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Seven Brides, Seven Brothers #5
If Only In My Dreams
Seven boys adopted from the foster care system by Alec and Maggie Donahue, a loving Irish couple living in Breeze Point, Cape Cod. Now grown men, the brothers are making their way in the world in their chosen professions, each hoping to find a love to last a lifetime. Faith. Family. Honor. And an abundance of love.
Seven Brides, Seven Brothers series
The Millionaire
Self-made businessman Brandon Donahue has walked the halls of Ivy League colleges, conquered Wall Street and built up his small company into a multimillion dollar business. Now, after moving his company to Cape Cod, Brandon is back in the fold of his loving family. Dumped on live television by his supermodel girlfriend, Brandon is more humiliated than heartbroken. Yet he still yearns for the type of love his brothers have found.
Principled beauty, Rose Maddock has been Brandon Donahue's secretary for five long years. And for all that time she's tried her best to find things about him to like. In her opinion, he's arrogant, and way too blunt for her liking. And he seems to think life revolves around his business. When Brandon moves the company to Cape Cod, Rose starts fresh in Breeze Point with her six year old son, AJ. When she strikes a bargain with Brandon that revolves around him including AJ in his family’s holiday events, she begins to see a whole new side of Brandon.
But is it wise to mix business with pleasure?
Seven Brides, Seven Brothers series
The Millionaire
Self-made businessman Brandon Donahue has walked the halls of Ivy League colleges, conquered Wall Street and built up his small company into a multimillion dollar business. Now, after moving his company to Cape Cod, Brandon is back in the fold of his loving family. Dumped on live television by his supermodel girlfriend, Brandon is more humiliated than heartbroken. Yet he still yearns for the type of love his brothers have found.
Principled beauty, Rose Maddock has been Brandon Donahue's secretary for five long years. And for all that time she's tried her best to find things about him to like. In her opinion, he's arrogant, and way too blunt for her liking. And he seems to think life revolves around his business. When Brandon moves the company to Cape Cod, Rose starts fresh in Breeze Point with her six year old son, AJ. When she strikes a bargain with Brandon that revolves around him including AJ in his family’s holiday events, she begins to see a whole new side of Brandon.
But is it wise to mix business with pleasure?
144 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 17, 2014
204 people are currently reading
262 people want to read
About the author
Belle Calhoune
96 books434 followersBelle Calhoune writes heartwarming, inspirational romance novels set in small, cozy towns. Married to her college sweetheart and living in southern Connecticut, she is the mother of two girls. Born and raised in Massachusetts, she is one of five children. Growing up across the street from a public library allowed her to become an avid reader who aspired to be a romance writer. When she isn't writing, she enjoys reading, spending time in Cape Cod, traveling and enjoying time with friends and family.
Belle hopes her books will provide readers with inspiration, entertainment and an escape from day to day life.
Belle hopes her books will provide readers with inspiration, entertainment and an escape from day to day life.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
June 5, 2017
Wonderful novel, very different than the other novels found in this series by Ms. Calhoune. Normally, the novels have been found to have each of the sons fighting the demons from their childhoods, but the main male lead in this novel had already overcome the majority of his by the time his destiny entered into this novel.
I have thoroughly enjoyed each of the novels that I have read so far, I have only a few more to read until I have read each novel in this series. I have been blessed to have enjoyed each of them and I hope to finish them very soon. Reading of God's unfailing grace never gets old.
I have thoroughly enjoyed each of the novels that I have read so far, I have only a few more to read until I have read each novel in this series. I have been blessed to have enjoyed each of them and I hope to finish them very soon. Reading of God's unfailing grace never gets old.
February 3, 2017
I love the Donahue family! I love their loyalty to each other, their strong faith, their willingness to bring others into their family, and their unconditional love. This is Brandon's story. And it's a great one!!
August 13, 2019
So happy to finally be caught up since that I actually bought it without realizing it was part of a series. This latest installment brings together a high-powered financier who has everything (he thinks) and a single mom who is happy with her son being the only man in her life (she thinks). What a surprise to both of them when they suddenly notice each other as more than boss and employee. Of course, there are some awkward moments when they both try to figure out their relationship outside of the office, but she quickly gets absorbed into the Donahue clan especially since her son's Christmas wish is to spend the holidays with a big family. In the midst of this perfect dream, a shadow from the past threatens their future...
The only real issue I had was the ease with which they fell in love. It seemed to happen a little too fast. Granted, they did know each other for years already, but the reader only just met them. It's really only a half-star deduction, though. I think this might be my favorite so far.
The only real issue I had was the ease with which they fell in love. It seemed to happen a little too fast. Granted, they did know each other for years already, but the reader only just met them. It's really only a half-star deduction, though. I think this might be my favorite so far.
October 31, 2017
Wonderful story of finding love at last
I really enjoyed this family story of love and support. The concept of the Donahue family of 7 boys adopted from the foster care system and making a strong family together is a great basis for this series. Brandon and Rose's relationship was a long time coming. Brandon has to see what was right in front of him and Rose needed to believe she was worthy of a loving relationship. I enjoyed the development of their relationship and the way family and Rose's son AJ were always first. I liked the quotes at the beginning of each chapter, and the fact that people make mistakes and need forgiveness was an integral part of the faith message. Only negative is the formatting was way off in my digital copy and along with some typos and word mistakes it broke up the story a bit for me.
I really enjoyed this family story of love and support. The concept of the Donahue family of 7 boys adopted from the foster care system and making a strong family together is a great basis for this series. Brandon and Rose's relationship was a long time coming. Brandon has to see what was right in front of him and Rose needed to believe she was worthy of a loving relationship. I enjoyed the development of their relationship and the way family and Rose's son AJ were always first. I liked the quotes at the beginning of each chapter, and the fact that people make mistakes and need forgiveness was an integral part of the faith message. Only negative is the formatting was way off in my digital copy and along with some typos and word mistakes it broke up the story a bit for me.
November 7, 2017
*shrug*
It was pretty good. Maybe it’s just the Kindle version, but there were so many errors in the typing and grammar. It obviously needed more editing. Also, I do dislike stories where people obviously fall in love quickly and it takes them FOREVER to realize it. I mean, come ON. That’s just a personal thing though.
I liked elements of the story though - that it was awkward for them to work together after their first unexpected kiss, the details of their agreement, and the problem with her son’s father later in the book. I also liked some of the family traditions the Donahues had, and the fact that his parents both had relatable illnesses made it seem a bit more realistic. That’s one pitfall of stories like these - it’s so easy to make everyone so close to perfect that it becomes unbelievable.
3 stars.
It was pretty good. Maybe it’s just the Kindle version, but there were so many errors in the typing and grammar. It obviously needed more editing. Also, I do dislike stories where people obviously fall in love quickly and it takes them FOREVER to realize it. I mean, come ON. That’s just a personal thing though.
I liked elements of the story though - that it was awkward for them to work together after their first unexpected kiss, the details of their agreement, and the problem with her son’s father later in the book. I also liked some of the family traditions the Donahues had, and the fact that his parents both had relatable illnesses made it seem a bit more realistic. That’s one pitfall of stories like these - it’s so easy to make everyone so close to perfect that it becomes unbelievable.
3 stars.
November 7, 2017
It was an ok read. It was just a bit too sappy for me, like a Hallmark movie. One thing I dislike about series that focus on a family is they can focus too much on the family, and this one was no exception, it actually overdid it for me. I think the Donahue name was on every other page in, and that’s the kindle version on my phone. I would have like it to focus more on the couple and them falling in Love because it just didn’t seem believable that they all of a sudden after 5 years start noticing each other and falling in love. Also, I didn’t like the fact that Rose had to have a makeover for Brandon to be attracted to her. In a society where wearing prescription glasses is fashionable, she could have at least kept her glasses. Glasses are cute! Overall, it was an ok read but I would have like to read about the couple more than for it to focus so much on the family.
November 3, 2017
If Only in My Dreams
A nice story. Brandon was fortunate to have been adopted and a part of an amazing family. Rose wasn't as fortunate and spent her entire childhood in foster care. After working as his executive Secretary for five years, their relationship took a,sudden turn. When her son's biological father threatens to take AJ away, Brandon realizes how attached he had become I would give it4 stars
A nice story. Brandon was fortunate to have been adopted and a part of an amazing family. Rose wasn't as fortunate and spent her entire childhood in foster care. After working as his executive Secretary for five years, their relationship took a,sudden turn. When her son's biological father threatens to take AJ away, Brandon realizes how attached he had become I would give it4 stars
November 4, 2017
Love this series!
I love the character's in this series. These children are so blessed to have this Irish couple adopt them. Seven boys from different backgrounds who need the love and nurturing of parents who want them to dream big. The realism is that each has to reach inside themselves and trust God for all aspects of their life. This one wants a women that doesn't want him for his money. I didn't want to put it down.
I love the character's in this series. These children are so blessed to have this Irish couple adopt them. Seven boys from different backgrounds who need the love and nurturing of parents who want them to dream big. The realism is that each has to reach inside themselves and trust God for all aspects of their life. This one wants a women that doesn't want him for his money. I didn't want to put it down.
July 31, 2021
Loved it
Brandon and Rose - she works for him and until an unexpected kiss, there's nothing between them. The kiss sparks something and soon love is brewing. I am loving this series. The Donahue brothers are all foster kids who have been brought up in an amazing family. When they meet the right woman, they'll do anything for her. It makes for a great story and when there's a cute kid involved, even better!
Brandon and Rose - she works for him and until an unexpected kiss, there's nothing between them. The kiss sparks something and soon love is brewing. I am loving this series. The Donahue brothers are all foster kids who have been brought up in an amazing family. When they meet the right woman, they'll do anything for her. It makes for a great story and when there's a cute kid involved, even better!
December 6, 2017
Insightful!!
I really enjoyed this book. It was an eye opener into the world of foster parenting and adoption. It focused on true love and life choices. The characters were well written, however, there were a lot of typos and the book appeared to have paragraph issues is the only reason I gave a four star. It was very pleasant to read during this season.
I really enjoyed this book. It was an eye opener into the world of foster parenting and adoption. It focused on true love and life choices. The characters were well written, however, there were a lot of typos and the book appeared to have paragraph issues is the only reason I gave a four star. It was very pleasant to read during this season.
October 1, 2018
Great story
An excellent story & perhaps one of my favorites so far.
Brandon's story & the story of a girl who didn't get a family, even though she had prayed for one.
I so enjoy how the author shows a bit of the adopted child's story in the prologue. More is revealed later as an adult. This is an awesome series.
An excellent story & perhaps one of my favorites so far.
Brandon's story & the story of a girl who didn't get a family, even though she had prayed for one.
I so enjoy how the author shows a bit of the adopted child's story in the prologue. More is revealed later as an adult. This is an awesome series.
November 8, 2017
Corny
I don't know what I expected but this book was not it. It was a typical romance but it was very corny. The characters don't have much development and the plot was pretty basic.
I don't know what I expected but this book was not it. It was a typical romance but it was very corny. The characters don't have much development and the plot was pretty basic.
March 12, 2018
Heartfelt story!
Another amazing book from this series! I loved Brandon and Rose's heartfelt journey to each other. Don't wait! Pick this book up to read it today!
Another amazing book from this series! I loved Brandon and Rose's heartfelt journey to each other. Don't wait! Pick this book up to read it today!
Read
May 25, 2020Loved it!
Another wonderful Donahue love story! Each one is as special as the next! Brandon and Rose finally see each other and then work through the issues.
Another wonderful Donahue love story! Each one is as special as the next! Brandon and Rose finally see each other and then work through the issues.
September 19, 2020
Good Read
I really enjoyed reading this book. I can't wait to read the next one. I would recommend reading this book.
I really enjoyed reading this book. I can't wait to read the next one. I would recommend reading this book.
March 2, 2017
I have really enjoyed this series, however I could not put this one down. Out of the five books I have read so far I found Brandon's story of his past the most touching and heart wrenching. I loved the way Brandon and Rose helped each other to grow and I am looking forward to reading the final two books in the series
January 24, 2017
UNEXPECTED LOVE
You can fall in love with someone you just met, or someone can be in your life for years before you finally realize what a treasure they are.
Brandon had been adopted by the Donahues after the death of his younger brother. He'd made a good life for himself, but at the center of his life was still his family. He was wrapped up in making money there for a while, but he had everything materially he could possibly want, so that was no longer the center of his thoughts. He wasn't thinking much about romance either though, or at least he wasn't, until something muddled his brain and he ended up kissing his executive secretary, a woman who'd worked for him for five years and he'd never seen her as anything but a secretary.
Rose had one thing in common with Brandon, although she didn't know it in the beginning. Brandon had been adopted while she never had been, but they'd both been products of the foster system. She was now a single mother raising a son whose father walked out on him and never even laid eyes on him...until he decides it might be a politically good move to get his son back in his life, completely and away from Rose.
Rose had always been on her own with no one to rely on but herself. For the past few weeks, she'd been spending time with Brandon and his family for Christmas celebrations, but she thought that was just his end of the bargain after she'd almost resigned the day after that kiss. He agreed to help give AJ a family-style Christmas, but surely that was all it was. She was a nobody. Brandon could have any woman he wanted, so why would he want her? But then why would he agree to help get Davis out of her life for good, since that had seemed to be what he wanted when AJ was born anyway?
This was a sweet story with the happily-ever-after I've loved in this series. The boys grew up to be wonderful men, but they had a hard road to get there, so it's nice to see things finally coming together for them.
You can fall in love with someone you just met, or someone can be in your life for years before you finally realize what a treasure they are.
Brandon had been adopted by the Donahues after the death of his younger brother. He'd made a good life for himself, but at the center of his life was still his family. He was wrapped up in making money there for a while, but he had everything materially he could possibly want, so that was no longer the center of his thoughts. He wasn't thinking much about romance either though, or at least he wasn't, until something muddled his brain and he ended up kissing his executive secretary, a woman who'd worked for him for five years and he'd never seen her as anything but a secretary.
Rose had one thing in common with Brandon, although she didn't know it in the beginning. Brandon had been adopted while she never had been, but they'd both been products of the foster system. She was now a single mother raising a son whose father walked out on him and never even laid eyes on him...until he decides it might be a politically good move to get his son back in his life, completely and away from Rose.
Rose had always been on her own with no one to rely on but herself. For the past few weeks, she'd been spending time with Brandon and his family for Christmas celebrations, but she thought that was just his end of the bargain after she'd almost resigned the day after that kiss. He agreed to help give AJ a family-style Christmas, but surely that was all it was. She was a nobody. Brandon could have any woman he wanted, so why would he want her? But then why would he agree to help get Davis out of her life for good, since that had seemed to be what he wanted when AJ was born anyway?
This was a sweet story with the happily-ever-after I've loved in this series. The boys grew up to be wonderful men, but they had a hard road to get there, so it's nice to see things finally coming together for them.
January 18, 2015
I love these books because of the strong family connections and how sometimes you make a family rather than not have one at all. Once again, God is predominant in this story along with real situations and struggles that we as humans face. Brandon went through what he did so that he would realize what a jewel he had in Rose and appreciate her for what she truly was. Sometimes in life we think we know what we need, but God always knows better than us. I really enjoyed this story as well as getting more of a glimpse at what brought this family together. I am excited to read the next in the series!
June 16, 2015
I liked this book a lot. New Author..First time reader with a great storyline . Family values and a man stepping up to be a real man. Its hard for the single mother and her son. However,her faith and hard work has helped her. She likes her Supervisor who gets dumped by his model girlfriend and an absentee father tries to claim her son.
Brandon values his assistant and pulls out the big guns to make sure he doesn't lose her on all fronts. Her son has one wish for Christmas..real father and a family...He asks Santa Claus but he also prays..I love what happens and the back story on Brandon's life...
Brandon values his assistant and pulls out the big guns to make sure he doesn't lose her on all fronts. Her son has one wish for Christmas..real father and a family...He asks Santa Claus but he also prays..I love what happens and the back story on Brandon's life...
January 13, 2016
I loved this story. Haven't read any others in the series, but it really wasn't necessary in order to follow this book. Very strong family with solid Christian values formed non-biologically by a loving couple. I totally enjoyed the interaction between Brandon and Rose, as well as among Brandon's family. The characters are all strong and admirable with one exception, but telling who would be a spoiler. Read and see. Highly recommend this book!!
July 4, 2016
This story was amazing. It has to be the best one yet. Brandon is CEO of his own multi-million company, and Rose has been his executive secretary for 5 years, but he's never really noticed her until now. It is a different kind of love story and to me, the most touching.
Please note-there are still several editorial errors in the story.
Please note-there are still several editorial errors in the story.
June 25, 2015
Enjoyable Read
I enjoyed reading this book because it was about not letting your past spoil your future. I loved reading about old fashioned traditions and a strong loving family. The enemy will put obstacles in our put we are over comers. True love can survive
I enjoyed reading this book because it was about not letting your past spoil your future. I loved reading about old fashioned traditions and a strong loving family. The enemy will put obstacles in our put we are over comers. True love can survive
January 21, 2016
Rose and AJ had a hard life. The way Brandon included them into the Donahue Christmas traditions was beautiful. The Donahue parents and kids are all truly amazing people. You can feel God working throughout this book. I had the honor to review this wonderful book for the author.
March 9, 2016
A quick read! It was part of a kindle set so it was free but it's a fun taste of an author abd series I'd like to read! Clean, Christian romance always gets me. This one's predictable but I enjoyed it.
July 27, 2016
Rose Maddock has been Brandon Donahue's secretary for five years. She's tried her best to find things about him to like. In her opinion, he's arrogant, and way too blunt for her liking. And he seems to think life revolves around his business.
February 1, 2015
Love could be right next you
Make sure you look at the people close to you the love of your life may be right under your very own nose just waiting for you to see them
Make sure you look at the people close to you the love of your life may be right under your very own nose just waiting for you to see them
February 20, 2015
Loved this story!!! So enjoy this series!!!
May 30, 2015
#5
Found a lot of errors, like a cell phone choosing the wrong word. Good story. I love stories with children in them.
Found a lot of errors, like a cell phone choosing the wrong word. Good story. I love stories with children in them.
June 25, 2015
A very enjoyable read.
October 28, 2015
Dreams
This was my first time reading a book by Belle Calhoune. I enjoyed Brandon, Valerie, AJ and the entire Donahue Clan!!! This was a very nice romance!
This was my first time reading a book by Belle Calhoune. I enjoyed Brandon, Valerie, AJ and the entire Donahue Clan!!! This was a very nice romance!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews