If Only In My Dreams

by Mariah Stewart

New York Times bestselling author Mariah Stewart’s timeless, charming holiday novella, originally featured in the popular yuletide anthology Upon a Midnight Clear , now available as a standalone at a great price!

A lively family reunion on a Montana ranch brings on a flurry of memories for a beautiful young writer—and a winter storm that rekindles an old flame—in this “warmly magical” ( Library Journal ) feel-good holiday gem!

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Adult, Holiday, Contemporary Romance, Christmas

95 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 1, 1998

About the author

Mariah Stewart is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of forty-one novels and three novellas and has been featured in the Wall Street Journal. She is a RITA finalist in romantic suspense and the recipient of the Award of Excellence for contemporary romance, a RIO Award for excellence in women's fiction, and a Reviewers Choice Award from Romantic Times Magazine. A three-time winner of the Golden Leaf Award presented by the New Jersey Romance Writers, Stewart was recently awarded their Lifetime Achievement Award (which placed her in their Hall of Fame along with former recipients Nora Roberts and Mary Jo Putney — very excellent company, indeed!)

After having written seven contemporary romance novels, Stewart found true happiness writing murder and mayhem. She considers herself one lucky son of a gun to have landed the best job in the world: getting paid for making up stories. At home. In sweats and J. Crew flip flops. Could life be sweeter?

Reviews

[Carole (Carole's Random Life) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life.

This was a nice read. I picked this novella up because I was looking for a story that I could read in one sitting. Novellas are sometimes the perfect choice when life gets crazy and I know I am not going to get a lot of reading time. This is one of the better romance novellas that I have read in a long while. I did find out that the story is actually not a new one since it was actually written in 1997 and appeared in the anthology Upon a Midnight Clear.

This was a rather sweet story. Quinn is coming home to her parents ranch for Christmas. She writes and illustrates children's books so she is able to do her work from anywhere. She is really looking forward to spending the holiday with her family. Caleb is coming back to Billings for Christmas to stay with his sister in her cabin along with his 5 year old twin sons. Caleb and Quinn were teenage sweethearts who had been deeply in love. Caleb pursued a career in major league baseball and was married for a time. Quinn has basically remained single in the years since the pair split up. When Quinn finds herself stranded in a cabin with Caleb and his sons during a storm, it starts out very uncomfortable. The pair quickly adjust and wait out the storm.

There were no real surprises in this one. That's okay....I didn't need to be surprised. The main issue between the pair was basically a misunderstanding but I can see how each character would have made the assumptions that they did. I liked both Caleb and Quinn and I really liked them as a couple. There is just something about a second chance romance that I adore.

If you are looking for a story with a lot of steamy sex, this probably won't be the right one for you. The romance is sweet and heartfelt. The characters are old enough that this romance has a level of maturity that isn't always portrayed in romances. They have both made mistakes in their life and have learned from them. There was just a hint of magical realism thrown in to keep the story quite interesting.

I would recommend this novella to anyone looking for a nice holiday romance. Christmas doesn't take over the whole story but it does create a nice backdrop. I would definitely pick up another book written by Mariah Stewart.

I received an advance reader edition of this book from Gallery, Threshold, Pocket Books - Pocket Star via NetGalley for the purpose of providing an honest review.

Initial Thoughts
This was a nice novella. The romance was sweet, the kids were cute, and I found myself wanting to consume large amounts of Christmas cookies.

[Gloria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given a copy by NetGalley and the publisher to read and review.

If Only In My Dreams in all about how misunderstandings can really change lives and the course that they can take but also about second chances. Quinn Hollister returns home to Larkspur, Montana to spend Christmas with her large family: parents, brothers, sisters and niece. She has been filling in for a professor on leave at Montana State University in Missoula and is looking forward to a two week vacation. Driving through her hometown, Quinn reminiscences about her childhood and especially about a boy that was a friend of her brother Sky. Quinn always loved Caleb McKenzie but their plans to be together fell apart at the end of her high school time. All of these years later, she is still perplexed and hurt about what happened. Quinn has never married and is busy with her career of being an illustrator and writer of children's books as well as working as a temporary college professor.

Caleb McKenzie was a very good baseball player and was coached by Quinn and Sky's father growing up. He played in college and went on to play in the professional league. Caleb loved Quinn and was also hurt and confused by circumstances that led to the failure of his relationship with Quinn. Caleb has been injured while playing baseball and is now facing the future without a baseball career. His marriage has failed and he has custody of his twin five year old sons. He is also in Larkspur for the holidays staying in his family's cabin in the mountains along with his sons. His sister will join them later.

Quinn and Caleb meet up again in a sudden snow storm and have no choice but to spend some time together. They both realize that they have feelings for the other during this time and are trying to keep their feelings to themselves. This is a sweet story of reconciliation and second chances during the holiday season. So many times, novellas are too short to tell the story in a smooth way but Ms. Stewart did a wonderful job. She is one of my favorite authors and I read all of her books. This novella did not disappoint.

[Chris C - A Midlife Wife · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh my goodness. This is a sweet novella that is perfect for a quick afternoon read this holiday season. Mariah Stewart has the knack of writing romance stories that are perfect for anyone or any age. This story is one of lost love that is found again with the Christmas holiday as the connector.

This story is a fast read that is satisfying in its simplicity and yet offers you the complexity of two characters that are heartbroken and have been yearning for each other for years. The heartbreaking reality that years have been lost makes a HEA even sweeter.

Got an hour or two and need a getaway? This is the perfect novella to grab. Guaranteed to leave you with a smile on your face.

Bravo to the author on her ability to tell a heartwarming story that will stay with you long after the cover is closed.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my favorite Christmas novellas!

[Kathleen (Kat) Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes our best laid plans can often times come up too short. To say that Quinn Hollister and Caleb McKenzie were high school sweethearts would be an understatement. Sometimes you just know you are meant to be with someone despite how others around you may think they know what is best. So it came as quite a surprise when both Quinn and Caleb announced that they wanted to get married just after high school. It was the answer of Quinn's parents that cause them off guard. They felt she was simply too young and immature to understand the complexities of what she was getting into and they felt that she would give up on college simply to be Caleb's new wife. They asked her to wait two years at least before making that decision.

But Caleb and Quinn had other plans. They knew what true love knows deep down inside, that they were truly meant to be. Caleb wanted everything perfect for Quinn, to be able to keep her close to her family, to support her dreams and be able to provide for her as a husband should. He had it all laid out perfectly and they agreed to meet together at the cabin without anyone knowing and simply elope before anyone could change their minds. However, heartbreak, tears and more came from that plan and soon they went their own separate ways, knowing that someone in their heart, they were never quite complete again.

Christmas has come again to Montana and with it the expectations for the family to gather around and be together. Quinn just didn't expect that Caleb would also be returning home to spend the holiday with his sister Valerie at the McKenzie cabin now that it has been renovated, along with his twin boys. Will a ghost from Christmas past, find a way to unite the two hearts once again and give them the possibility of having their dreams come true?

I received If Only In My Dreams by Mariah Stewart compliments of Pocket Star, a division of Simon and Schuster Publishers for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation, aside from a free copy of the book, in exchange for my honest review. At just under 98 pages, this is the perfect short story that feels like so much more. I only wish it was longer because I have been a huge fan of Mariah Stewarts novels. What a true classic story of love that endures, never dies and always hopes and for that reason I give this one a 4 out of 5 stars.

[Andrea Randall · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great holiday read if you’re looking for a quick, sweet holiday romance! This wonderful short story presents likable characters, vivid imagery and a story with Christmas spirit or two.

This story is void of the predictable elements that plague most modern-day romances, such as arrogant heroes and dimwitted heroines. Instead, Stewart writes a genuine tale of true love and realistic obstacles that serve as life’s hurtles.

The story of Quinn Hollister and Cale McKenzie is one of second chances at love - one that proves nothing will stand in fate’s way. Years after young love’s heartbreak, a snow storm traps Quinn and Cale in a mountain cabin, where they come to realize love doesn’t have an expiration date and time cannot touch fate. They are forced to reevaluate old wounds and rekindle flames that never died!

Oh, what a story! Stewart gives a book worthy of a true rating of 5 stars. Read this one waiting or during your holiday flight. Or, after hanging the stockings with care, take a good long bath with this one!

~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Andrea'. I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are honest and my own.*~ 

For this review and more visit www.genuinejenn.com.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written holiday story set in Montana. Quinn, a writer and illustrator of children’s books, is home at her parents’ ranch for Christmas. Caleb is spending the holidays with his two young sons with his sister. Way back in high school, Quin and Caleb were an item, but, though they had planned to run away together to get married, since Quinn’s parents would not give their consent or approval, miscommunication between Quinn and Caleb prevented this from happening. Now, years later, both have arrived in the area for the holidays. A snow storm forces Quinn to take refuge in Caleb’s sister’s cabin. Though she does not realize it, Caleb and his two sons are visiting his sister for the holidays, since his one-time wife and their mother has left them, and have arrived earlier than Caleb’s sister to her cabin. Sparks begin to fly between Quinn and Caleb almost as soon as Quinn realizes Caleb is there with his two sons. This story is not very long, but, as I expected from this author, is very well done. Chemistry between Quinn and Caleb and between Quinn and his young sons is palatable from the start. I enjoyed seeing Quinn interact with the boys, as well as their father’s reaction to their interaction. It was obvious Caleb had no clue about how to treat his sons or what to do with them to keep them busy. Quinn was a natural in this area. As I said, the book is a novella rather than a book, so can be read quickly. It will push you right into the holiday spirit, if you are not already there. Caleb’s sons were darling and easily stole the show, in my opinion, but Quinn’s and Caleb’s relationship came in a close second. He boys just made everything a lot more interesting. This is a great romance, with lots to like. I recommend it to anyone who is looking for a feel-good tale to usher in the holidays. I received this from NetGalley to read and review.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a perfect little holiday novella, originally published as part of a Christmas anthology and now released on its own. I loved the second chance aspect of the story, when two soul mates find each again after many years.

Quinn and Cale had fallen deeply in love as teenagers and against their parents' wishes were planning to elope after high school graduation, but because of a huge misunderstanding, both thought the other had changed their mind. Feeling hurt and rejected, each went on with their lives, never really forgetting the other.

Now Cale has a baseball career prematurely ended by injury and an ex-wife who left him and their twin five-year-old sons. He's going to spend the holidays at his sister's cabin in their Montana hometown, trying to connect with the children he barely knows and make a Christmas holiday that's special for them out in the wilderness without TV and video games, a feat that turns out to be harder than he thought.

And Quinn, who now writes and illustrates children's books, has returned to the same Montana hometown to spend the holidays with her family and take a break before starting up a temporary teaching position. She never dreamt that Cale would be home and that she'd end up being stranded in a snowstorm with him and his boys at the cabin for days on end. Or that getting to know the boys and find ways to entertain them would be more fun than she's had in a long time. Or that spending time with her only true love would still be incredibly wonderful. If only they could figure out what went wrong all those years ago.

I received this as an ARC from NetGalley. You can follow me at https://ladieswholunchreviews.wordpre...

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful short love story set around Christmas. Quinn returns home to the family ranch in Montana for Christmas, unsure of her future plans. Cale's future as a pro baseball player is over so he returns with his 5 year old twin sons to the town where he grew up. Apart for 12 years, their love reblooms the instant they see each other. A perfect length for the busy season. Mariah Stewart delivers another great Christmas novella.

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorable holiday romance set around the holidays. Perfect if you like things to be resolved and wrapped up quickly because it's done as a novella. A quick read that can be completed in the same day. Sweet sincere story of love lost and then given a second chance years later.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second chance love story. Enjoyed.

Content: Fade to black sex scene

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun Christmas Read.

Fun Christmas read. Quinn and Cale, separated for years by a misunderstanding, get a second chance at love with a blizzard and some help from a true Spirit of Christmas.

[Linda Alexander · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disappointingly short

I didn't realise I was buying a short story when I purchased this. Story was fine but could have been expanded. I do love Mariah Stewart's books though

[Sara Strand · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reluctantly retired baseball player Cale comes back to Montana after an injury ends his career. Suddenly single, with two twin five year old boys, Cale struggles with his uncertain future but tries coming back home to see if that helps, despite the memory of his first love, Quinn.

Quinn, a children's author and illustrator, takes a break from the big city to come home for Christmas, despite the lingering sadness of the love of her life, Cale, seemingly breaking her heart by leaving without her.

After a trip to her grandmother's long abandoned cabin to lay a holiday wreath, following family tradition, Quinn finds herself stuck on the mountain in snow storm. In an effort to seek shelter, she tries to get home but is distracted by the ghost of her grandmother Elizabeth who leads her to the cabin of Cale's relatives. Assuming his sister Valerie is the one occupying the cabin, she's surprised to find it quiet, but warm. She soon realizes Valerie isn't there at all, but in fact, Cale and his boys are there. Cue increase in snow storm intensity and a couple of awkward days and the revelation of what really happened on that fateful day so many years ago that broke both of their hearts.

It's a fast read, it's a really adorable story and I'm going to say it- it opens the door for other novellas, consider Quinn has several single siblings and there is a little teaser in there with Cale's sister, Valerie. I would totally love to see more of these stories with this family! Mariah Stewart is a really solid romance writer and she's perfect if you are that person not into the S&M fantasies that are increasingly popular or a lot of descriptive sex scenes. Lots is left up of the imagination but you don't feel like you've missed anything at all. I highly recommend this book if you are looking for a light and fun holiday read.

Sara's Organized Chaos

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 - "This may be the first Christmas we'll spend together... But it won't be the last." Stars.

My first read from the imagination of Mariah Stewart offered up the perfect mix of Christmas Magic and familial comfort.

Cale and Quinn, stumble back into each other’s lives whilst unexpectedly trapped together in a snow-storm. Quinn has returned home to High Meadow Ranch to spend Christmas with her family, while Cale has returned to his family’s old cabin to try and rebuild his bond with his twin sons after the end of his baseball career also bought about the end of his marriage.

If love is true, if its meant to be, it never dies.

Second chance love, is always a trope that I enjoy reading about, and this sweet, stress-free reconnection story between two regular people, with a little ghostly interference was a couple of hours well spent. The addition of Cale’s twin boys and Quinn’s large family filled out the bones of this story nicely.

I think the beauty of a lot of these re-issued Christmas novellas gives me as a reader a chance to ‘dip my toe’ in and read a few new authors, it’s a great way to ‘test the waters’ and see if the writing style suits you, and on the strength of this novella, I would happily look to read more from this author in the future.

ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review.

[Shoshanah · Rating 5 out of 5]

One thing I love about Mariah Stewart's books is how they transport you to a picture perfect location. In her Chesapeake Diaries series it's Maryland's Eastern shore. But in this book it's a Montana ranch at Christmastime. Everything about the setting felt so magical and made me want to curl up with a warm mug of hot chocolate. It's definitely a story to get you in the holiday mood.

As for the story itself, it is a lot of fun. From the first few pages you learn that our characters (a children's book author and aprofessional baseball player) were high school sweethearts but something happened to drive them apart. As it so happens both of them are back in Montana for the holidays, so it's not too surprising where things are going to go. But even so, it's fun getting there. Once I realized what broke up their romance, it made perfect sense, and I sped through the rest of the novella waiting to see when they would resolve their misunderstanding.

If I had any complaint about this book it's that it's a novella. I started the book and was finished within 24 hours, but wished there had been more to keep going. There's several background characters that I could see in stories of their own. Hopefully the next time Stewart decides to visit the ranch in Montana she's there for an entire book!

4.5/5

Disclosure: I was provided this book from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Simply Love Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rosalie's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews

Coming home should be easy for everyone. Thoughts of snuggled up nights, high school fun, best friends, and just being young and are free. However, for Quinn Hollister, it's the opposite. All she sees is what should have been.

Caleb McKenzie, returning home with his twin boys, knows a piece of his heart went out the door the night he and Quinn were going to elope. Being young, and life, changed those best laid out plans. Newly divorced, the one who got away will always be in the back of his mind. If only this Christmas in Montana can have a happy ending for them both....or can it?

A super sweet novella about love lost and found. This one is a Christmas keeper! A tear jerker you won't want to put down!

Review copy provided for an honest review.

[Bette Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful holiday novella that is perfect for a escape from the craziness of the season. A quick read that will leave you with a smile on your face and warmth in your heart.

It's always hard for Quinn Hollister to come home. Memories of all she lost and will never be torment her here but spending the holidays with family is something she wouldn't miss. Caleb McKenzie is back in Montana a changed man. A now single father of twin boys and a baseball career that is no more has him wondering what he'll do with the rest of his life. Being back makes it hard to forget the one girl who broke his heart years ago. When she shows up on his doorstep in the middle of a blizzard, he has to wonder if fate brought them back together.

This is a great read I highly recommend.

[Eileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A second chance at love story for Quinn and Cale. They fell in love as teens but her parents didn't approve. A misunderstanding kept them apart for 12 years but they have a chance to make it right now. Stranded together during a blizzard gives them time to sort thru their feelings as well as time to form a family with his twin sons.
I have been reading MS Chesapeake series and I saw this one for the holidays. A very nice and easy story.

[Françoise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this story so much that I reread it every Christmas. It is a novella so a nice quick read. The characters are engaging, there is no drama and there are some cute moments with 5-year old twin boys.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well written short story of second chances. This story was originally published in 1997. It is one of the better Christmas books I have read this year. A quick, easy read.

[Laurie]

Holiday novella with a touch of ghosts and fate. A quick read. Previously published in a a holiday compilation. ARC from NetGalley.

[Katie_la_geek]

review and rating to come.

[Alisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Only thing I didn't like about this story.....it was to short.