Dreams Deferred

by June Foster

Frances Matthew Hall is obedient to family all firstborn sons will serve as a priest. Now Matt officiates at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in San Antonio, Texas. But when on Easter Sunday, he notices a beautiful young woman who takes his breath away, he must fight against his attraction to her or leave the priesthood and alienate his entire family. Mary Louise Graham is a middle school teacher and devout catholic. Yet no amount of service to the community can ease the heavy load of guilt she carries. God can never forgive her unspeakable mistake. But when Father Matt tells her about a forgiving God through His son Jesus Christ, she's free. Only thing, the Godly priest now means more to her than he should. Can two people find their way to each other amidst insurmountable obstacles? Dreams Deferred is inspired by the author's great grandfather and great grandmother's story.

196 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 21, 2019

About the author

I began writing in 2010 while sailing down the freeway in our RV. I love to place my characters in unlikely situations where escape is questionable, yet freedom is possible through God's power and His Word. I'm a retired teacher turned author and live with my husband in beautiful Alabama.

Reviews

[Susan]

This was a great book. I could not put it down. It was a sweet love story, but I think my favorite thing about it is that it showed that ultimately we need to follow God’s plan for our lives rather than tradition and expectations. I loved that even though the author set the book in a contemporary setting, it was a tribute to her great-grandparents.
I received a PDF copy of this book from the author and was not required to write a positive review.

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dreams Deferred is not the usual hero and heroine. Father Matthew Hall heard and accepted the gospel message in high school, but followed family expectations of becoming a Catholic priest. His life was never the same after he noticed Mary Louise Graham one Easter Sunday morning and felt God calling him to work with troubled teens by teaching music.

This delightful novella is based on the true story of the author’s great grandparents. I loved how the gospel message brought two individuals to discover who and what God meant for them to accomplish during their life’s journey. Foster penned this romance in a beautiful gentle way with God’s love and forgiveness for all being shared no matter social economic status or what parents might expect of children. The primary purpose of living a peaceful life with God’s forgiveness is to follow His will in every area of life.

I received a PDF copy of this book from the author and was under no obligation to write a review. I have expressed my own thoughts.

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this Christian romance novella with an unusual plot line. Matt is a Catholic priest and has taken vows of celibacy. But when his attention is captured by a beautiful young woman while he is saying mass, he is faced with a dilemma.

I am not Catholic so this novella interested me. How was Foster going to solve this immense obstacle to romance? I think she did a fine job.

I liked that she included some interesting issues in the plot. One was expectations from parents. Matt was a priest mostly because it was expected of him by his devout father. Another issue was the presentation of the gospel. Matt had experienced saving grace and freely helped others experience it too. One more issue was Matt hearing from God and doing what he really felt God was calling him to do, even if it meant forsaking previous commitments.

This is a good novella with engaging characters and an unusual plot for romance. Foster's writing style is a pleasure to read. That this novella was based on the true experience of Foster's great grandparents is a plus.

I received a complimentary digital copy of this novella from the author. My comments are an independent and honest review.

[Barbara Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dreams Deferred is a wondrous book. I have never read such an impressive storyline that kept my interest and attention. The characters are so unique that I did read later this novel is inspired by a true-to-life story. For me, the author's writing is beyond comparison and I highly recommend reading Dreams Deferred by Author June Foster.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. This review is one hundred percent my opinion.

[Paula Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful take of a true life story

I was so excited to get the chance to read this story. I love family history and this being a retelling of the authors great grandparents romance was a sure book for me! I was raised Catholic and always questioned why priests and nuns had to take vows of celibacy....
I truly enjoyed Matt and Mary Louise's love story!

[Melissa Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

From tough experiences to making life changing decisions, this story touched my heart. Finding trust again and the chance for true love is found in this very special story. Author June Foster writes great stories.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first ran across this author when her book Ryan's Father came out and I ended up reviewing it. I have read a few of hers since then and enjoyed each one. This one intrigued me, and I was happy to review it.

I am Protestant, and have never understood priests not being allowed to marry, so the idea of a priest leaving the priesthood and marrying was very interesting to me....and especially the fact that it is based on a true story of the author's great grandparents.

Foster set the book in today's time, and did a great job of portraying what it might be like for a young priest to struggle between keeping his vows to the church and pursuing marriage and a different calling God put on his heart that the church said no to.

The characters were very likable and engaging, and I really enjoyed the book. Spread throughout the blooming romance is a lot of truths, which are common in Foster's books. I appreciate it when an author doesn't shy away from putting a lot of Christian content in their books, and this one isn't afraid to do that.

The book had a great ending, which is important to me....and this sap got a little watery eyed at the ending. Great read that I recommend.

I was provided a copy of this book for review purposes. All opinions in this review are my own.

[Tawanna Lindemuth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Frances Matthew Hall has stayed true to his families tradition that all firstborn sons serve as priests. So he gladly accepts his duty and serves Christ. But his life completely changes when he see Mary Louise Graham, a beautiful young women amongst his congregation; whom is a devout Catholic. Little does he know what a burden she carries...nor that he would be the one God uses to lift it. Still can they fight their attraction to each other? Or will Matt have to leave the priesthood and risk shame upon his family? I highly recommend this touching true story 'Dreams Deferred' it is filled with forgiveness, transformation and love...definitely worth a read!

[Alice Theobald]

This was a good quick read and escape from it all. Fairly predictable but a sweet story

[Esther Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully Written

Exceptional and beautifully written. Highly recommend this book. I felt so full of hope and love reading this book. A perfect wholesome book.