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The Museum of Lost Dreams
Returning to her fractured past, a woman is determined to end a cycle of heartbreaks in a moving novel about family, sacrifice, and redemption by the bestselling author of The Secret Library of Hanna Reeves.
When Bess Rollins’s parents die in a tragic accident, she is forced to abandon her dream job overseas. After three years away, she returns to her family’s estate in the Finger Lakes, a veritable monument to her brilliant late grandmother, and a reminder of the wreckage Bess left behind.
There’s the guilt over leaving her younger twin siblings, Casey and Caleb, and she struggles to rebuild a bond that may be irrevocably broken. Amid the grief, resentment still looms toward her reckless and self-indulgent mother and father. And then there’s Luke Monticelli, the devoted man Bess walked out on but never stopped loving.
Haunted by her regrets at every turn, Bess soon realizes that the past is far more complicated than she ever knew. With each secret that she uncovers about her family, Bess comes closer to healing their wounds, seizing a second chance at love, and fulfilling dreams that can lift them all—right here at home, where she belongs.
When Bess Rollins’s parents die in a tragic accident, she is forced to abandon her dream job overseas. After three years away, she returns to her family’s estate in the Finger Lakes, a veritable monument to her brilliant late grandmother, and a reminder of the wreckage Bess left behind.
There’s the guilt over leaving her younger twin siblings, Casey and Caleb, and she struggles to rebuild a bond that may be irrevocably broken. Amid the grief, resentment still looms toward her reckless and self-indulgent mother and father. And then there’s Luke Monticelli, the devoted man Bess walked out on but never stopped loving.
Haunted by her regrets at every turn, Bess soon realizes that the past is far more complicated than she ever knew. With each secret that she uncovers about her family, Bess comes closer to healing their wounds, seizing a second chance at love, and fulfilling dreams that can lift them all—right here at home, where she belongs.
310 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 23, 2026
About the author
Christine Nolfi
23 books4,107 followersChristine Nolfi is the award-winning and bestselling author of eighteen novels. Look for her 2026 release, The Museum of Lost Dreams.
Other works include her 2025 bestseller, The Secret Library of Hanna Reeves (sequel coming in 2027); the reader favorite A Heart Like Home; A Brighter Flame, selected by She Reads as a best book club pick and The Passing Storm, cited by Publishers Weekly as “Tautly plotted, expertly characterized, and genuinely riveting” and gold medal winner in general fiction, International Book Awards.
Earlier works include The Road She Left Behind, a top book club pick by Working Mother and Parade magazines; the award-winning Sweet Lake Series; Second Chance Grill, highly recommended by The Midwest Book Review and Treasure Me, recognized by the Next Generation Indie Awards. The Tree of Everlasting Knowledge was cited by The Midwest Book Review as “Poignant and powerful, as much a saga of learning to survive, heal, and forgive as it is a chilling crime story, unforgettable to the very end.”
A native of Ohio, Christine now resides in South Carolina with her husband. Visit Christine Nolfi at the website of the same name.
Other works include her 2025 bestseller, The Secret Library of Hanna Reeves (sequel coming in 2027); the reader favorite A Heart Like Home; A Brighter Flame, selected by She Reads as a best book club pick and The Passing Storm, cited by Publishers Weekly as “Tautly plotted, expertly characterized, and genuinely riveting” and gold medal winner in general fiction, International Book Awards.
Earlier works include The Road She Left Behind, a top book club pick by Working Mother and Parade magazines; the award-winning Sweet Lake Series; Second Chance Grill, highly recommended by The Midwest Book Review and Treasure Me, recognized by the Next Generation Indie Awards. The Tree of Everlasting Knowledge was cited by The Midwest Book Review as “Poignant and powerful, as much a saga of learning to survive, heal, and forgive as it is a chilling crime story, unforgettable to the very end.”
A native of Ohio, Christine now resides in South Carolina with her husband. Visit Christine Nolfi at the website of the same name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 124 reviews
May 15, 2026
This story was such an emotional and heartfelt journey about grief, family, forgiveness, and finding your way back home. Bess’s return to the Finger Lakes after years away sets the stage for a deeply layered family drama filled with long-buried secrets, strained relationships, and second chances.
What stood out most to me was the emotional depth of the characters. Bess felt incredibly real as she struggled with guilt over leaving her siblings behind while also carrying resentment toward her parents. The sibling dynamics were beautifully written, messy and painful at times, but ultimately full of love and healing. I also loved how the story slowly unraveled family secrets that completely changed the way Bess—and the reader—viewed the past.
The setting added so much warmth and atmosphere to the story. The Finger Lakes estate almost felt like a character itself, filled with memories, heartbreak, and hope for a fresh start. And Luke? Absolutely swoon-worthy. His unwavering love and patience gave the story such a tender emotional core.
This was a moving, hopeful novel about redemption, sacrifice, and learning that home is sometimes the place you need most after all. Perfect for readers who enjoy emotional family sagas with romance, heartache, and healing woven throughout.
