Imaginary Things: a novel

by Andrea Lochen

From Andrea Lochen, award-winning author of The Repeat Year, comes an enchanting tale about family, love, and the courage it takes to face your demons and start over again.

Burned-out and completely broke, twenty-two-year-old single mother Anna Jennings moves to her grandparents’ rural Wisconsin home for the summer—her four-year-old, David, in tow. Returning to Salsburg reminds Anna of simpler times
— fireflies, picnics, Neapolitan ice cream—long before she met her unstable ex and everything changed. But the sudden appearance of shadowy dinosaurs awakens Anna from this small-town spell, and forces her to believe she has either lost her mind or can somehow see her son’s active imagination. Frightened, Anna struggles to learn the rules of this bizarre phenomenon, but what she uncovers along the way is completely revelations about what her son’s imaginary friends truly represent and hidden secrets about her own childhood.

Genres: Fiction, Magical Realism, Fantasy, Ebooks, Contemporary

362 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 1, 2015

About the author

Andrea Lochen is the author of three novels: VERSIONS OF HER, IMAGINARY THINGS and THE REPEAT YEAR. She earned her Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from the University of Michigan. She teaches college writing and lives in Wisconsin with her husband, two small children, and adorably fluffy dog, Maddy.

Reviews

[Jeanne Adamek · Rating 4 out of 5]

If I didn't love the authors Versions of Her so much I probably would have never picked this book up. It just didn't sound like my type. And I have to admit that it was a bit slower to get into, mainly because I couldn't warm up to the main character (I am definitely a character driven reader and I never read books where reviewers mention that main character or even all the characters are unlikeable) in the beginning.

BUT with that said, if I didn't pick up this novel I would have lost a special read. Andrea Lochen is wonderfully able to take themes that you might have read before (or seen movies of) and put a spin on the them that one, at least I, could never have imagined.

I loved Versions of Her more, but that could be just because this story is much darker--or simply because the story line was more to my taste. One thing is certain, though. I will be watching for Andrea Lochen books and have already ordered her The Repeat Year.

I REALLY recommend this book, Imaginary Things to everyone who wants to read something totally different...
4.25 stars

[Magen - Inquiring Professional Dog Trainer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was written by a local author in a fictious local setting and as a reader, I strive to support both. For me personally, I rate this book 2 stars, but for readers of the genre, I rate it at 3 to 3.5 stars. I read this book as well as Lochen's The Repeat Year and I very much encourage readers interested in Imaginary Things to read The Repeat Year as it is a book that fits solidly well into its genre. If you are interested in reading this book, due note that it doesn't exactly fit into the genre of magical realism and/ or romance as nicely as The Repeat Year does. I can see some readers who enjoy those genres being disappointed with this book. I sort of balk at a plot which has one character think she can see a child's imagination being labeled as magical realism, especially when compared to the novels that defined the genre like One Hundrend Years of Solitude, but, that's not the reason I state this book doesn't exactly fall nicely into the magical realism category. For that, you will have to read the book.

The concern about how neatly this fits into a particular genre wasn't the reason this wasn't a favorite book for me. The book didn't grab my interest and I didn't find the ability to see her child's imagination to add much to the book. I know other readers in my book club really liked this added plot element, but it wasn't for me. This meant that the plot wasn't particularly interesting to me and this is a mostly plot driven book. The characters felt a bit flat to me and there wasn't much growth. But ulimately, this was a book outside the norm of books I typically read and thus I am not the ideal reviewer for this book. I am glad I read this book and while it wasn't for me, from my fellow book club members, it was clear it is for lots of readers. If you want a light-hearted, good-natured, sweet romance, this is a great book and I certainly recommend it to those who are interested in it!

I was given this book free from the author through my local library book club. There was no expectation of a review inexchange for the book and thus it did not impact my review.

[Kristin Downer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review:

The original review is posted here: http://www.nerdprobs.com/books/book-r...

Normally, when I write a review of a book, I start off by giving you pointers on why I loved/hated it and a breakdown of those parts. This time I would like to start out by saying FIVE STARS! As you all know, I do not give five stars lightly. Andrea Lochen deserved it with "Imaginary Things".

When I first read the synopsis of this book I was intrigued. I thought I was going to read a slighty supernatural story with some fun ups and downs. I mean, a book about a single, young mom who can see her kids imaginations come to life? This book is so much more than that, though. I have never read anything like it.

Lochen developed characters that so many people can relate to. I found myself comparing my life to that of Anna's, being a single mom myself, and there were so many things I found myself encouraging her through or shaking my head because I'd made the same mistake. This is a story of life. Simple as that. 'Imaginary Things' is a glimpse of reality mixed with imagination, the ups and downs, and the awesome adventure we call life. This book is the perfect description of a parent connecting with their child, the urge to keep them safe at all costs (even from... wait for it... imaginary things), falling in love, and moving on from the past. A tale of letting go and things falling into place.

'Imaginary Things' is such a magical book with a great lesson intertwined in the pages that I encourage everyone, young and old, to take the time to read this book. It is going on my favorites shelf and will probably be re-read sometime in the future (most likely multiple times). Have I mentioned the cover art is incredible too? It fits it so perfectly. I do not have enough hands to clap or hats to take off to let Andrea Lochen know how incredible her book was. If I could, I'd scream it from the rooftops. FIVE STARS!

[Susan Peterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a captivating and heartfelt story about a single mother and her young son. I loved the relationships in this story—they were all complicated and genuine. The characters were compelling and complex.

[Shannon Rogers · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I first started reading this book, I wasn't sure if I was going to like it. I thought it would be too different for me. It didn't take long, however, before I was completely sucked into this book and enjoying every page of it. I loved the grandparents so much!! But I'm getting ahead of myself.

At first, I thought it would be hard to relate to Anna in the sense that, although I'm a mother, my children never had any imaginary friends, and neither did I. That disconnect was something I thought would put me off and keep me from fully investing in the character, but the author did such an amazing job with Anna's characterization, that I had no trouble sympathizing with, and feeling very strongly for her. As a mother, I can't imagine what it must be like watching your child not only have an imaginary friend, but for that imagination to come to life.

That may not sound like a bad thing, and at first it isn't. Later, however, a darker undertone begins to hit, and there were a couple moments that I felt the hair raise up on my arms. I don't want to give anything away, but David's little imaginings did get a bit freaky at times, and I felt so bad for the mother trying to make sense of what she was seeing, and wondering if she was going nuts.

I really enjoyed the introduction of Jamie Presswood into the story as a love interest. Although the romance took a backseat to the main part of the story, I was okay with that. In fact, Jamie was an old friend, so I'm glad that I wasn't distracted from the main story line by having to watch a meet-and-greet-turned-love-affair.

I really don't want to say more because I don't want to ruin it for anyone, but suffice it to say, this story definitely had me engaged, on the edge of my seat at times, and really rooting for Anna to figure out the mystery of her son's imagination and its manifestation. It had suspense, great characterization, and a very unique plot that held my interest. Great book!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished this book 4 days ago and it is still swirling around in my head! A child's imaginary friends are the cornerstone and something I had never read about before. A beautiful, heart-rending story, I fell into this book and hated to see it end, that doesn't happen often to me. Difficult to believe that this is only the author's second book, so well written. I might add that the paper quality is A-1 and the cover art as well as the feel of the cover are beautiful. Now I am sounding a bit like a "paper person", which I am, along with being an avid reader, but I do love my books and this one is definitely a favorite.

[Sara Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the moment I purchased this novel I was hooked and could not put it down. While I was a little weary on the plot, Lochen's creative and captivating writing style and likable characters kept me reading until the last page. I still want more!
I would highly recommend this book for anyone looking for a laid back story with a plot that will keep you guessing.
Outstanding, Mrs. Lochen

[Shelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Part mystical, romance, and mystery. A single Mom takes her 4 year old son back home to her grandparents house where she begins to see his imaginary friends, which are dinosaurs. It was an easy read but parts of the story seemed rushed and haphazard.

[Kathie Giorgio · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, overall, this was a charming book. The main character, Anna, is an admirable and strong single parent mom who is adamant about not being like her own mother, who was also a single parent mom, but neither admirable or strong. Lochen caught what it's like to be four years old in Anna's young son. He reads so real and fun.

The situation - a boy whose imaginary friends (dinosaurs) come to life and his mom can see them - is unique and thought-provoking. I love magical realism - the mixing in of a magical element in a realistic story. Throw in Anna's issues with her mother and her son's unstable father and you've got a story that holds the attention.

The problem comes with the magical realism part - grounded in reality, the magical element should be believable, even as it's magical. The reader should accept it. I accepted that young David had imaginary dinosaur friends, and that both he and his mother can see them. But I didn't accept Anna's acceptance. She talks about sending David to a child psychologist, but she never once considers going to a counselor herself. She says several times that she wonders if she's going crazy - but she doesn't speak to anyone about what's going on, or her part in it. David never does see a child psychologist, and Anna never once considers going herself. That made it feel unbelievable to me.

But fun. The references to the dinosaurs are funny and made me laugh out loud several times. It's a good read. I just so wanted to set aside my disbelief and fully lose myself in the story. I enjoyed it...but I stayed present in my own chair the entire time.

[Jenny Belk · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an enjoyable book. This book is about a 22 year old single Mom who moves to Wisconsin to live with her grandparents to try and make a new life for herself and her young son David. Her past involved an unstable ex and her neglectful mother. Living next door to the grandparents is Anna's all grown up childhood best friend, Jamie. Jamie cares for his invalid mother and has a questionable past as well.

Anna soon discovers her son has imaginary friends in the form of dinosaurs. Oddly enough Anna seems able to see them as well. Is she going crazy?
Romance blossoms between Jamie and Anna. Can they solve the reasons for David's imaginary friends? Will it lead to a dangerous confrontation that could change everything. Will they all live happily ever after?

A nicely paced book with memorable characters.

[Nita · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the author's first book, "The Repeat Year", which I thoroughly enjoyed,and I was really looking forward to "Imaginary Things". I was not disappointed! I loved the premise - one of my favorite movies is "Drop Dead Fred - and she did an excellent job making the imaginary friends come to life in this reader's imagination! I loved how the mood of the "friends" changed as the story built to it's climax. The author does a great job bringing a scene to life - how the feel of a carnival changes as day slips into night - and also the emotions of the characters.

Being from Milwaukee originally, and now living in a small town in Wisconsin, of course it was fun speculating where the towns mentioned in the book might be located! Definitely a fun read!

I am looking forward to the next book!

[Mrs Mommy Booknerd http://mrsmommybooknerd.blogspot.com · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars
I love reading something so original and fun...Imaginary Things is one of those great reads that takes you on a journey through the world of a mother, her son and some imaginary friends. This book was so original, the characters well developed and plot was twisty and turny. What I loved about this book was not only the things I previously stated, but the touch a magic, which made this reading experience so fun. There were so many times I said to myself "What if this was me....what would I do". Such a wonderful and heartfelt story...4.5 stars

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, love, LOVE this book. I might be slightly biased in that my favorite movie growing up was "Pete's Dragon" and so an imaginary T-Rex was right up my alley, but even so, I am in love with this tale of a boy and his imagination and his mom who is striving to do right by him. My only remaining question is how long do I have to wait for this to be made into a movie?

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was one of the few people who got to read an advance copy of this amazing book. Please take the time to read because you will love it.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Try to picture a young single mother, moving to live at her grandparents’ place in small-town Wisconsin with her just-about-ready-to-start-Kindergarten son. The young boy invents some imaginary friends – 2 dinosaurs, to be more precise. So far, there’s nothing especially surprising, unusual – or eye-catching – in that description.

Now, try to picture the mother’s reaction when she discovers that she can see the imaginary dinosaurs, as well. And hear them. And smell them. And touch them. Then, toss in the fact that her son has also created an imaginary enemy / threat, as well …

Andrea Lochen’s “Imaginary Things” appears on the surface to be – well, not so much a “coming of age” story, but a “came of age, now what?” story. (New Aduit, perhaps?) It drops hints, however, that it could go in a lot of different directions. Perhaps it could delve into the paranormal. Maybe it will be a romance. Or it might decide to be a psychological thriller. Or a mystery. And, in some ways, it IS all of those things, at least in part.

Ms. Lochen was very good at planting seeds in my imagination, and then letting them develop as I read on. She provided those thoughts with some fertilizer and some pruning / weeding as we worked through the narrative – to begin with, what IS the definition of “imaginary”; if you can see and touch something/someone, does that make them real? She allows some alternate paths to formulate – mainly, the estrangement between our protagonist Anna Jennings and her own mother, which may also have had the involvement of an imaginary accomplice.

By the end of the book, most of the mysteries have either been resolved directly or direct hints have been dropped towards their inevitable conclusions. (Although, I never did figure out what the role Weeple, the miniature brontosaurus, played in the story – to my mind, he was just “there”. The one positive he brought for me was to help define and refine some of the aspects of King Rex, which as one might expect from the name, WAS a T-Rex, albeit also miniature.)

The publisher was looking for an opinion from a reader who happened to be a guy. This guy was very impressed by the work and is looking forward to more out of the mind and keyboard of Andrea Lochen.

RATING: 4.5 stars, rounded up to 5 stars for those sites that cannot handle fractions of a star. The book was memorable, had few discernible flaws, and will stick with me after I’ve moved on to my next fiction read.

DISCLOSURE: I received this book free of charge from the publisher, under the condition that an honest review be provided within 90 days. Just made it under the wire – I think.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

After turning that final page, I was very impressed with the journey the author had just taken me on and how much I had enjoyed the story. The description on the back of the book does not do the story justice; it does not capture the fascinating drama that makes up Anna's life, the budding romance, or the interesting dynamic between Anna, her son, and his imaginary friends that are more than just a whimsical addition to the story. I don't want to give anything away, but there were so many parts to Anna and David's story that grab the reader and make you want to keep reading to uncover the truth about their past and what might happen in their future. The icing on the cake was that the author has a great voice as a writer. The story flows well and her writing is like a comfy pillow with a story that you want to snuggle into and get lost in.

Initially, I was wary of the imaginary friends concept of the story. It seemed a bit juvenile and I couldn't invest in it. I couldn't understand or sympathize with Anna's overly frightened reaction to her son's prehistoric imaginary friends. If I were in her shoes, I would've reacted like Dr. Alan Grant and Dr. Ellie Sattler when they first set eyes on the wonders of Jurassic Park. However, the imaginary friends do have a purpose and it works, thank goodness, so I definitely warmed up to the imaginary friend concept about halfway through the book. I also was a bit dismayed with the ending of the story. I would have enjoyed Anna's new man in her life playing a more forceful part in the events at the end of the book, or for there to be a bit more struggle in general. It all wrapped up far too quickly after such a great build up of tension.

I wish that this book had a sequel or was going to get one. I grew very attached to the characters, imaginary and real, as well as their stories. However, children grow up and, therefore, the whole concept of the book would not be able to continue on for much longer as Anna's son matures. Do not hesitate to pick up this great book; I can't think of the last time I've read anything quite like it.

*I received a free copy of this book for this review from the author.

[Charlotte Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

My children never had imaginary friends. I never thought about why they would have or didn’t have these friends. Yet, I started Imaginary Things and was instantly intrigued. I loved the idea of a little boy, David, with an imaginary friend or two and that these friends were dinosaurs. When the story continued and Anna, the boy’s mother, could see these imaginary friend I was hooked.

Andrea Lochen as an amazing imagination and a way with words. She is able to described the characters and their feelings so well that the reader takes them on as friends and people they care about. I could relate to Anna’s fear for her son and his reaction to the way his life has become. Her confusion as to why David felt the need to have these dinosaurs around to keep him safe from the scary cat, a panther.

When Anna and Jamie, the next door neighbor, became friends and their history was revealed I was thrilled. I knew where I wanted it go and was happy when it started to head that direction with twists and turns. Their story is not easy, it is not a straight line, and it is worth the trip to get there. Jamie has a history, Anna has a history and together it is complicated.

As the story continued I was trying to figure out how it was all going to be tied up in a pretty package. I should have seen where the story was going. The clues were there, the story was heading in the right direction, yet I did not. I love that I did not. I love that it kept me reading. I had to know that David would be safe, that the mother would find happiness, and that there would be a happy ending.

This is the second book by Andrea Lochen that I have read and I recommend them both. Imaginary Friends is a fun read, that gets serious at points. There are some tough subjects discussed and hinted at but it never loses that easy read feel.

[Susan (The Book Bag) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me from the synopsis. Children have such great imaginations and probably most of us had an imaginary friend at some point in our youth. Then the thought of someone else being able to see those imaginary friends? That is an awesome idea for a story.

'If King Rex was David’s imaginary friend, and I could see King Rex, that meant I could see David's imagination. I could see as clear as day the things he was inventing in his mind. And apparently he had inherited his over-active imagination from me.'

Imaginary Things is unlike any story I have ever read. I thought it would be a fun, whimsical story about a little boy and his make-believe friends. It was so much more than that. Anna is a young mother who is trying to do the right things for herself and her son, all while trying to protect her young child from the evil in their lives. But sometimes it's not so easy to differentiate between good and evil.

As Anna tries to understand what David's imaginary friends want and what they are trying to tell her, she has to work through what her own childhood imaginary friend meant to her. And who were the good guys in her youth? Who were the bad ones?

'There were so many things to be afraid of - some real, some imagined - and it seemed impossible to know the difference until it was too late.'

I loved Imaginary Friends. It is a very well written story and I was hooked from the first page. I was immediately comfortable with the characters and I didn't want to put the book down. I love the way Andrea tells a story and I am definitely going to be reading more of her work. She has now been added to my list of ‘must-read' authors.

And don't you just love the cover? I know I do!

[Jessica Bronder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anna is a single mother and has just lost her job. She decides to move back home with her grandparents since they were the rock in her younger life and she figures that her son David could use the same calm. But things take an interesting turn when she can start seeing David’s imaginary friends, two dinosaurs. While trying to figure out what this means for David, Anna realizes this also has something to do with her own childhood and her relationship with her mother.

Then her childhood friend Jamie returns home to take care of his mother. Anna and Jamie want to rekindle their friendship and be more but there are a lot of things standing in Anna’s way, like her abusive ex-husband. Anna has a hard time trying to be the mother that David needs along with having her own happiness with Jamie. She also learns more about her own childhood.

This is an amazing story. I admit that although I do review several contemporary romances it’s not one of my preferred genera. But I just loved this book. I felt for Anna, things just seem to be stacked against her at every turn and she constantly tries to do the best for David. I liked her ability to see David’s imaginary friends, what better way to figure out how your child feels when they can’t seem to verbally express their feelings.

I even liked the romance with Jamie. You can’t help cheering Anna to keep working with Jamie. She had so much happen to her from Patrick that I could feel how hesitant she was. But in the end it will work out.

This is an amazing book. It would be considered a contemporary romance but don’t let that stop you if this is not your usual genera. You will not be disappointed.

I received this book fro free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Julie Failla Earhart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every parent, at one time or another, wishes they could read their child’s mind. If that were possible, life would be so much easier. For Anna Jennings, this wish almost comes true. Although she cannot read four-year-old David’s mind, she can see his imagination, and it scares the bejeezus out of her.
Anna and David have returned to her grandparents’ rural Salsburg, Wisconsin, home. Anna spent several summers and one school year with Duffy and Winston, when she was too much to handle. Seems like Salsburg was the one place she could go when she had nowhere to go.
Anna, now twenty-two, is completely broke, having lost her job in Milwaukee. Divorced from David’s father, Patrick, she is trying to stabilize their life after dealing with Patrick’s mental illness.
David didn’t have many friends in Milwaukee and now he has none. So he does what most kids do, he invents an imaginary friend. Not just one, but two. They take the form of David’s obsession, dinosaurs. They seem to always be nearby, along with a black mist that has to spell trouble.
Speaking of trouble, guess who’s moved back to Salsburg and is living with his mother next door? Jaime. Anna’s best friend from her teenage years.
Author Lochen has created a whimsical tale in which love, friendship, and what really matters are the key elements. While this is not a heart-in-your-mouth thriller, it is a captivating novel that made me keep turning the page. I expected a dramatic scene involving the dinosaurs, but it never transpired, leaving me a tad disappointed. However that shouldn’t stop anyone from reading this sweet slice of magical realism that is sure to resonate with them as much as it did with me.

[Erika · Rating 4 out of 5]

***NOTE: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review***

Normally, books categorized as women’s fiction aren’t my favorites. The premise for this one sounded so intriguing though, that I wanted to give it a try as soon as I’d read the description. After losing her job in Milwaukee, Anna Jennings and her four-year old son, David, return to her grandparents home in the rural Wisconsin town of Salsburg to make a new start. As they settle into their new home, Anna is surprised and startled to find that she can actually see David’s imaginary friends, two dinosaurs that follow him almost everywhere and act as his playmates and protectors. Her grandparents’ neighbor, Jamie Presswood, who used to play with Anna when she would visit as a child, has also returned to Salsburg to care for his ailing mother. While Jamie seems intent on keeping his distance at first, the two eventual manage to resume their friendship, and start something more. Not sure if she is going crazy or if what she can see is really her son’s imagination, Anna struggles with her fear of not being a good enough mother to David, and of not being good enough to be loved again after her failed relationship with David’s father.

This story was magical, suspenseful, and heartwarming. Ms. Lochen has done a wonderful job of inserting fantastical things into mundane situations in a way that makes you feel that they utterly belong. The characters were so real, that I almost felt as thought I knew each of them personally by the end of the story. Anyone who is a fan of women’s fiction or sweet romance novels, or has ever tried to raise a child will love this book.

[Nancy Baker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Who hasn't had an imaginary friend? Five year old David has two imaginery friends -- and they are dinosaurs, King Rex and Weeble. The only problem is that his mother can see them too. And then something else imaginary appears, but it doesn't look or act like a friend.

This was a story of a journey between mother and son, both trying to find their way in life while searching for security and peace of mind. I didn't find it nearly as entertaining as I did "Memoirs of an Imaginery Friend" by Matthew Dicks, but it was an interesting concept of how deep the bond between mother and child can reach.

For me it brought back wonderful memories of my own children's imaginary friends -- my daughter's Skippy Rabbit, who hung around for months on end. Then there was "John", my son's friend who lived with us for at least 2 years. I'm glad I hadn't read this book when my kids were young because perhaps I would have worried about the imaginary friends they chose and why. Suffice it to say, that I reveled in their love for their playmates and made the best of it until it was time for them to fade into the sunset. Let's face it, we all need a security blanket from time to time -- and sometimes even after we are grown.

Imaginary Things was not a spectacular book in my opinion, but it was a good escape from the daily grind and anything that takes me back to the memories of my children's childhood days is a good read. If you read it -- I hope it conjures up some interesting friends from the past for you as well.

[Steph Hundt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imaginary Things is the best book I have read this year! Reading this amazing novel was like eating a delectable dessert that you savor slowly so as not to miss a tiny morsel. Anna Jennings is a 22 single mother raising her 4 year old son David with the help of her amazing grandparents in the tiny town of Salsburg, Wisconsin. She and David move in with her grandparents Winston and Duffy the summer this book unfolds. To her complete surprise Anna soon learns that she can see her son's imaginary friends who just happen to be 2 rather alarming dinosaurs. As you can imagine this provides for some very interesting plot twists! Additionally, Anna is reunited with her longtime childhood friend Jamie Presswood who is her grandparents' next-door neighbor. As children they caught fireflies together, rode the Ferris wheel, and dreamed of the future. As adults, Anna wonders if they could be something more?
This book has everything to make for a fantastic read; rich and layered characters, an intriguing magical concept, the fierce love of a mother for her son, mystery, humor, and hope. Lochen proves that love conquers all and second chances are for real. I, for one, am waiting anxiously to see what the talented Andrea Lochen will have for her many fans next!

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful narrative full of creativity, love, determination, and yeah, a bit of magic. I love how well the novel displays all the different facets that make Anna such a rich and sympathetic protagonist: we watch as she struggles to be a strong, loving single parent, does her best to stay open to the possibility of romance, and pursues dreams (despite some setbacks) that will better both her life and her son's. David is neither overly precocious nor mere set-dressing, and his realistic childishness makes the wonderful premise that Anna can see characters from his imagination both more urgent and more endearing. Enjoyed this tale from beginning to end and can't wait to read Lochen's next effort! Full disclosure: the ending of this one is powerful, so don't expect to put the book down easily.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book sounded interesting to me . . . a mom who can see her son's imaginary friends? But it was so much more and so much better than I expected. Anna's story is rich with relationships--family, friends, and romance--as well as inner character growth. She must face forgotten events in her own past in order to help her son now and to allow herself happiness in her own future. Lochen does a good job of showing a wide tapestry of characters--each with their strengths and weaknesses, good and bad. Nothing is ever really cut and dried in real life and Anna makes the best choices she can as she stumbles through trying to figure it all out. It's a beautiful story of a mother's love for her child as well as sweet romance and touching coming-of-age story all rolled into one.

[Holly's Little Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Andrea Lochen's newest novel! I wasn't sure exactly what to expect from a novel that includes a mom seeing her four-year-old's imaginary dinosaur friends, but I was pleasantly surprised. This novel shows the importance of the bond between mother and child so perfectly. Whether it be overcoming a mother who seemingly lacked the feelings a mother should have toward their child or a mother who is desperately trying to do everything she can to make sure her son knows he is loved, Andrea really makes the reader a part of the character's story and makes it impossible to not read just one more chapter...

[NzingaMarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book in a Goodreads Giveaway.

I think this is the first time I've been so excited to write a review! This was written so amazingly well. The entire book felt like a conversation with a friend about a crazy summer years ago.

The struggles that Anna goes through are so real. I imagine single mothers everywhere would easily be able to relate. Almost every topic was touched on: parenting, friendships, independence, domestic problems, memories of a troubled past.

This would usually be the point where I would mention what I would change or add, but I have nothing. This book is perfect.

[Alisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Please note that I was sent a copy for review & blog purposes. All opinions expressed are 100% my own.

I will be honest and say I didn't know what to expect from this book. The synopsis made it seem more childlike than I cared for, but after a couple of chapters I was sucked in.

I devoured this book in 24 hours. I couldn't put it down. This is my first read from Andrea Lochen and I will totally be reading her other works.

I loved everything about imaginary Things - from the whimsy of her son's imagination, to the love story between herself and Jamie, this book captivated me.

An easy Summer read that will put a smile on your face.

[Ruthie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anna is a young single mother with unwavering strength & hopes for her 4 year old son David when she escapes from an abusive relationship with David's father. She arrives at her grandparents home only to find that David's way of coping is to have imaginary friends. Anna strives to make sense of his world while trying to remember her own past with an uncaring mother.
This book will resonate with any mother as our hopes, dreams and love for our children keep us strong & dedicated to make their lives all they can be.
Perfect for book clubs as there is a discussion guide at the end of the book.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

When 4 year old David starts playing with imaginary dinosaurs his mom isn't too worried but she begins to see them too it becomes more of a concern. As if losing her job, moving in with her grandparents, being a single mom and starting a new relationship isn't enough now she must figure out what's going on with David.
I loved the premise of this book. It had just the right mixture to make it hard to put down. I am looking forward to reading more by this author.

I received this book as part of a goodreads giveaway but the opinions expressed are my own.