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Dennehy Sisters #4
Always In My Dreams
The sins of a father...
The youngest daughter of a New York financier, Skye Dennehy didn't run from danger; instead, she embraced it. And now her powerful father had asked her to spy on a reclusive inventor whose latest creation could change the world.
The passions of a daughter...
Skye didn't count on an obstacle that was large, unmoveable... and irresistible. His name was Walker Caine -- and he was a man who instinctively knew what Skye wanted out of life: no two tomorrows that were the same.
The love of a man...
What Walker kept from Skye was his past -- but not his passion. And as a shadowy enemy stalked them both -- thrusting Skye between two dangerous men - she knew she must risk everything for a love that could prove the most perilous adventure of all...
The youngest daughter of a New York financier, Skye Dennehy didn't run from danger; instead, she embraced it. And now her powerful father had asked her to spy on a reclusive inventor whose latest creation could change the world.
The passions of a daughter...
Skye didn't count on an obstacle that was large, unmoveable... and irresistible. His name was Walker Caine -- and he was a man who instinctively knew what Skye wanted out of life: no two tomorrows that were the same.
The love of a man...
What Walker kept from Skye was his past -- but not his passion. And as a shadowy enemy stalked them both -- thrusting Skye between two dangerous men - she knew she must risk everything for a love that could prove the most perilous adventure of all...
448 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 1, 1995
175 people are currently reading
214 people want to read
About the author
Jo Goodman
60 books479 followersTo find characters to illustrate my first family saga, I cut out models from the Sears catalogue. I was in fourth grade, but it was a start. In seventh grade I wrote a melodrama about two orphan sisters, one of whom was pregnant. There was also a story about a runaway girl with the unlikely name of Strawberry and one about mistaken identities and an evil blind date. My supportive, but vaguely concerned parents, sighed with relief when I announced I was going to write children's books. They bought me an electric typewriter and crossed their fingers, but somehow PASSION'S BRIDE came out. No one was really surprised.
I graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a major in biology and a minor in chemistry and some notion that I would do marine research. Years of competitive swimming didn't help me anticipate seasickness. A career change seemed in order. I began working with adolescents and families, first as a childcare worker and later, after graduating from West Virginia University with a master's degree in counseling, as a therapist. I am currently the executive director of a child caring/mental health agency and find my work and my writing often compliment each other. One grounds me in reality and the other offers a break from it.
I graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a major in biology and a minor in chemistry and some notion that I would do marine research. Years of competitive swimming didn't help me anticipate seasickness. A career change seemed in order. I began working with adolescents and families, first as a childcare worker and later, after graduating from West Virginia University with a master's degree in counseling, as a therapist. I am currently the executive director of a child caring/mental health agency and find my work and my writing often compliment each other. One grounds me in reality and the other offers a break from it.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
December 18, 2022
Mary Schyler Dennehy and Walker. Heroine is/wants to be an adventurous. Housekeeper/spy work for her dad. This one is my least favorite of the series. I liked it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 26, 2014
New York Financier Jay Mac Worth has asked his youngest daughter, Skye Dennehy, to spy on a reclusive Inventor he has bankrolled. In order to get into the house, Skye answers Jonathan Parnell's advertisement for a housekeeper. While giving the maids their orders and inventorying supplies, Skye tries to get a peak at Parnell's latest invention. But to do that she must get rid of Parnell's assistant, Walker Caine, who is keeping close tabs on the new housekeeper.
Skye is the youngest Dennehy sister. She has no definite plans for her future except she wants adventure. Walker Caine doesn't trust his employer and wants to keep Skye out of trouble. Keeping her out of the inventor's office is the first step since it is off limits to everyone except Parnell. This is the fourth book in Goodman's Dennehy Sisters series and another solid historical romance. My rating: 4 Stars.
Skye is the youngest Dennehy sister. She has no definite plans for her future except she wants adventure. Walker Caine doesn't trust his employer and wants to keep Skye out of trouble. Keeping her out of the inventor's office is the first step since it is off limits to everyone except Parnell. This is the fourth book in Goodman's Dennehy Sisters series and another solid historical romance. My rating: 4 Stars.
May 9, 2016
Loved this entire series. Wish she would do a Christmas ebook with all the sisters, spouses and numerous kids. Of course Jay Mac and Moira would have to be there. That would be such a kick.
October 9, 2022
My least favourite book in this series, and I think the first one of Ms. Goodman's books that I rated with only three stars. I thought Skye's character was underdeveloped (which was surprising since I always consider characterization one of Ms. Goodman's strengths). I wished she could have given Skye an actual profession instead of just making her an adventuress. I mean, everyone else had one; Michael was a reporter, Rennie was an engineer, Maggie a doctor and Mary Francis was a nun.
Some of her actions didn't make much sense either. Walker (loved the name!) was okay, I guess. He was older and more mature than Skye, thank goodness.
The reason I kept reading was the mystery. The mystery surrounding the inventor's identity and the manor were intriguing. I couldn't guess where it was heading, and I was pleasantly surprised by the revelations.
The plot stretched believability, but this was a decent read. Not as good as the rest in the series, but good enough.
Some of her actions didn't make much sense either. Walker (loved the name!) was okay, I guess. He was older and more mature than Skye, thank goodness.
The reason I kept reading was the mystery. The mystery surrounding the inventor's identity and the manor were intriguing. I couldn't guess where it was heading, and I was pleasantly surprised by the revelations.
The plot stretched believability, but this was a decent read. Not as good as the rest in the series, but good enough.
Read
December 30, 2017I read about 40% and accepted that I will not like Skye as a character. There is no chance of this book getting more than a 2 star rating for me. So I give up. No rating.
Side note: I find the setup entirely ridiculous. What loving fathers ask his daughter to work as a housekeeper to spy for him? It just did not match Jay Mac's loving father image.
Side note: I find the setup entirely ridiculous. What loving fathers ask his daughter to work as a housekeeper to spy for him? It just did not match Jay Mac's loving father image.
December 3, 2012
Started out well. The first half kept me going, then the pacing slowed considerably. Add some senseless filler, and I found the ending/epilogue a little too preposterous.
July 29, 2021
This book is easily the creepiest in the saga of the 5 Marys. And also the least western.
It focuses on Mary Schyler, Skye. Her father sends her undercover to an inventor's home to check the status of the top-secret combustion engine he's been funding. Having heard little, he wants a "man on the ground" he can trust to update him. Though Skye would rather an adventure like her sisters have had, she agrees to pose as a housekeeper in the place.
Except, it quickly becomes clear things are not as they seem. The inventor seems much more interested in her than in working on the engine, but repeated attempts on his life have made him wary. His bodyguard is very suspicious of Skye herself, and she tries to prove she's there on innocent terms.
But nights quickly come to plague Skye. It seems that someone visits her room, but she can't quite wake up to see who it is. But she can feel him there, touching her . . .
It was terrifying to imagine Skye's plight! She eventually teams up with the bodyguard, but the plot afoot is much more sinister than a lack of return on her father's investment. It was scary to imagine Skye in such a vulnerable position, so I was glad for the bodyguard, even if he kept things from her, too.
Anyway, book 1 is still my favorite!
It focuses on Mary Schyler, Skye. Her father sends her undercover to an inventor's home to check the status of the top-secret combustion engine he's been funding. Having heard little, he wants a "man on the ground" he can trust to update him. Though Skye would rather an adventure like her sisters have had, she agrees to pose as a housekeeper in the place.
Except, it quickly becomes clear things are not as they seem. The inventor seems much more interested in her than in working on the engine, but repeated attempts on his life have made him wary. His bodyguard is very suspicious of Skye herself, and she tries to prove she's there on innocent terms.
But nights quickly come to plague Skye. It seems that someone visits her room, but she can't quite wake up to see who it is. But she can feel him there, touching her . . .
It was terrifying to imagine Skye's plight! She eventually teams up with the bodyguard, but the plot afoot is much more sinister than a lack of return on her father's investment. It was scary to imagine Skye in such a vulnerable position, so I was glad for the bodyguard, even if he kept things from her, too.
Anyway, book 1 is still my favorite!
June 24, 2025
Copyright 1995, my book is from that date. This is the 4rth in The Dennehy sisters - all 5 have the first name of Mary.
This is Sky's story - the youngest sister. It seems she's the social butterfly, but she's actually very smart & has learned several languages & studied many different subjects. She's tired of being grudgingly accepted in New York society, but also "not quite the thing". Sky & her sisters are bastards. Their father is a wealthy robber baron & their mother was his housekeeper (they are now married).
So her father asks Sky to take a job as a housekeeper for an inventor whom he wants to keep an eye on. Walker is a bodyguard to the inventor, since many attempts have been made to kill him. Walker & Sky are attracted to each other & Walker tries to keep her safe when odd things start happening.
Of course they fall in love & solve the mystery. There's a few good plot twists.
Of all the books about the sisters, this is my favorite. I guess cause I love a mystery!
This is Sky's story - the youngest sister. It seems she's the social butterfly, but she's actually very smart & has learned several languages & studied many different subjects. She's tired of being grudgingly accepted in New York society, but also "not quite the thing". Sky & her sisters are bastards. Their father is a wealthy robber baron & their mother was his housekeeper (they are now married).
So her father asks Sky to take a job as a housekeeper for an inventor whom he wants to keep an eye on. Walker is a bodyguard to the inventor, since many attempts have been made to kill him. Walker & Sky are attracted to each other & Walker tries to keep her safe when odd things start happening.
Of course they fall in love & solve the mystery. There's a few good plot twists.
Of all the books about the sisters, this is my favorite. I guess cause I love a mystery!
September 26, 2025
-3 stars. an easy read.
"you don't think i'm happy?"
"i think you're making yourself miserable working at being so happy."
"i'll talk to you before i make a decision one way or the other."
"i don't have your answers."
"but you'll hear me out, and i'll be able to hear myself."
"you haven't taken my feelings into account before now. why should you start?"
"i've always taken your feelings into account. its your thinking i don't much credit."
"are you still awake?"
"it depends. if you want to fight, then i'm sleeping."
"tripping lightly up the stairs" "he tripped up the steps lightly" - what does this phrasing mean? the characters were only climbing the stairs, and not actually tripping or falling, so i am confused.
(didn't start until 9/20/25)
"you don't think i'm happy?"
"i think you're making yourself miserable working at being so happy."
"i'll talk to you before i make a decision one way or the other."
"i don't have your answers."
"but you'll hear me out, and i'll be able to hear myself."
"you haven't taken my feelings into account before now. why should you start?"
"i've always taken your feelings into account. its your thinking i don't much credit."
"are you still awake?"
"it depends. if you want to fight, then i'm sleeping."
"tripping lightly up the stairs" "he tripped up the steps lightly" - what does this phrasing mean? the characters were only climbing the stairs, and not actually tripping or falling, so i am confused.
(didn't start until 9/20/25)
December 16, 2019
Not as good as first three in series.
The fourth book in the series is about Mary Schyler (Skye), the youngest Dennehy sister. Taking a job as housekeeper to an inventor at the request of her father in order to spy for him, she meets Walker Caid. Walker is there to protect the inventor who has had death threats and he does not trust Skye one bit.
Compared to the first three books I did not like it as much. The plot seemed far fetched and tame. I can understand that the author needed a completely different setting, but for me the events linking all parts of the story were thin.
The fourth book in the series is about Mary Schyler (Skye), the youngest Dennehy sister. Taking a job as housekeeper to an inventor at the request of her father in order to spy for him, she meets Walker Caid. Walker is there to protect the inventor who has had death threats and he does not trust Skye one bit.
Compared to the first three books I did not like it as much. The plot seemed far fetched and tame. I can understand that the author needed a completely different setting, but for me the events linking all parts of the story were thin.
April 10, 2022
Crazy Romance and a Wild Twisty Mystery
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Skye's spirit and enthusiasm is delightful to watch including the ways it gets her into trouble. She could only find love while on an adventure and Jay Mac unwittingly provided it. The relationship developed based on similar spirits and outlook on life. Walker's character is slow to be revealed, but his lethality is on full display. I do enjoy a good mystery with my romance; and this was richly well developed and laid out.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Skye's spirit and enthusiasm is delightful to watch including the ways it gets her into trouble. She could only find love while on an adventure and Jay Mac unwittingly provided it. The relationship developed based on similar spirits and outlook on life. Walker's character is slow to be revealed, but his lethality is on full display. I do enjoy a good mystery with my romance; and this was richly well developed and laid out.
April 22, 2022
I've really been enjoying this series - until now. Skye is my least favorite of the Dennehy sisters with her goal of becoming an adventurer. It just seems absurd to me; she's a rich girl who can travel wherever she wants. The premise here where Skye takes a job as a housekeeper to spy for her father just got worse as the book went on and added ghosts, murder, and treasure hunts. Walker, Skye's romantic partner, seemed to be more in lust than in love. And the whole book takes place in the Hudson Valley, not the West. I found it very disappointing.
June 11, 2021
Excellent book. Excellent series.
I can't wait to get started on the final book. Corina's name occasionally showed up as Corona especially in the last chapter. A great story however.
I can't wait to get started on the final book. Corina's name occasionally showed up as Corona especially in the last chapter. A great story however.
June 6, 2022
OMG!!! This was such a good book!!!
Adventure, romance, thrills, laughter, this book has it all! I love they Dennehy Sisters! This was like Indiana Jones meets a Dennehy sister. Jo Goodman is a fantastic author! Thank you for this series! I loved them all!
Adventure, romance, thrills, laughter, this book has it all! I love they Dennehy Sisters! This was like Indiana Jones meets a Dennehy sister. Jo Goodman is a fantastic author! Thank you for this series! I loved them all!
March 13, 2023
Amazing
The first half of this historical romance novel left my mouth gapped open! It was very mysterious and intriguing. Refreshing, different and fun. I loved that Skye was herself and Walker loved her all the more for it! Such a delight!
The first half of this historical romance novel left my mouth gapped open! It was very mysterious and intriguing. Refreshing, different and fun. I loved that Skye was herself and Walker loved her all the more for it! Such a delight!
August 23, 2024
good read
Great plot, and hidden treasure to
boot! The writing flows through the adventure with never a dull moment and at the same time the relationship builds as the truth is revealed. 👍👍👍💜
Great plot, and hidden treasure to
boot! The writing flows through the adventure with never a dull moment and at the same time the relationship builds as the truth is revealed. 👍👍👍💜
December 15, 2019
Fun Laughter and adventure
Good story, well written and a fun read. Great characters and a good plot. I loved this book and so will you.
Good story, well written and a fun read. Great characters and a good plot. I loved this book and so will you.
October 9, 2022
A bit of a Gothic take off. Unsatisfactory.
October 13, 2025
The best!
These books about sisters just get better and better. I can't wait to read the next and final one.
Kudos to Jo Goodman the author.
These books about sisters just get better and better. I can't wait to read the next and final one.
Kudos to Jo Goodman the author.
May 22, 2020
It’s finally the youngest sister gets her time in the spot light. Skye is an adventurous young lady filled with sass and spirit. One thing she doesn’t want is a husband. She is wary that her dad, Jay Mac, is up to his old tricks when he asks a favor of Skye. While doing this favor Skye encounters ghosts, an uptight cook, a new friend, lost treasures, secret passages, and not one but two eligible bachelors. To her surprise, she finds herself attracted to a man and all that comes with a new romance.
I wasn’t sure where this book was headed after the first couple of chapters, and wasn’t sure I wanted to know. I am glad I didn’t set this book down, as this book has the best mystery of the series and a really all-around wonderful hero. Unfortunately, there really isn’t much catching-up with the other Marys except the nun.
I wasn’t sure where this book was headed after the first couple of chapters, and wasn’t sure I wanted to know. I am glad I didn’t set this book down, as this book has the best mystery of the series and a really all-around wonderful hero. Unfortunately, there really isn’t much catching-up with the other Marys except the nun.
January 24, 2015
Just finished the 4th book in the series and loved it!!! Skye has always wanted adventure she was different from her sisters when it came to learning!!! Walker was a man looking over his shoulders as someone wants revenge on him. These two are thrown together in this Ghostly mystery!!! Jay Mac wants Skye to spy for him at inventor Jonathan Parnells home, he has invested a lot of money and thinks he might be played!!! Skye secures the housekeepers position but Walker doesn't like it cause he's keeping a dossier of a secret himself!! You have mystery, intrigue, lust, love and revenge all wrapped up in a delicious book by Jo Goodman. On to the last installment of the Dennehey sisters!!!
February 3, 2017
1.5
Well, this book had more potential in the beginning, and then I started to lose interest. Walker was great. I liked his character quite a bit. Skye on the other hand started out interesting, but about halfway through she started to get annoying.
I was hoping for more. I liked Goodman' s writing style better in other books. Too bad this one wasn't better.
Well, this book had more potential in the beginning, and then I started to lose interest. Walker was great. I liked his character quite a bit. Skye on the other hand started out interesting, but about halfway through she started to get annoying.
I was hoping for more. I liked Goodman' s writing style better in other books. Too bad this one wasn't better.
July 11, 2014
Read for March Irish challenge. Set in 1881 New York. This a setting I'm not overly fond of for some unknown reason. The 4th book in the Dennehy Sisters series by Jo Goodman.
December 31, 2012
Vry enjybl mystry w/Skye wrkg as hskpr, meets bdygrd Walkr, srch for invntn, treasr, murdrer. Nice mix of ppl, settg
February 2, 2016
4th book in a series. The story about Skye and Walker Caide was interesting. There was a mystery and some action. The ending was a bit absurd but it was quite well written with a good plot.
Read
April 19, 2017excellent!
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews