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Dream Café
“Why on earth am I here?” David wonders as he observes the juvenile antics of ex-classmates at the twenty-five year school reunion. Then he sees Bridget.
David draws up a list of all that he hopes to achieve to kick-start a new life now that his wife has moved in with his best friend – his ex-best friend. A relationship with Bridget is top of the list, opening an arts café is a close second.
Formidable women – an unfaithful wife, a reckless teenage daughter, a boss from hell, a disapproving policewoman – seem like insurmountable obstacles.
But it’s still OK to dream, isn’t it?
David draws up a list of all that he hopes to achieve to kick-start a new life now that his wife has moved in with his best friend – his ex-best friend. A relationship with Bridget is top of the list, opening an arts café is a close second.
Formidable women – an unfaithful wife, a reckless teenage daughter, a boss from hell, a disapproving policewoman – seem like insurmountable obstacles.
But it’s still OK to dream, isn’t it?
Unknown Binding
First published August 24, 2021
119 people are currently reading
113 people want to read
About the author
R.J. Gould
14 books27 followersThanks for wanting to find out about my writing.
I have been published by Lume Books and Headline Accent and I also self-publish. I write contemporary fiction about relationships, using humor and pathos to describe the tragi-comic life journeys of my characters. I tend to flip the traditional romantic novel with my insecure male leads in search of an alpha female. I’m a rare male member of the UK Romantic Novelists’ Association and a member of both Cambridge Writers and the Society of Authors.
Ahead of writing fiction full time, I led a national charity and am the co-author of a major work on educating able young people. Although I enjoy writing about education, fiction is my passion.
I live in Cambridge. In addition to writing, I help promote my partner's mosaic and glass art business and am a trustee of a national food poverty charity. I have a minor addiction to dried mango slices.
Visit www.rjgould.info to find out more.
I have been published by Lume Books and Headline Accent and I also self-publish. I write contemporary fiction about relationships, using humor and pathos to describe the tragi-comic life journeys of my characters. I tend to flip the traditional romantic novel with my insecure male leads in search of an alpha female. I’m a rare male member of the UK Romantic Novelists’ Association and a member of both Cambridge Writers and the Society of Authors.
Ahead of writing fiction full time, I led a national charity and am the co-author of a major work on educating able young people. Although I enjoy writing about education, fiction is my passion.
I live in Cambridge. In addition to writing, I help promote my partner's mosaic and glass art business and am a trustee of a national food poverty charity. I have a minor addiction to dried mango slices.
Visit www.rjgould.info to find out more.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
October 21, 2021
I found this a fascinating perspective, with a male protagonist honestly and openly addressing matters of family and heart. I wonder if male readers were equally fascinated. The writing style is very easy to read and I found the author really drew out all the characters and their relationships very realistically.
September 24, 2021
'Dream Cafe' by Richard Gould is a delightful novel about a family that is a bit dysfunctional. Jane, David's wife runs out with Jim David'd best friend. She blames David for everything. After David's divorce he goes through a mid life crisis. Their eldest daughter has behavior issues and the younger son stays to himself. David the narrator tells his story good naturedly and with humor. He eventually falls in love and finds his place in life. I liked this book because it made me chuckle throughout the entire story. I give this book a solid 4 stars. I received this book from Netgalley with the understanding that I would give an honest review. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 16, 2021
'Dream Cafe' is the second book I have read by R.J. Gould. Being invited to this books tour I was looking forward to seeing if this one was as enjoyable as his previous book.
We meet a man called Dave whose wife has not long since left him and their two children for his ex-best friend,who she was having an affair with. He goes to his school reunion and while he may wonder why he is actually there, he sees Bridget and that's makes everything worthwhile. His list for his new life consists of a relationship with Bridget first and foremost. The other is to open an arts café.
The mid-life crisis he finds himself in is even harder with two teens, a job in which he doesn't like his boss and the new domestic side of life. He struggles to deal with the domestic side, never mind everything else. The question is can he navigate everything while realising his dream of the café?
As I found with R.J Gould's previous book the characters are instantly recognisable and relatable. They remind you of someone you could know in real life. I was urging poor David on as he hit every barrier known to man almost. A witty and insightful story that has you caring for him and really feeling it everything something else happens. It does make you wonder if he would actually ever get to where he wanted. The fact that this author always seem to capture real life and put it into words is a skill that is fantastic. He has brought some serious issues and dealth with them very appropriately. Divorce, lone parenting, a man's role within the family home. These are a few of the many in the story and I liked the fact that that we do have comedy in the book as well as emotion and it is dealt with sensitively and there are times when it is poignant too.
If you want a book that is not without the funny moments while reflecting real life at the same time, then this is the book to read.
Thank you to Rachel's Random Resources and R.J Gould for my invitation to join this tour and for my gifted copy of the book.
We meet a man called Dave whose wife has not long since left him and their two children for his ex-best friend,who she was having an affair with. He goes to his school reunion and while he may wonder why he is actually there, he sees Bridget and that's makes everything worthwhile. His list for his new life consists of a relationship with Bridget first and foremost. The other is to open an arts café.
The mid-life crisis he finds himself in is even harder with two teens, a job in which he doesn't like his boss and the new domestic side of life. He struggles to deal with the domestic side, never mind everything else. The question is can he navigate everything while realising his dream of the café?
As I found with R.J Gould's previous book the characters are instantly recognisable and relatable. They remind you of someone you could know in real life. I was urging poor David on as he hit every barrier known to man almost. A witty and insightful story that has you caring for him and really feeling it everything something else happens. It does make you wonder if he would actually ever get to where he wanted. The fact that this author always seem to capture real life and put it into words is a skill that is fantastic. He has brought some serious issues and dealth with them very appropriately. Divorce, lone parenting, a man's role within the family home. These are a few of the many in the story and I liked the fact that that we do have comedy in the book as well as emotion and it is dealt with sensitively and there are times when it is poignant too.
If you want a book that is not without the funny moments while reflecting real life at the same time, then this is the book to read.
Thank you to Rachel's Random Resources and R.J Gould for my invitation to join this tour and for my gifted copy of the book.
August 29, 2021
My ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ of Richard Gould A dream cafe
I absolutely love this authors books and was so pleased to be given the chance to read this authors book before publication
as always this was another brilliant book and again captured the essence of everyday life and situations through real and relatable characters. It also covered the sensitive themes of being divorced and single parenting and friendships and work relationships in a way that many readers would be able to read and think yes that describes me etc.
David is a character that a lot of males would be able to relate to going through a mid life crisis or crossroads and wanting to do something more with his life whilst at the same time navigating his divorce and new relationship with Bridget. I enjoyed the school reunion descriptions as reminded me of a similar cringe worthy school reunion I attended some years ago.
There was a balance of humour in the book but at the same time some pages were quite emotional to read. I laughed out loud at some points and reflected at others.
This book is definitely written with realism in it and it is far from a fluffy romance
This was an easy read to get into and once I had started to read I wanted to read on to find out what happened with David and his dreams and read this in just over a day.
Would love a sequel to find out where him and Bridget are taken in their dream cafe.
I absolutely love this authors books and was so pleased to be given the chance to read this authors book before publication
as always this was another brilliant book and again captured the essence of everyday life and situations through real and relatable characters. It also covered the sensitive themes of being divorced and single parenting and friendships and work relationships in a way that many readers would be able to read and think yes that describes me etc.
David is a character that a lot of males would be able to relate to going through a mid life crisis or crossroads and wanting to do something more with his life whilst at the same time navigating his divorce and new relationship with Bridget. I enjoyed the school reunion descriptions as reminded me of a similar cringe worthy school reunion I attended some years ago.
There was a balance of humour in the book but at the same time some pages were quite emotional to read. I laughed out loud at some points and reflected at others.
This book is definitely written with realism in it and it is far from a fluffy romance
This was an easy read to get into and once I had started to read I wanted to read on to find out what happened with David and his dreams and read this in just over a day.
Would love a sequel to find out where him and Bridget are taken in their dream cafe.
April 3, 2023
Having thoroughly enjoyed Nothing Man and being a fan of R J Gould’s writing style I was looking forward to getting stuck into Dream Café.
And unsurprisingly I really enjoyed Dream Café and finished it within just two days.
Dream Café starts with David at his twenty-five year high school reunion when he strikes up a conversation with a kind woman, Bridget.
Through this conversation we learn that David is having a right old time of it lately.
His wife Jane has been having an affair with his best friend and promptly walks out on him and their two kids.
He’s having a tough time at work with his new demanding boss and his sixteen year old daughter is bringing the Police to his door.
Poor David.
The story is told through David and a few of the other character’s points of view.
I liked David – he got stuck in trying to be a better father, he was pro-active with his list-making to actually get on and get things done and he took all of this huge change in his stride and he was more than reasonable with his ex.
Although there’s quite a lot of drama – a shed bursts into flames, there’s a few tangles with the Police, his angsty teen is dabbling with alcohol smoking and sex and then there’s advances from his boss to contend with – there’s also a lot of homour and tender moments throughout the story.
Will David be brave enough to complete his list – quit his job and open his Dream Café?
I enjoyed seeing David and Bridget’s relationship eventually blossoming despite some revelations and bumps in the road.
Dream Café is an easy and enjoyable read and one which I recommend.
And unsurprisingly I really enjoyed Dream Café and finished it within just two days.
Dream Café starts with David at his twenty-five year high school reunion when he strikes up a conversation with a kind woman, Bridget.
Through this conversation we learn that David is having a right old time of it lately.
His wife Jane has been having an affair with his best friend and promptly walks out on him and their two kids.
He’s having a tough time at work with his new demanding boss and his sixteen year old daughter is bringing the Police to his door.
Poor David.
The story is told through David and a few of the other character’s points of view.
I liked David – he got stuck in trying to be a better father, he was pro-active with his list-making to actually get on and get things done and he took all of this huge change in his stride and he was more than reasonable with his ex.
Although there’s quite a lot of drama – a shed bursts into flames, there’s a few tangles with the Police, his angsty teen is dabbling with alcohol smoking and sex and then there’s advances from his boss to contend with – there’s also a lot of homour and tender moments throughout the story.
Will David be brave enough to complete his list – quit his job and open his Dream Café?
I enjoyed seeing David and Bridget’s relationship eventually blossoming despite some revelations and bumps in the road.
Dream Café is an easy and enjoyable read and one which I recommend.
October 26, 2021
This is the second book I have read by R J Gould and I enjoyed this one just as much as the first, so much in fact all of his books are quietly waiting on my kindle to be read.
R J Gould has the most delightful skill of writing his books in a way in which you feel very quickly that you are reading about a friend. His characters are very relatable and the scenarios are always very similar to real life people you may know, they are definitely not fluffy romance novels.
There is always a mix of emotions within the pages and always just the right mix! I found myself laughing at some of the situations that David found himself in and then on the next page wanting to jump in and give him a hug.
Dream Cafe is about David who is mid forties and his wife makes the sudden and shocking announcement that’s she’s leaving him for his best friend. David is left with the children, the running of the house along with trying to ease himself back into the world of dating. It’s written very true to life, I couldn’t put it down and found myself missing Dream Cafe long after I read the last page.
If you haven’t yet discovered R J Gould I’d urge you to do so… you definitely won’t regret it.
R J Gould has the most delightful skill of writing his books in a way in which you feel very quickly that you are reading about a friend. His characters are very relatable and the scenarios are always very similar to real life people you may know, they are definitely not fluffy romance novels.
There is always a mix of emotions within the pages and always just the right mix! I found myself laughing at some of the situations that David found himself in and then on the next page wanting to jump in and give him a hug.
Dream Cafe is about David who is mid forties and his wife makes the sudden and shocking announcement that’s she’s leaving him for his best friend. David is left with the children, the running of the house along with trying to ease himself back into the world of dating. It’s written very true to life, I couldn’t put it down and found myself missing Dream Cafe long after I read the last page.
If you haven’t yet discovered R J Gould I’d urge you to do so… you definitely won’t regret it.
July 31, 2025
Real Life, Wit, and a Whole Lot of Heart
Dream Café is exactly the kind of story I love—funny, heartfelt, and rooted in the ups and downs of real life. R.J. Gould has such a talent for writing characters who feel like actual people. Between the divorce, single-parenting, and a man figuring out where he fits in his own family, this book tackles some heavy stuff... but does it all with humor, wit, and just the right amount of sarcasm. My favorite Gould combo.
I especially loved the cooking class scenes and those quirky little lists sprinkled throughout—they gave me plenty to smile about. David and Bridget would honestly make fantastic real-life friends. And even the side characters, like the dry, weary policewoman, feel so spot-on. Everyone has a role, and they all play it in that perfectly familiar, perfectly human way.
This is a story about fresh starts and finding yourself again, even when life hasn’t gone to plan. I can’t wait to spend more time at the Dream Café meeting new friends over coffee.
Watch for my blog review coming soon! https://ginaraemitchell.com/dreamcafe
Dream Café is exactly the kind of story I love—funny, heartfelt, and rooted in the ups and downs of real life. R.J. Gould has such a talent for writing characters who feel like actual people. Between the divorce, single-parenting, and a man figuring out where he fits in his own family, this book tackles some heavy stuff... but does it all with humor, wit, and just the right amount of sarcasm. My favorite Gould combo.
I especially loved the cooking class scenes and those quirky little lists sprinkled throughout—they gave me plenty to smile about. David and Bridget would honestly make fantastic real-life friends. And even the side characters, like the dry, weary policewoman, feel so spot-on. Everyone has a role, and they all play it in that perfectly familiar, perfectly human way.
This is a story about fresh starts and finding yourself again, even when life hasn’t gone to plan. I can’t wait to spend more time at the Dream Café meeting new friends over coffee.
Watch for my blog review coming soon! https://ginaraemitchell.com/dreamcafe
September 2, 2022
I just couldn't really connect with this story and the characters.
As I went to an all girls school, reunions were pleasant rather than awkward so I couldn't judge this part of the plot, and I'm finding too many people writing about dream cafés without really having the characters weigh up the economics and doing the basic sums. As my husband and I did when we had a dream pub ...
An artcafe is different but..
Mid life crises seem to hit men especially hard and perhaps Gould has the best empathy for David, being male himself. And David had children to support and cook for and find their school uniforms for and sign the letters and... all the things he had relied on his wife doing but she had gone and abandoned him. And yes, thiscan be hard but I thought it could be funnier. The book lacked enough humour for me.
As I went to an all girls school, reunions were pleasant rather than awkward so I couldn't judge this part of the plot, and I'm finding too many people writing about dream cafés without really having the characters weigh up the economics and doing the basic sums. As my husband and I did when we had a dream pub ...
An artcafe is different but..
Mid life crises seem to hit men especially hard and perhaps Gould has the best empathy for David, being male himself. And David had children to support and cook for and find their school uniforms for and sign the letters and... all the things he had relied on his wife doing but she had gone and abandoned him. And yes, thiscan be hard but I thought it could be funnier. The book lacked enough humour for me.
January 6, 2022
Dream Café follows forty-three-year-old David after his wife, Jane unexpectedly leaves him for his best friend, Jim. David goes to his twenty-five-year school reunion and meets a now grown-up Bridget there. Making a list of all that he hopes to achieve, David puts opening a café and a new relationship as priorities. A family-focused, pacy and often touching tale with buckets of humour and surprising turns along the way. Very highly recommended.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from BooksGoSocial via NetGalley at my own request. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from BooksGoSocial via NetGalley at my own request. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
April 25, 2023
Engaging read despite a doormat main character
This novel starts out as a well-written, depressing tale about a mid life crisis. The main character is bland and uninteresting. He has almost no personality and isn't even angry when his wife leaves him for his best friend. He's too nice and is basically a doormat that everyone wipes their feet on.
Despite these flaws, the story moves at a good pace and I read until the end. There are a few interesting moments and the doormat turns into a slightly more interesting character.
This novel starts out as a well-written, depressing tale about a mid life crisis. The main character is bland and uninteresting. He has almost no personality and isn't even angry when his wife leaves him for his best friend. He's too nice and is basically a doormat that everyone wipes their feet on.
Despite these flaws, the story moves at a good pace and I read until the end. There are a few interesting moments and the doormat turns into a slightly more interesting character.
May 20, 2023
What's a Guy to Do?
When David Willoughby's wife suddenly leaves him for his best friend, the accountant is left reeling at the thought of being a single dad to two kids. However, reconnecting with a former classmate at his high school class reunion a short time later, puts him on the path in search of his new life.
He has an instant attraction to Bridget and finds that they have many things in common. Can they overcome the crazy events and distractions in life that threaten their happiness? We may never know.
When David Willoughby's wife suddenly leaves him for his best friend, the accountant is left reeling at the thought of being a single dad to two kids. However, reconnecting with a former classmate at his high school class reunion a short time later, puts him on the path in search of his new life.
He has an instant attraction to Bridget and finds that they have many things in common. Can they overcome the crazy events and distractions in life that threaten their happiness? We may never know.
February 19, 2025
Dream Café by Richard Gould (R.J. Gould) is a thoughtful and engaging novel that explores themes of dreams, ambition, and self-discovery. The story centers around Jack, a man facing a crossroads in his life, who embarks on a journey of reinvention while grappling with his past and relationships. Gould’s writing is introspective and layered, delving into the complexity of human desires and the search for meaning. With its blend of heart and humor, Dream Café is a compelling read for those who enjoy character-driven narratives about life’s transitions and personal growth.
October 6, 2021
David has always wanted to open an arts cafe. Instead he is a council employee. When his wife, Jane, announces she is leaving him for his best friend he is left to tell the kids and feels alone. That is, until he goes to his school reunion and meets Bridget, who seems to have everything he wants in a woman.
David is good at making lists and uses this to work out his life plan. Things do not always go to plan however!
A humorous well written readable book that you won’t want to put down!
David is good at making lists and uses this to work out his life plan. Things do not always go to plan however!
A humorous well written readable book that you won’t want to put down!
May 2, 2023
Not good, not bad. It entertained me. Besides the explicit chapters about how David (the protagonist) wanted to have sex with one or other woman - which had nothing to do with the plot itself -, the idea underneath was good enough: a 40 something accountant decides to quit his job and start his own art café while leading with a divorce, two teenagers, and maybe a new partner. Again, not good, not bad but entertaining enough.
November 13, 2022
David is an accountant with an uninspiring job in a council office and a boss who is merciless. Then his wife announces she is moving in with his best friend. Can life find and more crap to throw at him? Is there any chance of achieving any of his ill-thought-out dreams?
You'll need to read this playful, enjoyable portrait of family and relationship shenanigans to find out.
You'll need to read this playful, enjoyable portrait of family and relationship shenanigans to find out.
November 19, 2025
This story is full of twists and turns I did not see coming. Lots of characters; you might want to take notes. :) Karma is definitely one of the characters. Jane leaves David and their children for a family friend destroying the family. This is a very well plotted read that is highly recommended.
August 28, 2021
Review to follow on my book tour spot date
April 3, 2023
So enjoyable
This is the first book I have read by this author, it certainly won't be the last. I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
This is the first book I have read by this author, it certainly won't be the last. I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
May 25, 2025
Interesting and enjoyable, I definitely enjoyed a book told from a man's point of view. Kind of an abrupt ending, even if the series continues.
June 15, 2025
Entertaining
I quite liked this, good characters, and a believable story line. The first in a series I believe, I will read more.
I quite liked this, good characters, and a believable story line. The first in a series I believe, I will read more.
September 3, 2021
Dream Café follows sensible, comfortable forty-three-year-old David, after his wife leaves him for his best friend, totally out of the blue. What ensues is a funny, pacey, and often touching, story of reinvention, with plenty of smiles and unexpected twists and turns along the way. Recommended.
October 19, 2021
I liked this book. I liked reading it from the perspective male author. I've not read many romantic books written by a male author but I liked it. Its interesting to hear from a male perspective.
There is a lot of stigma around male and female roles and gender differences currently and historically and this book is a breath of fresh air.
The school reunion gives me the shivers, I hated school so I couldn't think of anything worse. That's not to say it wasn't well written.
There is a lot of stigma around male and female roles and gender differences currently and historically and this book is a breath of fresh air.
The school reunion gives me the shivers, I hated school so I couldn't think of anything worse. That's not to say it wasn't well written.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews