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Inspiration in Cologne #3

Determined Dreamer

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She’s been hiding her pain her entire life. If she doesn’t come clean, it could jeopardize the future she’s always wanted…

Cologne, Missouri. Kalie hasn’t been completely honest with her family. Telling no one she was bullied since childhood by a classmate, she’s finally taken control of her destiny by buying a small-town coffee shop. But the secrets she harbors could push away her new business partner, Elias, and smother their blossoming love affair.

Fearing she’ll lose everything if she tells the truth, Kalie holds back on giving Elias her whole heart. But the more affection he shows, the harder it becomes to keep her lips sealed.

Can Kalie find the courage to bare her soul and unlock her deepest desires?

Determined Dreamer is the third book in the engaging Inspiration in Cologne romantic women’s fiction series. If you like complex characters, close-knit communities and feel-good stories, then you’ll adore Deborah King’s wholesome tale.

332 pages, ebook

Published March 7, 2020

66 people are currently reading
79 people want to read

About the author

Deborah King

8 books28 followers

Deborah King is an acclaimed author of sweet, heartwarming stories that are a cross between women's fiction and contemporary, wholesome romance, with and abundance of inspiration mixed in. She is known for her charming small towns, following your dreams, and love blooming when strangers become friends and friends grow into family.

King has lived in several diverse locations within her metropolitan area as well as five years in a rural setting in Midwestern Missouri, which inspired her to write about small-town living. You'll catch glimpses of her experiences in her novels as these snippets have a tendency to find their way into them, so watch out! ;)

When she's not penning her latest novel, Deborah can be found hiking the trails, working out in her mini fitness gym, and preparing her favorite meals. For much needed relaxation, she spends quality time with her friends and family and her ever-supportive husband and their adorable cat.

For all the latest information, excerpts from her upcoming books, general fun, or to chat, join her launch team group @https://www.facebook.com/groups/debor...

To get her “always free” prequel, Destined Dreamer, visit her @ https://deborahkingbooks.com

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5 stars
26 (49%)
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16 (30%)
3 stars
8 (15%)
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
Profile Image for Nana.
923 reviews16 followers
March 15, 2020
I have recommended this book to a lot of my friends because I received an ARC of this book and this book just blew me away. Let me tell you why. Kalie was bullied since childhood but never told her family or her friends. She just suffered and became an introvert. I am an introvert and the telling of her story made me realize so many things.
The courage, it took for Kalie to decide to buy the coffee shop, she worked in during her high school years. Her brother and his wife helped her to buy it. After buying it, she met Elias who wanted to be partners in the coffee shop with her and she had a dream of having coffee and crepes. Her brother took her shopping for the dishes, utensils, and ingredients needed to make crepes. After that, her brother was trying to teach her and Elias how to make them. While she was trying to learn she realized her brother could have been a gourmet chef. She talked to him about it and he had been a chef but he had to give it up. Elias and Kalie were growing closer but Kalie couldn't give Elias her whole heart because of the secret she carried with her. Eventually, Kalie told Elias and she slowly began to trust in him and herself.
Cologne, Missouri is a small town but it is expanding with new businesses and new people. While reading the book, I felt like I was right there with them. I fell in love with the town and the people. But you don't think that is all there is to the book. I said the book blew me away. Wait until you read about Kalie and the person who always bullied her. It is going to blow you away too. This is a book to put on your list of books to read. Mark March 17th on your calendar because that is the day this book will be published. You don't have to be an introvert to love this story because there are so many different people, doing different things, there are secrets to learn, and I just love a book where one sentence can make you question things in your own life.
Profile Image for Penny Leidecker.
2,682 reviews26 followers
March 9, 2020
I’ve read every book in the Inspiration in Cologne series and Determined Dreamer is another fantastic read. I love this small town series, where friends and family are always there for each other. This book centers around Kalie and Elias, but we get to catch up with Shelby and Janna, the main characters from the first two books. Kalie has worked at the Coffee Palace since she was fifteen. Now, with Shane’s, her brother and the husband of Shelby, and the bank’s help, she’s the new owner. She has plans to offer crepes, instead of having to purchase pastries from the bakery. Kalie can’t cook very well, so wait until you find out her plans. This is the perfect title for this book because she is definitely determined to succeed. Grab your copy and get ready to want to visit Cologne, Missouri for yourself, when you finish reading.

I received an advanced reader copy of this from NetGalley and this is my voluntary and honest review.
Profile Image for Tracey Hutto.
8 reviews
March 9, 2020
This is book 3 of my friends from Cologne, Missouri. For someone to hold something very painful inside for along time is hard. It takes a lot to trust someone. You will fall in love with the people in this story. This author invites you into the town and you feel like you are part of everything that that is going on. I highly recommend this book and the 2 that came before it. Deborah King is extremely talented. I can’t wait for more of her books.
Profile Image for Sharone Powell.
432 reviews25 followers
March 25, 2020
In Determined Dreamer we return to Cologne, this time to learn Kalie's story. We learn about her difficult past and the lies she's been telling. We know those lies will end up ruining her, and her budding romance with new business partner, Elias, so we're rooting for her to find the courage to unburden herself and tell it all. It's not easy for Kalie to open up. We hope that she does, so she can have the guy and everything else she wishes for.
Profile Image for Barb.
3 reviews
March 9, 2020
I enjoy all the books in Mrs. King's "Inspiration in Cologne" series and this one is no exception. The heroine is a strong woman though she doesn't realize it until she steps out of her comfort zone to face some fears and demons of her past. All the characters in the book are engaging and "real". Determined Dreamer is a good book to devour in a couple of sittings. Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Claudete Takahashi.
2,665 reviews37 followers
March 11, 2020
I haven´t read the previous books in this series, however, there were no problems reading book number three. What I really liked about this story is the main character´s determination in keeping and attaining her goals inspite of difficulties, threats, broken friendships, broken relationships, hardships in general. Nowadays it´s so common to see people leaving theirs dreams behind - doesn´t matter how big or small they are - and live a life complaining..... I believe we have to dream, and dream big because when we stop dreaming it´s like life has stopped and it´s not worth anymore. I´ll look for the previous books in this series to read them.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
4,012 reviews34 followers
March 8, 2020
The book is a good sweet small town romance read. The story has a good story line. The characters are good, and they have good chemistry.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
6 reviews
April 19, 2020
Sweet Series

I was in the mood for a down home sweet book to read. This series is just right. These are not gushy romance stories, even though there is romance, they are just sweet stories about good friends and following your dreams!
Profile Image for Linda Babulic.
Author 1 book4 followers
June 27, 2020
Another great escape

Thank you Deborah for another lovely few hours in Cologne. It’s a pleasure to drop into the Coffee Palace and enjoy the company of old friends.
Profile Image for Heather W.
4,066 reviews35 followers
March 10, 2020
Determined Dreamer is the third book in the Inspiration in Cologne series and is an enjoyable read.

The characters in this story are well developed, likable, and relatable. The storyline is well written and enjoyable, with drama, angst, character growth, and love.

I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.
3,353 reviews19 followers
March 10, 2020
This is the first book I've read by this author and I definitely want to read more from her. It's a sweet, small town romance. A well written and enjoyable story line and wonderful characters who have definite chemistry.

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

Profile Image for Debby.
15 reviews
March 9, 2020
Determined Dreamer is a must read! Great structuring of the story with characters that work well together even when they don't. The heroine is a strong female lead and a joy to follow.
Profile Image for Nati.
2,975 reviews17 followers
March 9, 2020
CAn Elias bring confidence, happiness an de love to Kalie. Elias is now living in Cologne and plans to help Kalie with the ownership of the Coffee Palace. Will Kalie let Elias near her heart?
875 reviews4 followers
April 16, 2020
This is the 3rd book in the Inspiration In Cologne series by this author. You don't need to read the other books in the series to read this book. It was a sweet romance read.
Profile Image for Jamie Bee.
Author 1 book122 followers
March 20, 2020
Slow Start, Then It Gets Interesting

I am of several minds about this book. I'll admit that I was put off at the beginning by what felt like several prodigious information dumps. I am never a fan of those, and certainly not several of them, which happened here, as the author tried to catch us up on what went before and the complicated relationships in the book. She could have been more succinct or sprinkled information throughout the text. But I'm glad I stuck with it because the story ended up being a rich and compelling one, a complex tale of secrets and difficult pasts—and how all that impacts the present and the future. The characters are nuanced, even though we only understand this world from Kalie's perspective. I loved that the heroine is an introvert, as that doesn't seem to usually be the case in contemporary romance. And she actually has a reason for being so. Yet, she is very much a determined dreamer as the book’s title states, striving hard to succeed on her chosen path. This book feels like an ensemble cast even though it does focus on the core couple coming together, Kalie and Elias. The story is not just about the romance but the complex interplay with the secondary characters and everyone's deep backstory. All in all, I found it to be a satisfying read.

I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.

My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
10.9k reviews125 followers
March 25, 2020
This is the 1st book I've read written by Deborah King; she has done a great job at writing a good book; I can’t wait to read more of her books.

The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.

I loved the chemistry between the characters.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
28 reviews
March 25, 2020
An awesome look at small-town life and love

I have read and enjoyed all three books in this series. I tremendously enjoyed their stories. The only reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 is because of the drinking. Every day included drinking. Because of this I would recommend this series to adults only.
1,930 reviews8 followers
March 18, 2020
This is the third book in this series and the first one that I have read. However I did enjoy it quite a bit, it is a really good look in to how a child is followed by the bullying that they receive when young.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4,556 reviews38 followers
May 13, 2020
Determined Dreamer continues the story of life in Cologne. This small town is populated with many interesting characters. Kalie is the center of this book - herself, her family, her friends and Elias. The plot centers on following your dreams - even when they change. I think it would be nice to live in Cologne where everyone supports each other. This is a well told story about love in a small town. I thoroughly enjoyed it and can recommend it highly.
4 reviews
September 25, 2020
Determined Dreamer is Deborah King’s third book in her Inspiration in Cologne series. Determined Dreamer follows the story of Kalie Cahill, a young woman who pursues her dream and running a business despite dealing with issues from her past. She experiences familial and relational challenges that could threaten to derail her quest and sabotage her dreams. She also meets a man who tests her thinking and challenges her attitude.

Does she have the intestinal fortitude to move forward with her journey and resolve these issues? How does a business oversight and her personality affect her relationships? How does she handle a childhood acquaintance who had a major impact on her life?

Determined Dreamer is a wonderfully written book. King has a unique ability to paint intriguing and descriptive word pictures, draws out her characters and draws in her readers. She has a great way with writing prose and captivating narratives. Determined Dreamer is both a light-hearted account peppered with moments of intensity and she does a masterful job of striking a balance between these two tones. Determined Dreamer flows well, and I loved the way she uses her story breaks throughout her book.

Determined Dreamer will captivate your attention, whet your appetite for what comes next, and pique your curiosity about how it ends.

I really think you’ll enjoy reading Determined Dreamer, I sure did. I also enjoyed reading her two previous books, Daring Dreamer and Bedazzled Dreamer, as well. I look forward to reading King’s next book in the Inspiration in Cologne series. They’re definitely worth the read.

J. Amelung
Profile Image for D..
1,825 reviews
May 16, 2021
I was in the mood for a down home sweet book to read. This series is just right. These are not gushy romance stories, even though there is romance, they are just sweet stories about good friends and following your dreams!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for J.C. Lucas.
Author 6 books54 followers
July 11, 2020
This was a sweet story of a woman who was traumatized while growing up, who found her dream and helped others realize theirs as well. This was a great read and the author smoothly draws you into the book with laughter, love, and sadness.
Profile Image for Danielle Williams.
521 reviews16 followers
November 13, 2020
Wow is the best description I can think of. Deborah you are crazy and a fantastic writer.
Kalie is a strong woman who has gone through h*ll and has come out of it as a better person. She is an introvert. She is scared to risk her heart. She is getting stronger and braver everyday. She loses her heart to her business partner but scared to reveal her secret. Being bullied stays with you for life.
Excited for more.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews

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