Dream a Little Dream of Me

The Thorntons #4

by Iris Morland

At seventeen, Lizzie Thornton left her hometown of Fair Haven to pursue her musical dreams — and to run from Trent Younger, the boy who broke her heart.

Now a successful singer, Lizzie returns to Fair Haven nine years later. When she runs into Trent at her brother’s wedding, she discovers he’s no longer the shy boy she left behind. He’s a sexy, confident man who knows what he wants — and what he wants is her.

When a night of passion results in unexpected consequences, Lizzie must grapple with prior heartbreak and with accepting that she still loves the one man she could never forget.

Trent Younger grew up on the wrong side of the tracks, and he fought tooth and nail to establish himself as one of the most successful restaurateurs in Fair Haven. Yet he’s never forgotten Lizzie Thornton, the girl he adored, the same girl who left him to pick up the pieces of his life after tragedy struck them both.

As Trent uncovers the layers of Lizzie’s guarded heart, he realizes that he doesn’t just want her in his bed. He wants her in his life — forever.

Yet even as love rekindles, their pasts threaten to drive them apart. Unless they confront their demons, Lizzie and Trent may jeopardize a love that has already withstood the test of time.

**

THE THORNTONS
The Nearness of You
The Very Thought of You
If I Can’t Have You
Dream a Little Dream of Me
Someone to Watch Over Me
Till There Was You

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Second Chance, Fiction, Adult, Audiobook

230 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 16, 2017

About the author

A coffee addict and cat lover, USA Today bestselling author Iris Morland writes sparkling, swoon-worthy romances, including the Flower Shop Sisters and the Love Everlasting series.

If she's not reading or writing, she enjoys binging on Netflix shows and cooking something delicious.

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Reviews

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

There was a lot of sweetness at the end that almost made up for the melodramatic ups and downs of the relationship featured in this story. Lizzie is forever running from Trent and their past, never truly able to heal and move on. Trent is forever burying himself in his work to escape Lizzie, their past, and the trauma of his own upbringing. Together they could either find heaven or hell, and the road they take to find their end is fraught with emotional crises. Overall, this is a good book, interesting, contains small amounts of tenderness, a lot of denied chemistry, repeating history, and healing. I could have done without all the immaturity and martyr mindset, but that was not only something intrinsic to each character, but also to their relationship. Without that I'm not sure there would have been any real conflict that could bridge the gap and give the romance a second chance. Still a good read though

Read and very willingly reviewed this ARC from the author.

[Becky Claxon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lizzie Thornton and Trent Younger were in love in high school. He never thought she would look at him as she was from a rich family, and his was poor, his father mean, and his mother dead. They were each other's first. She ended up getting pregnant and didn't want to tell anyone, even her twin Seth. Unfortunately when the two were in Seattle to see a concert, Lizzie started bleeding and had a miscarriage. Trent had promised not to tell anyone, but he was so afraid she was going to die he called Seth. Lizzie was so heartbroken from the miscarriage that she couldn't forgive Trent for breaking his promise. She ended up leaving town after graduating to perform her music. He was crushed that she left him. Now it is nine years later and Lizzie is back in town for her brother's wedding. Trent owns three restaurants, and Lizzie can't seem to write her music anymore. You need to read what happens when they see each other again.

Lizzie and Trent's love story has so many ups and downs it is sad. They have always loved each other, but their past seems to rear it's ugly head to get in the way. Lizzie's brothers are so protective of her it is ridiculous. It was hard to see how much Lizzie and Trent loved each other, but hurt the other. It was a god book that I didn't want to put it down. I strongly encourage you to read the book. I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (1/16/2019)! 🎁

[Isha Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dream a Little Dream of Me (The Thorntons) by Iris Morland Reading an Iris Morland novel is like walking through a dream. It's easy to get lost in the beauty of the moment, so in my opinion Dream a Little Dream of Me is the perfect title. Trent and Lizzie's tale is passionate, heartbreaking, nostalgic and redeeming. It's also complicated. From secrets, to misunderstandings, pride and insecurities, second chances don't come easy. A little maturity goes a long way to helping reach your heart's desire and with this series Ms. Morland makes all the right moves to set the soul on fire.

[☆☆Hannah☆☆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given a copy of this to review.

I enjoyed this one too. It was emotional. However, once they got over the past they were finally able to move on. I do wish that things had ended differently between him and his dad. I think there was more to the story. However, we probably will never know. I was just glads that in the end they were together and happy.

[Marisela M. Chavez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lizzie and Trent story was better than I expected. I absolutely love the Thornton siblings. And this story was no different. Lizzie and Trent story was absolutely incredible from beginning to end.

[Marissa Chavez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Lizzie and Trent were everything! I was so happy that they got a second chance! Lizzie and Trent were definitely meant to be! I loved every single thing about these two! 😊💚

[Cindy van Wyk · Rating 2 out of 5]

The fourth in Iris Morland's Love Everlasting series, I really struggled to get through 'Dream a Little Dream of Me'. In it, we get to know Lizzie, the wild child musician of the Thornton clan who's finally back in Fair Haven. Her love interest is restaurant owner Trent Younger, and while the novel had promise, it was the most disappointing of the lot. So much of the dialogue is clunky, the characters reactions are often hyperbolic and the second-chance romance here just isn't believable. There's so many subplots thrown into the mix - from pregnancy to suicide to the death of a parent - none of which helped me care about the characters. Massive trigger warning for several mentions of miscarriage as well. Overall, it's a "thank goodness that's over" from me.

[Tracey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dream a Little Dream of Me
by Iris Moreland
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Lizzie Thornton and Trent Younger had a past. They were in love, but Lizzie ran off to her new recording career. They were young, maybe too young. Now they're older and maybe wiser? Meeting up again at the wedding of Lizzie's brother Harrison, they find they can't keep their hands off each other. Trent has become a successful restauranteur in this hometown of Fair Haven. Lizzie though, has hit a stumbling block in her songwriting. She's staying around home now trying to figure out what to do about herself and her career. Her twin brother Seth has moved in with her after four tours in the Marines, maybe together they each can find what to do with their lives, professionally and emotionally. While Trent wants to believe that he and Lizzie are together after their night together, Lizzie is trying to fight it. When she finds that she is unable to fight the it and things are happening that prove history does repeat itself, she needs to figure out how to handle her unexpected pregnancy with Trent. And how will her family, in particular her brothers, handle the news since they have no love for Trent at all. It's all quite a convoluted mess. I love Trent and Lizzie together, they seem to really compliment one another. But will Lizzie ever get back in the studio again? Will she end up running again? This is a wonderful story with equally wonderful and complex characters. I love the Thornton family, close and extended. Iris Moreland does a fabulous job of telling the tales of the Thornton siblings.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Readers Copy of this book.

[BookAddict · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, I love that the titles in this series are all classic song titles from my parents' and grandparents' era. Second, Iris Moreland is small-town romance at it’s best, with interconnected, recurring characters. The storyline is heartfelt and beautifully constructed, and the characters are realistic, believably flawed, and endearing enough they immediately make a place for themselves in the reader’s heart. Trent and Lizzie are certainly no exception. They were high school sweethearts then broke up when Lizzie fled town after a heartbreaking experience. Now Trent and Lizzie are back in each others' orbits and neither seems to be able to avoid the other. But those old hurts and fears are still between them and will have to be addressed.

I was excited to read an complimentary copy of this book after reading Harrison's story in The Nearness of You. I fell in love with the Thornton family (boy, was that mother a piece of work!) so it was a no brainer to grab Trent and Lizzie's story, and it was great! There's not much better than a second-chance romance, especially when there are old wounds and misunderstandings to be righted. Their story is touching, authentic and, of course, with a good dose of humor. How can it not be with all those over-protective brothers? I appreciated that, while there was a great deal of emotion between these two, and even a bit of tempers and yelling, the author portrayed things in a realistic, believable manner, not resorting to immature or whiny characters. Their story was engaging and held me captive from beginning to end, and I definitely recommend it for the delightful, heartwarming read I found it to be.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series. I think Trent and Lizzie's story is one that many can relate to. You do not need to read the other books to enjoy this one but it is nice to see how each of Lizzie's siblings got together with their significant others.
Lizzie is the popular beautiful girl in high school and Trent is the quiet one. She comes form one side of the tracks, he the other. But fate doesn't chose your soulmate based on who fits together but rather who should be together.
Lizzie is a woman who is running form her past. But now that she is back in her hometown her past is right in front of her.
Trent has never left his hometown but is trying to make up for his past.
Iris writes her characters in such a way that the reader can relate to them. You understand that Lizzie is trying to deal with the tragedy from her youth and that her music is her outlet. She understands that Trent has her heart but for now all she feels is the hurt of loss.
Trent is the guy who lived in the dysfunctional family always thinking he could somehow make it right. Lizzie was his sun and when she left he buried himself in his businesses and in trying to make up fort he past.
As these two come together and fall apart you will understand how hard it is to let the past go when it is something you have been holding onto for so long - it defines who you are.
I so look forward to the next book in this series.
I received this book and am giving an honest voluntary review.

[Bellereader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lizzie and Trent have found that there is no running from destiny and that love always finds its way. Lizzie has been trying for years to bury the pain of loss, pain and undeniable hurt by essentially running away from her troubles. She may call it being on tour and following the music, but deep inside she knows that the day she left Fair Haven behind she was trying to shake the irrevocable heartbreak. When she came back for Harrison's wedding she runs into the one person she was hoping to avoid... Trent Younger. Trent was her world when she was a starry eyed teenager until it all came crashing down. When their undeniable bond leads to a night of unforgettable passion its plain to see they still Lizzie and Trent even with all the years and drama that have transpired. Trent never thought Elizabeth Thornton would ever give him a second look. Coming from a broken home with the pain and shame of his mother's death - he has not much to offer Fair Haven's angel, but Lizzie seems to still want him as much as he wants her. When tragedy strikes the two it tears them asunder and sets them adrift to deal with their pain separately. Years later they are reunited and this time Trent is struck with this desire to right the wrongs of the past to make sure they have the HEA they have denied themselves for far too long. It seems that they will also have a little help from fate as she will give them a second chance in all things this go around.

[Ay Oh Be · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story hits the ground running with a passionate scene between Lizzie and Trent. From there the pace and the spice slow down as the reader gets to know more about both characters; past and present.

I am a sucker for the past lovers trope. It makes me feel more grounded in the characters and their relationship then whirlwind romances do. In this instance Lizzie and Trent have a lot of past trauma (individually and as a couple) to work through before they can build a future together. Due to their history there are quite a few scenes where emotions run high. It's healing to see them start the journey towards one another. I say start because I think they have a lot more to unpack than the novel can realistically deal with. I also think counselling would be key to help guide them through it.

Both characters show growth in the story as they learn to trust one another and reconcile their pasts. What I really liked is that there is parallel growth of the individual while they also grow together.

I am weary of pregnancy being used as a reason to being a couple together. Sometimes it's just not written well and the implications of being together for a child don't always sit well with me. But in this case I found it respectful and a good driving point for character growth.

Confession time: I was pretty far into the novel before I realized that I had read it already. I'm not sure what that says about the book. 😬

[I-Heart-Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Band 4 der Thornton-Reihe von Iris Morland. Und da ich die anderen drei zuvor alle ratzfatz durch hatte, wollte ich natürlich jetzt auch wissen, was es mit der Geschichte um Lizzie und Trent auf sich hat.

Wie bei den vorherigen Bänden war der Schreibstil flott und so war ich zügig durch. Es liest sich angenehm und leicht, die Sprache und die Storyline haben gepasst. Ein schönes Element waren die Einschübe aus der Vergangenheit, als die zwei noch Teenager waren. Das hat ein bisschen eine andere Perspektive mit eingebracht.

Lizzie kam ja bisher nicht gross vor, daher hat man endlich mehr über die Sängerin erfahren. Eine wirklich emotional gezeichnete Figur, die die Autorin geschaffen hat. Ich fand sie hat eine schöne Entwicklung gemacht und war mir von Anfang bis Ende der Story einfach nur sympathisch. Man hat mir ihr mitgelitten – ob als Teenie oder als Erwachsene.

Trent kam ja immer mal wieder vor, aber endlich hat auch er seinen Platz in der Reihe gefunden. Ich fand die innere Zerrissenheit wahnsinnig intensiv dargestellt und er hat eine unglaubliche Geschichte. Mir gefiel, dass er sich gegen Ende hin endlich seinen Dämonen gestellt hat. Das hat Iris Morland echt gut hingekriegt.

Eine weitere schöne Story in der Thornton Reihe. Second Chance die hier wirklich geglückt ist. Und ja, wieder einmal mit einem Cliffhanger, der mich jetzt schon ungeduldig auf Band 5 warten lässt.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

When they were younger, Lizzie and Trent loved each other and didn't think anything between them would change, then tragedy stuck and it tore them apart. Years later they reconnect but are unsure if they are meant to be together or will they always end up hurting each other.

As their story progresses in the present we also get taken back to their past and slowly find out what happened. It is then we discover not only how this has affected them but those closest to them. This is a story of love, relationships, friendships, loss, grief, hate, anger, hope, dreams, desires...I could go on.

This is my first book in this series and yes I might have missed out on a few things here and there by not reading her older brothers' stories first, but Lizzie and Trent drew me in, their story was sweet but so sad at times, would they have the courage to face their pain, grief, anger and fears? I think you sould read this book to find out.

I am voluntarily leaving this review after receiving an ARC.

[Nickole · Rating 4 out of 5]

we meet Lizzie, famous singer who is home for her brothers wedding only to run into her ex, Trent. a heated night of passion leaves lingering thoughts. a blast from the past, lizzie and Trent were high school sweethearts until he broke his promise. fast Forward a few months after their tyrst, lizzie is still at home with a major case of writers block and trying to stay far away from Trent. Trent is a successful restaurateur in town trying to be good enough. he has always loved her but she took off before they could fix things. Trent saves the day when his bar keep tries to force himself on lizzie. lizzie keeps telling herself that they are no good for one another but her thoughts always longer back to them. lizzie lives with her twin Seth in town, and when lizzie isn't feeling well he asks if she is pregnant...it can't be!! quiet reserved Seth goes to buy a test for her. lizzie is shocked...history has repeated itself. can lizzie and Trent make peace with the past? will lizzie tell him she's pregnant Or will she run away again?

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is the fourth book in the Thortons Series and although I had not read the earlier books I enjoyed this one quite a bit. Since it is a family series, reading the prior books is not necessary to enjoy this one, but it has encouraged me to read the others. This is a second chance romance story of Lizzie (Thorton) and her high school boyfriend Trent. They are reunited at the wedding of one of Lizzie's brothers and initially it seems to be just a nostalgic hookup.

Overall, it was a good second chance romance with compelling characters that overcome some challenges. Both the main and secondary characters were interesting and developed enough for this story and it was a very quick read that kept me entertained enough to finish it in an afternoon. Since it is part of a series, it started with a wedding from a prior book and ended with the set up for the next in the series.

[Iwona · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book! I love that this series has been continued. It can be read as a standalone by why would you. These characters are awesome! I absolutely love baby books!!! This book was great to read. We find out the story of Trent and Lizzie in this book. Lizzie is a musician and has been on the road for a long time. Her reasons for leaving are kept a secret for quite a bit into the book. I wouldn't give that away would I? 😊 Trent and Lizzie have a love that has been there throughout many years. Lizzie has a love/hate idea in her mind about Trent. The way the story progress is just perfect. I was a little disappointed at how quick it ended but don't we want all good ones to keep going? I'm not too disappointed because I know hear more about them in the next book. It's nice to catch up on the other characters from previous books. No cheating, no cliffhanger and a HEA. Enjoy!

[Doni · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, & thoroughly enjoyed reading it. Dream A Little Dream Of Me,
is another fabulous book in
The Thorntons series. It is a emotional story about Lizzie & Trent.They fell in love their senior year. Talked about a future. Until, an unexpected tragedy had torn them apart. Lizzie left town, breaking Trent's heart. They saw each other again at Harrison & Sara's wedding. Sparks were flying between the two of them.
Lizzie is a famous singing artist.
She decides to stay in Fair Haven awhile,
& try working on her music, & get past
her writers block. Trent stayed in
Fair Haven. He has become a very successful restaurateur.
Can they get past their hurt feelings?
Will Lizzie & Trent finally admit what they feel and find their way to one another?
Or will life have other plans?
I could not put it down, till I finished it.
A MUST READ FOR EVERYONE!!!

[BP34 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book four in the Thornton's series and is based in the pacific northwest. This can be read as a standalone but it's more rewarding if you read some of the other books in the series so you meet some of the secondary characters. This is the story a a second chance for Lizzie and Trent. They were soulmates and high school sweethearts from opposite sides of the tracks. A tragedy separated them and she went on to build a successful singing career and he a chain of restaurants. They are reunited nine years later at Lizzie's brother's wedding and the attraction is still as strong as ever. The past haunts them and they face lots of hurdles as they try to capture a second chance. This book will take you on an emotional roller coaster and have you grabbing your hanky. A great read, but no spoiler here. I read a copy via Hidden Gems and voluntarily chose to write a review.

[Büchlein · Rating 4 out of 5]

Der vierte Teil ist ein Second Chance Roman der die Geschichte von Trend und Lizzy erzählt und damit das Auf und Ab der beiden beschreibt. Lizzy ist eine Thornton und setzt damit die Familiengeschichte fort. Nach Jahren kommt sie wieder zurück in ihre Heimat und trifft auf ihre Jugendliebe Trend, der ihr damals das Herz gebrochen hat. Aus beiden sind Persönlichkeiten geworden die sich weiter entwickelt haben und die sympathisch beschrieben sind . Doch sobald sie aufeinander treffen sind die alten Gefühle wieder da und es wird heiß. Doch da sind immer noch die Probleme der Vergangenheit. Werden sie es schaffen diese aus dem Weg zu räumen ? Auch wenn die Thematik nicht neu ist habe ich so mit den beiden mitgefiebert und war von den neuen Dramen die die beiden überstehen müssen angetan. Eine Familiengeschichte die ich gerne noch weiter verfolgen möchte

[Sherri Babb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love this series. Each book in the series gets better and better and I honestly now am counting the days until the next one. Dream a Little Dream of Me was incredible. The chemistry between Lizzie and Trent was explosive. They had so much hurt from the past that they shared that it was so hard for them to learn to let the past go and live in the future. This book was so much fun to read. Seeing how Lizzie's brothers tried to protect her from Trent. Finally learning a little bit about Seth. I picked this up and could not put it down. There is just something about the Thornton's that just makes you want to keep coming back. Amazing book incredible series. Definitely a 5 star read.
I voluntarily received a copy for my honest review.

[Cassie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Years ago, Lizzie fled from her hometown when she suffered a loss. Trent has always loved Lizzie, but blames himself for the death of his mother. They get on like oil and water, but cannot deny their love. When Lizzie goes to Trent with a surprise, will he stand be her side? Will Lizzie and Trent be able to overcome their pasts to look toward the future?

Was soooo excited to read Lizzie and Trent's story. These two have a connection that you can just feel. I was happy that she finally put her foot down and didn't run and that he got it together before it was to late. Both were able to see other sides to each other that others couldn't and it made them more relate able. Great book and cannot wait for Seth's book!

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

In love the series on the Thorntons of Fair Haven! Dream a Little Dream of Me is Lizzie Thornton a musician and Trent Younger a restaurant owner from a broken home story. They met in high school fell in love, experienced a tragedy together as teenagers and through grief Lizzie leaves town. Their love story starts again at Harrison and Sara's wedding years later. There is instant attraction between Trent and Lizzie and results in that they are meant to be together. The interactions between Trent between Lizzie and their families is emotional and dramatic. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Trent and Lizzie story and highly recommend reading it. I received a free copy of this book and have voluntarily choose to review it.

[R.K. Tejaswi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is really the lovable and emotional second chance romance as a fourth installment of The Thorntons series. Lizzie, the older daughter is back to the town for a career back and her brother's wedding, where she comes face to face, the pain and fear she is running away from. Trent and Lizzie, had a painful past, a relationship and a breakup that broke down both of them as young adults, now after all the time, their chemistry is still alive and boils up at Lizzie's brother and Trent's best friend's wedding. Will they both be able to come past their misunderstandings, pains and give a try for their relationship is written amazing by Iris and I just loved the plot.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[NICHOLLE ANDERSON · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Favorite In The Series Thus Far

I am totally in-love with the Thornton Siblings. However, Trent and Lizzie’s story is absolutely my favorite!! There is obvious chemistry between both Trent and Lizzie that you can feel with each turn of the page. You feel the heartbreak as they deal with the loss of their relationship (and subsequently each other) when they were teenagers. Your heart hurts as you go through the pain of “the unknown loss” they contend with way too early in life. Then your heart swells as they re-learn and re-find themselves. I truly could not put this book down until the story was finished. Highly recommend the series but most definitely Trent and Lizzie’s story <3

[Shan ~A~ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a 2nd chance romance. Lizzie and Trent were together when they were younger, then the weren't. It is of course revealed in this book what happened for them to part.

This book starts with them together for a night of passion after all that time apart, but they still haven't dealt with what broke them apart in the first place.

This series has been pretty hit or miss for me and this one wasn't any different, it was just middle of the road.

I felt like I was supposed to know their whole story once I got here, and although I knew from the other books that they used to be a couple, not enough to really know anything about either character.

The one thing I appreciated was Lizzie showing some backbone when it came to her family butting into her business with Trent.

[Amary Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sweet and steamy book in the Thornton series has the answers to Lizzie Thornton leaving town at a young age and staying away. The tragic event that made her go....leave family, friends and the love of her life is told in so much detail, you can feel the young couple's pain, then and now.
Trent works hard long hours to battle the despair of his separation from Lizzie and the pain he feels from a deplorable childhood.
But Lizzie and Trent are meant to be....and become each other's strength. After more than a few stops and starts they find their HEA.
I received an ARC for my honest opinion. I love this series.

[Jennifer Yohe · Rating 5 out of 5]

**I received a copy of this in exchange for an honest review

This is probably my favorite book out of the whole series so far!!! I fell in love with Lizzie in the last book and this story just made me love her even more. And Trent is the perfect mix of sweetheart and bad-boy. The dynamic between these two was so fun to read and I couldn't put the book down. I feel like their relationship came full circle in such a real and natural way and nothing about it seemed forced. When one of the was down, the other pushed back at them. Highly suggest this book and can't wait for the next one!!!

[Cali Jewel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweetly sexy, Emotionally gripping and Heartwarming romantic journey for two people getting a second chance at forever. Entertaining and enjoyable reading did not want the experience to end.

Lizzie Thornton is a sweet, sassy and successful singer coming back home after being away for a very long time. Trent Younger is strong, sexy, alpha male that grew up on the wrong side of the tracks and became a successful restaurateur in his home town of Fair Haven. They have a history and an explosive attraction that will not be denied any longer. Loved every heart pounding, emotionally gripping moment.