The Dream

Singing River #2

by Gilbert Morris

Lanie Freeman had to grow up fast. Her mother died when she was just fourteen and now her father is in prison. The oldest of five children, seventeen-year-old Lanie has transformed into a surrogate mother … and a beautiful young woman. Not only must she keep her family together, but lately she has drawn the attention of Roger Langley, son of the richest man in town. Tensions run deep between the Freemans and the Langleys. And on top of it all, Louise Langley accuses Lanie of trying to snatch away her handsome fiancé, Dr. Owen Merrit. Dr. Merrit has long helped out the Freeman children, but Lanie isn’t sure he even notices that she’s no longer a child. Then Fairhope is thrown into chaos when the new preacher arrives—wearing blue jeans and riding a motorcycle. In only a month, dashing Brother Colin Ryan shakes the entire town to the core of their beliefs. With the town embattled over the preacher, her family struggling to survive, and her own heart in turmoil, Lanie seeks solace in her writing. She pours out her heart to God, trusting his promises. But when things fall apart at every turn, will Lanie continue to trust? The Dream continues the inspiring saga of one woman’s struggle to hold together her family and follow her dreams in the midst of America’s darkest hour.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Historical Fiction, Historical, Romance, Fiction, Christian, Historical Romance

314 pages, Paperback

First published August 27, 2006

About the author

also published under the name Gilbert L. Morris

Gilbert Morris was one of today's best-known Christian novelists. He lived in Gulf Shores, Alabama, with his wife, Johnnie. He is the father to Lynn Morris and Alan Morris

Series:
* Adventures of Kerrigan Kids
* American Century
* Appomattox Saga
* Barney Buck
* Bonnets and Bugles
* Cheney Duvall, M.D. (with Lynn Morris)
* Cheney and Shiloh: The Inheritance (with Lynn Morris)
* Chronicles of the Golden Frontier
* The Creole (with Lynn Morris)
* Danielle Ross Mystery
* Daystar Voyages
* Dixie Morris Animal Adventures
* Far Fields (with Robert Funderburk)
* House of Winslow
* Jacques and Cleo: Cat Detectives
* Katy Steele Adventures (with Alan Morris)
* Lady Trent Mystery
* Liberty Bell
* Lions of Judah
* Lone Star Legacy
* Omega (with Lynn Morris and Alan Morris)
* The Price of Liberty (with Robert Funderburk)
* Reno Western Saga
* Seven Sleepers
* Seven Sleepers: The Lost Chronicles
* Singing River
* Spirit of Appalachia (with Aaron McCarver)
* Too Smart Jones
*

Reviews

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was reminded that romance or romantice notions are not the best way to choose a mate. Praying and waiting until you feel that God has lead you to the right choice is a great ripple in this book and the whole series. Another reminder in the is book is the power of prayer. Something to watch out for is decision theology. God chose you, you can't choose Him! That way is best anyway, we can't screw it up withour sinful decisions! Stay true to His word, praying that His will be done-whatever that may be!

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Dream continues the saga of the Freeman family from Book #1, The Homeplace. I can't wait to get started on Book #3!!!

Poor Lanie, the sweetest 17-year-old girl anywhere continues to struggle for her family. At 17 Lanie is responsible for her 4 younger siblings with some help from her very elderly Aunt Kazia, and bad enough she has to struggle for her own family to survive, but Davis, one of her younger brothers, shows up at home one evening with quite the surprise! Watching her church struggle with the decision of calling a new Pastor to her congregation, somehow Lanie always finds a way through the darkest of hours with her belief in her religion and her deep faith and trust in God.

Not only does she perform the roles of both Mother and Father to her siblings, keeps house, does the cooking, baking and laundry, but also ends up finding someone who is lost with the help of dog named Booger!

From back cover:

"Lanie Freeman had to grow up fast. Her mother died when she was just fourteen and now her father is in prison. The oldest of five children, seventeen-year-old Lanie has transformed into a surrogate mother...and a beautiful young woman. Not only must she keep her family together, but lately she has drawn the attention of Roger Langley, son of the richest man in town.

Tensions run deep between the Freemans and the Langleys. And on top of it all, Louise Langley accuses Lanie of trying to snatch away her handsome fiance, Dr. Owen Merrit. Dr. Merrit has long helped out the Freeman children, but Lanie isn't sure he even notices that she's no longer a child.

Then Fairhope is thrown into chaos when the new preacher arrives-wearing blue jeans and riding a motorcycle. In only a month, dashing Brother Colin Ryan shakes the entire town to the core of their beliefs.

With the town embattled over the preacher, her family struggling to survive, and her own heart in turmoil, Lanie seeks solace in her writing. She pours out her heart to God, trusting his promises. But when things fall apart at every turn, will Lanie continue to trust?

The Dream continues the inspiring saga of one woman's struggle to hold together her family and follow her dreams in the midst of America's darkest hour."

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very inspiring story about a teenage girl, the oldest of five siblings, who must be strong when faced with the responsibility of taking care of the rest of her family.around the time of the depression. Lanie’s faith is strong, and so is her courage. This is Christian historical fiction that is done extremely well.

[cloudyskye · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wanted something light, and this came at the right time. Didn't remember all that much from vol. 1, but the story quickly drew me in. I really liked the values and principles in all this, how faith and prayer shape this small town's community for the better. Without being boring. ;)

[Rebecca Rash · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book stands out to me from the rest of the series; I think it is because I feel so close to Lanie in this volume. Pulled me in from start to finish!

[Elaine · Rating 2 out of 5]

Another book off my bookshelf. Lanie is left to take care of her family after her mom dies and her dad is put in prison for a crime he didn't commit. When a new preacher comes into town, he stirs up alot of hearts and changes them for the good of the town. Owen Merritt helps out Lanie and her family as much as he can, to the disapproval of his finance. But when the preacher and his fiance Louise do work together in the town, she realizes she doesn't love Owen. That leaves Owen free to court Lanie (which will be saved for book 3).

[Stacy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not quite as many events and fast moving as the first book but I still enjoyed following the Freeman family and other characters. The first part of the book is a little slow but I'm glad I stuck with it as the last quarter of the book was rewarding. I listened to the audiobook and once again the reader does an excellent job and really makes the book come alive! I will be listening to book #3 next.

[Dorry Lou · Rating 3 out of 5]

A somewhat different book about a 17 year old becoming a surrogate mother. They were very poor so its a surprise when she draws the attention to the son of the richest man in town. Then there is the new preacher who rides a motorcycle and the medical doctor engaged to the daughter of the richest man in town. Different, but enjoyable.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second in series

I gave 5 star rating to both of vfc the books in bvb this series so far. Gilbert Morris was an artist with words. The Depression-era Singing River series is heart warming and evokes memories my parents told me of that time. I am anxious to read the 3rd installment in the saga.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love anything from Gilbert Morris. It's surprising how situations can change so quickly when you least expect it. Love the dog from prison.

[Michaela Royer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again a wonderful book from Gilbert Morris! Its very fun to read and has a great plot!

[Debb Hackett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely story with vividly depicted characters and a beautiful plot.

[Carol Stark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed the further development of each character. Story line picked up about 2/3 through the book. Will read the next in series.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just as the first in this series, the story improved as it got developed. Enjoyed it.

[Linea Winter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

audio

[Tracie Shelburne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book of the Singing River series. The main character, Laine is now 17 in this book. A new preacher comes to town and a new girl comes to live with the family.

[Jacqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series just keeps getting better. Great book....

[Rochelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ugh...what happened to Beau? (No offense Booger; you're adorable!)

[Darlene Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lanie Freeman takes over care of her 3 younger siblings when her mother dies in childbirth - and her dad goes to jail for an accidental shooting. Her next younger brother brings home a girl who needs a home - in these depression days - the brother just younger than her sister (who's acting wild) gets saved at a revival mtg - and the little one is only 3. A great aunt - Kezia - has come to live with them so they don't get taken by the "welfare" people. And Lanie dreams of her mom - and dad - before -

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book as much as I loved the first one~ what a truly inspirational author! One of the first series authors that is a Christian that is a male~ and I'm shocked how much he takes the reader into his stories with such compassion!

Lanie is trying to do whats right for her siblings and do what her parents would of done in that place. She is guided by the almighty God and His Word and its amazing what happens when she listens to only HIM!

[Ciara Cruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book 2 the singing river series and it was a really good book its just as good as the 1st one only there is a new charcter!:o Apreacher on a motorcycle. There is so many ? running in Lanie's brain is he a good pastor?Why cant my brother read? and how much longer till i can reach my DREAMS?

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't imagine having so little money and making ends meet. We have come a long ways from the Great Depression. Not even having 3 cents to mail a letter... Course even as well as we live now, there are still people that are living month to month or not even making it then so we have struggles just as they did back then - just a different time.

[Nikki · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a pretty good book. Wasn't intense by any means but I defintely wanted to know how it ended. Gilbert Morris is a good Christian author and has tons of books. This is the 2nd in a 3 part series. I have the 3rd book on reserve at the library...

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked the wholesome goodness of this book. It helped me realize thta the tough economic times we are going through today are similar to the great depression. People made it through that with help from above and we can too.

[Angie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not really a fan. I liked the idea of the story line (for the most part), but the entire thing with the conflict over the preacher really grated on me. I felt the way that the author presented the conflict was not balanced.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book follows on from book 1 The Home place. It follows the Freeman family. Also A new pastor arrives in town which has the church divided.
I enjoyed this book more than book 1. Looking forward to reading book 3.

[Nita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the first one couldn't wait to read this one. I couldn't put it down!! Gilbert Morris continues to show Gods awesome love and power in this story of a family on it's own.

[Mikie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very real story. Nothing short of amazing.

[Lisa]

Singing River series / book two