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Post-War Dreams
World War II has ended and the soldiers are coming home. After years of following her crop worker father, motherless Claire Flanagan is also coming home. If she can keep her father in one place long enough, she plans to follow her dreams to Hollywood. Until she meets Benjamin.
Benjamin Russell has been working since he was fifteen to support his mother and siblings. What he most wants in life is to own a construction business and take care of the family his father abandoned. The last thing he expects is to fall for his younger sister’s best friend.
Life, however, throws cruel twists and turns into the path of romance. And when an unrequited love seeks revenge against Claire, and Benjamin learns his ex-girlfriend is pregnant, will lost dreams of a future together be the only thing they have left?
Benjamin Russell has been working since he was fifteen to support his mother and siblings. What he most wants in life is to own a construction business and take care of the family his father abandoned. The last thing he expects is to fall for his younger sister’s best friend.
Life, however, throws cruel twists and turns into the path of romance. And when an unrequited love seeks revenge against Claire, and Benjamin learns his ex-girlfriend is pregnant, will lost dreams of a future together be the only thing they have left?
380 pages, Paperback
First published October 14, 2015
5 people want to read
About the author
Brenda Whiteside
24 books310 followersBrenda Whiteside is the award-winning author of romantic suspense, cozy mystery, and romance. After living in six states and two countries—so far—she and her husband have settled in Central Arizona. They admit to being gypsies at heart so won't discount the possibility of another move. They share their home with a rescue dog named Amigo. While FDW fishes, Brenda writes.
Visit Brenda at www.brendawhiteside.com.
Or on FaceBook: www.facebook.com/BrendaWhitesideAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/brendawhitesid2
She blogs about life’s latest adventure on her personal blog http://brendawhiteside.blogspot.com/
Visit Brenda at www.brendawhiteside.com.
Or on FaceBook: www.facebook.com/BrendaWhitesideAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/brendawhitesid2
She blogs about life’s latest adventure on her personal blog http://brendawhiteside.blogspot.com/
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
January 30, 2016
Since I'm avidly interested in the WWII era, I eagerly began reading this story that takes place shortly after the war. It's the coming of age story of Claire Flanagan who lives with her Da and dreams of life as a Hollywood movie star. Her Da moves frequently from place to place in search of jobs. She ends up in a small American town where she becomes close friends with a girl named Pauline. She spends much time with Pauline and her family, enjoying the experiences of a large family, something she's never known. When she meets Pauline's brother, Benjamin, she realizes that he is a different sort of man than the other boys she's known so far. She's drawn to him and the story of their time together, as well as the complications of their relationship is what I really liked about this story. I'm all about the romance!
I enjoyed reading Post-war Dreams. It was filled with enough historical details to allow the reader to feel what it was like to live during that time period, but not in an overwhelming way. There were choice words a descriptions that really set the tone and mood for this story. The scene of the family dancing in their living room was fun to read since it was getting a glimpse at what people during this time did for entertainment. I suppose it must've reminded me of something my grandmother might have done with her family and I found it quite charming.
Also, I very much enjoyed the first person POV for Claire and the third person POV for Benjamin. I liked getting inside Claire's head to her intimate thoughts which allowed the reader to see and feel Claire's growth from a young girl into a woman. I'll admit, first person POV is probably my favorite when reading for enjoyment.
The only difficulty I had while reading this story was that midway my Kindle broke and I had to wait to several weeks to get a new one to finish it. Yes, I know there are Kindle apps for the computer, but I don't like reading for pleasure on my computer. It's more annoying for me since I can't cuddle up with my computer on the sofa.
I enjoyed reading Post-war Dreams. It was filled with enough historical details to allow the reader to feel what it was like to live during that time period, but not in an overwhelming way. There were choice words a descriptions that really set the tone and mood for this story. The scene of the family dancing in their living room was fun to read since it was getting a glimpse at what people during this time did for entertainment. I suppose it must've reminded me of something my grandmother might have done with her family and I found it quite charming.
Also, I very much enjoyed the first person POV for Claire and the third person POV for Benjamin. I liked getting inside Claire's head to her intimate thoughts which allowed the reader to see and feel Claire's growth from a young girl into a woman. I'll admit, first person POV is probably my favorite when reading for enjoyment.
The only difficulty I had while reading this story was that midway my Kindle broke and I had to wait to several weeks to get a new one to finish it. Yes, I know there are Kindle apps for the computer, but I don't like reading for pleasure on my computer. It's more annoying for me since I can't cuddle up with my computer on the sofa.
October 14, 2015
Beautiful Coming of Age Story. This was a wonderful, wonderful book. Claire's journey from girl to womanhood grabs your heart and takes you right along with her. You feel her pain and Ben's anguish. Set in the 1940's, Ms. Whiteside does a remarkable job of portraying a simpler era filled with timeless emotion.
December 18, 2019
This story drew me in and did not let go until I finished reading. This is a post World War II story of two people Claire Flanagan and Benjamin Russell and everything that will stand in their way of being together. I would recommend this book. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 13, 2015
Claire Flanagan's life hasn't been easy. She lost her Mom at a young age and it's been Claire and her Da since. She has a few really wonderful friends in her life. Her best friend comes from a large family and they make Claire feel right at home. She can't wait to turn eighteen. Then she'll be free to do what she wants.
Benjamin Russell is a hardworking, kind and sweet young man. He'll soon be twenty-one and knows what life is about. He's been helping to support the family since he was fifteen and he has big plans for his future. He also has one or two secrets. Will time and the fates allow these young people's dreams to come true?
What a wonderful, romantic book. This one will tug at your heart strings. I think the writing is amazing and the characters perfectly carved out for this book. I enjoyed the all around way Ms. Whiteside included everyone. Claire's relationship with her father and her friends is just as important as her dreams. Post-War Dreams allows us to see the good and the bad of life. Ms. Whiteside is a wonderful storyteller.
I did find issues. The book is way longer than it needs to be to tell the same story. Parts could be condensed or left out and wouldn't ruin the story. The pacing is slow. When you reach the last four or five chapters, it really drags and you just want to call it quits. DON'T quit though. It has beautiful parts sandwiched in.
I gave this one 4 cheers out of 5 for the issues listed above. Copy of book provided by author in exchange for a fair review~
Benjamin Russell is a hardworking, kind and sweet young man. He'll soon be twenty-one and knows what life is about. He's been helping to support the family since he was fifteen and he has big plans for his future. He also has one or two secrets. Will time and the fates allow these young people's dreams to come true?
What a wonderful, romantic book. This one will tug at your heart strings. I think the writing is amazing and the characters perfectly carved out for this book. I enjoyed the all around way Ms. Whiteside included everyone. Claire's relationship with her father and her friends is just as important as her dreams. Post-War Dreams allows us to see the good and the bad of life. Ms. Whiteside is a wonderful storyteller.
I did find issues. The book is way longer than it needs to be to tell the same story. Parts could be condensed or left out and wouldn't ruin the story. The pacing is slow. When you reach the last four or five chapters, it really drags and you just want to call it quits. DON'T quit though. It has beautiful parts sandwiched in.
I gave this one 4 cheers out of 5 for the issues listed above. Copy of book provided by author in exchange for a fair review~
October 16, 2015
Claire Flanagan is a lucky girl. Although her mother died when she was very young, her Daddy loves her and so does her Aunt Grace. She loves the town she lives in and her best friend, Paulie, and she is the envy of all the other girls because she has attracted the attention of the gorgeous Arnold.
But Claire isn't interested in Arnold. She has her sights set on a career in Hollywood. With her looks and her voice she is sure she can make it. When she wins the local talent competition her life seems to be just about perfect. If only Arnold would leave her alone she would be competely happy.
Well, there is just one other thing. For no reason she can explain, she finds herself thinking continually of Ben, Paulie's brother. But he would never notice her. She's just his little sister's best friend and he's a grown man.
Things take a turn for the worse when Arnold's unwanted attentions get her into trouble and she is taken away from her beloved father and put in a home for wayward girls. Will everything be the same when she gets out? Will she still make it to Hollywood? And what about Ben?
This is a charming story set in post war small town America. It captures perfectly the emotional angst suffered by teenage girls as they undergo their transition from child to woman. I found Claire's obsession with the silver screen very evocative, as was her unexpressed yearning for the man of her dreams.
A beautifully-written trip down memory lane.
But Claire isn't interested in Arnold. She has her sights set on a career in Hollywood. With her looks and her voice she is sure she can make it. When she wins the local talent competition her life seems to be just about perfect. If only Arnold would leave her alone she would be competely happy.
Well, there is just one other thing. For no reason she can explain, she finds herself thinking continually of Ben, Paulie's brother. But he would never notice her. She's just his little sister's best friend and he's a grown man.
Things take a turn for the worse when Arnold's unwanted attentions get her into trouble and she is taken away from her beloved father and put in a home for wayward girls. Will everything be the same when she gets out? Will she still make it to Hollywood? And what about Ben?
This is a charming story set in post war small town America. It captures perfectly the emotional angst suffered by teenage girls as they undergo their transition from child to woman. I found Claire's obsession with the silver screen very evocative, as was her unexpressed yearning for the man of her dreams.
A beautifully-written trip down memory lane.
February 1, 2016
Claire has stars in her eyes. She knows she is talented and plans to be a movie star after high school. She’s even caught the eye of the most popular guy in school. It isn’t until she meets her best friend’s brother, Benjamin that turns her world upside down. Soon all she can think of is him. After meeting his little sister’s best friend, Claire, Benjamin must try to get the younger girl out of his mind. Claire and Benjamin, no matter how they fight it are drawn to each other and finally decide they want a future together. That is until horrible twists force the couple apart. Can love overcome revenge, pregnancy and distance or will their dreams crumble in the wind?
This was a wonderfully spun novel. It really had the feel of post WWII life. Claire and Benjamin’s love story though quick and with the feel of first love really has you rooting for them. Brenda Whiteside manages to paint a vision of life in that time as both fanciful and realistic. Though the novel was well written I did find it longer than it probably needed to be. It was a bit drawn out with some of the more detailed passages stalling the story instead of propelling it. Overall, this is a great example of a historical romance. I will definitely be giving Brenda Whiteside’s books another look.
This was a wonderfully spun novel. It really had the feel of post WWII life. Claire and Benjamin’s love story though quick and with the feel of first love really has you rooting for them. Brenda Whiteside manages to paint a vision of life in that time as both fanciful and realistic. Though the novel was well written I did find it longer than it probably needed to be. It was a bit drawn out with some of the more detailed passages stalling the story instead of propelling it. Overall, this is a great example of a historical romance. I will definitely be giving Brenda Whiteside’s books another look.
May 9, 2020
Transports you to another time
Beautifully written book immerses you in the late 1940’s. This is the first book I’ve read that focuses strictly on the civilian population and has nothing to do with family members returning or how returning soldiers are adjusting back to civilian life. It is a coming of age story in this time period
I loved the characters. Claire and her father moved around a lot so she hasn’t been able to make really close friends until now. She and Pauline Russell become friends which exposes Claire to family life that she’s been missing. Ben is rather serious, very responsible, and Claire brings a certain spark into his life. Mrs. Russell is the mother everyone wishes they had but who knows what’s going on in all the activity swirling around her.
My only criticism is that it ended rather abruptly. Otherwise, a wonderful book. This my first book by this author but it won’t be the last.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Beautifully written book immerses you in the late 1940’s. This is the first book I’ve read that focuses strictly on the civilian population and has nothing to do with family members returning or how returning soldiers are adjusting back to civilian life. It is a coming of age story in this time period
I loved the characters. Claire and her father moved around a lot so she hasn’t been able to make really close friends until now. She and Pauline Russell become friends which exposes Claire to family life that she’s been missing. Ben is rather serious, very responsible, and Claire brings a certain spark into his life. Mrs. Russell is the mother everyone wishes they had but who knows what’s going on in all the activity swirling around her.
My only criticism is that it ended rather abruptly. Otherwise, a wonderful book. This my first book by this author but it won’t be the last.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 4, 2020
This story had my emotions running the gamut. Brenda wrote a beautiful story that takes place after the Second World War. You wish nothing but the best for young Claire who dreams of being an actress. But her best friends’ brother could set her on a different course. Don’t miss out on this fantastic post-war story. Take the trip back in time.
September 7, 2020
Story was good but details distracted me.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews