When the Forest Dreams: A Novel

by Andrea Ezerins

For fans of L. M. Montgomery’s The Blue Castle, a contemporary retelling of the beloved romance that follows a sheltered young woman’s quest for love in New York City—and her search for a rare and elusive bird in the deep Arkansas forest.

New York City, 2013. Emma’s life is as dry as day-old bread—working at her family’s bakery, birdwatching in central park, and dreaming a recurring dream that feels more real than her waking world. Meanwhile, her handsome, wealthy neighbor Jake exists just out of reach, part of a world she’s never dared to step into.

But when a life-changing diagnosis forces Emma to rethink everything, she decides it’s time to truly live—before it’s too late. After unlikely circumstances bring her and Jake together, she dives into a fake engagement whirlwind of dazzling parties, an unexpected modeling job, and an obsession with a bird that may not even exist—the elusive ivory-billed woodpecker. Her search takes her deep into the Arkansas wilderness, where she hopes to find more than just a rare creature. But just as she begins to embrace a future she never thought possible, everything is turned upside down. Will hope be enough to guide her through the storm?

A moving tale of love, resilience, and the beauty of the unknown, The Green Forest—a modern retelling of L. M. Montgomery’s The Blue Castle—reminds us all to seek joy in the most unexpected places.

Genres: Fiction, Retellings, Contemporary

344 pages, Paperback

First published May 26, 2026

About the author

Andrea Ezerins grew up in the small town of Columbia, Connecticut, and earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Connecticut. After spending three decades in the insurance industry, she traded risk assessments for plot twists, publishing her debut novel, Again and Again Back to You, in 2024, which placed third in Fiction-Literary-Love story & Romance category of the BookFest awards in 2025. She is working on her second novel, proving that an empty nest (and a spoiled German shepherd) is the perfect recipe for creativity. Andrea lives in Hebron, Connecticut, with her husband and is the proud mom of two daughters and identical twin sons. When she’s not writing, she’s raising bluebirds and monarch butterflies, running, or flowing through yoga—probably while plotting her next book.

Reviews

[Marilyn (not getting notifications) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Andrea Ezerins’ When the Forest Dreams is a heartfelt and uplifting novel that beautifully explores self-discovery, courage, and the transformative power of embracing life’s uncertainties. Through the eyes of Emma Jablonski, a young woman trapped by routine, family expectations, and fear of the unknown, readers embark on an emotional journey filled with romance, friendship, and personal growth. Ezerins skillfully blends dreamlike imagery, birdwatching, and themes of hope to create a story that feels both gentle and inspiring. Emma’s passion for nature and her search for the elusive ivory-billed woodpecker serve as powerful symbols of her own quest for freedom and purpose.

What makes this novel especially compelling is its balance of introspection and adventure. The romance between Emma and Jake develops naturally, while the supporting characters add warmth and depth to the narrative. Fans of character-driven fiction will appreciate the thoughtful pacing and the authentic portrayal of a woman learning to step beyond her comfort zone. As a modern retelling of The Blue Castle, When the Forest Dreams honors the spirit of the classic while offering a fresh, contemporary perspective. It is a charming and emotionally resonant story that reminds readers that sometimes the life we dream about is waiting just beyond our fears. I highly recommend this book.

Thank you to She Writes Press through NetGalley for allowing me to read the digital edition of When the Forest Dreams by Andrea Ezerins. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a darling book! It’s a story of self-discovery woven with romance and sprinkled with...birding. I thoroughly enjoyed both the story and its characters. Emma is such a wholesome and likeable protagonist, and I think many of us can relate to the feeling of boxing ourselves in and not quite living up to our fullest potential.

Before reading this, I hadn’t heard of The Blue Castle, but it’s now firmly on my to-read list.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the digital ARC.

[Faith J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher for this ARC!

I adore L.M. Montgomery and the original book: The Blue Castle. This is a modern rendition and I thought she captured the MMC Emma very well in a contemporary lense. This is a slower paced, character driven cute story.
Emma is a likable parent pleasing "good girl" who daydreams and fantasizes about who she could be and what she could do with a kernal of courage. She watches her mom deteriorate with MS and assumes that it is coming for her next. She is a dreamer and a romantic who just wants to live a little before she dies.
I thought she was quite endearing and loved her actions paired with her sassier inner monologue. She has a sheltered naivety that reminds me of Toula from My Big Fat Greek Wedding. Great character development not just for Emma, but also Jake, and Vee.
I was rooting for Emma throughout the book and overall it was a feel good read that I hope inspires others to not wait 26 years before living their life and finding their people.
I shockingly learned a lot about birds and Polish food.

[Dr. Naushin Moledina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Synopsis:

Emma, at twenty-six, discovers that she may be showing symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis. Having watched her mother slowly fade from the same illness, she makes a decision: she will give herself six months. Six months to truly live before facing the reality of a diagnosis that terrifies her.

For years, her world has been small—living with her parents, helping run their bakery, struggling with the cost of living in New York City, and spending her free time walking through Central Park watching her favorite feathered friends. But when her next-door neighbor and longtime crush, Jake, asks her for a small favor, an unexpected opportunity opens up before her—one that might change her life forever.

How will Emma navigate a world far beyond the safety of her parents' home? And when the six months are over, will she be ready to face whatever comes next?

Review:

“When the Forest Dreams” by Andrea Ezerins is a modern retelling of The Blue Castle, following a sheltered young woman's search for love, independence, and a rare bird hidden deep within the Arkansas forest.

Even though I haven't read The Blue Castle, I found this to be an inspiring and surprisingly easy read.

Emma has spent her entire life wrapped in the safety of her parents' world, working at their bakery and rarely stepping outside her comfort zone. When she decides she wants to truly live before an illness potentially changes everything, I couldn't help but root for her. I loved watching her slowly spread her wings—finding new friends, a new job, a place of her own, and most importantly, confidence in herself.

One of my favorite aspects of the story was Emma's relationship with her parents. They weren't always expressive, but they loved her enough to let her go. It reminded me that sometimes the biggest thing holding us back isn't our family—it's our own fear. We convince ourselves we're trapped when all we really need is the courage to take that first step.

Jake was such a steady and comforting presence throughout the story. I loved watching their relationship evolve from a fake engagement into something real and meaningful. He constantly reminded Emma of her worth, while Emma helped him grow into someone willing to fight for both himself and the people he loves.

And then there was Vee—the friend Emma desperately needed. Despite battling her own struggles, she became the catalyst that pushed Emma out into the real world and helped her discover who she could be beyond the life she'd always known.

The New York City setting was beautifully done, especially the focus on Central Park and the birding community. Before reading this book, I would've simply called them bird lovers, but I learned so much about birding, different bird species, and even the impact humans have on bird populations. That was honestly one of my favorite parts of the story.

That being said, there were a few things that didn't fully work for me. Emma's behavior in the first half often felt younger than her twenty-six years, which occasionally made it difficult to reconcile her age with her actions. While her sheltered upbringing certainly explains some of it, I still found myself wishing for a little more maturity from her at times.

There were also moments when I felt disconnected from the story due to abrupt scene changes and a lack of depth in certain areas that I wanted explored further.

Despite those shortcomings, the book finished incredibly strong for me. The ending tied everything together beautifully and left me feeling hopeful, reflective, and surprisingly emotional.

Overall, this is a heartfelt and meaningful story about stepping outside your comfort zone, learning to live fully, and finding the courage to choose your own path. A must-read for fans of emotional, character-driven fiction with themes of growth, love, and self-discovery.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everything is quiet, predictable, and just a little too safe… until it isn’t—until one moment, one diagnosis, one reckless “what if” shatters the life you’ve been politely enduring and forces you to actually live. When the Forest Dreams by Andrea Ezerins absolutely slid into my brain like a soft lullaby and then hit me with an emotional wake-up call I was not prepared for. Published by She Writes Press, thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the gifted ARC.

This story is less about what happens and more about what changes—internally, quietly, almost imperceptibly at first. Emma Jablonski has been living a life that feels smaller than her own potential, tucked inside family expectations, routines, and a kind of emotional safety that slowly turns into a cage. Her world is bakery shifts, watching life pass by, and holding onto dreams that feel more vivid than her reality. And then everything tilts. What follows isn’t some dramatic, overnight transformation—it’s a series of small, shaky steps toward choosing herself for the first time.

Jake, the boy-next-door, carries that steady, magnetic presence that feels both comforting and just slightly out of reach, while Vee storms in like a necessary disruption—the kind of friend who doesn’t ask permission to change your life, she just does. Their dynamic pulls Emma into experiences she never would’ve chosen on her own: fake engagements, glittering parties, spontaneous decisions that feel equal parts thrilling and terrifying. But underneath all of that is something softer—Emma learning how to exist in her own life without apology.

And then there’s the ivory-billed woodpecker—this almost-mythical thread woven through the story that shouldn’t work as well as it does, but somehow becomes the heartbeat of it all. It’s about chasing something rare, maybe even impossible, simply because believing in it means you haven’t given up on wonder. That symbolism? It lingers.

“Life isn’t meant to be watched from the sidelines.”
Yeah… that one stayed with me.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

This isn’t a fast-paced, high-drama read—it’s slow, intentional, and deeply introspective. The kind of story that asks you to sit still long enough to feel something real. If you’re someone who loves character-driven narratives, soft romance that builds through connection rather than chaos, and stories that feel like a quiet nudge toward courage… this is absolutely your lane. It’s cozy, a little dreamy, and just grounded enough to make you reflect on your own “am I actually living?” moments.

So let me ask you—if your life cracked open tomorrow, would you be ready to step into it… or would you still be waiting for permission?

#WhenTheForestDreams #AndreaEzerins #NetGalleyReads #WomensFiction #ContemporaryRomance #SlowBurnBooks #CharacterDriven #CozyReads #ComingOfAge #BookReview #Bookstagram #ReadersOfInstagram

[Literary Titan · Rating 5 out of 5]

When the Forest Dreams, by Andrea Ezerins, follows Emma Jablonski, a dutiful Polish American bakery daughter living in a cramped Upper East Side apartment, who believes she may be on the brink of inheriting her mother’s illness and decides she has only a little time to begin living before life closes around her for good. What unfolds is a romance of awakening: Emma slips from obedience into appetite, from silence into speech, and from mere survival into a more enchanted attentiveness to birds, trees, food, friendship, and love. The novel braids immigrant family pressure, illness anxiety, Central Park birding, and a slow-blooming relationship with Jake into a story that is at once tender and self-consciously dreamy.

I was taken most by how emotional the book is. Emma’s voice has an inward intensity that could have grown claustrophobic, but instead it becomes the novel’s chief pleasure: she is funny, pious, exasperated, lonely, sensuous, and faintly feral all at once. Her private vocabulary of birds gives the story an animating pulse; the white-eyed vireo, the kingfisher, the wood duck, even the idea of the elusive ivory-bill make the natural world feel less decorative than salvific. I liked that the book understands how deprivation can make beauty feel almost violent. A plush quilt, a duck on a pond, a hand on the shoulder, fresh parmesan, a cup of tea these are not trimmings here. They arrive with the force of revelation.

This isn't a book embarrassed by sincerity, and that gives it a certain old-fashioned glow. The prose is lush, and the emotional beats are worn close to the skin, but I found that part of its charm; the book is unabashed about wanting transformation, romance, and a reprieve from beige existence. Veronica also gives the story a welcome texture, preventing it from collapsing into a sealed two-person fantasy. Beneath the romance, I felt a persuasive argument that a life can narrow by increments, and that reclaiming it may begin in something as humble as cooking for someone, naming what you love, or admitting that duty alone is a meager gospel.

I’d recommend When the Forest Dreams to readers who gravitate toward contemporary romance, women’s fiction, coming-of-age fiction, immigrant family drama, and nature-inflected romantic fiction. Especially readers who like introspective heroines and stories where emotional thaw matters as much as plot. It will likely appeal to people who love L. M. Montgomery’s The Blue Castle or readers of Emily Henry who wouldn’t mind a more sheltered, more devotional, more bird-struck heroine; the author’s note makes that lineage explicit, and you can feel it in the book’s faith in reinvention.

[Chasing Silhouettes · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Fate is teaching me a lesson― to be careful what you wish for. I wished for a life and a life doesn’t mean you get just the good things. Life holds equal parts joy and sadness. No one gets the good without the bad. Turns out having no life at all may be better than what happened.' (Ch 16)

Literary Fiction | Contemporary Fiction | Fake Engagement | Chronic Illness Rep | The Boy Next Door | Addiction Recovery Rep | Quest for Love & Life

Emma is a bird watcher and a dreamer. The latter, more or less, resulted from her sheltered upbringing. She is full of hope even while under the thumb of her Polish American family. When her health hangs in the balance, she decides that she wants more out of life. To actually live and have more than just an invisible existence and dutifully working at her family’s bakery.

'.... mesmerized. I want to memorize every tiny detail. You never know when the best things in life might disappear into a poof of smoke.' (Ch 33)

Even though Emma is in her twenties, it's still a coming-of-age story. On a timeline, she is determined to make the best of her life, despite knowing what's potentially in store for her. She discovers and experiences new things and develops unexpected connections and relationships she’s never had before. A lot of firsts!

'How can your heart, an organ that just pumps blood, feel? This is a part of living I wish I never learned.' (Ch 30)

And then there is her crush on Jake! The boy next door... She is genuine in her emotions and her feelings, making her reactions and interactions more relatable and sweet.

'It wasn’t the hope for a life I wished for with Mother Tree; it is the hope of love. A love as deep and never ending as Halcyon and Ceyx.' (Ch 8)

Friendship. Confusion. Sadness. Love. Laughter. Being seen. Finding where she fits in in life. Self-Revelations. This is a truly heartfelt and endearing story of finding and following dreams, and... romance. Oh, and I almost forgot, lots of mention and information about birds!

eARC courtesy of NetGalley | She Writes Press

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

When the Forest Dreams is one of those gentle, luminous retellings that doesn’t try to outshine its source material so much as breathe with it—softly, tenderly, in its own modern rhythm. It takes the wistful heart of The Blue Castle and sets it down in 2013 New York, where Emma Jablonski moves through life as though she’s half‑awake, clinging to a recurring dream that feels more vivid than anything her days can offer. There’s a lovely ache to those early chapters: the bakery’s stale bread, the cramped apartment, the boy next door who feels both impossibly close and entirely unreachable.

What makes the novel sing is the moment Emma’s world cracks open. A diagnosis becomes the catalyst for courage, and suddenly she’s saying yes—to Jake, to Vee, to a fake engagement that spirals into glittering parties and impulsive road trips, and to the wild hope of finding a bird that may not exist at all. The ivory‑billed woodpecker becomes a kind of mythic thread running through the story, a reminder that some things are worth believing in even when the world insists otherwise.

The Arkansas forest sequences are especially lovely: humid, green, and humming with possibility. There’s a quiet magic in watching Emma step into herself, shedding fear in small, believable increments. Her romance with Jake unfolds with a sweetness that feels earned, grounded in friendship and the kind of tenderness that grows when two people finally allow themselves to be seen.

This is a story about choosing joy even when it feels reckless, about letting dreams bleed into daylight, and about discovering that the life you long for might be waiting just beyond the familiar edges of home. Warm, hopeful, and gently romantic, When the Forest Dreams is a comforting modern homage that invites readers to slow down, breathe deeply, and believe in second chances.

With thanks to Andrea Ezerins, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC

[Sabrina Mordini · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐. 5
Spice:🌶️. 5

When the Forest Dreams is a thoughtful and introspective story about what happens when you feel like you have nothing left to lose—and choose to start living life on your own terms.

Emma is 25, yet she feels as though she hasn’t truly begun living. In a moment of desperation, fearing that her future will look exactly like her present, she gives herself six months to take risks and finally put herself first. What follows is a quiet but meaningful journey of self-discovery.

At its heart, this is a story about learning what it means to be seen, wanted, and loved. The narrative is told entirely through Emma’s perspective, which creates an intimate and reflective tone, offering a lens that feels slightly different from more plot-driven stories.

The romance develops somewhat unexpectedly, but within the context of the story’s pacing, it works and ultimately helps bring the narrative together.

The first part of the book unfolds quite slowly, taking its time to establish Emma’s world and her inner landscape. There is a strong focus on her passion for birdwatching, with detailed descriptions that highlight how important it is to her, though at times this felt a bit repetitive and made it harder for me to fully connect with the story early on.

That said, as the narrative progresses, it gradually opens up and introduces new elements that add depth and momentum. After the initial setup, the pacing becomes more engaging, and the story develops in a way that drew me in and made the journey feel worthwhile.

Overall, while it requires a bit of patience at the beginning, the story evolves into a heartfelt coming-of-age journey, enriched by themes of found family, tentative romance, and the courage to embrace change.

[Sarah Lepper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for the chance to read this book it is released!

This book was pretty different from anything I have read before. In the beginning I was so close to putting it down and not finishing it due to my own discomfort with the main character, Emma’s, life. It just felt too sad and pitiful, much like I can imagine the character herself was feeling. I am very glad I stuck with it. While Emma’s character was very naive to so much of Jake and Vee’s life in New York and at times I just felt like they were taking advantage of her naivety and innocence I had to keep reminding myself that she is a 26 year old female, even if she led a fairly sheltered life up until meeting them.

It was beautiful to see her embrace life and adventure when she thought her life had a time limit on it. I loved seeing life from an immigrants perspective, especially from a Polish person’s background knowing that they are more marginalized. Seeing her connection to her family and realizing that the “beautiful and wealthy” truly didn’t have this glamorous and advantaged life behind closed doors was a great eye- opener for her and helped her truly appreciate her family with a fresh set of eyes. Also seeing how people take their past wounds, stress, etc. and often end up wounding others when they don’t take the time to heal.

Her connection with nature and bird watching is really beautiful and seeing the way she connects with Vee and Jake, and helps them grow as characters was great.

This is an open door book with somewhat brief details when it comes to the intimate scenes.

Possible triggers:
Addiction and overdose
Cheating (not main character, referred to in the past)
Racism
Alcoholism
Drug abuse

[SH · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in New York City in 2013, the novel follows Emma, whose quiet and routine life revolves around helping at her family’s bakery, birdwatching in Central Park, and trying to make sense of the vivid recurring dreams that seem more real than reality itself. After receiving a life-changing diagnosis, Emma decides she can no longer keep herself on the sidelines of life. When circumstances unexpectedly bring her closer to her wealthy neighbour Jake, she is swept into a fake engagement, glamorous events, and a surprising modelling opportunity, all while becoming consumed by the search for the elusive ivory-billed woodpecker. Her journey eventually leads deep into the Arkansas wilderness, where she begins searching not only for the rare bird but also for hope and a future she never imagined possible.
I really enjoyed the emotional depth of this story and the way it balanced romance, self-discovery, and themes of hope and resilience. Emma was an easy character to connect with, and her journey felt both vulnerable and inspiring as she slowly stepped outside of her comfort zone. The relationship between Emma and Jake developed naturally, and the fake engagement trope added a fun contrast to some of the heavier emotional moments.
The nature elements and focus on birdwatching gave the novel a unique atmosphere that made it stand out from other contemporary romances. While some parts of the story moved a little slowly for me, the emotional payoff and character growth made it worthwhile. An enjoyable read.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Lucille Guarino · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raised in a traditional household, Emma is a young Polish woman who has lived a relatively protected and mundane life. She lives with her old-school parents and grandmother in a New York City apartment, rises early to work in her family’s bakery in NYC (without getting paid), and helps her ailing mother who has MS. Her only enjoyment in life is when she gets to walk in nature. With her bird guidebook, she strolls through Central Park trying to spot the different species. Her feathered friends are her only friends, and she believes fate will keep her an onlooker of other’s more vibrant lives. Like the couples she sees kissing in the park, or her mysterious, handsome neighbor Jake. Never a participant, always a spectator. In moments of crushing grief, she fears she is exhibiting the early signs of MS, sometimes genetic, which sparks the events that follow. She wants to hope for more, but believes her window of opportunity is rapidly closing.

There's something about Emma that just makes her likable. Her blend of naivety, innocence, and raw sincerity is both moving and deeply refreshing in a protagonist. I wanted to see the girl with no iPhone, no jewelry, no make-up, who made delicious pierogies and Polish desserts, happy in her life. For that reason, I kept turning the pages, captivated by Emma’s choices and evolution. Much like the rare and elusive ivory-billed woodpecker, I needed to believe that happiness was within her grasp. Readers will be moved by this heartfelt, feel-good story.

[Becky Passner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice level 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

When the Forest Dreams by Andrea Ezerins is a quiet, reflective story that emphasizes character growth and emotion.

Emma has spent most of her life staying safe and predictable, but after a life-changing diagnosis, she starts to question what that kind of life is really worth. The story follows her as she slowly steps outside her comfort zone, and I appreciated how gradual that process felt. Nothing about her journey is rushed, which makes it feel more real.

This is definitely more of an internal, character-driven story. A lot of the focus is on Emma’s thoughts, her fears, and the way she starts to shift how she sees herself and her future. She’s not a bold or dramatic character, but that worked for the story—it’s about small choices that end up meaning a lot.

The relationships add some warmth to the book. I especially liked the balance between the romantic elements and the friendships, since both play a role in helping Emma grow. Nothing felt overly dramatic, which matched the story's tone well.

There’s also a slightly dreamlike quality running through the book, especially in the way reality and imagination blur at times. It adds a softer, almost symbolic layer to the story without taking over.

Overall, this is a slower, more thoughtful read. If you like character-focused stories about growth and stepping outside your comfort zone, this one is worth picking up.

[Michael Godwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

When the Forest Dreams is a moving and atmospheric contemporary retelling that beautifully explores love, resilience, courage, and the importance of embracing life before it passes us by. Andrea Ezerins places Emma at the center of a compelling journey from a sheltered and predictable existence in New York City into an unexpected world of romance, adventure, uncertainty, and self-discovery.

One of the novel’s greatest strengths is the way it balances romance with a deeper exploration of mortality, hope, and personal transformation. Emma’s connection with Jake, her unexpected fake engagement, and her fascination with the elusive ivory-billed woodpecker create an engaging storyline filled with both emotional and adventurous elements. Her journey into the Arkansas wilderness becomes more than a search for a rare bird; it becomes a search for possibility, meaning, and a life she had once been too afraid to pursue.

Readers interested in contemporary romance, literary retellings, women’s fiction, emotional coming-of-age stories, nature-centered fiction, and novels about resilience and finding joy in unexpected circumstances should find When the Forest Dreams especially engaging. Its connection to L. M. Montgomery’s The Blue Castle also gives it strong appeal among readers who enjoy modern interpretations of beloved classics, while its themes of hope, love, and courage make it well suited for book clubs and discussion-driven reading communities.

[Rebekkah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was intrigued by the prospect of a modern retelling of The Blue Castle by L.M. Montgomery and was excited to delve into this. I liked that the author chose to set her retelling in a Polish immigrant family. While I did enjoy the book at first, as it progressed, I grew increasingly uncomfortable about the power dynamics between the two main characters, Emma and Jake. In The Blue Castle, Valancy doesn't know that Barney comes from a wealthy family, whereas, from the beginning, Emma is distinctly aware of the class difference between her immigrant family and Jake's family. That would have been fine, except Emma is not the one who initiates the fake relationship with Jake (whereas, in The Blue Castle, Valancy asks Barney to marry her and it is clearly her own decision, instead of being persuaded by someone else, like Emma is), and Emma is also not the one who initiates the physical aspect of their relationship. I think I would have liked Emma's character more if she had been the one to make decisions and take more initiative, and I would have found Emma and Jake's relationship less problematic and upsetting. Unfortunately, because of that, this book just didn't work for me. 3 stars.

Thank you to She Writes Press and NetGalley for providing an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Chantal Agapiti · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, that’s the first thing that I need to say about it.
Just a lovely story, well written in a way that kept the natural flow of things.
Nothing seemed fake or forced, just as life the female main character found her way.

It’s a first person pov, a young woman named Emma who was lost in life.
One passion keeps her heart beating a little faster, her love for birds.
Her favorite spot is a bench in Central Park where she sits and watch those feathered creatures live their lives.
Yet, she’s is completely numb in hers.

A mistaken event, will change her mindset and allow her to embrace life again.
Unexpected friendships, new passions and love will add to this new equation.
She had a recurrent dream all her life, that will actually bring her back to the living and out of the dormant state she was in.

One of my favorite quotes is “Life finds a way” and this story embraces it to the full.
I loved reading in, and it left me feeling a little sad when it ended. That’s the first time that has happened to me.
But a bittersweet kind of sadness, as I too need to be more courageous in living my life to the full, too.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me the opportunity to read this arc.

[Keely · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: 3.5
Rating explanation: was enjoyable to read, and would recommend to some people. It isn’t a book that I would recommend to most people I know.

The storyline is creative, I haven’t read anything like that before. The birding elements and characters fit very well together. The romance element is common and predictable, in ways that makes it more enjoyable, but there was never a moment when I thought, “they might not recover from this.”

To be honest, I enjoyed Emma’s character development. At the beginning, and throughout most of the book really, she blames everyone and everything for her circumstance, but toward the end she can finally admit that it was her own issues that were keeping her locked down.

Each character is very real, very human. And it definitely makes you angry with them at times, but making mistakes and struggling through events and having difficult conversations and being uncomfortable are essential parts of living and essential parts of growing up and out of yourself.

I have more review comments coming to instagram (@keelykanread)

Read it for yourself and tell me what you think!

[Tricia Scully · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading Andrea’s first book, Again and Again Back to You, which I loved, I challenged her to write a second one. I may have also suggested she include more sex.

Imagine my surprise when I opened When the Forest Dreams and found that Andrea had included that exact conversation in her acknowledgments.

What I didn’t expect was to get completely hooked.

My attention span has been thoroughly destroyed by TikTok, and I rarely finish a book in just a few sittings anymore. This one kept me engaged from beginning to end. I found myself completely invested in Emma’s story and rooting for her the entire time.

What sets Andrea apart in her writing is her ability to bring a scene to life. She made me so clearly be able to picture every setting, every conversation, and every moment as it unfolded. Her writing is so vivid that I felt like I was right there alongside the characters.

Seeing a conversation from years ago make its way into Andrea’s acknowledgment was fun, but watching her follow up Again and Again Back to You with an even stronger second novel was even better. Please go read this book, you will not be disappointed!

[AC · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating 3.5

When the Forest Dreams is a gentle, heartfelt story about stepping outside the life you’ve always known and discovering the courage to truly live. It’s blending romance, self-discovery, and a quiet sense of wonder into a story that feels both nostalgic and hopeful.

The novel follows Emma Jablonski, a sheltered young woman living with her family and working in their bakery in New York City. When a life-changing diagnosis forces her to confront her fears and the limits she’s placed on herself, Emma decides it’s time to take control of her life. What follows is a whirlwind of unexpected adventures,including a fake engagement, glamorous parties, and a search for the elusive ivory-billed woodpecker in the forests of Arkansas.

What stands out most is the message that life can change in an instant, and sometimes the bravest thing we can do is follow the path we never thought we’d take. With its blend of romance, nature, and personal transformation, the novel feels like a quiet reminder to seek beauty and possibility, even in the most unexpected places.

[Marguerite Welch · Rating 4 out of 5]

What does an extinct bird, a fake engagement, a false identity, and the flowering (or deflowering) of a shy violet have in common, one might ask. Find out in The Forest of Dreams by Andrea Ezerins. Set in New York City, this romantic romp has as many twists and turns as a hyper-active hummingbird, as Jake and Emma flit around each other in a tango of deception inspired by their mutual friend Veronica, the beautiful but flawed fairy godmother who suggests a fake engagement to save Jake from an unwanted marriage to the society princess of his parents choosing. But guess what, they actually fall in love through the romantic device of a bird watching journal. Who knew bird watching could be so sexy.

The Forest of Dreams is a lively story with likable characters and a comforting moral that yes, Virginia, a shy, drab, brown bird can morph into a scarlet tanager with a good make-up job, a pretty dress and a birder book.

Marguerite Welch, author of the novel Borrowed Child and travel memoir Waterborne—A Slow Trip Around Small Planet

[Lorelei Brush · Rating 5 out of 5]

When the Forest Dreams is a luscious romance written in a lyrical style, full of well-crafted sentences, and sprinkled with enticing alliterations. The story features Emma, daughter of Polish immigrants and assistant in their bakery, who is weary of her regulated life and finds true pleasure in Central Park as she watches the birds and enjoys the simple pleasure of being among the trees. Her life changes when she meets Jake, who lives across the hall and yet comes from a wholly different slice of the social network, far above the baker’s family. He persuades Emma to stay with his cousin Veronica, a model, and Emma’s world shifts on its axis.

This novel does an excellent job of bringing to life a Cinderella story with many twists and turns before the poor outsider can cross the wealth divide. The author has a true command of the joy of birding, the complications that come with a career in modeling, life in New York City, and the many difficulties in the process of transforming a dream into reality.

[Bobbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

When the Forest Dreams unfolds slowly, pulling you into a world that feels lush, quiet, and a little haunting. The atmosphere is the standout—the forest isn’t just a backdrop, it feels alive, layered with memory and meaning in a way that quietly draws you in.

The pacing is intentional and reflective rather than plot-driven, which won’t be for everyone. It asks for patience, but if you give it that space, the introspective depth begins to settle in.

Emma, at the center of the story, is written with a quiet complexity. Her internal world carries much of the narrative—grief, reflection, and a sense of searching that isn’t rushed or overly explained. You don’t get everything handed to you, but that restraint makes her journey feel more real. Watching her process, rather than perform, her emotions adds weight to the story in a way that lingers.

This is a strong pick if you love immersive, mood-driven stories with emotional depth and a slower, more thoughtful pace. Not a fast read—but one that stays with you.

[Deborah Willis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was truly honored to receive an Advance Reader Copy of When the Forest Dreams, and I can confidently say it was an amazing read from start to finish. This story pulled me in with its emotional depth and beautifully developed characters.

Emma’s journey was especially compelling. Watching her navigate life with a sense of naivety while experiencing independence for the first time as an adult felt authentic and heartfelt. What stood out most was her realization that it wasn’t her parents holding her back, but her own fears. That moment of self-discovery added to her character.

I don’t want to give any spoilers, but the twist with Jake was totally unexpected.

Vee was another standout character. Even while battling her own struggles, she remained a bright and uplifting presence throughout the story.

Overall, I absolutely loved this book. It was engaging, thoughtful, and filled with memorable characters and meaningful growth. This was a truly beautiful story. Well done!

[Yokinami · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 out of 5 stars.

Got this book on Netgalley, which I'm very thankful for.

It was really hard for me to go through it but not because the book is bad, it just wasn't for me. The pace of a story was setting me off. In general, it was fun.

So, i can say that te writing style is pretty interesting but at the same time easy to read. Description and dialogues are done well, in my opinion. The plot is interesting and hooking. Characters are like real humans, lively. The MC is such a nice and sweet girl, love her lots. I think many people would be able to relate to her.
I'd say, me personally, sometimes i didn't like dynamics between main characters but it's not a big problem. It all makes sense in the end. It was fun and entertaining the most of the time, even if i didn't like some aspects! It's worth its time!

I didn't read "The Blue Castle" so I can't say anything about it much. But I'll try to read it later because I'm intrigued now!

[Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed When the Forest Dreams and found myself relating a lot to Emma. As someone who is also quite introverted, I understood her tendency to keep a protective shell around herself, which made her journey of slowly opening up feel very real.

I love the friendship between Emma and Vee. Vee encourages Emma to step outside of her comfort zone and experience life more fully, and their supportive dynamic was wonderful to read. I also loved Jake and Emma's relationship! It added such warmth and hope to the story.

As someone who loves forests, nature, birds, and wildlife, the setting of When the Forest Dreams really resonated with me. I also appreciated the care the author took with certain details and research.

Overall, a heartfelt story about growth, connection, and learning to open yourself up to life.

Thank you Net Gallery and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Ramona Thompson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Emma is the daughter of Polish immigrants who, as a young adult, has not moved on from living at home and working at the family bakery. Her only interest outside of home is being a bird lover. When she helps Jake, a neighbor, move his inebriated cousin into his apartment, Emma becomes involved in their life, and gradually Emma becomes a confident person with a job. Her involvement with Jake becomes a relationship when she discovers he is also a bird lover. It took me a very long time to get into this book, and some of it seemed a bit stereotyped. I am also a bit irritated that every time someone has sex, I have to be told exactly everything is happening. The author said L.M. Montgomery's book The Blue Castle was her inspiration for this book.. The Blue Castle happens to be a particular favorite of mine. I would suggest reading it instead. Thanks to NetGalley for an arc with no pressure for a positive review.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

When the Forest Dreams is a modern take on LM Montgomery's, The Blue Castle. Set in NYC it follows Emma, a young 20 something who has always followed the wishes of her immigrant parents. She discovers that she has likely inherited Multiple Sclerosis from her mother and decides to start living her dreams, dreams sparked by her readings of naturalist author, John Foster.
When the Forest Dreams is not simply a love story but an exploration of the choices we make. The characters are developed so meaningfully that you become emotionally attached to each of them. An uplifting story about fear, love, courage and living life to the fullest. It left me feeling hopeful, something we all can use in the world today.

[hon · Rating 3 out of 5]

When the Forest Dreams is a lovely, touching story about Emma, a girl weighed down by the Jablonski legacy from her Polish family and the struggles they went through to allow her the opportunities in her life in America. Everything changes when she meets her next door neighbour Jake and his cousin. We follow her on a whirlwind adventure of beginning to truly live.
This book was incredibly sweet. It was a very easy read and I found myself wanting to know what happened next whenever I had to put the book down. The characters are endearing and the story interesting. It wasn’t what I was expecting going into it, but I enjoyed it all the same. My only complaint is perhaps the dialogue. Some of the writing, especially in the dialogue, seems a little stiff and unnatural, and I didn’t feel like each character had a very strong and unique voice of their own. This is something that may be fixed by time of publishing though, so don’t let it put you off trying this wholesome, cozy read for yourself!

[Shaune Santos · Rating 5 out of 5]

When the Forest Dreams, by Andrea Ezerins is a captivating and beautifully written novel. Having never read The Blue Castle, I found myself truly surprised by many of this modern retelling’s twists and turns. I was delighted by Emma’s transformation throughout the story, and was impressed by the way Andrea used the ivory- billed woodpecker as a symbol and to enhance the themes of the story. I have never been a devoted bird watcher, but I found myself caught up in Emma’s enthusiasm and gaining a new appreciation as the story evolved. Andrea’s passion, humor, and unique way with words and expressions made this read even more enjoyable. I can honestly say that once I started reading, I could not put the book down.

[Mary-Kate Cone · Rating 5 out of 5]

A bird lovers' and romance enthusiasts' delight! This book is like a dreamy warm hug . A few memorable quotes include:
-" living by the rhythm and cycles of nature is better for the human condition than the artifice of clocks and our obsession with small increments of time- minutes instead of seasons and millenniums."
-"life is not that complex if you approach it honestly and openly"
-"Dreams are what keeps you going day after day, even when the world is bleak and dull. Dreams live within all of us including the forests and we must hold and cherish them."

This book has reminded me you can find beauty in the mundane. Very cozy, relaxing read!