What stood out most to me was the emotional depth of the characters. Bess felt incredibly real as she struggled with guilt over leaving her siblings behind while also carrying resentment toward her parents. The sibling dynamics were beautifully written, messy and painful at times, but ultimately full of love and healing. I also loved how the story slowly unraveled family secrets that completely changed the way Bess—and the reader—viewed the past.
The setting added so much warmth and atmosphere to the story. The Finger Lakes estate almost felt like a character itself, filled with memories, heartbreak, and hope for a fresh start. And Luke? Absolutely swoon-worthy. His unwavering love and patience gave the story such a tender emotional core.
This was a moving, hopeful novel about redemption, sacrifice, and learning that home is sometimes the place you need most after all. Perfect for readers who enjoy emotional family sagas with romance, heartache, and healing woven throughout.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I thoroughly enjoyed this multi- time line story , the main character Bess Rollins , a young twenty seven woman returns to her home in upstate New York after working several years in the Philippines, she returns home after the untimely, unexpected death of her self absorbed, self indulgent parents, to care for her 14 year old twin siblings. Thankfully, money is not an issue due to very large inheritance from her beloved grandmother. The story focuses on Bess, as she tries to navigate her new life, trying to mend broken relationships with her ex boyfriend, her twin siblings and trying to figure out what she wants to in a possible future career. The story also includes the background of her beloved grandmother, Valerie, her complicated relationship with her daughter Shayla ( Bess’s mother) and the choices she made and the ultimate outcome. Relationships are mended, changed, secrets are divulged, and new understandings are the result. This book was extremely well written, great character development, very emotional and heartwarming. Thank you to NetGalley.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
PUBLISH DATE: June 23, 2026
The Museum of Lost Dreams by Christine Nolfi
Audiobook DNF at 51%
Unfortunately, this one just wasn't a good fit for me.
I listened to the audiobook and struggled with both the narration and the story itself. The narrator felt very monotone and emotionless, which made it difficult for me to stay engaged, especially during the slower parts of the book.
By the time I reached 34-40%, I finally felt like I was getting my footing with the story, but I still wasn't sure what the main conflict was or where the plot was headed. The multiple POV sometimes added to my confusion, and I often felt like I had missed part of the setup even though I hadn't.
I also never connected with any of the characters. Bess, Vanessa and Luke all remained distant to me, and i found it difficult to become invested in their relationship or outcomes. Luke's character, in particular, felt inconsistent. Early on I found him likable, but later his thoughts and attitude toward Bess felt anything but romantic, which made it harder for me to connect with their relationship. (He seemed angry when he told Bess he still thought about her at around 40%)
While I can see that this story may work well for readers who enjoy slow-burn family drama and unraveling of secrets, I ultimately wasn't connecting with the characters or the story enough to continue. After reaching 51%, I decided it was best to set this one aside.
Content Warnings: Drug use, parental neglect, and dysfunctional family relationships
PUBLISH DATE: June 23, 2026
BOOK TITLE: The Museum of Lost Dreams
AUTHOR: Christine Nolfi
NARRATOR: Megan Tusing; Nancy Peterson
FORMAT: audiobook
HOURS:
I received a complimentary digital ARC [Advanced Readers Copy] of this book via NetGalley. Thank you to the Publisher and the Author for the opportunity to read and review this title prior to publication. As always, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
The Museum of Lost Dreams by Christine Nolfi
Audiobook DNF at 51%
Unfortunately, this one just wasn't a good fit for me.
I listened to the audiobook and struggled with both the narration and the story itself. The narrator felt very monotone and emotionless, which made it difficult for me to stay engaged, especially during the slower parts of the book.
By the time I reached 34-40%, I finally felt like I was getting my footing with the story, but I still wasn't sure what the main conflict was or where the plot was headed. The multiple POV sometimes added to my confusion, and I often felt like I had missed part of the setup even though I hadn't.
I also never connected with any of the characters. Bess, Vanessa and Luke all remained distant to me, and i found it difficult to become invested in their relationship or outcomes. Luke's character, in particular, felt inconsistent. Early on I found him likable, but later his thoughts and attitude toward Bess felt anything but romantic, which made it harder for me to connect with their relationship. (He seemed angry when he told Bess he still thought about her at around 40%)
While I can see that this story may work well for readers who enjoy slow-burn family drama and unraveling of secrets, I ultimately wasn't connecting with the characters or the story enough to continue. After reaching 51%, I decided it was best to set this one aside.
Content Warnings: Drug use, parental neglect, and dysfunctional family relationships
PUBLISH DATE: June 23, 2026
BOOK TITLE: The Museum of Lost Dreams
AUTHOR: Christine Nolfi
NARRATOR: Megan Tusing; Nancy Peterson
FORMAT: audiobook
HOURS:
I received a complimentary digital ARC [Advanced Readers Copy] of this book via NetGalley. Thank you to the Publisher and the Author for the opportunity to read and review this title prior to publication. As always, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
May 21, 2026
The Museum of Lost Dreams is set in upstate New York in the Finger Lakes. Bess, is called home from her dream job overseas after her parent’s sudden and tragic death. Despite a fractured relationship with her younger twin siblings, she is now their primary caregiver. She is called “home”, a place she ran away from years ago leaving her life and her love, Luke behind.
As she settles in, she is faced with resentment from her sister Casey and the challenge of facing her brother, Caleb who has a traumatic brain injury while under her watch before she left. Secrets, truths and mysteries unfold in this novel of deep family history. Bess seeks out redemption and forgiveness as she struggles with her parent’s addictive past that took their lives.
A multi time line novel encompassing a beloved and talented grandmother and the relationships that evolved creating “lost” dreams.
I enjoyed the history piecing this novel together and how author Christine Nolfi brought the characters full circle with patience, growth and forgiveness.
It’s a novel based with a history uncovered piece by piece keeping you interested and intrigued.
Secrets Buried • One Grand Estate • Unraveling the past • Fractured Family • A Tragic Accident • Hope • Second Chances • Forgiveness • Family Legacies • Inheritance
Thanks to @suzyapprovedbooktours @amazonpublishing @christinenolfi for this ARC in exchange for my review
As she settles in, she is faced with resentment from her sister Casey and the challenge of facing her brother, Caleb who has a traumatic brain injury while under her watch before she left. Secrets, truths and mysteries unfold in this novel of deep family history. Bess seeks out redemption and forgiveness as she struggles with her parent’s addictive past that took their lives.
A multi time line novel encompassing a beloved and talented grandmother and the relationships that evolved creating “lost” dreams.
I enjoyed the history piecing this novel together and how author Christine Nolfi brought the characters full circle with patience, growth and forgiveness.
It’s a novel based with a history uncovered piece by piece keeping you interested and intrigued.
Secrets Buried • One Grand Estate • Unraveling the past • Fractured Family • A Tragic Accident • Hope • Second Chances • Forgiveness • Family Legacies • Inheritance
Thanks to @suzyapprovedbooktours @amazonpublishing @christinenolfi for this ARC in exchange for my review
July 1, 2026
It is easy to see why Christine Nolfi is one of my favourite authors. Her gift of storytelling makes it a delight to pick up one of her books and get lost in it for hours on end.
After her parents sudden death Bess is called home to New York and taken away from her dream job in the Philippines. She must now take care of her 14 year old twin siblings. After three years of being away she must return to her family's estate, left to her by her grandmother. She has to face her siblings who have felt abandoned by her and Luke, the man whose heart she broke by leaving.
While avoiding the painful dynamics of her childhood she now must face her family's past, try to heal herself and her relationships with Luke and her siblings.
A heart-warming family drama!
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for an arc of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
After her parents sudden death Bess is called home to New York and taken away from her dream job in the Philippines. She must now take care of her 14 year old twin siblings. After three years of being away she must return to her family's estate, left to her by her grandmother. She has to face her siblings who have felt abandoned by her and Luke, the man whose heart she broke by leaving.
While avoiding the painful dynamics of her childhood she now must face her family's past, try to heal herself and her relationships with Luke and her siblings.
A heart-warming family drama!
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for an arc of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
“Loving you isn’t the same as protecting you.”
“The museum of dreams.”
If you spend your time worrying about something, then you’ve suffered through it twice.
Give your heirs enough money to do something. But not so much that they do nothing.
Dreams are always possible, when they’re heartfelt and true.
WOW! Christine Nolfi’s The Museum of Lost Dreams is a powerful, heartfelt, emotional, captivating family saga of three generations.
Bess has returned home to the family estate known as the “Museum” from her dream job after her parent’s tragic death.
Bess is estranged from her 14 year old twin siblings and has now become their primary caregiver. She had also left the man she loved behind.
Buried secrets, courage, forgiveness, second chances, complicated characters that are flawed come alive in this story.
This was a story I read almost straight through. I was so caught up in the family dynamics and the vivid descriptions of the Finger Lakes. A story that will linger in my mind even after I turned the last page.
Thank you NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the opportunity to read this book.
“The museum of dreams.”
If you spend your time worrying about something, then you’ve suffered through it twice.
Give your heirs enough money to do something. But not so much that they do nothing.
Dreams are always possible, when they’re heartfelt and true.
WOW! Christine Nolfi’s The Museum of Lost Dreams is a powerful, heartfelt, emotional, captivating family saga of three generations.
Bess has returned home to the family estate known as the “Museum” from her dream job after her parent’s tragic death.
Bess is estranged from her 14 year old twin siblings and has now become their primary caregiver. She had also left the man she loved behind.
Buried secrets, courage, forgiveness, second chances, complicated characters that are flawed come alive in this story.
This was a story I read almost straight through. I was so caught up in the family dynamics and the vivid descriptions of the Finger Lakes. A story that will linger in my mind even after I turned the last page.
Thank you NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the opportunity to read this book.
Read
May 19, 2026In this multi-generational story Bess returns home to the Finger Lakes, her family estate in Upstate New York, when her parents are tragically killed in an accident. Bess had left home leaving her siblings and the man she loved behind. Returning home brings her grief from the loss of her parents, guilt over leaving her siblings and back to the man she loves. It also uncovers the past and secrets. I have loved every book I've read by this author. Her ability to weave such vibrant, complex and feelable stories that always pull me in just amazes me.
Dawnny Ruby
Novels N Latte
Hudson Valley
Dawnny Ruby
Novels N Latte
Hudson Valley
March 30, 2026
The Museum of Lost Dreams
Relationships, guilt, family, secrets and trying to rebuild the past are what Bess is experiencing.
A chance to renew and discover more about her past makes this story moving in so many ways.
This author is an auto-buy for me. She writes beautiful and unique novels.
Relationships, guilt, family, secrets and trying to rebuild the past are what Bess is experiencing.
A chance to renew and discover more about her past makes this story moving in so many ways.
This author is an auto-buy for me. She writes beautiful and unique novels.
June 24, 2026
Christine Nolfi writes the most beautiful stories of family and uncovering family secrets. She is one of my auto read authors for the way she beings the characters to life. In this book I was in the home with the family that just lost their parents. Feeling their grief and mixed emotions because their parents would not have won any parents of the year awards.
As the older sister returns home, she has to find a way to help her siblings as their legal guardian. A big part of this book is their grandmother and why she behaved like she did. Told in dual timeline from the grandmothers past and the children’s present, we read just how different society was. I loved this emotional book.
As the older sister returns home, she has to find a way to help her siblings as their legal guardian. A big part of this book is their grandmother and why she behaved like she did. Told in dual timeline from the grandmothers past and the children’s present, we read just how different society was. I loved this emotional book.
June 17, 2026
This book had all the things. History and second chances and buried secrets and tragedy and it was all doled out in such a sympathetic way, you can’t help but feel empathy for all the characters – even the ones making boneheaded decisions.
I loved Bess and her journey away from and then back home again. I loved seeing her grow as she learns about her family.
I loved the Finger Lakes setting and might put it on my To Visit list.
Now, this is my second from this author – The Secret Library was also fantastic – so I can’t wait for the next book she’ll create.
I loved Bess and her journey away from and then back home again. I loved seeing her grow as she learns about her family.
I loved the Finger Lakes setting and might put it on my To Visit list.
Now, this is my second from this author – The Secret Library was also fantastic – so I can’t wait for the next book she’ll create.
May 29, 2026
I loved reading about Bess’ complicated family secrets, and celebrated her journey to heal, reconnect with her siblings, and rekindle a second chance romance.
Nolfi always crafts emotional stories that reflect the complexities of life. I enjoy how she used dual timelines and multiple POVs to reveal family secrets and provide context and clarity to how the past impacted Bess’ current life situation. I fell in love with the beautiful Fingers Lake estate setting and found Bess’ grandmother’s plotline as a brilliant mathematician during mid-century period to be really interesting. I also enjoyed the emphasis on charity work and Bess’ desires to use her inheritance to open a summer camp for children with disabilities.
With complex characters, moving character growth, and an emphasis on second chances and returning home, I found this moving story to be a memorable five star read.
Thank you to Suzy Approved Book Tours and the author for my advanced copy.
Nolfi always crafts emotional stories that reflect the complexities of life. I enjoy how she used dual timelines and multiple POVs to reveal family secrets and provide context and clarity to how the past impacted Bess’ current life situation. I fell in love with the beautiful Fingers Lake estate setting and found Bess’ grandmother’s plotline as a brilliant mathematician during mid-century period to be really interesting. I also enjoyed the emphasis on charity work and Bess’ desires to use her inheritance to open a summer camp for children with disabilities.
With complex characters, moving character growth, and an emphasis on second chances and returning home, I found this moving story to be a memorable five star read.
Thank you to Suzy Approved Book Tours and the author for my advanced copy.
June 26, 2026
Christine Nolfi’s books are extraordinary for any number of reasons, but especially for how they portray family. The Museum of Lost Dreams in particular depicts family in all its messy, marvelous, imperfect forms and with such authenticity, insight and tenderness. Once again, Christine Nolfi’s characters are complicated, flawed, and ultimately inspiring. The Museum of Lost Dreams is not only delightful but also deeply satisfying. Highly recommend!
May 17, 2026
I wrote this the minute I finished the book, with all my emotions still fresh. I have read several books by Christine Nolfi, and they always leave me something to think about.
What I started thinking was a second-chance romance ended up being a story about family, true love, courage, and redemption.
I loved the past and present timelines. It had a bit of a family mystery, and that strong bond between siblings that you just can’t break.
If you enjoy stories about second chances, family secrets, and finding your way back to where you belong, this one is for you.
What I started thinking was a second-chance romance ended up being a story about family, true love, courage, and redemption.
I loved the past and present timelines. It had a bit of a family mystery, and that strong bond between siblings that you just can’t break.
If you enjoy stories about second chances, family secrets, and finding your way back to where you belong, this one is for you.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
OMG!!! I think i have read 99% of Christine 's books and think this one is definitely one of her best! Bessie Rollins is 27 and working overseas at her dream job, when her parents die and she needs to come home to help care for her much younger siblings. The family home,originally owned by her grandmother is on 800 acres in NY state. Best was very close to her gramdmother,but not so much with her free spirit hippie, parents. The twins have basically been raised by a live in woman of all / substitute mother...No spoilers from me but lots of twisted history and different events all part of history entwined with present.
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND YOU READ IT.
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND YOU READ IT.
June 28, 2026
Each book this author writes becomes my favorite. This one is the best yet. It's such a good story. A family drama with lots of misunderstandings. So much hurt but so much love too. A story to make you stop and think.
Told from two timelines. By two women. One a grandmother to the other. A child left basically to her own devices. Bess didn't have the love of her parents. They were too busy. Busy destroying their own lives. Bess's grandmother Valerie thought she was the best part of life. Bess also thought her grandmother was the best.
After losing her parents Bess has the responsibility of taking care of her teen twins. Casey is angry. Caleb has a traumatic brain injury from a boating accident that involved Bess three years earlier. She blames herself.
I adored these characters. Luke is the love of Bess's life. Caleb and Casey are her twin teen siblings. Valerie her late grandmother.
Valerie left her estate to Bess. Her mother, Shayla could not be trusted with that much money. Bess did a great thing with it.
This story will keep you turning the pages. You get to know each character. Also a few more characters come to light. It's just one that will hold your heart hostage until the very end.
Thank you Lake Union and Brilliance Audio for the arcs. Both the book and the audio are perfect. The narrators did a great job of making you feel emotion. Of keeping each character separate. They are to be commended for their wonderful job.
5 big stars...
Told from two timelines. By two women. One a grandmother to the other. A child left basically to her own devices. Bess didn't have the love of her parents. They were too busy. Busy destroying their own lives. Bess's grandmother Valerie thought she was the best part of life. Bess also thought her grandmother was the best.
After losing her parents Bess has the responsibility of taking care of her teen twins. Casey is angry. Caleb has a traumatic brain injury from a boating accident that involved Bess three years earlier. She blames herself.
I adored these characters. Luke is the love of Bess's life. Caleb and Casey are her twin teen siblings. Valerie her late grandmother.
Valerie left her estate to Bess. Her mother, Shayla could not be trusted with that much money. Bess did a great thing with it.
This story will keep you turning the pages. You get to know each character. Also a few more characters come to light. It's just one that will hold your heart hostage until the very end.
Thank you Lake Union and Brilliance Audio for the arcs. Both the book and the audio are perfect. The narrators did a great job of making you feel emotion. Of keeping each character separate. They are to be commended for their wonderful job.
5 big stars...
June 23, 2026
RESTORATION OF A FAMILY
With the release of The Museum of Lost Dreams, Author Christine Nolfi brings readers a beautiful, heartfelt novel that is engaging, intriguing, and alluring. Nolfi’s plot centers around the restoration of a family that has been dysfunctional for generations. I highly recommend this book!
Imagine being ten years old when your eccentric, famous grandmother leaves her spectacular mansion and grounds to you, bypassing your irresponsible parents, and leaves Trust Funds for you and your family members, securing your future. This story is Bess Rollins' life and one she tries to run away from. When her parents are killed in a tragic accident, she returns to be the caretaker of her twin siblings. They were once all so close, but have been estranged for a while. There is so much baggage, secrets, mistrust, and deep hurt among them that you wonder if it is possible for any of their relationships can be healed. And then there is Luke, the boy who grew up next door, who knows all of Bess’ secrets and became the man who holds her heart. Only, Bess left him, too! Can his love for her and her family win her back? Luke is a stand-up guy, and it is a beautiful story to read how she uses his character to help restore the many broken parts of this family.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own and without influence.
With the release of The Museum of Lost Dreams, Author Christine Nolfi brings readers a beautiful, heartfelt novel that is engaging, intriguing, and alluring. Nolfi’s plot centers around the restoration of a family that has been dysfunctional for generations. I highly recommend this book!
Imagine being ten years old when your eccentric, famous grandmother leaves her spectacular mansion and grounds to you, bypassing your irresponsible parents, and leaves Trust Funds for you and your family members, securing your future. This story is Bess Rollins' life and one she tries to run away from. When her parents are killed in a tragic accident, she returns to be the caretaker of her twin siblings. They were once all so close, but have been estranged for a while. There is so much baggage, secrets, mistrust, and deep hurt among them that you wonder if it is possible for any of their relationships can be healed. And then there is Luke, the boy who grew up next door, who knows all of Bess’ secrets and became the man who holds her heart. Only, Bess left him, too! Can his love for her and her family win her back? Luke is a stand-up guy, and it is a beautiful story to read how she uses his character to help restore the many broken parts of this family.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own and without influence.
June 23, 2026
The Museum of Lost Dreams is another wonderful story from Christine Nolfi. I've loved everything I've read by her and this one goes to the top. A generational story filled with family drama was exactly what I needed when I started this one.
Bess returns home after her parents sudden deaths where she is slammed back into the family dynamics that she tried to leave behind three year ago. So much has changed, while also staying the same. As each family member tries to fit into their changed roles as siblings, redemption and forgiveness are a must.
The dual timeline, which I loved, helped fill in the gaps in the family history and explained a lot. Seeing things from different perspectives clarified so, so much. And not everyone should be up on the pedestal where they have been placed.
I loved everything about The Museum of Lost Dreams and highly recommend it!
Bess returns home after her parents sudden deaths where she is slammed back into the family dynamics that she tried to leave behind three year ago. So much has changed, while also staying the same. As each family member tries to fit into their changed roles as siblings, redemption and forgiveness are a must.
The dual timeline, which I loved, helped fill in the gaps in the family history and explained a lot. Seeing things from different perspectives clarified so, so much. And not everyone should be up on the pedestal where they have been placed.
I loved everything about The Museum of Lost Dreams and highly recommend it!
May 29, 2026
Christine Nolfi has a gift to weave a story of generational families and not afraid to show that they are imperfect but love each other in the own ways and sometimes have a hard time showing their love and Actions or lack of are sometime misinterped and feelings are hurt and walls are built up. Relatives you looked up to growing up you later find out they were not perfect. The museum of Lost Dreams: Is an emotional roller coster that makes the reader realize choice that are made by earlier generations the fallout of the consequences not only follow the next generation but those mistakes and hurt are repeated. Until some one is brave enough to really look at both sides taking in the good and the bad, plus realizing some people are not good and need to be kept a distance so healing can begin.
Bess is that person who needs to piece back the family, belive she deserves forgiveness and happiness in her life, ask for help. Keep pushing to rebuild her relationship with her sibblings and make them see they need each other she is not leaving. Bess reconnects with lost family members and with the love she left behind Luke. With the rebirth of the family together they are making to dreams come to life at the mansion refered to as the museum for more than just their family but a new community that has become apart of the family. I know i was very vague but I hope I peaked your intrest to read and put the Beautiful book on your Summer reading list. Their is so much to discover and find some parts mirror your past and family. Thank you again Chistine Nolfie for a beutiful story.
Bess is that person who needs to piece back the family, belive she deserves forgiveness and happiness in her life, ask for help. Keep pushing to rebuild her relationship with her sibblings and make them see they need each other she is not leaving. Bess reconnects with lost family members and with the love she left behind Luke. With the rebirth of the family together they are making to dreams come to life at the mansion refered to as the museum for more than just their family but a new community that has become apart of the family. I know i was very vague but I hope I peaked your intrest to read and put the Beautiful book on your Summer reading list. Their is so much to discover and find some parts mirror your past and family. Thank you again Chistine Nolfie for a beutiful story.
Read
March 8, 2026Musem of healing wound
my past come as another fight from life
home drage me from far sea
beuty around turn my grife nt guilt but more hunt wound cure
many pen was around to write gd line there as thee want
door of hope open wide
care to who lift make my candle shine
return to search old tears night
return to find love of dream
light enter my soul
i open that door of hope and dream
my earth home thirsty for new love
come back
my past come as another fight from life
home drage me from far sea
beuty around turn my grife nt guilt but more hunt wound cure
many pen was around to write gd line there as thee want
door of hope open wide
care to who lift make my candle shine
return to search old tears night
return to find love of dream
light enter my soul
i open that door of hope and dream
my earth home thirsty for new love
come back
June 17, 2026
When Bess Rollins’s parents die in a tragic accident, she is forced to abandon her dream job overseas. After three years away, she returns to her family’s estate in the Finger Lakes, a veritable monument to her brilliant late grandmother, and a reminder of the wreckage Bess left behind.
If you follow me at all, you know I love a good family drama. And this is a good one. It has a great house, great characters and family secrets…Heck…it has a little bit of everything!
I really enjoyed Bess! She is full of trauma but she is determined to do her best by her siblings after her parents death.
This has two timelines, present day and Beth’s grandmother’s past. I enjoyed both, but Beth’s grandmother was a true trail blazer. Like I said earlier, this book is full of everything…including lots of secrets!
Need a story to make you laugh, cry and gasp for air…THIS IS IT! This publishes June 23! Grab your copy today.
I received this novel for a honest review.
If you follow me at all, you know I love a good family drama. And this is a good one. It has a great house, great characters and family secrets…Heck…it has a little bit of everything!
I really enjoyed Bess! She is full of trauma but she is determined to do her best by her siblings after her parents death.
This has two timelines, present day and Beth’s grandmother’s past. I enjoyed both, but Beth’s grandmother was a true trail blazer. Like I said earlier, this book is full of everything…including lots of secrets!
Need a story to make you laugh, cry and gasp for air…THIS IS IT! This publishes June 23! Grab your copy today.
I received this novel for a honest review.
July 7, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.5/5
The Museum of Lost Dreams is an emotional family drama filled with secrets, grief, forgiveness, and second chances. The dual timeline kept me interested, and I loved slowly uncovering the family’s history alongside Bess. The characters felt real and flawed, especially the siblings, and I became invested in their healing. The romance was sweet without taking over the story.
The only reason I didn’t give it five stars is that the first 100 pages are a bit slow and there are many characters to keep track of. Once the story picked up, though, I couldn’t put it down. If you enjoy family sagas, hidden secrets, and emotional stories with a satisfying ending, this is definitely worth reading.
July 6, 2026
I absolutely loved The Museum of Lost Dreams! I’m always a sucker for a dual timeline, especially when it’s packed with drama, secrets, and family dynamics that keep you turning the pages. The relationships felt authentic, and I loved the way the story slowly unfolded, revealing each layer at just the right time. With love, family drama, found family, and plenty of heart, this book checked every box for me. If those are the kinds of stories you love too, I definitely recommend.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.
June 5, 2026
Stories about family are always a big hit for me. This one delved into three generations. Lots of secrets, hidden love, parents with drug problems, and love to try and hold it all together. Christine Nolfi is a wonderful writer who pulls you in and makes the characters feel like family. Sometimes they make us upset, but family is always a good thing. Thank you to Netgalley for the early read.
March 18, 2026
A book about the complicated relationship between mothers, daughters, and what happens when we keep secrets for generations. Bess is a selfless woman who is rewarded with the trust of her grandmother’s inheritance at age ten. Dual timelines are used to slowly uncover the secrets of her family’s past and how to find answers to move forward with her future. A heartfelt and satisfying ending make this a good book. Three and a half stars.
June 24, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for a complimentary eARC of this book. All opinions are my own and were not influenced by receiving the complimentary copy.
Rating: 4/5
Spice: closed-door
The Museum of Lost Dreams is a historical fiction novel following multiple timelines/generations of women. It deals with secrets, family sacrifice, and restoration of relationships amidst grief and trauma. I enjoy reading really emotional stories that wrestle with very real decisions and circumstances of life, and this fit the bill. It started slowly setting up the timelines, but I found myself completely enthralled towards the ending as everything converged.
What I liked
* The relationship between the family members felt so real. I loved how Bess cared for her younger siblings but learned to balance how to be their older sister and not just a stand-in parent. The strained relationship between her grandma and mother was portrayed very well, and a lot of the things we see end up making sense and forming strong character backstories.
* Rich people doing rich right! I loved that the focus of this book was not on amassing unnecessary wealth, but on how we can set up a legacy for our generations while also using the resources we have to bless the world around us. The theme was very clear in the decisions Bess especially took, and I liked how it was modeled.
* The side characters didn’t feel like an intrusion, but added more depth to the story. From Raisa to Luke, I enjoyed seeing how they improved the lives of Bess and her family; but also how they grew alongside them. Very encouraging to read.
What didn’t quite work for me
* The pacing was extremely slow at the beginning, I nearly put the book down. Between the dual timelines and the difference in years not being that much, I was very confused and had to keep flipping back. But, the payout was great as we continued to learn more about their backstories
* Nitpicky but referring to “Africa” generically “Africa” and not where she was, which was Zaire. However, other countries like the Philippines were explicitly named. I know it’s historical and probably reflects the general sentiment, but some parts of the overseas charity work gave “poverty porn” a bit
All in all, this was a poignant and touching tale on how our trauma and past hurt influences our lives and affects those closest to us if we do not heal and receive the help that we need. Would recommend if you love emotional stories that deal with family hurt, rebuilding trust, and are extremely character-driven.
Rating: 4/5
Spice: closed-door
The Museum of Lost Dreams is a historical fiction novel following multiple timelines/generations of women. It deals with secrets, family sacrifice, and restoration of relationships amidst grief and trauma. I enjoy reading really emotional stories that wrestle with very real decisions and circumstances of life, and this fit the bill. It started slowly setting up the timelines, but I found myself completely enthralled towards the ending as everything converged.
What I liked
* The relationship between the family members felt so real. I loved how Bess cared for her younger siblings but learned to balance how to be their older sister and not just a stand-in parent. The strained relationship between her grandma and mother was portrayed very well, and a lot of the things we see end up making sense and forming strong character backstories.
* Rich people doing rich right! I loved that the focus of this book was not on amassing unnecessary wealth, but on how we can set up a legacy for our generations while also using the resources we have to bless the world around us. The theme was very clear in the decisions Bess especially took, and I liked how it was modeled.
* The side characters didn’t feel like an intrusion, but added more depth to the story. From Raisa to Luke, I enjoyed seeing how they improved the lives of Bess and her family; but also how they grew alongside them. Very encouraging to read.
What didn’t quite work for me
* The pacing was extremely slow at the beginning, I nearly put the book down. Between the dual timelines and the difference in years not being that much, I was very confused and had to keep flipping back. But, the payout was great as we continued to learn more about their backstories
* Nitpicky but referring to “Africa” generically “Africa” and not where she was, which was Zaire. However, other countries like the Philippines were explicitly named. I know it’s historical and probably reflects the general sentiment, but some parts of the overseas charity work gave “poverty porn” a bit
All in all, this was a poignant and touching tale on how our trauma and past hurt influences our lives and affects those closest to us if we do not heal and receive the help that we need. Would recommend if you love emotional stories that deal with family hurt, rebuilding trust, and are extremely character-driven.
June 25, 2026
3.5⭐️ Bess hasn’t been home in years—and honestly, she planned to keep it that way. She’s been in the Philippines living her life.
But when her parents die suddenly, she’s forced back to her childhood home in the Finger Lakes which is a place filled with memories she’s tried really hard to forget.
And it’s not just the house—it’s the people.
Bess has 2 younger twin siblings who are very angry that Bess left them behind in a family that was falling apart. They don’t exactly welcome her home.
Now she’s dealing with grief she didn’t expect,guilt she never worked through, and a family that doesn’t trust her anymore. The house she’s come back to feels like a museum of everything that went wrong.
As Bess starts going through old letters, memories, and pieces of her past, not everything is what she thought.
Thank you to Netgalley and Lake union Publishing for an ALC in exchange for an honest review.
But when her parents die suddenly, she’s forced back to her childhood home in the Finger Lakes which is a place filled with memories she’s tried really hard to forget.
And it’s not just the house—it’s the people.
Bess has 2 younger twin siblings who are very angry that Bess left them behind in a family that was falling apart. They don’t exactly welcome her home.
Now she’s dealing with grief she didn’t expect,guilt she never worked through, and a family that doesn’t trust her anymore. The house she’s come back to feels like a museum of everything that went wrong.
As Bess starts going through old letters, memories, and pieces of her past, not everything is what she thought.
Thank you to Netgalley and Lake union Publishing for an ALC in exchange for an honest review.
June 24, 2026
I always enjoy a good multi-timeline story. This story takes you through the story of Bess and her family. Bess had left her home at Finger Lakes and her two younger twin siblings after a tragic accident years earlier. She is called back home after the death of her thrill seeking parents and must face what was left behind. The story of her grandmother and her mother come out and secrets are exposed. The sibling relationships are messy, but ultimately love and healing and forgiveness are a common theme. I would definitely recommend.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing, and the author for an ARC of this book which I had the pleasure of reading. All opinions are my own. Publication date: June 23, 2026
Many thanks to NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing, and the author for an ARC of this book which I had the pleasure of reading. All opinions are my own. Publication date: June 23, 2026
June 27, 2026
If you enjoy books with family secrets, emotional healing, second chances, a touch of romance, and hope and redemption this one is a great choice.
I really enjoy Christine Nolf's writing style, this is my second book by her. It was an emotional story about family, forgiveness, and second chances. I loved watching Bess reconnect with her family while uncovering old secrets from the past. The characters felt real, and I found myself rooting for them the whole time.
It was a heartwarming read with just the right amount of drama and hope, and I definitely recommend it if you enjoy family centered stories.
I really enjoy Christine Nolf's writing style, this is my second book by her. It was an emotional story about family, forgiveness, and second chances. I loved watching Bess reconnect with her family while uncovering old secrets from the past. The characters felt real, and I found myself rooting for them the whole time.
It was a heartwarming read with just the right amount of drama and hope, and I definitely recommend it if you enjoy family centered stories.
June 23, 2026
The Museum of Lost Dreams is a title for a rather different kind of family drama. By Christine Nolfi, this story centers around Bess Rollins and her younger siblings. Definitely a story where it may be hard to return home but it is possible with a bright outcome. Life and especially families can be complicated so many secrets and past unfulfilled dreams come to light as Bess takes over after her parents’ sudden death. Like all of Ms. Nolfi’s books, peace comes slowly with sacrifice and hard work on relationship building and rebuilding. An emotional intense story.
July 3, 2026
Oh, Christine Nolfi, I loved this story! I will admit, I had a hard time getting into this book at first, but then, boom! I was hooked. I fell in love with Bess….her struggles, her determination, and resolve. I loved how we saw her grow, heal, and mature. I didn’t want it to end.
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