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Crosslyn Rise #3
The Dream Comes True
Book 3 in The Crosslyn Rise TrilogyA New York Times Bestselling AuthorNina Stone, real estate agent, knows there's no limit to what she can do for the secluded complex with her aggressive sales tactics. No limit, that is, except one -- John Sawyer. An investor in Crosslyn Rise, John refuses to go along with Nina's far-fetched ideas. He'd rather convince her to share in his own.
195 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1990
140 people are currently reading
425 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Delinsky
309 books4,364 followersI was born and raised in suburban Boston. My mother’s death, when I was eight, was the defining event of a childhood that was otherwise ordinary. I took piano lessons and flute lessons. I took ballroom dancing lessons. I went to summer camp through my fifteenth year (in Maine, which explains the setting of so many of my stories), then spent my sixteenth summer learning to type and to drive (two skills that have served me better than all of my other high school courses combined). I earned a B.A. in Psychology at Tufts University and an M.A. in Sociology at Boston College. The motivation behind the M.A. was sheer greed. My husband was just starting law school. We needed the money.
Following graduate school, I worked as a researcher with the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, and as a photographer and reporter for the Belmont Herald. I did the newspaper work after my first son was born. Since I was heavily into taking pictures of him, I worked for the paper to support that habit. Initially, I wrote only in a secondary capacity, to provide copy for the pictures I took. In time, I realized that I was better at writing than photography. I used both skills doing volunteer work for hospital groups, and have served on the Board of Directors of the Friends of the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center and on the MGH’s Women’s Cancer Advisory Board.
I became an actual writer by fluke. My twins were four when, by chance, I happened on a newspaper article profiling three female writers. Intrigued, I spent three months researching, plotting, and writing my own book - and it sold.
My niche? I write about the emotional crises that we face in our lives. Readers identify with my characters. They know them. They are them. I'm an everyday woman writing about everyday people facing not-so-everyday challenges.
My novels are character-driven studies of marriage, parenthood, sibling rivalry, and friendship, and I’ve been blessed in having readers who buy them eagerly enough to put them on the major bestseller lists. One of my latest, Sweet Salt Air, came out in 2013. Blueprints, my second novel with St. Martin’s Press, became my 22nd New York Times bestselling novel soon after its release in June 2015. Making Up, my work in progress, will be published in 2018.
2018? Yikes. I didn’t think I’d live that long. I thought I’d die of breast cancer back in the 1900's, like my mom. But I didn’t. I was diagnosed nearly twenty years ago, had surgery and treatment, and here I am, stronger than ever and loving having authored yet another book, this one the non-fiction Uplift: Secrets From the Sisterhood of Breast Cancer Survivors. First published in 2001, Uplift is a handbook of practical tips and upbeat anecdotes that I compiled with the help of 350 breast cancer survivors, their families and friends. These survivors just ... blew me away! They gave me the book that I wish I’d had way back when I was diagnosed. There is no medical information here, nothing frightening, simply practical advice from friends who’ve had breast cancer. The 10th Anniversary Volume of Uplift is now in print. And the money I’ve made on the book? Every cent has gone to my charitable foundation, which funds an ongoing research fellowship at Massachusetts General Hospital.
Connect with me on Facebook: facebook.com/bdelinsky
Look for my photos on Instagram: instagram.com/barbaradelinsky
Following graduate school, I worked as a researcher with the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, and as a photographer and reporter for the Belmont Herald. I did the newspaper work after my first son was born. Since I was heavily into taking pictures of him, I worked for the paper to support that habit. Initially, I wrote only in a secondary capacity, to provide copy for the pictures I took. In time, I realized that I was better at writing than photography. I used both skills doing volunteer work for hospital groups, and have served on the Board of Directors of the Friends of the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center and on the MGH’s Women’s Cancer Advisory Board.
I became an actual writer by fluke. My twins were four when, by chance, I happened on a newspaper article profiling three female writers. Intrigued, I spent three months researching, plotting, and writing my own book - and it sold.
My niche? I write about the emotional crises that we face in our lives. Readers identify with my characters. They know them. They are them. I'm an everyday woman writing about everyday people facing not-so-everyday challenges.
My novels are character-driven studies of marriage, parenthood, sibling rivalry, and friendship, and I’ve been blessed in having readers who buy them eagerly enough to put them on the major bestseller lists. One of my latest, Sweet Salt Air, came out in 2013. Blueprints, my second novel with St. Martin’s Press, became my 22nd New York Times bestselling novel soon after its release in June 2015. Making Up, my work in progress, will be published in 2018.
2018? Yikes. I didn’t think I’d live that long. I thought I’d die of breast cancer back in the 1900's, like my mom. But I didn’t. I was diagnosed nearly twenty years ago, had surgery and treatment, and here I am, stronger than ever and loving having authored yet another book, this one the non-fiction Uplift: Secrets From the Sisterhood of Breast Cancer Survivors. First published in 2001, Uplift is a handbook of practical tips and upbeat anecdotes that I compiled with the help of 350 breast cancer survivors, their families and friends. These survivors just ... blew me away! They gave me the book that I wish I’d had way back when I was diagnosed. There is no medical information here, nothing frightening, simply practical advice from friends who’ve had breast cancer. The 10th Anniversary Volume of Uplift is now in print. And the money I’ve made on the book? Every cent has gone to my charitable foundation, which funds an ongoing research fellowship at Massachusetts General Hospital.
Connect with me on Facebook: facebook.com/bdelinsky
Look for my photos on Instagram: instagram.com/barbaradelinsky
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
May 2, 2022
The conclusion to the Crosslyn Rise Trilogy brings us to the final stages of the development, especially the marketing and sale. It centers on Nina, a fast-moving, fast-talking, driven workaholic real estate broker and partner in the consortium, who wants the price the townhouse condo units higher than others in the consortium think wise. Specifically John, owner of a local bookstore who invested in the consortium as a way to raise the funds needed to provide longterm schooling for his young special needs son. John believes the pricing is too high and will not guaranty a sellout, thus jeopardizing the ultimate profits of the project.
John is also slow-talking, slow-moivng, contemplative, intellectual. It drives Nina crazy. Yet when the consortium insists they work together to reach a compromise on the pricing and marketing, the spakrs flying are heated and not only about a difference of opinion. Nina has quite an emotional and personal journey in this story, before she realizes true happiness.
Once again the real estate aspects interested me and were well presented. I also like that the author does not have a boilerplate for her steamy sex scenes from book to book, nor do they overwhelm the plot. I was really happy when Nina realized her HEA, and that in an epilogue we got to see the Crosslyn Rise development in completion.
John is also slow-talking, slow-moivng, contemplative, intellectual. It drives Nina crazy. Yet when the consortium insists they work together to reach a compromise on the pricing and marketing, the spakrs flying are heated and not only about a difference of opinion. Nina has quite an emotional and personal journey in this story, before she realizes true happiness.
Once again the real estate aspects interested me and were well presented. I also like that the author does not have a boilerplate for her steamy sex scenes from book to book, nor do they overwhelm the plot. I was really happy when Nina realized her HEA, and that in an epilogue we got to see the Crosslyn Rise development in completion.
July 4, 2018
Although there was some sameness in this book, it was better. The plan comes together. The conversion of the lovely old mansion is complete. The condominiums are stunning and the marina complete with shops is all leased. This was a satisfying story even though dated. It was published in the early 1990s.
January 9, 2023
I purchased this book for a quick read during an epic winter storm. It served it purpose. At first I was puzzled by the theme of a woman not being too independent, but by the end, I got the message. Good food for thought at any rate.
December 23, 2011
Delinsky has the magic touch.
May 4, 2018
After TLC, The Dream Comes True is my second favourite. You are an amazing author Delinsky. You always have the right ingredients to make for a stunning read. I totally loved this book and am going to look for more of your works.
February 15, 2020
Short read, decent story, nothing spectacular.
March 29, 2021
Nina finally sees that she can have love and a career. But it took her Mother’s bad health to make her see it was possible. John knew it all along and just waited for her to see it for herself.
October 25, 2021
Not terribly written per se, just really didn't enjoy the story or the characters (particularly the "hero", eesh). Not for me.
July 23, 2022
Hale sopakas.
November 24, 2012
For five generations Crosslyn Rise has been the very heart of one of Massachusetts's finest families. Now the majestic estate has been converted into an exclusive condominium complex, attracting an eclectic mixture of investors.
For Nina Stone, Crosslyn Rise represents the ultimate successful move in her real estate career. There's no limit to what she can do for the secluded complex with her aggressive sales ideas. No limit, that is, except one....
John Sawyer. He's a laid-back bookseller, but he's also an investor in Crosslyn Rise. One who refuses to jump on Nina's fast track. Her ambitions may be sky-high, but his reality is firmly established on the ground.
Now all John has to do is convince Nina that's where dreams are built.
This is what I call one of Barbara Delinsky's 'vintage' books that she wrote in 1990. I have read many of her more recent books, so this is a contemporary women's romance fiction book. A bit of different style of writing than what she does today. This book had a few steamy parts, but, since I was in a mood for reading a fluffy chic lit book, and Barbara Delinsky is one of my favorite authors I chose to read this book today. It was a quick read and a bit predictable, but I enjoyed it anyway. It had a happily ever after ending, just like I like my Cinderella books.
For Nina Stone, Crosslyn Rise represents the ultimate successful move in her real estate career. There's no limit to what she can do for the secluded complex with her aggressive sales ideas. No limit, that is, except one....
John Sawyer. He's a laid-back bookseller, but he's also an investor in Crosslyn Rise. One who refuses to jump on Nina's fast track. Her ambitions may be sky-high, but his reality is firmly established on the ground.
Now all John has to do is convince Nina that's where dreams are built.
This is what I call one of Barbara Delinsky's 'vintage' books that she wrote in 1990. I have read many of her more recent books, so this is a contemporary women's romance fiction book. A bit of different style of writing than what she does today. This book had a few steamy parts, but, since I was in a mood for reading a fluffy chic lit book, and Barbara Delinsky is one of my favorite authors I chose to read this book today. It was a quick read and a bit predictable, but I enjoyed it anyway. It had a happily ever after ending, just like I like my Cinderella books.
February 26, 2014
This is the third in a trilogy of romance novellas. They were written back in the 90's, I believe, but that doesn't excuse the total stereotyping of the characters. I realized when I started this third story that was the problem I was having with the trilogy. The female protagonist in this story was type A to a fault. The first was conservative to the same degree. I don't even remember the second. Using recognizable stereotype isn't a problem in itself but these characters never became fully-formed into more than just flat characters.
January 1, 2017
Nina and John, two diametrically opposite characters, who are on the Crosslyn Rise consortium board, develop an attraction to each other and sparks fly. Personality-wise, Nina' s character was stronger and more steadfast than Jessica's in Book One. She did not vacillate between wanting John and not wanting him. What Nina struggled with was her independence and her freedom once she committed to loving John and J. J. This novel was a pleasure to read, even though I read it out of order, it was truly a 'stand alone' novel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 2, 2011
I did not read the other two book belonging to the seris but I have to say as an independent book this was really good. I mean that's if you like romance novels. The protagonist seemed very realistic to me because her behavior towards men is very similar to mines.
June 14, 2014
very predictable, easy read, a popcorn book, glad it was the last of the triolgy, i have this hang up that once I start I have to finish I very rarely do not finish a book or the series. if you want a fast easy read this would be for you.
Read
October 1, 2010This is the third book of three in one by Barbara Delinsky. I've only read two of the chapters so far.
August 16, 2012
typical Harlequin romance - just some light reading on the side while I work thru Anna Karenina
Read
August 9, 2013Read 3/98
July 17, 2014
Great beach read.
September 19, 2014
Better than the second in the trilogy as the characters were a little more developed. A middle of the road good book.
March 1, 2016
The Dream Comes True, Barbara Delinsky, PB-B, @ 1990, 6/00. A busy real estate woman eventually falls for a bookseller/singer father with a special needs son. Good.
November 30, 2016
Quite a boring, typical love story. Just skimmed thru the book since I have bought it.
August 15, 2017
Well-written romance, satisfying to read.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews