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Chasing Dreams: Three Dreamy Stories
**3 stories for the price of 1!**
New York Times bestseller Carolyn Brown pens three contemporary love stories of fun, adventure, matchmaking, and romance.
Chasing Dreams
Nita, Sharlene, and Billy Joe, all about to turn 80, enlist Billy Joe's great-grandson, Ford, who has just gotten out of the Air Force, and Sharlene's great niece, Joelle, a schoolteacher who has the summer free. Their mission—to drive the three bickering old people on a road trip to remember. Each of the octogenarians is determined to tick off at least a few bucket list items before they go. Somewhere along the journey, Ford and Joelle discover that their elderly companions aren't the only ones who need to take some risks in life...and in love.
The Matchmakers
Dotty, Minnie and Sookie have been best friends for decades, so when they all retired they decided that living on a cruise ship was cheaper and a lot more fun than living in an assisted living facility. But after a cruise or two, they got bored and decided to become matchmakers. Not knowing that they were choosing a couple that was already bound for divorce, they had their work cut out for them. Could they get this poor couple who evidently were still very much in love back together?
A Summer to Remember (Sisters in Paradise series prequel novella)
Before she moves to the Paradise in Spanish Fort, Texas, Great Aunt Bernie runs a bar where she listens to all kinds of people's problems. One day, Nash, Hershel, and Clara walk into her bar and change the trajectory of Bernie's life forever. After seeing the sparks between Clara and Nash, Bernie decides to try her hand at matchmaking. If she's good at it—and it turns out that she is—she intends to retire and get to work marrying off her seven great-nieces.
New York Times bestseller Carolyn Brown pens three contemporary love stories of fun, adventure, matchmaking, and romance.
Chasing Dreams
Nita, Sharlene, and Billy Joe, all about to turn 80, enlist Billy Joe's great-grandson, Ford, who has just gotten out of the Air Force, and Sharlene's great niece, Joelle, a schoolteacher who has the summer free. Their mission—to drive the three bickering old people on a road trip to remember. Each of the octogenarians is determined to tick off at least a few bucket list items before they go. Somewhere along the journey, Ford and Joelle discover that their elderly companions aren't the only ones who need to take some risks in life...and in love.
The Matchmakers
Dotty, Minnie and Sookie have been best friends for decades, so when they all retired they decided that living on a cruise ship was cheaper and a lot more fun than living in an assisted living facility. But after a cruise or two, they got bored and decided to become matchmakers. Not knowing that they were choosing a couple that was already bound for divorce, they had their work cut out for them. Could they get this poor couple who evidently were still very much in love back together?
A Summer to Remember (Sisters in Paradise series prequel novella)
Before she moves to the Paradise in Spanish Fort, Texas, Great Aunt Bernie runs a bar where she listens to all kinds of people's problems. One day, Nash, Hershel, and Clara walk into her bar and change the trajectory of Bernie's life forever. After seeing the sparks between Clara and Nash, Bernie decides to try her hand at matchmaking. If she's good at it—and it turns out that she is—she intends to retire and get to work marrying off her seven great-nieces.
395 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 11, 2023
45 people are currently reading
115 people want to read
About the author
Carolyn Brown
182 books4,136 followersHi! I'm twenty five years old and movie star gorgeous. The camera added thirty plus years and a few wrinkles. Can't trust those cameras or mirrors either. Along with bathroom scales they are notorious liars! Honestly, I am the mother of three fantastic grown children who've made me laugh and given me more story ideas than I could ever write. My husband, Charles, is my strongest supporter and my best friend. He's even willing to eat fast food and help with the laundry while I finish one more chapter! Life is good and I am blessed!
Reading has been a passion since I was five years old and figured out those were words on book pages. As soon as my chubby little fingers found they could put words on a Big Chief tablet with a fat pencil, I was on my way. Writing joined reading in my list of passions. I will read anything from the back of the Cheerio's box to Faulkner and love every bit of it. In addition to reading I enjoy cooking, my family and the ocean. I love the Florida beaches. Listening to the ocean waves puts my writing brain into high gear.
I love writing romance because it's about emotions and relationships. Human nature hasn't changed a bit since Eve coveted the fruit in the Garden of Eden. Settings change. Plots change. Names change. Times change. But love is love and men and women have been falling in and out of it forever. Romance is about emotions: love, hate, anger, laughter... all of it. If I can make you laugh until your sides ache or grab a tissue then I've touched your emotions and accomplished what every writer sets out to do.
I got serious about writing when my third child was born and had her days and nights mixed up. I had to stay up all night anyway and it was very quiet so I invested in a spiral back notebook and sharpened a few pencils. The story that emerged has never sold but it's brought in enough rejection slips to put the Redwood Forest on the endangered list. In 1997 Kensington bought two books for their Precious Gems line. Two years and six books later the line died with only four of those books seeing publication. But by then Avalon had bought a book and another, and another. Ten years later the list has grown to thirty nine. Last year Sourcebooks bought the Lucky Series which is in the bookstores now. They've also bought The Honky Tonk Series which will debut with I LOVE THIS BAR in June and will be followed by HELL, YEAH, MY GIVE A DAMN'S BUSTED, and HONKY TONK CHRISTMAS.
Folks ask me where I get my ideas. Three kids, fifteen grandchildren, two great grandchildren. Note: I was a very young grandmother! Life is a zoo around here when they all come home. In one Sunday afternoon there's enough ideas to keep me writing for years and years. Seriously, ideas pop up at the craziest times. When one sinks its roots into my mind, I have no choice but to write the story. And while I'm writing the characters peek over my shoulder and make sure I'm telling it right and not exaggerating too much. Pesky little devils, they are!
I have a wonderful agent, Erin Niumata, who continues to work magic and sell my work. I'm very lucky to have her and my editors who continue to believe in me.
Happy reading!
Reading has been a passion since I was five years old and figured out those were words on book pages. As soon as my chubby little fingers found they could put words on a Big Chief tablet with a fat pencil, I was on my way. Writing joined reading in my list of passions. I will read anything from the back of the Cheerio's box to Faulkner and love every bit of it. In addition to reading I enjoy cooking, my family and the ocean. I love the Florida beaches. Listening to the ocean waves puts my writing brain into high gear.
I love writing romance because it's about emotions and relationships. Human nature hasn't changed a bit since Eve coveted the fruit in the Garden of Eden. Settings change. Plots change. Names change. Times change. But love is love and men and women have been falling in and out of it forever. Romance is about emotions: love, hate, anger, laughter... all of it. If I can make you laugh until your sides ache or grab a tissue then I've touched your emotions and accomplished what every writer sets out to do.
I got serious about writing when my third child was born and had her days and nights mixed up. I had to stay up all night anyway and it was very quiet so I invested in a spiral back notebook and sharpened a few pencils. The story that emerged has never sold but it's brought in enough rejection slips to put the Redwood Forest on the endangered list. In 1997 Kensington bought two books for their Precious Gems line. Two years and six books later the line died with only four of those books seeing publication. But by then Avalon had bought a book and another, and another. Ten years later the list has grown to thirty nine. Last year Sourcebooks bought the Lucky Series which is in the bookstores now. They've also bought The Honky Tonk Series which will debut with I LOVE THIS BAR in June and will be followed by HELL, YEAH, MY GIVE A DAMN'S BUSTED, and HONKY TONK CHRISTMAS.
Folks ask me where I get my ideas. Three kids, fifteen grandchildren, two great grandchildren. Note: I was a very young grandmother! Life is a zoo around here when they all come home. In one Sunday afternoon there's enough ideas to keep me writing for years and years. Seriously, ideas pop up at the craziest times. When one sinks its roots into my mind, I have no choice but to write the story. And while I'm writing the characters peek over my shoulder and make sure I'm telling it right and not exaggerating too much. Pesky little devils, they are!
I have a wonderful agent, Erin Niumata, who continues to work magic and sell my work. I'm very lucky to have her and my editors who continue to believe in me.
Happy reading!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
January 18, 2026
EXCERPT: (Taken from A Summer to Remember, the prequel novella to the Sister in Paradise series) It's been more than twenty years since I moved into the Paradise,' Mary Jane said with a long sigh. 'It's just a house that quit being a brothel over a hundred years ago. I can't understand why they were all so against me living here. Or writing romance books, either. It's what I do, not who I am.'
'Add that to the anger they have at you for not throwing me out with the trash and continuing to let me be a part of your life, and you might have an inkling of their excuses and reasons for the way they treated you,' Benie told her. 'Changing the subject here, I'm worried about all three of those girls. Clara and Endora have been through tough times, but something is off with Luna. She seems happy and sad at the same time.'
'She and Endora are the kind of twins that share each other's emotions,' Mary Jane explained. 'Luna feels guilty if she's happy because Endora can't get over the betrayal. Her fiancé snowed us all. We thought he hung the moon and stars, but all that was fake.'
Bernie nodded the whole time Mary Jane was speaking and thought of another fellow by the name of Kent who was pretty much the same even if he was an abuser in a different way. 'Sounds an awful lot like the story Clara told me about the fellow she was living with up until a year ago. Too bad Marsha didn't stand up for her like you have done for Endora.' She went on to tell Mary Jane about the controlling relationship Clara had gotten out of. 'I think all three of them need to find a man who would walk a mile over hot coals and through a tornado to bring them a bouquet of wildflowers.'
'You got that right, but I think the last man who would do that might have been Joe Clay Carter, and I married him more than twenty years ago,' Mary Jane said.
'I'm a pretty good reader of people, and I think Nash might be one of the few.' An idea floated through Bernie's mind that she could possibly be a matchmaker for all of her great-nieces. She could practice on Clara, and then move on to all seven of Mary Jane's girls once she had moved to Spanish Fort. Of course, Ursula and Luna would be first on the list. Endora would need to see that her sisters could have a happy-ever-after, and that all men weren't like that sorry sucker who did her so dirty.
'What are you thinking about?' Mary Jane asked. 'You look like you are about to chew up railroad ties and spit out Tinker Toys.'
'Endora,' Bernie admitted. 'I could take that fool who caused her pain into the woods behind my bar and leave his carcass there for the coyotes.'
'I'd help you drag him,' Mary Jane said. 'Maybe we could make it double fun and do the same with Clara's ex.'
'Now you are talking,' Bernie agreed.
ABOUT 'CHASING DREAMS': Chasing Dreams
Nita, Sharlene, and Billy Joe, all about to turn 80, enlist Billy Joe's great-grandson, Ford, who has just gotten out of the Air Force, and Sharlene's great niece, Joelle, a schoolteacher who has the summer free. Their mission—to drive the three bickering old people on a road trip to remember. Each of the octogenarians is determined to tick off at least a few bucket list items before they go. Somewhere along the journey, Ford and Joelle discover that their elderly companions aren't the only ones who need to take some risks in life...and in love.
The Matchmakers
Dotty, Minnie and Sookie have been best friends for decades, so when they all retired they decided that living on a cruise ship was cheaper and a lot more fun than living in an assisted living facility. But after a cruise or two, they got bored and decided to become matchmakers. Not knowing that they were choosing a couple that was already bound for divorce, they had their work cut out for them. Could they get this poor couple who evidently were still very much in love back together?
A Summer to Remember (Sisters in Paradise series prequel novella)
Before she moves to the Paradise in Spanish Fort, Texas, Great Aunt Bernie runs a bar where she listens to all kinds of people's problems. One day, Nash, Hershel, and Clara walk into her bar and change the trajectory of Bernie's life forever. After seeing the sparks between Clara and Nash, Bernie decides to try her hand at matchmaking. If she's good at it—and it turns out that she is—she intends to retire and get to work marrying off her seven great-nieces.
MY THOUGHTS: A triple treat! One novella and two short stories.
A Summer to Remember was my favorite of the three stories. I love the Sisters in Paradise series and it was so lovely to learn about Bernie's background and how she ended up at the Paradise in Spanish Fort and began her matchmaking career.
I loved The Matchmakers almost as much. I love the joy de vivre with which Dotty, Minnie and Sookie live their lives and the passion with which they approach their matchmaking. What they don't realise is there's someone who wants to join their ranks.
Chasing Dreams is a sweet, romantic short story about two young people helping their elderly relatives realise their dreams.
This is a collection which made me smile as I was reading, and still has me smiling. There is fun, adventure and romance. The characters are sassy and entertaining. I aspire to be like these old people!
Lighthearted, romantic, entertaining - I love Carolyn Brown's writing and Chasing Dreams is a keeper.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
#ChasingDreamsbyCarolynBrown #NetGalley
MEET THE AUTHOR: CAROLYN BROWN loves writing romance because it's about emotions and relationships. Human nature hasn't changed a bit since Eve coveted the fruit in the Garden of Eden. Settings change. Plots change. Names change. Times change. But love is love and men and women have been falling in and out of it forever. Romance is about emotions: love, hate, anger, laughter... all of it. She says: If I can make you laugh until your sides ache or grab a tissue, then I've touched your emotions and accomplished what every writer sets out to do.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca via NetGalley for providing an e-ARC of Chasing Dreams by Carolyn Brown for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
Chasing Dreams by Carolyn Brown was originally published in 2023 and has been republished in 2026.
'Add that to the anger they have at you for not throwing me out with the trash and continuing to let me be a part of your life, and you might have an inkling of their excuses and reasons for the way they treated you,' Benie told her. 'Changing the subject here, I'm worried about all three of those girls. Clara and Endora have been through tough times, but something is off with Luna. She seems happy and sad at the same time.'
'She and Endora are the kind of twins that share each other's emotions,' Mary Jane explained. 'Luna feels guilty if she's happy because Endora can't get over the betrayal. Her fiancé snowed us all. We thought he hung the moon and stars, but all that was fake.'
Bernie nodded the whole time Mary Jane was speaking and thought of another fellow by the name of Kent who was pretty much the same even if he was an abuser in a different way. 'Sounds an awful lot like the story Clara told me about the fellow she was living with up until a year ago. Too bad Marsha didn't stand up for her like you have done for Endora.' She went on to tell Mary Jane about the controlling relationship Clara had gotten out of. 'I think all three of them need to find a man who would walk a mile over hot coals and through a tornado to bring them a bouquet of wildflowers.'
'You got that right, but I think the last man who would do that might have been Joe Clay Carter, and I married him more than twenty years ago,' Mary Jane said.
'I'm a pretty good reader of people, and I think Nash might be one of the few.' An idea floated through Bernie's mind that she could possibly be a matchmaker for all of her great-nieces. She could practice on Clara, and then move on to all seven of Mary Jane's girls once she had moved to Spanish Fort. Of course, Ursula and Luna would be first on the list. Endora would need to see that her sisters could have a happy-ever-after, and that all men weren't like that sorry sucker who did her so dirty.
'What are you thinking about?' Mary Jane asked. 'You look like you are about to chew up railroad ties and spit out Tinker Toys.'
'Endora,' Bernie admitted. 'I could take that fool who caused her pain into the woods behind my bar and leave his carcass there for the coyotes.'
'I'd help you drag him,' Mary Jane said. 'Maybe we could make it double fun and do the same with Clara's ex.'
'Now you are talking,' Bernie agreed.
ABOUT 'CHASING DREAMS': Chasing Dreams
Nita, Sharlene, and Billy Joe, all about to turn 80, enlist Billy Joe's great-grandson, Ford, who has just gotten out of the Air Force, and Sharlene's great niece, Joelle, a schoolteacher who has the summer free. Their mission—to drive the three bickering old people on a road trip to remember. Each of the octogenarians is determined to tick off at least a few bucket list items before they go. Somewhere along the journey, Ford and Joelle discover that their elderly companions aren't the only ones who need to take some risks in life...and in love.
The Matchmakers
Dotty, Minnie and Sookie have been best friends for decades, so when they all retired they decided that living on a cruise ship was cheaper and a lot more fun than living in an assisted living facility. But after a cruise or two, they got bored and decided to become matchmakers. Not knowing that they were choosing a couple that was already bound for divorce, they had their work cut out for them. Could they get this poor couple who evidently were still very much in love back together?
A Summer to Remember (Sisters in Paradise series prequel novella)
Before she moves to the Paradise in Spanish Fort, Texas, Great Aunt Bernie runs a bar where she listens to all kinds of people's problems. One day, Nash, Hershel, and Clara walk into her bar and change the trajectory of Bernie's life forever. After seeing the sparks between Clara and Nash, Bernie decides to try her hand at matchmaking. If she's good at it—and it turns out that she is—she intends to retire and get to work marrying off her seven great-nieces.
MY THOUGHTS: A triple treat! One novella and two short stories.
A Summer to Remember was my favorite of the three stories. I love the Sisters in Paradise series and it was so lovely to learn about Bernie's background and how she ended up at the Paradise in Spanish Fort and began her matchmaking career.
I loved The Matchmakers almost as much. I love the joy de vivre with which Dotty, Minnie and Sookie live their lives and the passion with which they approach their matchmaking. What they don't realise is there's someone who wants to join their ranks.
Chasing Dreams is a sweet, romantic short story about two young people helping their elderly relatives realise their dreams.
This is a collection which made me smile as I was reading, and still has me smiling. There is fun, adventure and romance. The characters are sassy and entertaining. I aspire to be like these old people!
Lighthearted, romantic, entertaining - I love Carolyn Brown's writing and Chasing Dreams is a keeper.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
#ChasingDreamsbyCarolynBrown #NetGalley
MEET THE AUTHOR: CAROLYN BROWN loves writing romance because it's about emotions and relationships. Human nature hasn't changed a bit since Eve coveted the fruit in the Garden of Eden. Settings change. Plots change. Names change. Times change. But love is love and men and women have been falling in and out of it forever. Romance is about emotions: love, hate, anger, laughter... all of it. She says: If I can make you laugh until your sides ache or grab a tissue, then I've touched your emotions and accomplished what every writer sets out to do.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca via NetGalley for providing an e-ARC of Chasing Dreams by Carolyn Brown for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
Chasing Dreams by Carolyn Brown was originally published in 2023 and has been republished in 2026.
January 29, 2024
Quick little buffer read for me. 👍
June 4, 2023
This was a very cute book and quick read. It was great hearing about the old guys and what they wanted in life and going after it even at the age of 80. Makes you want to be like them when you grow up. And loved the friendship of Ford and Joelle. Helping each other through their issues. Just wish it was longer so you could dive more into their history.
June 16, 2023
Cute story about finding love but it was too short for me to truly enjoy it.
March 26, 2024
Chasing Dreams by Carolyn Brown
1h 58m narrated by Bailey Carr
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Novella, Short Stories, Adult Fiction
Featuring: Grands, Septuagenarians, Tricenarians, Bucket List Road Trip, VW Bus, Texas near Prosper, Ranchers, Army Vet, Military Brat, PTSD, Various U. S. Locations, Traveling, Legacy Trope
Rating as a movie: PG
Songs for the soundtrack: "Cherish" by The Association, "Proud Mary" by Creedence Clearwater Revival, "Some Beach" by Blake Shelton, "Fire Away" by Chris Stapleton, "She's Country" by Jason Aldean, "Beautiful Crazy" by Luke Combs, "Can I Trust You With My Heart" by Travis Tritt, "You Had Me From Hello" by Kenny Chesney, "Where Corn Don't Grow" by Travis Tritt, "My Bucket's Got a Hole in It" by Hank Williams, "Lost Highway" by Hank Williams, "I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry" by Drifting Cowboys and Hank Williams, "I Saw the Light" by Hank Williams, "Who's Gonna Fill Their Shoes" by George Jones, "Look At Us" by Vince Gill, "One Day at a Time" by Marilyn Sellars
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️½🚌
My thoughts: This was cute. Has a lot of song references. That's it. I wish it was attached to a series, it has a good foundation.
