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Burgundy Sky
The only thing harder than leaving Jonah was facing him. Now her dreams won’t give her a choice.
It’s been thirteen years since Gretchen Sinclair left her small town and every reminder of the night that changed her sister’s life.
Eclipsed by the success of her charming but controlling fiance, Gretchen trades in her paints and brushes for a food service apron. She would love nothing more than to go back to before: before her shiny new life in the city became one of disappointment and survival…
before Jonah became just a face in her dreams, always disappearing with the sunrise.
Jonah Buckley never set out to keep secrets, but shady, back-alley fight clubs aren’t the most acceptable hang outs for a small-town preacher. Not when he’s the one fighting in them.
As if that’s not a big enough secret, his love life borders on madness. After all, no man in his right mind would love the same girl for thirteen years when she left without saying goodbye.
Even now, she’s with him in his dreams, and that’s far better than nothing.
Strange coincidences in the waking world soon point to a connection that spans the space between them. As their dreams pull them back together, Jonah and Gretchen begin to mend all the places they fell apart.
But when Gretchen’s reality becomes a nightmare, Jonah must make a choice: Believe the unbelievable, or risk losing her in both the dreaming and waking worlds for good.
It’s been thirteen years since Gretchen Sinclair left her small town and every reminder of the night that changed her sister’s life.
Eclipsed by the success of her charming but controlling fiance, Gretchen trades in her paints and brushes for a food service apron. She would love nothing more than to go back to before: before her shiny new life in the city became one of disappointment and survival…
before Jonah became just a face in her dreams, always disappearing with the sunrise.
Jonah Buckley never set out to keep secrets, but shady, back-alley fight clubs aren’t the most acceptable hang outs for a small-town preacher. Not when he’s the one fighting in them.
As if that’s not a big enough secret, his love life borders on madness. After all, no man in his right mind would love the same girl for thirteen years when she left without saying goodbye.
Even now, she’s with him in his dreams, and that’s far better than nothing.
Strange coincidences in the waking world soon point to a connection that spans the space between them. As their dreams pull them back together, Jonah and Gretchen begin to mend all the places they fell apart.
But when Gretchen’s reality becomes a nightmare, Jonah must make a choice: Believe the unbelievable, or risk losing her in both the dreaming and waking worlds for good.
- GenresRomance
332 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2024
3 people are currently reading
35 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
August 30, 2024
This is one of the most well written and emotional reads I have read in a long time. If you enjoy emotionally charged books filled with important but fragile real life situations look no further, you have found the book for you.
Starting with triggers: domestic violence, violence, miscarriage/abortion
Alysson Dotson is a wordsmith. The way she writes in my opinion is nothing short of poetry. The detail with which she can explain something as simple as a grocery store is truly incredible and the reason I knew regardless of subject matter I was going to love this book from 10 pages in.
Now for my review of the story itself.
It’s a hard one to read, it’s also worth every tear you will shed. This is a very raw and real story about a woman who believes she is the bad guy in her and her families story when in fact she is not, a story about pain, and beauty all mixed into one. About how love can conquer all but not until we forgive ourselves for who we’ve been or the mistakes we’ve made. With fantasy elements masterfully woven into a love story this book is entertaining from beginning to end.
I have one small complaint and without spoiling anything I will just say I do with there was a bit more build up to the climax, I think with what the climax of this story is we could have gotten a bit more suspense and intensity leading up to this point however this did not deswayed me from running to purchase ‘Winter’ by Alyson Dotson directly after. I feel as though I have a writing technique hangover now as no author I’ve read so far writes quite like this author does.
Thank you so much Alysson for bring me into this world and getting to spend time with these characters. I want to see the main couple a hundred more times now.
Starting with triggers: domestic violence, violence, miscarriage/abortion
Alysson Dotson is a wordsmith. The way she writes in my opinion is nothing short of poetry. The detail with which she can explain something as simple as a grocery store is truly incredible and the reason I knew regardless of subject matter I was going to love this book from 10 pages in.
Now for my review of the story itself.
It’s a hard one to read, it’s also worth every tear you will shed. This is a very raw and real story about a woman who believes she is the bad guy in her and her families story when in fact she is not, a story about pain, and beauty all mixed into one. About how love can conquer all but not until we forgive ourselves for who we’ve been or the mistakes we’ve made. With fantasy elements masterfully woven into a love story this book is entertaining from beginning to end.
I have one small complaint and without spoiling anything I will just say I do with there was a bit more build up to the climax, I think with what the climax of this story is we could have gotten a bit more suspense and intensity leading up to this point however this did not deswayed me from running to purchase ‘Winter’ by Alyson Dotson directly after. I feel as though I have a writing technique hangover now as no author I’ve read so far writes quite like this author does.
Thank you so much Alysson for bring me into this world and getting to spend time with these characters. I want to see the main couple a hundred more times now.
May 6, 2024
This story has it all! Love, heartbreak, family, and love! I fell in love with Jonah and Gretchen from the beginning. Such a wonderful story and I cannot wait to read more from this author.
