Brady Collins is juggling full-time fatherhood with the booming auto repair business he runs out of his barn. His ex-wife's sudden death has shaken him, but the devastating news that follows leaves him Sam is not his biological son.
When Sam's wealthy maternal grandparents decide they want custody of the child, Brady knows he's in for the fight of his life. Brady's attorney tips him off that one major life change would virtually assure him of winning guardianship of baby Sam at the final the stability of an impending marriage. And his friend Hope is willing to step in as the loving and devoted fianc�e.
Local radio celebrity Hope Daniels has been driven by a solitary goal her entire life, and she's finally been offered her dream job--in Atlanta. Unfortunately, her arrangement with Brady requires her presence in Copper Creek, and she is faced with missing the chance of a lifetime or standing in the way of a dear friend's dreams.
Both Hope and Brady would give their lives for beautiful Sam. But can they give their trust to one another? With this new novel in the Blue Ridge Romance series, Honeysuckle Dreams shines light on the complicated and beautiful angles of love.
Denise Hunter is the award-winning author of more than 40 novels, three of which have been adapted into Hallmark movies.
Denise writes heartwarming, small-town romances, peopled with layered characters who have real-life issues. Her readers enjoy the vicarious thrill of falling in love and the promise of a happily-ever-after sigh as they savor the final pages of her books.
In 1996, Denise began her first novel, writing while her children napped. Two years later it was published, and she's been writing ever since. Her books contain a strong romantic element, and her husband says he provides all her romantic material, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too!
Denise and her husband live in Indiana, where they raised three sons, and are currently enjoying an empty nest.
I really loved this book and reading Brady and Hope's story. Two broken souls who are afraid to love enter into a marriage of convenience after a long friendship. They both have something to gain from this marriage but neither is looking for love. What do you do when you fall in love but you're afraid to let your heart soar ? Will their hearts stay locked up like a bird in a cage with it's wings clipped or will it take flight and trust before it flies? This is Denise Hunter at her possible best and so much better than her first book in this series. Beautiful sense of hope,faith,trust,forgiveness,redemption. Looking forward to the next book in this series. Pub Date 01 May 2018 Thank you to Thomas Nelson--FICTION I received a complimentary copy through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.
I was asked the other day when I planned to review this book. I wanted to. I kept planning to... but I just didn't know what to write! So today, I am finally making myself sit down for a few minutes and sort out a couple thoughts on this book! ;P
I feel like this is pretty typical of a Denise Hunter novel so if you enjoy her writing, chances are high that you're going to like this book. I don't often read series out of order, but I haven't read the previous book in this series and I barely even noticed so this can definitely be read as a standalone.
For the most part, I did enjoy this story. Though they weren't very relatable for me, Brady and Hope are pretty likable people. And I did appreciate that they had been friends for a long time before taking this quite sudden step into a totally different relationship. While the situations and emotions weren't always wholly believable (to me anyway), I was able to look past most of that and enjoy the story in spite of it.
My favorite aspect of this story was, I think, the absolute devotion that Brady had for his son. It didn't matter if Sam was biologically related to him or not, he was Brady's son and Brady loved him and he was determined to do whatever he possibly could to keep Sam in his life. That's the sort of thing that can only be admired in a person and I loved Brady for it.
I don't know if I will go back and read the first book or not, but I am really looking forward to the next one! I want to see more of Brady and Hope-- check back in with them and see how they're doing, I suppose ;) -- and I am super curious about Jack and Daisy!!
A feel good story by Dennis Hunter called Honeysuckle Dreams. It was a good story and grabbed from me page 1. I liked it. I did not read the first book in this series but it was fine as a stand-alone book. It’s a quick read.
Honeysuckle Dreams was just what I expect from a Denise Hunter novel. The story was engaging, the characters likeable, and the romance was amazing. I loved the contemporary marriage of convenience storyline; it was unique to have it in a contemporary setting and I think the way it was done was great.
After being introduced to both Brady and Hope in Blue Ridge Sunrise, I was eager to read their story and see how everything played out. Brady just lost his ex-wife and Hope has her own heartache. The reasons for their to decision to get married were realistic and I liked how they were up-front about their expectations and that they would "court" with the intentions of it leading to a "true marriage" in the future.
All in all, Honeysuckle Dreams was a wonderful contemporary read. After being disappointed in the first book, Blue Ridge Sunrise, I am so happy that this book was typical Denise Hunter fiction and I recommend it to fans of contemporary romance! I cannot wait to read the next book, On Magnolia Lane.
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
Definitely have to say this is the Denise Hunter I am used to reading and enjoying. Book 1, Blue Ridge Sunrise, was a disappointment. It was rather edgy and the spiritual content was very light; not what I normally see in her Christian fiction books. Honeysuckle Dreams is better written, has wonderful spiritual content, and very good character and plot development.
I loved Hope and Brady's story. In one sense, it reminded me of a mail-order bride book in that they married without a previous courtship but rather in order to allow Brady to keep Sam. Brady's courtship after the marriage was delightful. He took his time to court Hope and allowed their feelings as well as any intimacy to develop slowly. Sam was absolutely adorable, and I couldn't image a better set of parents for him. The courtroom drama was a perfect touch as it kept me wondering what might happen with Sam's custody.
Thank you Denise Hunter for returning to your previous endearing writing style.
I love Denise Hunter's books. I'm always on the lookout for the next book coming from her and I feel like a lucky girl to be able to read and review them. I got a glimpse of Brady and Hope in the previous book in this series so I knew that this was a story I wanted to read.
Brady and Hope have been great friends for quite awhile. When circumstances lead them to a marriage of convenience, they decide to do it because they they do love each other in a friendly, respectful sort of way, and they both love Sam. Of course marriage leads to a new awareness of each other and what better way to start off a romance then with friendship, right?
Hope makes the road a bit bumpy and I'm not sure I completely understood her one-eighty turn around in personality and nature. There were some valid reasons for reluctance and hesitation but her reactions were so extreme and out of character for what I knew of her up to that point. I didn't really like Hope in those moments but all's well that ends well, I guess. :) There is something to say for facing fears and standing and fighting. Thankfully there was Brady. He was the solid, steady one. I loved him from the very beginning and I loved him all through this book. How can a girl resist a guy that fights for his son? Even when he finds out his son isn't his by blood? A girl cannot resist that. Honestly. That is a guy worth keeping.
As always, Denise Hunter knows how to bring her characters to life. They feel human and challenged like we all are. Hunter doesn't shy away from the gritty and messy yet always balances it out with the perfect amount of love and hope.
Content: mention of intimate relations outside of marriage with no details, depression, death. Christian fiction.
- I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher at my request. All opinions expressed are my own.
This was a sweet story of friends in a marriage of convenience or is it? There are some deep issues. A great cast of characters. All in all an engaging romance with tension and surprises. I was pulled back to the pages again and again by the wonderful characters and their story.
When I read the first Blue Ridge book, I wanted to know more about Hope and Brady and I really enjoyed this book. I had some issues with the first book, and I am so glad my faith was restored with this second book in the series. I loved the mental health aspect of this book, and it was done with a very respectful tact that connected me even more to Hope's character.
Really enjoyed this. Both characters are very likable & easy to root for. & the While You Were Sleeping references?? Yes😂😍 Brady is a great hero, I really liked him.
Honeysuckle Dreams is the second novel in the Blue Ridge Romance series (third if you consider the loosely related companion novel, Sweetbriar Cottage). Honeysuckle Dreams shares with these sister books a sweetly romantic story of second chances, facing fears and finding happily ever after.
Hope Daniels would do just about anything for her friend Brady Collins. So when Brady’s life is turned upside down and he faces losing the custody rights of his young son, Hope shocks herself by agreeing to a marriage of convenience. What starts as a way to hopefully secure Brady and Sam’s future, slowly begins to morph into something more as Hope and Brady spend more time together and begin to integrate their lives.
There’s just something about a marriage of convenience romance. Perhaps because it reminds me of mail order marriages from the western frontier (I rather like a good historical romance). Or maybe because this is a romance novel after all, and I know there is going to be a happy ending. In any case, the marriage of convenience in Honeysuckle Dreams was both romantic and fun.
Hope and Brady have been friends for years and it shows in their lively banter, gentle teasing and genuine enjoyment of each other’s company. It’s not a bad place from which to start a marriage. However, both Brady and Hope have suffered many hurts over the years, and, as they overcome some of the challenges that they face and start to fall into the routine of married life, those fears from the past start to rise to the surface.
Honeysuckle Dreams was such fun. It was all too easy to suspend any doubts I might have had about the likelihood that the events of the novel would play out in such a way in ‘real life’. But this is a work of fiction, so who cares about likely or real life. I truly enjoyed Hope and Brady’s relationship. Their friendship was solid and one of good humour, so it was fun to hang with them, especially as they tested the waters of their growing feelings for each other. Baby Sam also added another layer to the story, as did the depth of fear and hurt with which Brady and Hope both struggled.
Honeysuckle Dreams can be read as a stand-alone novel, though readers of the first book and the companion novel, Sweetbriar Cottage, will enjoy the character crossover. The characters from the third book, Jack and Daisy, also make an appearance in Honeysuckle Dreams, and I can’t wait to read their story.
Honeysuckle Dreams is a sweet, fun and romantic novel, and it touches on timeless themes of second chances, facing one’s fears of the past, and taking a risk on love.
The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
Find more reviews, reading age guides, content advisory, and recommendations on my blog Madison's Library.
I loved reading an inspy Marriage of Convenience story (hello! Marriage of Convenience is my favourite trope) that pushed the boundaries of most conventional Christian romance in terms of its very candid exploration of physical attraction.
I also loved the stalwart nature of a hero who wants what is best for a little boy and a heroine who is willing to re-assess her dreams to balance ambition with a close-knit domestic heart. Brady and Hope are equals in every sense of the word and I loved seeing their counterbalance. Moreover, theirs is a love deeply grounded in friendship which loaned to the believability of their chemistry and their decision to craft their own type of happy-ever-after
While not overly preachy, this was still solidly set within the inspirational world and was compellingly hopeful.
I did find that their shift from friendship to physical attraction happened rather quickly... at least, at first. Going back, I recognized that once they allowed themselves to accept that they were to marry, it was almost as if a barrier was lifted and they recognized what might have been staring them in the face for a long time.
I did, however, find there was a little too much baby talk. Literally baby-talk: Hope talking to baby Sam ...
but that is just a personal thing.
Also, in the midst of a polar vortex ( also commonly known as January in Canada) the resplendent sunny setting of Blue Ridge was a welcome warm up.
I loved this book. The slow build of of them falling in love was delicious. I love how this author tells love stories and I’m looking forward to reading more.
Marriage of Convenience in a contemporary romance? Exactly how is that going to work? Well, beautifully, if it's written by Denise Hunter! Plus, this is a friends-to-lovers romance -- one of my favourite tropes because it brings the depth of shared history into the romance. Phew! Haul out your fans and have a bucket of ice ready because things really heat up for Brady and Hope as they learn to navigate their unique marriage. Especially when Brady decides to 'court' his wife! Hunter knows how to write toe-curling scenes! Happy, happy sigh. :-)
She also knows how to put her characters through the wringer in a rabid, page-turning kind of way. I was a basket-case by the end. The battle for custody of little Sam (cutest baby ever!) about did me in. The court scenes! Gah! I was on tenterhooks the whole way through.
So we've got emotions running rampant in both the romance and the plot which made me a very happy reader since I think the best kind of books are the kind you live through right along with the characters. I've emerged safely on the other side of 'the end' only slightly gutted but still reeling from the beauty of it all. :-)
Denise Hunter has once again created a community you want to visit and characters you want to be friends with. In the second Blue Ridge Romance, Hunter combines a friends-to-more story with a marriage of convenience story and it’s one I could not put down.
Brady and Hope respect each other, help each other out, and share their joys and struggles with each other. So, when an assumption is made that could help Brady keep his son, Hope willingly agrees to marry Brady. After all, he was a good-looking, stable guy. She couldn’t do much better without giving away her heart.
As the two learn to live with each other and spend time in each other’s space, they find a rhythm to married life despite several outside forces intent on pulling them apart.
Just when it looks like the marriage is going to become more than a mutual commitment, the past sneaks its tendrils in and challenges both Hope and Brady more than they expect.
With the adorable addition of baby Sam and some swoony kisses, Hunter explores the role of friendship in marriage. How mutual respect and communication (or lack thereof) is a solid and firm foundation for more. And how facing the past, no matter how difficult it is, can create a better future.
Disclosure statement: I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
You are going to love Brady and Hopes story, Oh I can't forget about Sam too. You will never see this ending coming. Hunter as always has outdone it again. Her best book to date, wait don't I say that about every book? Well I think that you will feel the same way after you read Honeysuckle Dreams. This is a 5 star two times book. I HIGHLY recommend it! The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.
Every book I’ve read by Denise Hunter has been fabulous. She creates believable characters, charming hometowns, page-turning suspense, and heart-tingling romance. She’s truly a gifted storyteller!
I’m so blessed to receive an advanced copy of Honeysuckle Dreams. It is the second of the Blue Ridge Romance novels, and serves nicely as a stand-alone, but Blue Ridge Sunrise will familiarize you with some of the characters of this book and their backgrounds—plus, it’s a great second-chance romance story. (And one of my favorite books of 2017!)
Honeysuckle Dreams is a friends-to-more story. Hope Daniels and Brady Collins have been good friends since high school. They are drawn together when life gets a little rocky, and they find a possible, though unconventional solution to some of their problems. With painful pasts, and uncertain futures, can they learn to be content in their present situation?
I love this story—the romance, the characters, and the setting are so memorable. This is the second book set in Cooper Creek, so it has a going-back-home kind of feel to it. The charming town, in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, has so many familiar faces, and a strong sense of community.
It’s easy to sink into this story, and get lost in the emotional climb. The pacing is fast, there are no lagging parts, the secondary storylines are full and believable, and the ending is satisfying.
I’ll miss these charming characters, but before I know it, I’ll be peeking into the lives of the Cooper Creek residents when Ms. Hunter writes her next book.
I love this story.
Cover: Love Title: Love Pages: 320 Series: A Blue Ridge Romance #2 Publisher: Thomas Nelson First Line: Playing house was just a little too easy for Hope Daniels. I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley.
Denise Hunter produces a great story again! This story is part of the Blue Ridge series. This book focuses on Brady and Hope who are two secondary characters in the first book in the series. You do not have to read the previous book in the series to read this one, but the first one will give you some insight into this book. This book examines how we can let fear limit us instead of letting God lead and direct our paths. I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it! If you have read the previous books, you will be able to see a glimpse in the lives of the other characters. Ms. Hunter gives the reader a romantic, thought-provoking tale and you will not be disappointed! ***I was given a free electronic copy of this book from the publisher for an honest review. This is my honest opinion. Even though I received this copy free, I have purchased her books before.
"He was so tired of trying to convince other people he was worthy of their love. Tired of being forced on people who didn't even want him."
I have been a fan of Denise Hunter's a very long time and I've read all her books. She never disappoints. This second in her Blue Ridge Romance series is sure to please all her loyal readers and earn her new ones.
Brady Collins is a full time dad to his baby son Sam since his ex wife died suddenly. He is also running a full time booming specialty car auto repair business. Then he gets news that sends him into a tailspin. Sam is not his biological son. Then he learns that Sam's maternal grandparents want custody of the baby. Brady's lawyer tells him that things will definitely look better for him if he had a wife to help him raise the baby.
Enter local radio talk show celebrity Hope Daniels. She and Brady have known each other forever and like one another, so they make a deal. Marriage to help Brady get custody of Sam. After all, she loves Sam, too, and she and Brady have always gotten along. What could go wrong?
Then Hope gets offered her dream job.....a radio talk show position in Atlanta. But she can commute. It will be just fine. Or will it? They marry and things seem to be working out great until some old fears Hope had seemingly buried rear their ugly head. The job in Atlanta now seems to be an escape route for her. She and Brady have now both realized the love each other, but do they really trust? This one is complicated, but with God's help, will they work it out and allow peace and happiness to rule?
Denise Hunter always has a knack for creating characters that just get down in your heart, staying long after the last page is turned in the book. The reader feels their heartbreak and their happiness, going along with them as they journey through the difficulties of life, because sometimes love is complicated and sometimes it hurts.
Loved this one and now ready for book #3. Keeper shelf is where it will now reside. Highly recommended.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers through Net Galley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I loved this book. 😭 It had me as soon as there was a marriage of convenience, but then towards the end when Hope was STRUGGLING with feelings that were out of her control because of deep rooted feelings of fear over losing the people she loved, I loved this book even more.
Not only do I love marriage of convenience, I loved the characters. Brady is so awesome and I loved Hope and them together was so good.
This book was quite refreshing on the faith content compared to the first book in the series. I think this may be a new all time favorite book for me.
I feel...maybe dispassionate is the word. Not a bad story, definitely better than the first couple books in this series, but I wasn't anxious to turn every page and see what happened next. Hope and Brady are a sweet couple, but I confess I was hoping for more than a custody battle and a little romance. Aside from Hope's emotional struggles, I saw the plot coming a mile away in the last installment of this series. If you're a Denise Hunter junkie, though, you'll enjoy this one.
The author has given us a story of two longtime friends, broken from past relationships and yet trying to be there for one sweet baby, a catalyst to bringing them together, or not. Can these two forge a convincing union to make a home for a precocious infant, who desperately needs them. Will they be able to let go of the past, and move on with a picture-perfect marriage, at least in the eyes of others, or will their worlds come tumbling down? Answers are here and you will be quickly page turning as we follow the outcome of the lives of these involved, and hoping for the baby’s sake all the right decisions will be made.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Thomas Nelson, and was not required to give a positive review.
I enjoyed Denise Hunter's novel, Honeysuckle Dreams and would recommend it to anyone who looking for a good love story. I related to the theme of overcoming fears from past relationships that can hurt current relationships. Sometimes learning to trust and give our fears to the Lord is hard to do, but this novel is able to show healing without being preachy. I look forward to reading future books by in this series.
This is the second novel I've read by Denise Hunter, and I'm officially hooked. Honeysuckle Dreams is a fantastic read. I love the Copper Creek characters, Hope and Brady. The growing romance is believable, not sappy. The feel of the little hometown of Copper Creek is charming and makes me miss the Blue Ridge mountains.
Even if I wasn't lucky enough to read this advanced copy of Honeysuckle Dreams, I would add it to my bookshelf. I love this writer's style of good, clean romance.
This is the second book in the Blue Ridge Romance series. This most certainly could serve as a stand alone. I reviewed the first book of the series, Blue Ridge Sunrise, and the main characters are in Honeysuckle Dreams as well. (as secondary characters)
Well, let me tell you a little bit about this "we're just friends" story. Hope Daniels and Brady Collins have known each other since school days. After Brady's ex-wife dies, Hope helps out with childcare for his baby boy. Well, the two end up pairing up in the most unconventional way to help Brady keep his son. (You're going to love this baby!)
Both Hope and Brady have their own personal issues and insecurities to work on. Throughout the story, their friends and family support them through every upheaval. Sometimes with sympathy, and sometimes with a swift kick in the butt.
In my opinion, the flashback chapter went on too long. I feel it could have been summed up in a paragraph or two. It took me out of the story. Just the same, I still loved the book.
Honeysuckle Dreams has a memorable and touching storyline that hangs on long after the last page is read.
Honeysuckle Dreams is such a sweet and emotional story that pulls on the heartstrings. We met Brady and Hope in Blue Ridge Sunrise. Brady is Zoe's brother and Hope is her best friend. Brady comes from a sad beginning. His mother is a drug addict and irresponsible. Her sister and husband adopted him as a young boy so he was raised as a brother to Zoe. One night, he had a weak moment after his biological mother was in town and didn't try to get in touch with him. He had too much to drink and spent the night with an acquaintance that she soon let him know that she was pregnant. Brady did the right thing and married her. The marriage didn't last and ended in a divorce. When she is killed in a wreck, Brady wounds up with sole custody of young Sam, six months old. He has lots of help from friends who watch Sam when he needs to work. One such person is Hope Daniels, psychologist and radio host. When the maternal grandparents sue for custody on grounds that Brady is not the baby's father, Brady and Hope unite together to try to make sure that Brady is able to keep Sam. They arrange a marriage in hopes that will sway the judge. I enjoyed the banter between Brady and Hope who have been friends for years through Zoe. They are really sweet together and have lots of fun. But both are damaged souls from their pasts and have baggage to deal with if they stand a chance for the future. The stress of the trial is weighing heavy on them. We see old friends from Blue Ridge Sunrise and Sweetbriar Cottage as the group gathers together at the local grill. This is another emotional story that Denise Hunter is so great at writing. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I love the romance stories where the main characters start out as best friends and Hope and Brady are. She is between jobs and helps Brady out by taking care of his son. Brady's ex wife has recently died in a tragic accident. The deceased ex-wife parents want to claim custody of Brady's child. They claim he is not the biological daddy and has no rights to the baby. Hope would do anything to help her friend. I loved the chemistry of Brady and Hope and how they grew in love. There were more than one obstacle in their relationship and loved how they eventually worked those things out. Another thing I enjoyed about this story was getting to know some of the other characters in the town who will be in future stories. I have a feeling the good looking preacher will be the next one.
Thanks to the Thomas Nelson books and Netgalley for providing me a digital copy of this book to read and review. This book will be released on May 1, 2018.
Swoony, fun and meaningful, this second book in the Blue Ridge Romance series should come with a ‘grab your fan’ warning! Best friends to more, a modern-day marriage of convenience, and Denise Hunter? Yes please! Hunter’s skill at writing sizzling romance combines with two reader-favorite tropes to deliver a story that is both toecurling and heartwarming. Brady Collins exudes swoon-appeal just by standing there, and his friendship-to-more with Hope Daniels is all kinds of fun to read. (To Brady’s credit, watching him be a daddy and navigate all the challenges that life throws at him during the course of the book is the most swoon-worthy part of his character.) For her own part, Hope is truly delightful, a heroine who readers will want as their new best friend. The external conflict is believable and takes a few unpredictable turns along the way, while the internal conflict deals with even weightier issues like self-worth and crippling anxiety. Some of Hope’s decisions do seem a bit extreme, but all the positives in this great story outweigh this one minor negative.
After Blue Ridge Sunrise, I was really looking forward to reading Brady's story. It did not disappoint.
This is a sweet story of friends to more. Hope is a really good friend to Brady. She's already watching Brady's baby son (the baby's mom. and Brady's ex-wife, died recently), and she loves doing it. Due to some other circumstances, Brady and Hope get engaged and later married.
I loved seeing how their relationship developed, even with everything against them. Highly recommend!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Po nagłej śmierci byłej żony, Brady Collins musi nauczyć się, jak pogodzić prowadzenie własnego warsztatu samochodowego z samotnym wychowywaniem półrocznego synka. Ma jednak wokół siebie życzliwych ludzi, którzy chętnie pomagają mu w opiece nad małym Samem - przede wszystkim Hope Daniels, z którą Brady od lat się przyjaźni. Wkrótce jednak nadchodzi wiadomość, która zmienia wszystko. Okazuje się, że Brady nie jest biologicznym ojcem chłopca, w związku z czym jego dziadkowie chcą przejąć nad nim opiekę. Mężczyzna zrobiłby wszystko, żeby nie stracić syna, kiedy więc adwokat sugeruje mu, że żonaty miałby większe szanse na zwycięstwo w sądzie, wspólnie z Hope podejmują decyzję o ślubie. Czy to wystarczy, aby nie stracić praw do Sammy’ego? I czy można stworzyć szczęśliwą rodzinę w oparciu o samą przyjaźń?
“Splątane marzenia” to druga część serii Copper Creek, czyli kolejnego cyklu Denise Hunter o mieszkańcach niewielkiego miasteczka. Pierwszy tom opowiadał o losach Zoe Collins - siostry Brady’ego, a tym razem to on stał się głównym bohaterem powieści. Bardzo lubię w takich seriach to, że w każdym kolejnym tomie pojawiają się ci sami bohaterowie i te same miejsca, ale postacie drugoplanowe stają się pierwszoplanowymi - i na odwrót. Mamy więc okazję zobaczyć, co słychać u poznanych w poprzedniej części Zoe i Cruza, ale na pierwszy plan wysuwają się Brady i Hope.
Oboje bohaterów polubiłam już w “Brzoskwiniowym świcie”. Hope dała się poznać jako kochająca, lojalna przyjaciółka Zoe, a w “Splątanych marzeniach” możemy zobaczyć, że równie szczerą przyjacielską miłością darzy jej brata - na tyle silną, żeby zgodzić się za niego wyjść, jeśli miałoby mu to pomóc zatrzymać synka. Hope jest bardzo ciepłą i bezinteresowną postacią, choć niepozbawioną wad i problemów - ciągle zmaga się z traumą po tragicznej śmierci swojej pierwszej miłości. Z tego powodu nie planuje nigdy więcej się zakochiwać, ale, jak wiadomo, życie nie zawsze toczy się zgodnie z naszymi planami. Brady to kolejny typowy męski bohater Hunter-versum - przystojny, uczciwy, pracowity, na pierwszym miejscu stawiający Boga i rodzinę. Przyznaję, że ta autorka ma tendencję do tworzenia trochę zbyt wyidealizowanych postaci, o czym wspominałam już omawiając poprzednie jej książki, ale szczerze mówiąc nie przeszkadza mi to zbytnio, bo w końcu nie zawsze książki muszą odzwierciedlać rzeczywistość.
Denise Hunter nie stroni jednak od trudnych tematów i chociaż jej książki są przede wszystkim romansami, to w każdej pojawia się też jakiś poważny problem, z którym zmagają się bohaterowie. W poprzednich powieściach była to na przykład przemoc domowa, śmierć bliskiej osoby, syndrom stresu pourazowego, czy rozpad małżeństwa, a tym razem autorka dotknęła czułej struny w moim sercu, pisząc o wiszącym nad Bradym widmie utraty ukochanego dziecka. Jako matka chłopczyka w podobnym wieku, nie potrafiłam czytać o takiej sytuacji bez emocji, ale szczerze współczułam bohaterom, wczuwając się w ich strach i nerwy na sali sądowej. Autorka pięknie przedstawia miłość Brady’ego i Hope do małego Sama, i choć żadne z nich nie jest jego biologicznym rodzicem, oboje są gotowi na wszystko, aby zachować prawo do opieki nad nim i stworzyć mu szczęśliwy dom.
Jeśli chodzi o sam motyw fikcyjnego małżeństwa, to niby nie jest on niczym nowym, ale podobało mi się, jak wykorzystała go Hunter. Zazwyczaj, kiedy pojawia się on w książce lub filmie, chodzi o dokumenty, pieniądze czy politykę, a sam układ między małżonkami ma tymczasowy i często finansowy charakter. Chociaż Brady i Hope nie pobierają się z miłości, to jednak nie traktują małżeństwa jak kontraktu biznesowego, który można w każdej chwili rozwiązać, ale składając przed Bogiem przysięgę zobowiązują się spędzić ze sobą resztę życia, niezależnie od decyzji sądu. Nawet, jeśli łączy ich tylko przyjaźń. Tylko, albo aż, bo od przyjaźni do miłości jest już tylko mały krok.
Jak wszystkie powieści Denise Hunter, tak i ta napisana jest przyjemnym, lekkim stylem, i chociaż niewiele w niej zaskoczeń, to jednak wciąga i emocjonalnie angażuje czytelnika w losy bohaterów. Mam tylko jedno zastrzeżenie: ostatnie kilkadziesiąt stron wydawało mi się na siłę udramatyzowane, irytowało mnie zachowanie Hope i jej wybory. Ostatecznie jednak książka mi się podobała, choć może odrobinę mniej niż poprzednie książki Hunter. Miłośniczki (i miłośnicy!) romansów z pewnością powinni zapoznać się z twórczością tej autorki. Mimo małych zgrzytów pod koniec, polecam również “Splątane marzenia” - opowieść o tym, że szczęśliwa rodzina to coś więcej niż więzy krwi, a przyjaźń jest najlepszym fundamentem dla udanego małżeństwa.
After Brady’s ex-wife dies he’s left raising his baby son alone. When his in-laws seek custody he’ll do anything within his power to keep his young son. Hurt and neglected as a child, he wants to be sure that he doesn’t abandon his son. He admires Hope and loves the way she cares for his son. As they spend time together they find that they may be able to help each other out. But, is Hope the best candidate to help her friend? Hope feels like her life is a mess and she doesn’t want her emotional problems to affect Brady’s and his young son’s lives. Besides, she is being offered the chance of a lifetime and is unsure if motherhood is in the cards for her.
I really liked this sweet, endearing romance. Hope and Brady are friends who like and respect each other. Both of them love Brady’s son, Sam – and their mutual love for Sam creates an even stronger bond between them. This book shows how we really need to face our fears and be truthful to one another so that we can move forward toward the path of healing.