Recommend to others?: Sure. Nice quick palate cleanser.
1h 58m narrated by Bailey Carr
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Novella, Short Stories, Adult Fiction
Featuring: Grands, Septuagenarians, Tricenarians, Bucket List Road Trip, VW Bus, Texas near Prosper, Ranchers, Army Vet, Military Brat, PTSD, Various U. S. Locations, Traveling, Legacy Trope
Rating as a movie: PG
Songs for the soundtrack: "Cherish" by The Association, "Proud Mary" by Creedence Clearwater Revival, "Some Beach" by Blake Shelton, "Fire Away" by Chris Stapleton, "She's Country" by Jason Aldean, "Beautiful Crazy" by Luke Combs, "Can I Trust You With My Heart" by Travis Tritt, "You Had Me From Hello" by Kenny Chesney, "Where Corn Don't Grow" by Travis Tritt, "My Bucket's Got a Hole in It" by Hank Williams, "Lost Highway" by Hank Williams, "I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry" by Drifting Cowboys and Hank Williams, "I Saw the Light" by Hank Williams, "Who's Gonna Fill Their Shoes" by George Jones, "Look At Us" by Vince Gill, "One Day at a Time" by Marilyn Sellars
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️½🚌
My thoughts: This was cute. Has a lot of song references. That's it. I wish it was attached to a series, it has a good foundation.
Recommend to others?: Sure. Nice quick palate cleanser.
June 15, 2023
3.5 stars!
July 16, 2023
A sweet novella that made me laugh more than a few times.
September 11, 2023
Short, classical little love story.
December 31, 2023
Was just an okay read for me. I listened to the audio and the narrator did a good job.
February 17, 2024
Cute simple and enjoyable romance
Nita, Sharlene and Billy Joe are ranchers and now after 80 years of hard work, they want to strike things off their bucket list.
Billy Joe’s grandson Ford and Sharlene’s grand-niece Joelle accompany them during the first trips.
Cute lovely and simple romance during a car trip.
I heard the audio story and it was performed well.
Nita, Sharlene and Billy Joe are ranchers and now after 80 years of hard work, they want to strike things off their bucket list.
Billy Joe’s grandson Ford and Sharlene’s grand-niece Joelle accompany them during the first trips.
Cute lovely and simple romance during a car trip.
I heard the audio story and it was performed well.
July 19, 2023
Fun little romance. I listened to this book and the narration was ok but the southern accent was too put on but all in all I liked it.
January 5, 2026
This just didn’t keep me hooked. It was very uneventful, and got to be repetitive. If you’re looking for a low stress, not concerned about what happens when I turn the page read, then maybe it’s for you. But I definitely need some more excitement!
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted ARC
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted ARC
May 31, 2023
I really loved this audible original. I needed something to occupy my time during a drive today and picked this and I really loved it. But I wish it were longer. This could be a friggin series! It could be all the trips and learn all of the characters more, and really see the romance play out. But it was well written and nice to listen to when I needed something short for my drive!
May 28, 2023
So incredibly cheesy. I think romance books just aren’t for me.
June 22, 2023
When old people are in cahoots to get young people together, lol. A heartwarming sweet little tickle with a happy ending.
January 6, 2026
A Summer to Remember (prequel to the Paradise series)
If you have read any of the Paradise books and know Aunt Bernie then you know that she is the self professed matchmaker of the family and this is where it all started matchmaking her great-nieces.
She owns a bar in Oklahoma and when her niece Clair shows up in tears, at at the same time an old flame of hers wants to rekindle his and Bernie's relationship, but it's the first man to walk through the door that has her interest. Nash wants to own a bar and he heard through his grandpa that Bernie was looking to retire, so he wants to be the first to make an offer. But Bernie has other plans before she puts the bar up for sale and that is to see her family matchmaking skills put to the test. She gives Hershel the boot, takes the dog her brought her and begins to work her matchmaking magic on Clair and Nash.
I love this look into how it all began for Aunt Bernie and would so love to be her when I grow up.
The Matchmakers
Three friends who spend their retirement years going on one cruise after another instead of spending their days in a retirement community. The 3 women have it done to a science from going to one ship after the other. They have travelled the world and for excitement they find two lonely people and match them for a lifetime of love. In this instant it was a young married couple, Ava and Vance, who were on the road to divorce, and did not know that each other had booked a trip on a cruise. They had no idea that Minne, Sookie and Dotty, along with another passenger, a gentlemen called Henry who knew what the ladies are up to and helped to bring these two young people back together with their matchmaking skills.
It was a delightful read and if you were on this cruise you would want to be involved in the fun of these Matchmaking Mavens.
Chasing Dreams
Three friends are all about to turn 80, so Nita, Sharlene and Billy Joe are going to take the trip back in time to places they always wanted to go. Billy Joe's great-grandson is going to drive them and Sharlene's great-niece is coming along as a co-pilot. But little did the two know that these three 'seniors' has matching making in mind when they cooked up this trip. And that taking risks in their life just be what these two young people needed and what they find along the way is more important than where they started out.
A wonderful about discovering yourself and what you find if you some times take that bend in the road you never thought to take.
These were three delightful stories about friendship, family and love and how when you have the first two, the third one is easy to find.
Carolyn Brown knows how to take a subject and turn into a book you want to read and never put down.
I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.
If you have read any of the Paradise books and know Aunt Bernie then you know that she is the self professed matchmaker of the family and this is where it all started matchmaking her great-nieces.
She owns a bar in Oklahoma and when her niece Clair shows up in tears, at at the same time an old flame of hers wants to rekindle his and Bernie's relationship, but it's the first man to walk through the door that has her interest. Nash wants to own a bar and he heard through his grandpa that Bernie was looking to retire, so he wants to be the first to make an offer. But Bernie has other plans before she puts the bar up for sale and that is to see her family matchmaking skills put to the test. She gives Hershel the boot, takes the dog her brought her and begins to work her matchmaking magic on Clair and Nash.
I love this look into how it all began for Aunt Bernie and would so love to be her when I grow up.
The Matchmakers
Three friends who spend their retirement years going on one cruise after another instead of spending their days in a retirement community. The 3 women have it done to a science from going to one ship after the other. They have travelled the world and for excitement they find two lonely people and match them for a lifetime of love. In this instant it was a young married couple, Ava and Vance, who were on the road to divorce, and did not know that each other had booked a trip on a cruise. They had no idea that Minne, Sookie and Dotty, along with another passenger, a gentlemen called Henry who knew what the ladies are up to and helped to bring these two young people back together with their matchmaking skills.
It was a delightful read and if you were on this cruise you would want to be involved in the fun of these Matchmaking Mavens.
Chasing Dreams
Three friends are all about to turn 80, so Nita, Sharlene and Billy Joe are going to take the trip back in time to places they always wanted to go. Billy Joe's great-grandson is going to drive them and Sharlene's great-niece is coming along as a co-pilot. But little did the two know that these three 'seniors' has matching making in mind when they cooked up this trip. And that taking risks in their life just be what these two young people needed and what they find along the way is more important than where they started out.
A wonderful about discovering yourself and what you find if you some times take that bend in the road you never thought to take.
These were three delightful stories about friendship, family and love and how when you have the first two, the third one is easy to find.
Carolyn Brown knows how to take a subject and turn into a book you want to read and never put down.
I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 5, 2025
📚Chasing Dreams
✍🏻Carolyn Brown
Blurb:
A summer road trip turns into a journey of a life time, full of last chances and fresh starts, in this heartwarming short story from New York Times best-selling author Carolyn Brown.
Nita, Sharlene, and Billy Joe, all about to turn 80, are tired of waiting their turn for a funeral dinner. They each have a bucket list and are determined to tick off at least a few of the items before they go. So what’s left but to hit the road? They enlist two drivers—Billy Joe’s great-grandson, Ford, who has just gotten out of the Air Force, and Sharlene’s great niece, Joelle, a schoolteacher who has the summer free.
Spending the summer with three bickering old people in a tricked-out VW bus isn’t what Joelle or Ford had planned, but they aren’t about to let the trio go that far without help. Both at a crossroads in their lives, neither expect to discover an attraction simmering between them. But somewhere between horseback riding at a dude ranch and slow dancing at the Grand Ole Opry, they discover that their elderly companions aren’t the only ones who need to take some risks in life...and in love.
My Thoughts:
This story was really sweet and lovely. A beautiful roadtrip with wonderful characters. Charming me. I loved the camaraderie between the three elders in this book, it was clear they had been friends for so long and knew everything about each other. It was adorable two see two women and a man be so close, almost flirty with each other at times. They also wanted to nothing but check off their bucket list items together, determined to do the most silly but wild things they could before the end of their times. Having to drive them around and play chaperone, Ford and Joelle are dragged along for the ride but will it be ride to change their lives too? Their journey along the way is adorable and filled with funnies from a dude ranch in Texas to busking in Nashville. It’s fun to hear so many shoutouts to some great country music but what could have made this book better would actually having the songs in the background. Overall, this book was a good way to spend an afternoon and hopefully get me back in the groove.
Thanks NetGalley, Sourcebooks Casablanca and Author Carolyn Brown for the advanced copy of "Chasing Dreams" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#SourcebooksCasblanca
#ChasingDreams
#CarolynBrown
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✍🏻Carolyn Brown
Blurb:
A summer road trip turns into a journey of a life time, full of last chances and fresh starts, in this heartwarming short story from New York Times best-selling author Carolyn Brown.
Nita, Sharlene, and Billy Joe, all about to turn 80, are tired of waiting their turn for a funeral dinner. They each have a bucket list and are determined to tick off at least a few of the items before they go. So what’s left but to hit the road? They enlist two drivers—Billy Joe’s great-grandson, Ford, who has just gotten out of the Air Force, and Sharlene’s great niece, Joelle, a schoolteacher who has the summer free.
Spending the summer with three bickering old people in a tricked-out VW bus isn’t what Joelle or Ford had planned, but they aren’t about to let the trio go that far without help. Both at a crossroads in their lives, neither expect to discover an attraction simmering between them. But somewhere between horseback riding at a dude ranch and slow dancing at the Grand Ole Opry, they discover that their elderly companions aren’t the only ones who need to take some risks in life...and in love.
My Thoughts:
This story was really sweet and lovely. A beautiful roadtrip with wonderful characters. Charming me. I loved the camaraderie between the three elders in this book, it was clear they had been friends for so long and knew everything about each other. It was adorable two see two women and a man be so close, almost flirty with each other at times. They also wanted to nothing but check off their bucket list items together, determined to do the most silly but wild things they could before the end of their times. Having to drive them around and play chaperone, Ford and Joelle are dragged along for the ride but will it be ride to change their lives too? Their journey along the way is adorable and filled with funnies from a dude ranch in Texas to busking in Nashville. It’s fun to hear so many shoutouts to some great country music but what could have made this book better would actually having the songs in the background. Overall, this book was a good way to spend an afternoon and hopefully get me back in the groove.
Thanks NetGalley, Sourcebooks Casablanca and Author Carolyn Brown for the advanced copy of "Chasing Dreams" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#SourcebooksCasblanca
#ChasingDreams
#CarolynBrown
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
December 18, 2025
Chasing Dreams is a collection of three fun, heartwarming, stories involving elderly individuals, matchmaking, following your dreams, and new beginnings.
Chasing Dreams
Friends Nita, Sharlane, and Billy Joe are all close to turning 80 and all three are determined to knock a few items off their Bucket Lists. Each one has chosen a destination and the three have convinced Billy Joe’s great-grandson, Ford, and Sharlene’s great-niece, Joelle, to do the driving for them on their cross-country adventure. The three friends have also conspired to do a little matchmaking and get Ford and Joelle to realize they’re perfect for each other.
The Matchmakers
Dotty, Minnie and Sookie, best friends for decades, have been living on cruise ships since they retired. They found it to be cheaper and a lot more fun than living in an assisted living facility. They’ve also taken up matchmaking. Unknown to them, the couple they choose on their latest cruise is already married but apparently headed for divorce. Unless the friends can work their magic and keep them together. Will they succeed?
A Summer to Remember (Sisters in Paradise series prequel novella)
Bernie runs a bar in the middle of nowhere and is content with her life but realizes she isn’t getting any younger and wants to move to Spanish Fort, Texas, to be with other family members. When three events transpire on the same day, Bernie takes it as a sign that it’s time to retire and make that move. She also sets her sights on matchmaking the grandson of one of her bar customers with her great-niece, Clara, before she makes that move
A story of family dynamics, new beginnings, and hope.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Chasing Dreams
Friends Nita, Sharlane, and Billy Joe are all close to turning 80 and all three are determined to knock a few items off their Bucket Lists. Each one has chosen a destination and the three have convinced Billy Joe’s great-grandson, Ford, and Sharlene’s great-niece, Joelle, to do the driving for them on their cross-country adventure. The three friends have also conspired to do a little matchmaking and get Ford and Joelle to realize they’re perfect for each other.
The Matchmakers
Dotty, Minnie and Sookie, best friends for decades, have been living on cruise ships since they retired. They found it to be cheaper and a lot more fun than living in an assisted living facility. They’ve also taken up matchmaking. Unknown to them, the couple they choose on their latest cruise is already married but apparently headed for divorce. Unless the friends can work their magic and keep them together. Will they succeed?
A Summer to Remember (Sisters in Paradise series prequel novella)
Bernie runs a bar in the middle of nowhere and is content with her life but realizes she isn’t getting any younger and wants to move to Spanish Fort, Texas, to be with other family members. When three events transpire on the same day, Bernie takes it as a sign that it’s time to retire and make that move. She also sets her sights on matchmaking the grandson of one of her bar customers with her great-niece, Clara, before she makes that move
A story of family dynamics, new beginnings, and hope.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 19, 2023
Chasing Dreams by Carolyn Brown (AudibleOriginals)
August 19 [Length: 1hr, 58mins] (Book Review Pages: Facebook | Instagram)
After a long week of not feeling well, being in a rut and trying and failing to start a book for the second time…I knew I needed something quick and easy! And this one certainly checked the boxes I needed it to! It was very cute and a fun ride, pun intended, with three people in their 80’s and two in their 30’s. It’s hilarious, witty and full of southern charm that made me smile. I give it a rating of 3⭐️ and if you have an Audible account, definitely take an afternoon on a this roadtrip!
I loved the camaraderie between the three elders in this book, it was clear they had been friends for so long and knew everything about each other. It was adorable two see two women and a man be so close, almost flirty with each other at times. They also wanted to nothing but check off their bucket list items together, determined to do the most silly but wild things they could before the end of their times. Having to drive them around and play chaperone, Ford and Joelle are dragged along for the ride but will it be ride to change their lives too?
Well, duh…it obviously does! But their journey along the way is adorable and filled with funnies from a dude ranch in Texas to busking in Nashville. It’s fun to hear so many shoutouts to some great country music but what could have made this book better would actually having the songs in the background. Overall, this book was a good way to spend an afternoon and hopefully get me back in the groove.
August 19 [Length: 1hr, 58mins] (Book Review Pages: Facebook | Instagram)
After a long week of not feeling well, being in a rut and trying and failing to start a book for the second time…I knew I needed something quick and easy! And this one certainly checked the boxes I needed it to! It was very cute and a fun ride, pun intended, with three people in their 80’s and two in their 30’s. It’s hilarious, witty and full of southern charm that made me smile. I give it a rating of 3⭐️ and if you have an Audible account, definitely take an afternoon on a this roadtrip!
I loved the camaraderie between the three elders in this book, it was clear they had been friends for so long and knew everything about each other. It was adorable two see two women and a man be so close, almost flirty with each other at times. They also wanted to nothing but check off their bucket list items together, determined to do the most silly but wild things they could before the end of their times. Having to drive them around and play chaperone, Ford and Joelle are dragged along for the ride but will it be ride to change their lives too?
Well, duh…it obviously does! But their journey along the way is adorable and filled with funnies from a dude ranch in Texas to busking in Nashville. It’s fun to hear so many shoutouts to some great country music but what could have made this book better would actually having the songs in the background. Overall, this book was a good way to spend an afternoon and hopefully get me back in the groove.
January 26, 2026
This book contains 3 stories. All contain the theme of finding yourself and what you really want in life.
The first is about an elderly woman who has run a bar in the middle of nowhere for many, many years. She's been considering moving to be closer to family. One day three people walk into the bar. One is her great niece. The second is her old flame, and the third wants to buy her bar. She agrees to sell it to him when he offers to work there for free over 6 weeks, and providing he gives he great niece a job. It's an interesting story about exploring and revisiting relationships and new beginnings. This is the longest of the stories.
The second tale is about a young couple whose marriage is about to fail. His mother has been determined to break them up and has scheduled every day and every evening for the husband. The wife decides to go on the cruise that the couple had planned to go on. She meets a group of older people who cruise constantly. Also on the cruise is the young husband who decided to take the same planned vacation. The older folks decide to engage their matchmaking talents to bring the couple together so that they can rediscover each other and their love.
The last story is about 3 people, about to turn 80, who have been lifelong friends and who are now planning a cross-country trip to visit places they've always wanted to see. They are also trying to play matchmaker to a great-grandson and a great-niece, who will be the driver and navigator, respectively. A great story about discovering yourself.
Anyone can read and enjoy all the stories in this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an early version of the e-book.
The first is about an elderly woman who has run a bar in the middle of nowhere for many, many years. She's been considering moving to be closer to family. One day three people walk into the bar. One is her great niece. The second is her old flame, and the third wants to buy her bar. She agrees to sell it to him when he offers to work there for free over 6 weeks, and providing he gives he great niece a job. It's an interesting story about exploring and revisiting relationships and new beginnings. This is the longest of the stories.
The second tale is about a young couple whose marriage is about to fail. His mother has been determined to break them up and has scheduled every day and every evening for the husband. The wife decides to go on the cruise that the couple had planned to go on. She meets a group of older people who cruise constantly. Also on the cruise is the young husband who decided to take the same planned vacation. The older folks decide to engage their matchmaking talents to bring the couple together so that they can rediscover each other and their love.
The last story is about 3 people, about to turn 80, who have been lifelong friends and who are now planning a cross-country trip to visit places they've always wanted to see. They are also trying to play matchmaker to a great-grandson and a great-niece, who will be the driver and navigator, respectively. A great story about discovering yourself.
Anyone can read and enjoy all the stories in this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an early version of the e-book.
January 3, 2026
Chasing Dreams by Carolyn Brown features a preview story, A Summer to Remember, of the Paradise series with what leading up to Bernie moving there. At this time she owned a bar called the Chicken Coop. One evening, three people entered: a man she recognized carrying a bowl with a dead goldfish and a chihuahua, a handsome young man with prematurely silver hair, and a beautiful young woman. She started with the older man, with whom she had once had a week-long fling. She had ridden with him in his semi as he made a run and saw a dog she liked. She must have mentioned it because here his was, wanting to reconnect and with the dog as a gift. He had stolen it. The younger man was the grandson of a customer and had heard from his grandfather that she was going to sell her bar. He wanted to buy it. That was when she decided she was going to retire and see if she could get the two together. The third was her grandniece, run off by her own family. Off she went!
There were also two novellas: The Matchmakers and Chasing Dreams. Both with similar matchmaking themes. All three cozy reads which ended with romance. Typical Carolyn Brown, full of good characters and interesting scenarios. She is always a good read and often focuses on West Texas. All three matchmaking schemes were successful, although wildly different. Good reads!
I was invited to read Chasing Dreams by Sourcebooks Casablanca. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #SourcebooksCasablanca #CarolynBrown #ChasingDreams
There were also two novellas: The Matchmakers and Chasing Dreams. Both with similar matchmaking themes. All three cozy reads which ended with romance. Typical Carolyn Brown, full of good characters and interesting scenarios. She is always a good read and often focuses on West Texas. All three matchmaking schemes were successful, although wildly different. Good reads!
I was invited to read Chasing Dreams by Sourcebooks Casablanca. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #SourcebooksCasablanca #CarolynBrown #ChasingDreams
December 19, 2025
This book is made up of three short stories, and overall it was a very quick and easy read. None of them fully stood out for me, but they were comforting and simple, the kind of stories you pick up when you want something low stress and familiar.
Chasing Dreams was sweet and gentle, and I really enjoyed the bond between the three older friends. Their friendship felt warm and genuine, and I loved how determined they were to enjoy life together. The road trip moments made me smile, and while the romance was light, the sense of companionship and shared history was the best part for me.
The Matchmakers leaned hard into the meddling older women trope, which was cute but very predictable. I liked watching them scheme and interfere, but the story felt rushed and wrapped up too quickly. It was pleasant and hopeful, just not one that stuck with me once it ended.
A Summer to Remember was my favorite of the three. Bernie’s story had the most heart and emotional pull for me. I liked watching her face change head on and decide what she wanted next in life. This one felt the most complete and left me with that quiet, satisfied feeling the others did not quite reach.
Overall, I would recommend this if you are looking for a comforting, low effort read filled with older characters, gentle matchmaking, and small moments of hope and second chances.
Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for the opportunity to read this book.
Chasing Dreams was sweet and gentle, and I really enjoyed the bond between the three older friends. Their friendship felt warm and genuine, and I loved how determined they were to enjoy life together. The road trip moments made me smile, and while the romance was light, the sense of companionship and shared history was the best part for me.
The Matchmakers leaned hard into the meddling older women trope, which was cute but very predictable. I liked watching them scheme and interfere, but the story felt rushed and wrapped up too quickly. It was pleasant and hopeful, just not one that stuck with me once it ended.
A Summer to Remember was my favorite of the three. Bernie’s story had the most heart and emotional pull for me. I liked watching her face change head on and decide what she wanted next in life. This one felt the most complete and left me with that quiet, satisfied feeling the others did not quite reach.
Overall, I would recommend this if you are looking for a comforting, low effort read filled with older characters, gentle matchmaking, and small moments of hope and second chances.
Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for the opportunity to read this book.
November 25, 2025
Chasing Dreams concerns older people helping younger adults find the true love that they sometimes didn’t know they needed. Of course, it is exactly what they need. By Carolyn Brown, you can count on these older women to have sass, determination and wisdom. This book contains three stories, one longer one and two fairly short ones.
A Summer to Remember (Sisters in Paradise series prequel novella) is the longest with Aunt Bernie before she lived in the travel trailer. Since Bernie is in the Sister in Paradis series her story was a big draw for me to read this book. She is moxie in motion even when younger. This story did not disappoint but lived up to her reputation of helping (meddling) and dispensing wisdom. My favorite of the three.
The Matchmakers is exactly as the name implies, three women who take their matchmaking on a cruise. A fun read especially since the ones that choose to help have a history and a divorce in their future unless these women help them.
Chasing Dreams is another vacation but a cross-country road trip this time. Once again three older adults set up the trip for a grandson and great niece to take a chance on love. Another fun story with adventure, memories made and love waiting to be discovered.
A Summer to Remember (Sisters in Paradise series prequel novella) is the longest with Aunt Bernie before she lived in the travel trailer. Since Bernie is in the Sister in Paradis series her story was a big draw for me to read this book. She is moxie in motion even when younger. This story did not disappoint but lived up to her reputation of helping (meddling) and dispensing wisdom. My favorite of the three.
The Matchmakers is exactly as the name implies, three women who take their matchmaking on a cruise. A fun read especially since the ones that choose to help have a history and a divorce in their future unless these women help them.
Chasing Dreams is another vacation but a cross-country road trip this time. Once again three older adults set up the trip for a grandson and great niece to take a chance on love. Another fun story with adventure, memories made and love waiting to be discovered.
January 6, 2026
Chasing Dreams by Carolyn Brown is a collection of three stories all which center around matchmaking and are a lot of fun.
A Summer to Remember is the prequel to the Sisters in Paradise series and having read those books, I was anxious to read this one. It tells the story of how Aunt Bernie and Pepper came to live in the trailer. She provided the wisdom she always does while doing what she does best, meddling. It gave us a chance to see her when she was younger, which was a treat.
The Matchmakers is a story of three friends who find themselves on a cruise and in the end decided to do exactly what the title infers; match make! What they didn't realize is one of the couples they have zeroed in on is headed toward divorce. Will they get them back on track to getting back together?
In Chasing Dreams, three friends who are in their 80's want to take a cross country trip. They enlist the help of one of their great-grandsons, Ford, and a great niece, Joelle, to help them make the dream a reality. While Nita, Sharlene and Billy Joe are checking things off their bucket lists, Ford and Joelle find that there may be something brewing between them. Will love win in the end?
These were three fairly short, but enjoyable stories. I'm glad I got the chance to read them!
A Summer to Remember is the prequel to the Sisters in Paradise series and having read those books, I was anxious to read this one. It tells the story of how Aunt Bernie and Pepper came to live in the trailer. She provided the wisdom she always does while doing what she does best, meddling. It gave us a chance to see her when she was younger, which was a treat.
The Matchmakers is a story of three friends who find themselves on a cruise and in the end decided to do exactly what the title infers; match make! What they didn't realize is one of the couples they have zeroed in on is headed toward divorce. Will they get them back on track to getting back together?
In Chasing Dreams, three friends who are in their 80's want to take a cross country trip. They enlist the help of one of their great-grandsons, Ford, and a great niece, Joelle, to help them make the dream a reality. While Nita, Sharlene and Billy Joe are checking things off their bucket lists, Ford and Joelle find that there may be something brewing between them. Will love win in the end?
These were three fairly short, but enjoyable stories. I'm glad I got the chance to read them!
January 14, 2024
So dang good! - Ford and Joelle are wrangled into driving his grandpa Billy Joe, her aunt Sharlene and their friend/neighbor Nita on a cross-country bucket list adventure. The three are turning 80 soon and want to experience something of the world off their ranches before they retire. The kids will have the time to think about their next moves as well - take over the ranches or let them be sold. A weighty decision definitely, especially when the ranches have been in the current owners' respective family for years.
As they galavant in a gaudy VW bus Ford would like to push over a cliff, the quintet has a rollicking good time. The elders get the adventure they wanted and the young'uns grow closer to a couple of decisions that will change their lives forever. As heartwarming as I have come to expect from Mrs. Brown's stories and funny as the "kids" cut up in the back seat while "Mom" and "Dad" navigate them safely on their way. Inspirational as well as the elders remind us that age ain't nothin' but a number.
I listened to the Audible version. Great narrator.
As they galavant in a gaudy VW bus Ford would like to push over a cliff, the quintet has a rollicking good time. The elders get the adventure they wanted and the young'uns grow closer to a couple of decisions that will change their lives forever. As heartwarming as I have come to expect from Mrs. Brown's stories and funny as the "kids" cut up in the back seat while "Mom" and "Dad" navigate them safely on their way. Inspirational as well as the elders remind us that age ain't nothin' but a number.
I listened to the Audible version. Great narrator.
December 1, 2025
3 stories in one. Bernie owns a bar in Oklahoma and there is nothing really around there. People love to come into the bar. One day, in walks a crying man with a dead goldfish, Nash a handsome younger man and her niece Clara. As the story moves along, Clara tries to set Nash and Clara up and sell the bar to them.
Next comes a group of elderly women that live on a cruise ship and seek to matchmake along the way. They spot a young woman who is separated from her husband. The man they look to make the match is her estranged husband. Cute story of second chances.
Finally, there is a group of 3 women and 1 man who want to travel around and experience their bucket lists in a tricked-out VW wagon. Along for the ride is Sharlene's niece Joelle and Billy Joe's grandson. They want for them to take over their ranch. Another cute story. I received an advanced reader copy of this book from NetGalley, and this is my honest review.
Next comes a group of elderly women that live on a cruise ship and seek to matchmake along the way. They spot a young woman who is separated from her husband. The man they look to make the match is her estranged husband. Cute story of second chances.
Finally, there is a group of 3 women and 1 man who want to travel around and experience their bucket lists in a tricked-out VW wagon. Along for the ride is Sharlene's niece Joelle and Billy Joe's grandson. They want for them to take over their ranch. Another cute story. I received an advanced reader copy of this book from NetGalley, and this is my honest review.
December 4, 2025
Chasing Dreams is a fun read. There are three stories in this book, that goes from older people doing their #1 bucket list, that they never did because they never had time to take a vacation or a day off. The younger generation is driving them in their old VW and the hippie trailer. To a bar owner who is thinking of selling the bar, but only to someone who loves it as much as she does. Then there is the older people who sold their homes, and everything, and instead of going to a boring retirement home, they are going from one cruise to another.
The experiences, the things, they learn and see, the things they try, is inspiring. It inspires me to think about my life and trying some new things, making some new connections, and seeing what I can learn. When you get in a rut, this is the book to read, and it will get you out of the rut.
I received an ARC from Sourcebooks Casablanca through NetGalley.
The experiences, the things, they learn and see, the things they try, is inspiring. It inspires me to think about my life and trying some new things, making some new connections, and seeing what I can learn. When you get in a rut, this is the book to read, and it will get you out of the rut.
I received an ARC from Sourcebooks Casablanca through NetGalley.
December 21, 2025
No one can create a multi-generational rom-com like Carolyn Brown! Chasing Dreams is three contemporary romances with octogenarian matchmakers, a newly retired Army Ranger, an elementary teacher, retired ranchers, and a couple on the cusp of divorce. Matchmaking, it's never too late for love, and finding yourself are featured themes in this trio.
Chasing Dreams is full of Southern charm, a lot of sass, love of family and friends, following dreams, and busy-body octogenarians who steal the show. Heartwarming stories are full of love and friendships are key components of Carolyn Brown's books; this book adds in bucket lists, adventures, and making memories.
Carolyn Brown's books are so good that they are all page-turners for me - you never know what direction she will take next, but it is always the right one. She makes you feel as though you are joining her characters in their antics and adventures - what more could a reader ask for?
Chasing Dreams is full of Southern charm, a lot of sass, love of family and friends, following dreams, and busy-body octogenarians who steal the show. Heartwarming stories are full of love and friendships are key components of Carolyn Brown's books; this book adds in bucket lists, adventures, and making memories.
Carolyn Brown's books are so good that they are all page-turners for me - you never know what direction she will take next, but it is always the right one. She makes you feel as though you are joining her characters in their antics and adventures - what more could a reader ask for?
June 1, 2023
Things I adored:
☮️🚗 The Van of course!
🌈 Chasing Dreams
🪣 Bucket Lists
👨👩👧👦 Cast of eclectic characters
🎙️Bailey Carr’s voices!!!
“Make up your minds what you want out of life and never look back.”
“You were saved for a reason. Find it and move on.”
I love Carolyn Brown and Bailey Carr is one of my FAVORITE narrators! The two together were a wonderful pair! I just wish it had been longer. But it made for a great, short listen. Perhaps a set of novellas is in order that includes more roadtrips with this wonderful cast of characters . . .
“I can mark something off my bucket list now,” he said.
“Me too,” Joelle said breathlessly.
☮️🚗 The Van of course!
🌈 Chasing Dreams
🪣 Bucket Lists
👨👩👧👦 Cast of eclectic characters
🎙️Bailey Carr’s voices!!!
“Make up your minds what you want out of life and never look back.”
“You were saved for a reason. Find it and move on.”
I love Carolyn Brown and Bailey Carr is one of my FAVORITE narrators! The two together were a wonderful pair! I just wish it had been longer. But it made for a great, short listen. Perhaps a set of novellas is in order that includes more roadtrips with this wonderful cast of characters . . .
“I can mark something off my bucket list now,” he said.
“Me too,” Joelle said breathlessly.
July 16, 2023
This is a very short book, just under 2 hours. I love that it’s about 3 people who are almost 80 yrs. old going on road trip with 2 younger people. Along the way the older people gave me quite a few laughs and the 2 younger ones find themselves falling (back) in love, and who doesn’t love love? It also brought back my love of old vans.
There are so many laughs and good in this short book and I loved every second of it!
There are so many laughs and good in this short book and I loved every second of it!
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