January 12, 2025
Emotional Read
This book kept me turning pages for two reasons. One, because I needed to find out if the FMC would eventually get away from her abusive bf. And two the dream scenes (I don't want to reveal too much) we're a very cool element of the book that I looked forward to reading.
My only issue is that I didn't think the reason why Jonah and Gretchen originally broke up was realistic. Because I can't see them ending things for the reason that was given with the amount of love that was between them. But that's my opinion.
Other than that I think the author did a good job with handling domestic abuse and mental abuse within a relationship. I think it's very hard sometimes to recognize a toxic partner and sometimes by the time you do it's too late.
Definitely an emotinal read.
This book kept me turning pages for two reasons. One, because I needed to find out if the FMC would eventually get away from her abusive bf. And two the dream scenes (I don't want to reveal too much) we're a very cool element of the book that I looked forward to reading.
My only issue is that I didn't think the reason why Jonah and Gretchen originally broke up was realistic. Because I can't see them ending things for the reason that was given with the amount of love that was between them. But that's my opinion.
Other than that I think the author did a good job with handling domestic abuse and mental abuse within a relationship. I think it's very hard sometimes to recognize a toxic partner and sometimes by the time you do it's too late.
Definitely an emotinal read.
February 21, 2025
Very sweet.
I really enjoyed this book. I loved the longing and second chance love. I was invested in the character developments. The humor is placed just right and very relatable. I highly recommend this sweet story.
I really enjoyed this book. I loved the longing and second chance love. I was invested in the character developments. The humor is placed just right and very relatable. I highly recommend this sweet story.
December 25, 2024
I did really enjoy this book, it took me a minimum to work out what was happening, as there is a lot of back and forth, which was a little confusing at the beginning but once I got past that and into it I couldn't put it down!
I love how Gretchen and Jonah communicated, and just the need of wanting to be with each other.
This isn't a book where you can tell straight away what the ending will be, I kept thinking I knew but every chapter was different and making me change my mind and think.
I would recommend this book and I would read it again.
I love how Gretchen and Jonah communicated, and just the need of wanting to be with each other.
This isn't a book where you can tell straight away what the ending will be, I kept thinking I knew but every chapter was different and making me change my mind and think.
I would recommend this book and I would read it again.
May 15, 2024
I absolutely loved this book. If I had no other responsibilities in my life I think I would have read it straight through. The story is beautifully written. The hurt that Gretchen went through hit me right in the heart. The way she felt broke my heart because I have been there. It can feel very lonely being in an abusive relationship. Although it was emotional and heartbreaking to read about her relationship, there is also comfort in it. Reading how she was able to make it out and realizing she was worth so much more than she was receiving is something so many women aren’t able to overcome. There are women who never get out of it and Gretchen’s story is a shining ray of hope. Even though this story is fiction and we don’t all get to visit the dream realm with someone like Jonah, the things she went through are so relatable. The love that Jonah and Gretchen have is heartwarming. We all deserve what they have and we should never settle for less.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 2, 2025
Burgundy Sky feels like comfort, home, love, & belonging.
Not only does Alysson do a fantastic job with setting descriptions, she also has the ability to fully capture the realistic feelings of the characters. I think almost everyone has had to deal with a narcissist, so it was incredibly easy to relate to Gretchen & the internal struggle that she deals with.
Gretchen & Jonah are so lovable & relatable. I also loved the metaphysical elements! I think it was a really unique way to connect the characters & also dive into the subconscious of the dreamers, unveiling things that were too hard to talk about.
I am not a person that usually likes to reread a book, but I read this one twice. The story is absolutely amazing & I honestly can’t say enough good things about it!
Not only does Alysson do a fantastic job with setting descriptions, she also has the ability to fully capture the realistic feelings of the characters. I think almost everyone has had to deal with a narcissist, so it was incredibly easy to relate to Gretchen & the internal struggle that she deals with.
Gretchen & Jonah are so lovable & relatable. I also loved the metaphysical elements! I think it was a really unique way to connect the characters & also dive into the subconscious of the dreamers, unveiling things that were too hard to talk about.
I am not a person that usually likes to reread a book, but I read this one twice. The story is absolutely amazing & I honestly can’t say enough good things about it!
May 7, 2024
I really liked this novel, which was written by a talented author in my own town. I especially like the local setting (Metropolis , IL) and the Marion, IL scene. I also really like Jonah, and identified with Gretchen’s struggle to identify and escape an abusive relationship. I don’t want to give any spoilers, but the character of Clay is realistically depicted, and I was pleased with the outcome. I definitely recommend this novel to anyone who likes romances, and I appreciated the Christian tone. I look forward to reading future works by Alysson Dotson.
June 18, 2025
Emotional, shocking, beautiful, incredible, sad, heartbreaking... I don't know how else to describe this story.
Jonah, I pretty much adored immediately, he is a great guy, really trying to be better than his father, and he is. Absolutely.
Gretchen is sweet... I wasn't sure about her at first but the more I got to know her and understood her, not only her personality but her past and how she even ended up with Clay in the first place, I understand her choices better.
That said, because the story didn't reveal everything about the past, except only in drips and drabs through flashbacks, I was constantly trying to figure what happened, to understand why the characters were how they were and made their choices. Especially Gretchen.
The shared dreams between Jonah and Gretchen were a fascinating twist on a contemporary type of romance and I really enjoyed it. Especially the messages they send to each other in the beginning to make sure the dreams were real. That they were really together.
And the side characters! All of the characters (not Clay) around both Jonah and Gretchen were awesome! I especially loved Layla and Lindsey.
Fantastic women!
And my favorite scene was the proposal, just amazing, and of course the ending scene with the Oreos and whipped cream... You'll have to read it to find out what I'm talking about. 😉
Jonah, I pretty much adored immediately, he is a great guy, really trying to be better than his father, and he is. Absolutely.
Gretchen is sweet... I wasn't sure about her at first but the more I got to know her and understood her, not only her personality but her past and how she even ended up with Clay in the first place, I understand her choices better.
That said, because the story didn't reveal everything about the past, except only in drips and drabs through flashbacks, I was constantly trying to figure what happened, to understand why the characters were how they were and made their choices. Especially Gretchen.
The shared dreams between Jonah and Gretchen were a fascinating twist on a contemporary type of romance and I really enjoyed it. Especially the messages they send to each other in the beginning to make sure the dreams were real. That they were really together.
And the side characters! All of the characters (not Clay) around both Jonah and Gretchen were awesome! I especially loved Layla and Lindsey.
Fantastic women!
And my favorite scene was the proposal, just amazing, and of course the ending scene with the Oreos and whipped cream... You'll have to read it to find out what I'm talking about. 😉
April 21, 2025
I DEVOURED this book.
It's been a long time since I finished a book so quickly. This one has put itself firmly in my favorites shelf.
I love how the story unfolded and how it surprised me in the best of ways. I especially love the element of the dreams, I am an absolute sucker for magical realism. I so often wanted to scream at Gretchen to leave Clay, but I love how Alysson framed her mindset to shift into seeing every situation as her fault - you can really see how a narcissist over time can seriously damage someone's mentality and why its so incredibly hard (nearly impossible even) for people to leave a toxic/abusive relationship. My heart hurt so deeply for this character. But she had amazing people in her corner and a God that loved her even in her brokenness.
If you love Sweet Home Alabama, you'll love Burgundy Sky. I know I did.
It's been a long time since I finished a book so quickly. This one has put itself firmly in my favorites shelf.
I love how the story unfolded and how it surprised me in the best of ways. I especially love the element of the dreams, I am an absolute sucker for magical realism. I so often wanted to scream at Gretchen to leave Clay, but I love how Alysson framed her mindset to shift into seeing every situation as her fault - you can really see how a narcissist over time can seriously damage someone's mentality and why its so incredibly hard (nearly impossible even) for people to leave a toxic/abusive relationship. My heart hurt so deeply for this character. But she had amazing people in her corner and a God that loved her even in her brokenness.
If you love Sweet Home Alabama, you'll love Burgundy Sky. I know I did.
May 11, 2024
This book reminds you of how strong the power of love can be. A young couple is forced apart after a tragic night. Years later, they are both battling inner demons and are ao far apart but still cant help but think of each other. Then, when they start to connect again, it's through these magical, amazing dreams. This was a non put downable, beautiful romance novel!
February 25, 2025
She did a great job with the description of places and characters. The reader could create and visualize the characters and settings. I loved the romance, it involves fantasy along within a present-day setting. The story was a unique “second chance for love” premise. Fantastic read!
January 25, 2026
Was an awesome book. Couldn’t put it down. A must read.
May 20, 2025
I cannot put into words how much I loved this book. If you’re looking for something faith-fueled, but real and gritty, this might be for you.
She weaves an entrancing tale of second chances and forgiveness and undeniable grace. I was hooked from the first page and quickly fell in love with these characters. They were raw and vulnerable, messy and honest. Coming from a small southern town myself, I could relate easily to so many parts of their story. While the tenor of faith is woven throughout the story, these characters had to fight - themselves, their demons and pasts, others - to learn to accept grace and redemption.
This is now one of my auto-buy authors. Hands down.
Please note, there is some minor language and heavier themes. The story deals with rape, abortion, and narcissistic abuse.
She weaves an entrancing tale of second chances and forgiveness and undeniable grace. I was hooked from the first page and quickly fell in love with these characters. They were raw and vulnerable, messy and honest. Coming from a small southern town myself, I could relate easily to so many parts of their story. While the tenor of faith is woven throughout the story, these characters had to fight - themselves, their demons and pasts, others - to learn to accept grace and redemption.
This is now one of my auto-buy authors. Hands down.
Please note, there is some minor language and heavier themes. The story deals with rape, abortion, and narcissistic abuse.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews