The Daydream Cabin

by Carolyn Brown

A headstrong woman discovers it’s never too late for change in New York Times bestselling author Carolyn Brown’s spirited novel about lost hope and second chances. Substitute counselor for wayward teens isn’t how public-school teacher Jayden Bennett planned to spend her summer vacation. However reluctant, she’s hiking up her jeans and heading for remote Piney Wood Academy in north Texas. Two months. Seven days a week. Few amenities. And three troubled girls daring Jayden to make a difference. She understands what she’s up against. She has her own burdens to bear. Jayden’s not in it alone. The devoted elderly couple who run Piney Wood trusts in Jayden’s tough-love approach to get the job done. So does drill instructor Elijah Thomas, whose hardened boot-camp hide conceals a heart broken one too many times. Jayden is making it beat again. For both of them, falling in love is a risk. Because all summers must come to an end. But with each new sunrise on these rustic acres, Jayden discovers that Piney Wood is a last chance for her, too. And with so many lives in turnaround, a new beginning for everyone could be a dream come true.

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Audiobook, Chick Lit, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Womens Fiction

319 pages, Paperback

First published December 8, 2020

About the author

Hi! I'm twenty five years old and movie star gorgeous. The camera added thirty plus years and a few wrinkles. Can't trust those cameras or mirrors either. Along with bathroom scales they are notorious liars! Honestly, I am the mother of three fantastic grown children who've made me laugh and given me more story ideas than I could ever write. My husband, Charles, is my strongest supporter and my best friend. He's even willing to eat fast food and help with the laundry while I finish one more chapter! Life is good and I am blessed!

Reading has been a passion since I was five years old and figured out those were words on book pages. As soon as my chubby little fingers found they could put words on a Big Chief tablet with a fat pencil, I was on my way. Writing joined reading in my list of passions. I will read anything from the back of the Cheerio's box to Faulkner and love every bit of it. In addition to reading I enjoy cooking, my family and the ocean. I love the Florida beaches. Listening to the ocean waves puts my writing brain into high gear.

I love writing romance because it's about emotions and relationships. Human nature hasn't changed a bit since Eve coveted the fruit in the Garden of Eden. Settings change. Plots change. Names change. Times change. But love is love and men and women have been falling in and out of it forever. Romance is about emotions: love, hate, anger, laughter... all of it. If I can make you laugh until your sides ache or grab a tissue then I've touched your emotions and accomplished what every writer sets out to do.

I got serious about writing when my third child was born and had her days and nights mixed up. I had to stay up all night anyway and it was very quiet so I invested in a spiral back notebook and sharpened a few pencils. The story that emerged has never sold but it's brought in enough rejection slips to put the Redwood Forest on the endangered list. In 1997 Kensington bought two books for their Precious Gems line. Two years and six books later the line died with only four of those books seeing publication. But by then Avalon had bought a book and another, and another. Ten years later the list has grown to thirty nine. Last year Sourcebooks bought the Lucky Series which is in the bookstores now. They've also bought The Honky Tonk Series which will debut with I LOVE THIS BAR in June and will be followed by HELL, YEAH, MY GIVE A DAMN'S BUSTED, and HONKY TONK CHRISTMAS.

Folks ask me where I get my ideas. Three kids, fifteen grandchildren, two great grandchildren. Note: I was a very young grandmother! Life is a zoo around here when they all come home. In one Sunday afternoon there's enough ideas to keep me writing for years and years. Seriously, ideas pop up at the craziest times. When one sinks its roots into my mind, I have no choice but to write the story. And while I'm writing the characters peek over my shoulder and make sure I'm telling it right and not exaggerating too much. Pesky little devils, they are!

I have a wonderful agent, Erin Niumata, who continues to work magic and sell my work. I'm very lucky to have her and my editors who continue to believe in me.

Happy reading!

Reviews

[Rebecca · Rating 2 out of 5]

Way too religious and preachy for my liking - it didn't feel realistic. I don't think I've ever been to a place in a supposedly multicultural society (Australia, the US, the UK, Ireland, New Zealand etc) where everyone is the same religion and follows the same sort of religious practice. I have no problems with characters in books being religious, but every single time they did anything, they praised God or talked about how good 'He' was, or mentioned the bible or going to church. It really wore out its welcome.

[Reading-for-life (Angela Sanford) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another must read from Author Carolyn Brown! This is a story filled with second chances and forgiveness with a generous sprinkle of love thrown in! School Guidance Counselor Jayden Bennett is looking forward to a stress free Summer vacation but her plans are changed when she agrees to work at a camp for troubled teens. With some hard feelings toward her older sister Skylar, Jayden slowly begins finding forgiveness as she helps guide her wayward girls towards a better path in life. Elijah Thomas, the "drill sergeant " at Piney Wood Academy also begins to bury his ghosts when he meets Jayden and begins to see a brighter future. I absolutely loved this novel. With moments of laughter and tears, I could not stop reading and imagining the beautiful changes that were taking place within each characters heart! Author Carolyn Brown's novels always gives me a feeling of hope! I am always looking forward to the next novel that this magnificent author releases!

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this story, but was a little confused by some parts. The synopsis was great, and I liked that the general story line was totally different—a school counselor spending her summer working with teen girls who are one step away from going to juvi/prison. The synopsis promised a story between Jayden & Elijah, but their story line seemed to take a backseat to Jayden’s work with the girls. I enjoyed this part, but there weren’t many twists, turns, or blocks to the story line. Usually those blocks are what keep a story moving. I like to think of a book’s plot as a roller coaster & this one was more like a kiddie coaster...not a lot of rising action, just continued story line without much drama.

I loved both Jayden & Elijah’s characters, but it was hard to believe they were in love by the end of the story because there was very little of their interactions in the story. I just wanted more.

The biggest, most confusing piece was wondering who the author’s intended audience was. Some chapters wrote the main character to be super religious, but the following chapter would be totally opposite. Another reviewer commented that she felt the author wrote it for a secular publisher, but had a backup plan of sending it to a Christian publisher if it hadn’t been picked up. The “Christian parts” & “secular parts” could be easily edited and removed. Just seemed like the author needed to decide who she was writing to in order to make the story line consistent. It just feels weird to have your main character cursing & drinking in one chapter, then attending church & talking about abiding in Him in the next. It was confusing.

All in all, not a bad story. It was listed as a #1 best seller on Kindle Unlimited, so I thought I’d try it out. Not totally let down, but I don’t know that I’d read another of this author’s.

[Sophia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A big city public school guidance counselor is looking forward to a relaxing summer when a call from her manipulative older sister changes everything. Eight weeks as a summer camp counselor at a camp on a rural Texas ranch to a handful of troubled teen girls doesn't sound like a picnic, but she reluctantly agrees to take her sister's place. And, so a rustic journey of the heart begins and I was captivated from the first chapter.

Jayden is the oversized gawky sister compared to svelt, put together Skylar who has had her own way all their lives. Skylar manipulates and won't let up so Jayden gives in to take her place at the well paid camp job so Skylar can traipse off to Europe with her private school teens' music group. Jayden is a weathered teen guidance counselor and good at what she does, but she's been put down by her sister so much growing up that she sees herself as inferior. But, once on the scrub brush ranch and working with the people there and the girls, she truly shines and slowly works out her past troubles as she helps the girls work on their issues. Meanwhile, the handsome rancher who is a former combat vet leads a no-nonsense camp program and works his way into her heart. At least temporarily, she thinks.

Elijah was lost until his family, Mary and Henry, bring him back to work their ranch for wayward teens. Corralling the girls soothes some of his guilt over surviving on a mission when some of his friends did not. He's been content, but it's not until Jayden strides into his world that he starts to want something more and works to convince the woman that she's beautiful and talented and she's amazing at what she does at the camp with her girls and helping them all out. If only he can convince her to stay and follow her dreams.

I loved this challenging situation with the girls and all their troubles- bulimia, shoplifting, bullying, and substance abuse for starts- and then Jayden and Elijah who were working through their issues at the same time as they helped the girls. It was bootcamp and the ranch environment was no Club Med. My heart went out to the girls who struggled with so much more than what got them arrested and with Jayden and Elijah burdened by their pasts. I felt emotional a few times and there are sad things brought out, but also hope. Change happens along the way. And, there are liberal doses of ranch life and humor like when the girls were shocked out of their cool, hardened exteriors as a result. And, oh, that first scene when Jayden took on the ringleader and knocked her down several pegs was priceless.

The pace was perfect. The changes came at a steady rate instead of suddenly everyone is healed and happy. Just like the romance is slow burn and somewhat in the background at times. The eight week period kept it moving, but also left room for a lot of life to happen.

I've spoken of Jayden, Elijah, and the girls, but the older couple who were retiring after the camp year and the other two counselors were colorful and quirky additions . I love the author's salt of the earth characters and situations.

Britany Pressley is a familiar voice for me from listening to previous books by the author. She captures the regional accent and the charm of the author's writing tone. She has a nice flexible voice for young or old, male or female. And, she delivers the humor and the tender moments with equal ability.

I rambled on a bit with this one and wanted to gush and gush, but in summary, it was a heartfelt story of several people triumphing and a great couple finding their way to love. A story full of humor, hope, and a good dollop of country charm that I can highly recommend.

My thanks to Brilliance Audio for the opportunity to listen to the book in exchange for an honest review.

There are elements of a contemporary western, romance, women's fiction all rolled together. The character development and focus is as much as the romance. All blended together so well.

[Lisa L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the characters in this book. Well, most of them. They were well developed though the story and were people I wanted to get to know.

Being a teacher and working with kids who have behavior challenges, working at a place like Piney Wood would be so rewarding.

This book was easy to read, the characters were brought to life, and ending made me ugly cry with happiness for all the characters, even the unlikeable one.

Carolyn Brown has once again written a book that took me away from everything going on in the real world to place where even in bad situation, good can be found.

[Karen Swiech · Rating 1 out of 5]

Predictable, unbelievable, unnecessary book. From the first first page it was evident that there was no subtlety or nuance to be found here. People don’t talk like this, or think like this or act like this. How is it possible that this is a bestselling author? If no stars was an option, I would’ve chosen that.

[Bri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Low anxiety, HEA, quick read! Just what I needed at the time! Hallmark movie in a book!

[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet story about forgiveness, family, redemption, acceptance and unconditional love! The tale of a camp for female juvenile delinquents is original, humorous and times and heart-wrenching at others. Jayden Bennett steps in to replace her sister Skyler as a counselor at Piney Woods Camp. There she meets Mary and Henry who originally started the camp and Elijah who will take the camp over for them once they retire. She also meets Diana and Novalene, the other camp counselors. Mary and Henry are likable grandparent-type figures while Elijah is attractive and bossy. Diana and Novalene are quirky, but I think that is a requirement for working at this camp with such wayward girls. I didn’t want to like the teens who were there for rehabilitation, but I really ended up enjoying them and actually sympathizing with several of them because of the neglect they felt from their families. Piney Woods was a camp to get immersed in, from the daily chores (ewww to the pig slopping) to the yummy homemade meals and even including the required uniform and physical exercise every morning. Elijah runs a tight ship, but he certainly gets results and it’s in the reading of how he gets results that I was most fascinated. This is a story to be savored, with parts to be re-read as I just couldn’t believe how things were changing so quickly. The author has woven a story unlike any other that I have ever read and it was so much fun reading it! I think that one of the reasons that I enjoyed it so much was that I used to teach teens and I could just picture some of my former students attending Piney Woods and sitting under the wise encouragement of Jayden. I highly recommend this book to anyone who just needs an uplifting and realistic story of positivity.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

[Ela · Rating 2 out of 5]

Although the romance was very subtle, I liked this book.

I liked seeing Jayden try to figure things out in her life, while helping the three girls in her cabin understand that their opinion is the most important.

I liked the other characters in this book too, but they were more side characters.

I would have wanted to see more scenes where Jayden and Elijah’s relationship development is shown, but I liked reading about all the other characters too.

The only big problem that I had with this book was Skyler. She was manipulative, selfish, and even abusive when Jayden was younger (the only reason why I wouldn’t call her abusive now is because they don’t see each other enough for her to be abusive). I understood that this book is all about change and accepting the past and forgiveness, but I honestly didn’t believe in Skyler’s sudden change of heart.

While I liked how much of this book focused on Jayden figuring out her own life while helping the girls in her cabin, I would have liked to have seen more of the romance as I wouldn’t really label this book as romance.

[K J E · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very Gilmore girls type of read. Bring your tissues and be prepared to find yourself in this one.

[Margaret Mullis Preston · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Bootcamp for Wayward Tough Teen Girls! Throughly enjoyed it! **Highly recommend!**

[Megan | _The.Brunette.Bookworm_ · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute, sweet easy romance read.

[Vickie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Carolyn Brown's books are a real hit or miss for me and The Daydream Cabin was a definite hit! The setting in Texas is as barren as the love/support in the girls who find themselves at Piney Wood Academy, a place for girls who only have one shot to turn their lives around or head to juvie.

Jayden Bennett does a favor for her narcissistic sister. Here she meets Elijah Thomas, the drill instructor/owner of the ranch, Mary and Henry Thomas who are owners of the ranch, and three girls assigned to her and who will live in the Daydream Cabin. Through tough love and good old-fashioned hard work, these girls learn that people are there for them, understand their fears but will not but up with their manipulative bullshit. Jayden also learns to let go of much held anger/angst/hurt from her personal life. This was a great story of second chances!

Go Cards! L1C4!!

[Stephanie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Goodreads giveaway win: I was all set to say I didn’t necessarily get an overly churchy vibe from this book like some others, but you get steamrolled with it at about the 80% mark. And it’s that particularly smarmy form of superficially judgmental Christianity.

I haven’t ever read any of her other books so I can’t be sure but it seems like Carolyn Brown phoned it in and couldn’t be bothered to do even the slightest bit of research. Things CB knows nothing about: eating disorders, the Air Force, dogs, job interviews, horses, narcissism, what not to say to pregnant women. Was her internet down the day she wrote this? If so, why didn’t she spend that time coloring in her stick figure characters? This feels like what I might have written in my freshman algebra class instead of paying attention.

I always appreciate a free book, but this was just not my thing.

[Lori (on hiatus, life is crazy busy)) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carolyn Brown is by far my favorite author! I love all her books. This story was so good. You get drawn into the story and feel like you know the characters. This story takes place at a summer camp for rich teenage girls who are in trouble with the law. This is their last chance to right themselves or they will go to jail. This story is filled with every emotion and brings out the best in everyone.

[Meredith · Rating 3 out of 5]

3+ stars. Cute feel good story, although many times just a little "too much". Teenagers with arrest records rehabbed in basically a week with a little tough love and some chores. But still, i would have been disappointed in anything not working out so perfectly.

[Jeanette "Josie" Cook M.A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the paperback edition of this novel. As I finished it, it became hard to put down until I got to the end because these characters became such a strong pull for me. Truly, an amazing read. The writer captured the growth over time of these girls as they discovered their true souls hiding inside them. Jayden is a strong female character that I admired as I read this story about her life and how she also struggled with relationships in her own family. She appears to have it all together on the outside, but has inner struggles with her past. Her sister is a pain in her side as she tries to face the facts surrounding their mother's passing. She also thinks about her grandparents often as she tries to make sense of her mother's decisions. Her inner turmoil does not keep her from helping others.

Mary is another strong female character. She often confides in Jayden. The two other women counselors are strong supporting characters. Piney Wood is a setting with beauty, but it also has some other elements that make the girls dislike it at times. Big spiders and scorpions, along with a heat that's hard to deal with, as they learn to take care of the animals there. They learn to enjoy the work as they also love these horses that they care for on this land.

The bonds that form between the girls and the people of Piney Wood remain, and they return. This is their new family, and they can't stay away.

[Marlene Scholfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not quite what I was expecting when I picked up this text.. Carolyn in the past is about romance and this well… this was a story about healing.. the romance was not even really a thing. Jayden takes a job for her sister working at Piney Woods for an eight week summer counseling job.. the girls she will be responsible for are all set for juvenile detention but their parents have opted for this ranch and eight week program that will meet the requirement.. Jayden is in for quite a ride as she works with the girls and through her own healing with his sister and her mother who has passed away.. this was a great coming of age book.. I truly enjoyed it..

[Vikki Vaught · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! The pacing pulled me in from the first page and kept me enthralled until the last. I read a lot of books and many of them are excellent, but this one is beyond amazing. I laughed, I cried, and I sighed. I am so glad I found this book on Kindle Unlimited. Oh, and the narrator is fantastic. Happy reading and listening!

[Michele Mascari · Rating 5 out of 5]

daydreams are more than fluffy clouds

Did you ever start reading a book because it was on your shelf and you forgot why you put it there? That was how I started my read. But, within 10 pages , I was hooked! The characters came alive and I couldn’t wait to see their growth. The imagery let me envision this place in the middle of nowhere. I loved this book.

[Naomi Manning · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75 🌟 rounded up. This book was wonderful. It is about 2 sisters that didn't get along, one selfish and one pushover, who takes the place of her sister for 8 weeks at a camp for girls that are on their last chance before going to jail.
The story had my heart breaking, taught teamwork, lessons and family healing. Wonderful story ❤️ adding to my shelf.

[Tasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always love Carolyn Brown’s stories. I tend to go to her when I need something lighthearted and clean. This was one of my favorites by her. I really connected with the characters and the story kept it moving!

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scared Straight turned into a novel...

and it was done beautifully 😍

the narrator is on point with every character tone and accent, the character development is amazing, as always with Carolyn Brown books. I always feel like I've made a friend or 2 when reading her delightful works

[Ellen Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Daydream Cabin

What a great book to curl up with and enjoy. Not just Jayden and Elijah, but all of the characters were very well developed and made a totally enjoyable read.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting Theme

I really enjoyed the characters & plot, the end could have been stronger, but overall an excellent read. I hope you'll enjoy it too!

[Linda Smatzny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Teen age girls sent to a camp as a last resort before jail. It is set in Texas. The book was as an easy read.

[Ericka Perez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute, easy read. Loved the unity this book brought to friendship! Not your typical love story, which I enjoyed… again, just a easy, cute read.

[Judy Hardwick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story

I love that while helping others jaden was able to resolve her own conflicts. The love story took a back seat to the story of true friendships.

[Linda Surritte · Rating 3 out of 5]

OK syrupy sweet story. Bad girls turn good, unhappy people become happy. 'Forbidden love' flourishes.