klepto kitty. I had an erroneous belief that Rebecca’s Indian family would never accept her lifestyle. I’m so glad I was wrong.
It was a bonus to learn about dream interpretation. Emma had keen insight and provided Rebecca with the confidence ‘do the work’ to begin sleeping through the night. Enjoyable read.
February 1, 2024
This is true Gold in every sense of the word!
Lise Gold has given hope to the world with this tender and insightful story of coming out in one’s thirty’s. As agonizing a coming out can be for one in a culture where it is so not acceptable. Using the symbolism of dreams to find the right path to self knowledge and acceptance is truly brilliant. I loved the fully developed characters and the settings just seemed natural. This really is a good read All around.
Lise Gold has given hope to the world with this tender and insightful story of coming out in one’s thirty’s. As agonizing a coming out can be for one in a culture where it is so not acceptable. Using the symbolism of dreams to find the right path to self knowledge and acceptance is truly brilliant. I loved the fully developed characters and the settings just seemed natural. This really is a good read All around.
February 2, 2024
I’ve read and loved every single one of Lise Gold’s books. No two books of hers are a like and I love it.
January 29, 2024
Emma a therapist and Rebecca a celebrity meet in a therapy session and Rebecca nightmares leads her to self discovery with Emma help. Along with friends, Rebecca starts feeling better about herself. An interesting story, well written and easy to follow with well rounded characters. Highly recommended.
January 29, 2024
I absolutely loved this story. Rebecca’s self discovery and Emma’s gentle guidance really enabled her journey. The romance that developed was so lovely and strong. I adored how they took everything on together instead of the usual breakup/makeup. Loved this book.
January 29, 2024
Wonderfully written!
Just like in her other novels, I was totally immersed into the story, the rich descriptions of utilizing the five senses making me feel like I was there. This love story is so sweet and everything I wanted to read. Well done!
Just like in her other novels, I was totally immersed into the story, the rich descriptions of utilizing the five senses making me feel like I was there. This love story is so sweet and everything I wanted to read. Well done!
January 27, 2024
A nice, enjoyable, dreamy reading.
With pleasant steamy scenes.
The writing was consistent and good.
It was good getting to know Rebecca and Emma.
With pleasant steamy scenes.
The writing was consistent and good.
It was good getting to know Rebecca and Emma.
January 25, 2024
Another One
I really enjoyed this book. I'm glad everything worked out for Rebecca and Emma. I have no problem recommending this book to my peers. 😃❤.
I really enjoyed this book. I'm glad everything worked out for Rebecca and Emma. I have no problem recommending this book to my peers. 😃❤.
February 6, 2025
Rating: 4.6 (rounded up to 5)
First off, I must commend the aesthetically DREAM-LIKE cover design. Ohh... nothing says "dream" or "mystical" like a forest tunnel into a clearing! It's like stepping into a wormhole or a portal into an enchanted realm....in this case, a dream realm/world. I LOVE this book cover design!! Wish it were one of the GCLS nominees this year as I'd definitely vote for one of the best 5 covers of 2024. I literally would purchase the book because of the design!! Anyway...
I'm no stranger to Lise Gold since hearing about her a while ago but never actually read anything of hers until last year. Well, more like listening, really! Enter "The Next Life," my 1st Lise Gold work albeit in aural form (thanks to 1 of my only 3 go-to audiobook voice actors, AC), which I utterly enjoyed in the performance of Gold's words, nuances, story. And I just finished listening to her "Songbirds of Sedona," brilliantly played by AC (one-half of the 2 MCs, Gemma). But for this story, "In Dreams," though, I wanted to actually READ it because of its subject matter. I wanted to preserve my own imagined voices of the characters whilst uncovering and deconstructing the story about dreams, a very personal (metaphysically spiritual) endeavour of my soul's. Dreams, to me, are portals to other parallels and dimensions where every energetic possibility and/or potentiality resides, vibrating at different frequency waves based on the observer that I, in my OG state, travel in, on a nightly basis. I wanted to gauge how Gold's conscious and subconscious (unconscious) states would navigate this subject matter. Well, let's just say that my instinct had once again guided me correctly to read and be immersed in the story using my own imagination and sentience.
This is not a new story as it's about coming out at a later stage in life. It’s been told many times in lesfic. But how Gold tackles this subject matter in her coming out story is refreshing as she shifts the perspective from the usual focus on the emotional state of the person struggling with or questioning their sexuality, to focusing on the real crux of the issue - the root cause, which can only be deconstructed and told through the psychology lens, the mental health POV. What better than tackling the subconscious via dreams? That’s brilliant because we know how dreams play a vital role in being the conduit to our subconscious when it wants to draw our conscious mind’s attention to a certain buried/hidden issue that needs attention. I absolutely love it! Delving into the inevitability of internalised homophobia in people who're innately not heterosexual but totally unaware (or as I'd like to term it "unawakened") usually due to intolerant religious, cultural, conservative/traditional upbringing, is incredibly soul-crushing. Why? Because internalised homophobia, imho, stems from self-hatred. Years of programming that anything outside of the heteronormative way of life is simply not tolerated. So, naturally, this kind of bigotry indoctrinated into children growing up will undoubtedly develop into deep-seated fear, guilt, which turns into self-hate that translates into internalised homophobia. It's truly a painful but ultimately a cathartic journey from self-hatred to self-love and self-acceptance. When fear and guilt are overcome by courage, it can be truly healing to the body, the mind and the soul. This whole journey plays out in an engaging story about Rebecca.
Gold shines in telling a heartfelt coming out story with a compelling insight into the mental health journey of Rebecca. I thoroughly enjoyed every step of Rebecca’s personal story, her character development, her growth, as she slowly comes to terms with her sexuality. Reading about Rebecca’s journey was such an uncanny experience for me since hers reminded me a lot of someone I knew personally. I can affirm all the fears, the denial, the guilt, the internalised homophobic reactions whilst harbouring subtle but definitive nuances to the contrary occurring with Rebecca as she watches her life turning upside down right before her eyes before she catches her bearings and begins to navigate it, this time, fully awakened, and with eyes wide open. Again, uncanny, having witnessed first-hand the similarities in the psychology of one's state of mind when "jolted awake" that everything they ever knew was actually a lie to their own mind, body and soul, and the process it takes to unravel, awaken, and ultimately transcend into one's true self by letting go of the familiar or the known, and embracing the unknown but the truth.
The main draw of this story for me is definitely the psychology of it all. The deconstruction of dreams - Rebecca’s AND surprise, sur-bloody-prise, Emma’s! Gold does POV switches between her MCs very well and this book is no exception. Having said that, I thought the emotional impact would have been even more visceral if the book were written in 1st person format. But I always find Gold’s writing very personable as it quickly draws you into the crux of her characters, main or supporting, and their interconnected lives. “In Dreams” definitely checks all the boxes. It’s a low-angst, heartwarming coming out story that involves the paps, a reality show, an adorable dog, and the whole nine yards, told with heart.
I thoroughly enjoyed it. Icing on the cake for me? The location. Gold (bless you!) decided to make this story set in London, UK, yes! More specifically, the very familiar (oh, memory lane!) Notting Hill and Primrose Hill, and their neighbourhoods! All throughout, everything felt so familiar to me, all the descriptions and mentions of places, not to mention my comment about the uncanniness of Rebecca’s psychological state in her coming out journey and Emma’s role in it. I could practically visualise all the scenarios that Gold depicted so clearly in my head, it’s mad!
Also, I couldn’t get my mind off one of my all-time fav sapphic movies, “Imagine Me & You,” whilst reading the book! LOL! It’s the location, energy, nuances, colour/hue, atmosphere, the general feel that the movie and the book share that give me that same level of adoration, warm-and-fuzzy feel, familiarity and all-around wholesomeness! So, yeh, give it a read! I totally recommend it!
First off, I must commend the aesthetically DREAM-LIKE cover design. Ohh... nothing says "dream" or "mystical" like a forest tunnel into a clearing! It's like stepping into a wormhole or a portal into an enchanted realm....in this case, a dream realm/world. I LOVE this book cover design!! Wish it were one of the GCLS nominees this year as I'd definitely vote for one of the best 5 covers of 2024. I literally would purchase the book because of the design!! Anyway...
I'm no stranger to Lise Gold since hearing about her a while ago but never actually read anything of hers until last year. Well, more like listening, really! Enter "The Next Life," my 1st Lise Gold work albeit in aural form (thanks to 1 of my only 3 go-to audiobook voice actors, AC), which I utterly enjoyed in the performance of Gold's words, nuances, story. And I just finished listening to her "Songbirds of Sedona," brilliantly played by AC (one-half of the 2 MCs, Gemma). But for this story, "In Dreams," though, I wanted to actually READ it because of its subject matter. I wanted to preserve my own imagined voices of the characters whilst uncovering and deconstructing the story about dreams, a very personal (metaphysically spiritual) endeavour of my soul's. Dreams, to me, are portals to other parallels and dimensions where every energetic possibility and/or potentiality resides, vibrating at different frequency waves based on the observer that I, in my OG state, travel in, on a nightly basis. I wanted to gauge how Gold's conscious and subconscious (unconscious) states would navigate this subject matter. Well, let's just say that my instinct had once again guided me correctly to read and be immersed in the story using my own imagination and sentience.
This is not a new story as it's about coming out at a later stage in life. It’s been told many times in lesfic. But how Gold tackles this subject matter in her coming out story is refreshing as she shifts the perspective from the usual focus on the emotional state of the person struggling with or questioning their sexuality, to focusing on the real crux of the issue - the root cause, which can only be deconstructed and told through the psychology lens, the mental health POV. What better than tackling the subconscious via dreams? That’s brilliant because we know how dreams play a vital role in being the conduit to our subconscious when it wants to draw our conscious mind’s attention to a certain buried/hidden issue that needs attention. I absolutely love it! Delving into the inevitability of internalised homophobia in people who're innately not heterosexual but totally unaware (or as I'd like to term it "unawakened") usually due to intolerant religious, cultural, conservative/traditional upbringing, is incredibly soul-crushing. Why? Because internalised homophobia, imho, stems from self-hatred. Years of programming that anything outside of the heteronormative way of life is simply not tolerated. So, naturally, this kind of bigotry indoctrinated into children growing up will undoubtedly develop into deep-seated fear, guilt, which turns into self-hate that translates into internalised homophobia. It's truly a painful but ultimately a cathartic journey from self-hatred to self-love and self-acceptance. When fear and guilt are overcome by courage, it can be truly healing to the body, the mind and the soul. This whole journey plays out in an engaging story about Rebecca.
Gold shines in telling a heartfelt coming out story with a compelling insight into the mental health journey of Rebecca. I thoroughly enjoyed every step of Rebecca’s personal story, her character development, her growth, as she slowly comes to terms with her sexuality. Reading about Rebecca’s journey was such an uncanny experience for me since hers reminded me a lot of someone I knew personally. I can affirm all the fears, the denial, the guilt, the internalised homophobic reactions whilst harbouring subtle but definitive nuances to the contrary occurring with Rebecca as she watches her life turning upside down right before her eyes before she catches her bearings and begins to navigate it, this time, fully awakened, and with eyes wide open. Again, uncanny, having witnessed first-hand the similarities in the psychology of one's state of mind when "jolted awake" that everything they ever knew was actually a lie to their own mind, body and soul, and the process it takes to unravel, awaken, and ultimately transcend into one's true self by letting go of the familiar or the known, and embracing the unknown but the truth.
The main draw of this story for me is definitely the psychology of it all. The deconstruction of dreams - Rebecca’s AND surprise, sur-bloody-prise, Emma’s! Gold does POV switches between her MCs very well and this book is no exception. Having said that, I thought the emotional impact would have been even more visceral if the book were written in 1st person format. But I always find Gold’s writing very personable as it quickly draws you into the crux of her characters, main or supporting, and their interconnected lives. “In Dreams” definitely checks all the boxes. It’s a low-angst, heartwarming coming out story that involves the paps, a reality show, an adorable dog, and the whole nine yards, told with heart.
I thoroughly enjoyed it. Icing on the cake for me? The location. Gold (bless you!) decided to make this story set in London, UK, yes! More specifically, the very familiar (oh, memory lane!) Notting Hill and Primrose Hill, and their neighbourhoods! All throughout, everything felt so familiar to me, all the descriptions and mentions of places, not to mention my comment about the uncanniness of Rebecca’s psychological state in her coming out journey and Emma’s role in it. I could practically visualise all the scenarios that Gold depicted so clearly in my head, it’s mad!
Also, I couldn’t get my mind off one of my all-time fav sapphic movies, “Imagine Me & You,” whilst reading the book! LOL! It’s the location, energy, nuances, colour/hue, atmosphere, the general feel that the movie and the book share that give me that same level of adoration, warm-and-fuzzy feel, familiarity and all-around wholesomeness! So, yeh, give it a read! I totally recommend it!
February 7, 2024
In Dreams by Lise Gold is an exceptional journey into the subconscious that yields the most wonderful results! Rebecca Padney suffers from dreams that are interfering with her sleep and causing her to spend her waking hours exhausted. Her health, job, and emotions are in turmoil so she turns to Dr. Emma Parker, dream therapist to the stars.
Slowly, Rebecca’s subconscious sheds light on things she’s repressed for years causing her to question everything she’s thought about herself.
Rebecca’s anguish over her circumstances is palpable yet no matter how horrible she feels things will turn out, Emma is right there with her every step. As details are uncovered, Emma and Rebecca become closer, and fortunately, Emma does the right thing and releases Rebecca as her patient.
Rebecca spent most of her life doing everything she could to please her family and continuously worried about their impression of her. She’s always felt like she’s disappointed them. As she embraces who she is, she digs deep, pushes her boundaries, and manifests courage she never knew she had. Her evolution is admirable and Emma is right there with her every step of the way and it’s clear how perfectly these two women fit together.
The secondary characters, especially Lakeesha, Danielle, Leila, and Darius are essential elements of the story and each provides support for our main characters. Bernard the, well, St. Bernard is adorable and I want to kiss his little nose!
In Dreams by Lise Gold is a beautiful novel that shines a light on the important role dreams can play in our lives. It’s a story about growth, acceptance, compassion, and support. I look forward to reading Rebecca and Emma’s story many times in the future!
Slowly, Rebecca’s subconscious sheds light on things she’s repressed for years causing her to question everything she’s thought about herself.
Rebecca’s anguish over her circumstances is palpable yet no matter how horrible she feels things will turn out, Emma is right there with her every step. As details are uncovered, Emma and Rebecca become closer, and fortunately, Emma does the right thing and releases Rebecca as her patient.
Rebecca spent most of her life doing everything she could to please her family and continuously worried about their impression of her. She’s always felt like she’s disappointed them. As she embraces who she is, she digs deep, pushes her boundaries, and manifests courage she never knew she had. Her evolution is admirable and Emma is right there with her every step of the way and it’s clear how perfectly these two women fit together.
The secondary characters, especially Lakeesha, Danielle, Leila, and Darius are essential elements of the story and each provides support for our main characters. Bernard the, well, St. Bernard is adorable and I want to kiss his little nose!
In Dreams by Lise Gold is a beautiful novel that shines a light on the important role dreams can play in our lives. It’s a story about growth, acceptance, compassion, and support. I look forward to reading Rebecca and Emma’s story many times in the future!
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