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Carousel Dreams: 4 Historical Stories
4 Stories of Love Spun at Historic Carousels
Experience the early history of four iconic carousels that draw together four couples in whirling romances full of music and charm.
Sophia’s Hope by Cynthia Hickey
1889 - Oak Bluffs, Martha’s Vineyard
Sophia Blackwell is living the life of the wealthy, but on the outskirts of total acceptance. Drake Moreland believes her above his station. A misunderstanding between them threatens to shatter their dreams before they’ve begun.
The Art of Romance by Patty Smith Hall
1895 - Crescent Park Amusement Park, Riverside, Rhode Island
An interview with the artist painting the Crescent Park Carousel is what reporter Thomas West needs. Instead he finds Wells’s daughter, Jane, who is hiding secrets he’s desperate to uncover. Jane must do everything she can to save her ill father’s reputation . . .and her heart.
Carousel of Love by Teresa Ives Lilly
1910 - Conneaut Lake, Pennsylvania
For Tamara Brand, spending the summer at Expedition Park impersonating her wealthy debutante employee seemed like a dream come true until she meets Blake Conner; just a Carnie who runs the carousel. He seems to be the type of man, she would like to get to know better if she weren't pretending to be someone she isn't. But, is Blake who he appears to be?
The Carousel Wedding by Susanne Dietz
1922 - Balboa Park, San Diego, California
For June Lowell, administrator at the Natural History Museum, being with curator Martin Howard is as thrilling as a ride on the carousel by the museum, but a relationship is forbidden by management.
Experience the early history of four iconic carousels that draw together four couples in whirling romances full of music and charm.
Sophia’s Hope by Cynthia Hickey
1889 - Oak Bluffs, Martha’s Vineyard
Sophia Blackwell is living the life of the wealthy, but on the outskirts of total acceptance. Drake Moreland believes her above his station. A misunderstanding between them threatens to shatter their dreams before they’ve begun.
The Art of Romance by Patty Smith Hall
1895 - Crescent Park Amusement Park, Riverside, Rhode Island
An interview with the artist painting the Crescent Park Carousel is what reporter Thomas West needs. Instead he finds Wells’s daughter, Jane, who is hiding secrets he’s desperate to uncover. Jane must do everything she can to save her ill father’s reputation . . .and her heart.
Carousel of Love by Teresa Ives Lilly
1910 - Conneaut Lake, Pennsylvania
For Tamara Brand, spending the summer at Expedition Park impersonating her wealthy debutante employee seemed like a dream come true until she meets Blake Conner; just a Carnie who runs the carousel. He seems to be the type of man, she would like to get to know better if she weren't pretending to be someone she isn't. But, is Blake who he appears to be?
The Carousel Wedding by Susanne Dietz
1922 - Balboa Park, San Diego, California
For June Lowell, administrator at the Natural History Museum, being with curator Martin Howard is as thrilling as a ride on the carousel by the museum, but a relationship is forbidden by management.
- GenresFictionChristian Fiction
448 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2020
About the author
Susanne Dietze
56 books754 followersSusanne Dietze began writing love stories in high school, casting her friends in the starring roles. Today, she's an award-winning, RITA®-nominated author who's seen her work on the Publisher's Weekly and ECPA Bestseller Lists for Inspirational Fiction. Married to a pastor and the mom of two, Susanne lives in California and loves fancy-schmancy tea parties, the beach, and curling up on the couch with a costume drama. You can visit her on her website, www.susannedietze.com.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
October 6, 2020
4⭐️
*Sophie’s Hope by Cynthia Hickey
*The Art of Romance by Patty Smith Hall
*Carousel of Love by Teresa Ives Lilly
*The Carousel Wedding by Susanne Dietz
These were all great, stress free reads that reminded me of summer and romance. I loved and still love a carousel. These stories spoke of God and his guidance and sweet, precious romances.
I highly recommend this book for a Christian audience that loves clean romance.
This was a NETGALLEY ARC from the publisher and I’ve given an honest review.
*Sophie’s Hope by Cynthia Hickey
*The Art of Romance by Patty Smith Hall
*Carousel of Love by Teresa Ives Lilly
*The Carousel Wedding by Susanne Dietz
These were all great, stress free reads that reminded me of summer and romance. I loved and still love a carousel. These stories spoke of God and his guidance and sweet, precious romances.
I highly recommend this book for a Christian audience that loves clean romance.
This was a NETGALLEY ARC from the publisher and I’ve given an honest review.
June 21, 2020
Carousel Dreams is a compilation of Four authors works. They are all clean, romantic, Christian stories with a life learning experience! They are all well written and I would recommend them to anyone who has young blossoming adults to include male & female because it pertains to both sexes. I am not in the blush of my youth and I enjoyed them. They are very short reads and that is why they would appeal to the young men and ladies.
Sophia’s Hope by Cynthia Hickey
Sophia Blackwell was a nanny for a wealthy family on Martha’s Vineyard for the summer. Previously, Sophia and her family were part of the wealthy who owned a cottage on the island, but the family experienced financial hardships. This young lady took her new situation with great grace and treated those around her regardless of their station in life as though they were equals. There was one young man , Drew, who was a local who worked on the carousel and in the restaurant and he gave boat tours was striving to improve his financial situation wanted to ask Sophia out, but worried that he would not be good enough. However, Sophia also liked him because of his bearing and the fact that he treated her with respect. There was another man, Theodore who Sophia’s parents were pushing her towards because he was from a affluent family, but he was rude and treated her with disdain and like she should be subservient to him in all matters. In the end, Sophia decided that she would not let her parents choose who her husband should be even though she knew that it was important to take into account their wishes, but marrying for security was wrong. She needed to marry for love and God was guiding her towards the right man.
: Art of Romance by Patty Smith Hall
JT Wells a well renowned artist/painter had a stroke that was being hid by his daughter, Jane and his caretaker Grace. The reason they were hiding the fact he had a stroke is he was commissioned by Charles Looff, to paint one of his famous Carousels!
So, his daughter who has been training under her father for years has been doing all the prepping and the beginning painting on the carousel! Wells has been secretly been saying that he has been doing all the things at night when actually it has been his daughter. However, the father is a very hard taskmaster and does not give praise or encouragement . Jane wants nothing but to strike out on her own and to be acknowledged for her own achievements.
Charles Looff was approached by a family friend to do a newspaper story on the great JT Wells and his work on the carousel. Looff thinks it’s a wonderful idea because it will help increase exposure for when the work is completed and the carousel is opened and they start selling tickets. When Charles takes the request to Wells it is immediately denied by both father and daughter because they cannot let Charles know that the daughter is the one doing all the work. They request again for an assistant to help with the heavy lifting and Charles agreed to hire someone. Well, his friend, the reporter decides to take the position undercover and find out what is going on. The father has a 2nd mini stroke and goes off to have rehab. He eventually writes and tells Charles everything and gives his daughter credit. Thomas, the reporter and Jane fall in love and she is upset he lies about who he is and then he writes an article, but she misunderstands and thinks it’s about her dad and she is super angry. This is why people should communicate. Thomas learns that if you are promised something get it in writing because he was doublecrossed by his editor!! But there is a Happy ending!!! Jane gets credit for her art and Thomas gets his reporting job!!
Carousel of Love by Teresa Ives Lily
Tamara Brand is pretending to be a rich spoiled debutante, Miss Thelma York. Tamara is Thelma maid and she is doing it because her mother is extremely sick.
Thelma’s dad wants her off for the summer at this hotel area to get her out of the city to keep her from getting into scrapes and out of her dads way.
Tamara is just to stay low and be there to accept wires from her family and so hotel staff can tell her father that his daughter is within the hotel area.
While traveling to the hotel via the train, Blake Conner, a rich bachelor who is pretending to be a carnie running the carousel accidentally hit Miss Brand in the ankle with his suitcase. He knows the real Miss York and so when Miss Brand introduced herself as Miss York, he knew something was up and was determined to find out what her “game/intentions were!
During the course of investigating the two fell in Love, but a third person stepped in to foul up things! A nemesis for Blake, Clarence Viscount who also knew the real Thelma York. He tried to get Tamara arrested for fraud, but Blake was not going to let that happen. Then the real Thelma showed up and was mad because she said Tamara stole Blake and that’s who she was trying to find and here he was where she was supposed to be at and Tamara was a thief. She stole her life and she was pressing charges! Of course she would never get Blake regardless he was already in love! A very clean romance!
Carousel Wedding by Susanne Dietz
June Lowell is a typist for a History Museum and it’s not her ideal employment, but she does it in order to pay for her brother Kelly’s college courses and the both of them living expenses. Their parents had passed away and there was no other family that could step in and help.
Kelly had just gotten a job working on the Carousel where he met Evie Howard who he planned to ask out.
June was also enamored with Dr. Martin Howard who was an associate marine zoologist affiliated with the museum and he was Evie’s brother and their parents were also gone and they had one living Aunt.
Evie became involved with Bernard who was a fortune hunter that owned and operated a secret speakeasy!
Mary who was a hostess at the speakeasy was like a house mom to Vincent who was the gang leader who recruited young impressionable boys to clean and to help guide the illegal people to the location of the speakeasy.
Tim was a young boy that Dr. Howard was trying to lure from the gang but was having a hard time because they were threatening to harm his mom.
Bernard apparently got mary pregnant and on the day he was to marry Evie she came forward and it caused all sorts of issues!!
Promises and trying to lie and harm others wii come back to get you later.
This story also has so many other wonderful life experiences for a person to learn that it would ruin it for a person to read it!!
All four of these books have so many wonderful things within them that to list the morals of what you learn and how God can fulfill your heart and life in so many ways!!!
Sophia’s Hope by Cynthia Hickey
Sophia Blackwell was a nanny for a wealthy family on Martha’s Vineyard for the summer. Previously, Sophia and her family were part of the wealthy who owned a cottage on the island, but the family experienced financial hardships. This young lady took her new situation with great grace and treated those around her regardless of their station in life as though they were equals. There was one young man , Drew, who was a local who worked on the carousel and in the restaurant and he gave boat tours was striving to improve his financial situation wanted to ask Sophia out, but worried that he would not be good enough. However, Sophia also liked him because of his bearing and the fact that he treated her with respect. There was another man, Theodore who Sophia’s parents were pushing her towards because he was from a affluent family, but he was rude and treated her with disdain and like she should be subservient to him in all matters. In the end, Sophia decided that she would not let her parents choose who her husband should be even though she knew that it was important to take into account their wishes, but marrying for security was wrong. She needed to marry for love and God was guiding her towards the right man.
: Art of Romance by Patty Smith Hall
JT Wells a well renowned artist/painter had a stroke that was being hid by his daughter, Jane and his caretaker Grace. The reason they were hiding the fact he had a stroke is he was commissioned by Charles Looff, to paint one of his famous Carousels!
So, his daughter who has been training under her father for years has been doing all the prepping and the beginning painting on the carousel! Wells has been secretly been saying that he has been doing all the things at night when actually it has been his daughter. However, the father is a very hard taskmaster and does not give praise or encouragement . Jane wants nothing but to strike out on her own and to be acknowledged for her own achievements.
Charles Looff was approached by a family friend to do a newspaper story on the great JT Wells and his work on the carousel. Looff thinks it’s a wonderful idea because it will help increase exposure for when the work is completed and the carousel is opened and they start selling tickets. When Charles takes the request to Wells it is immediately denied by both father and daughter because they cannot let Charles know that the daughter is the one doing all the work. They request again for an assistant to help with the heavy lifting and Charles agreed to hire someone. Well, his friend, the reporter decides to take the position undercover and find out what is going on. The father has a 2nd mini stroke and goes off to have rehab. He eventually writes and tells Charles everything and gives his daughter credit. Thomas, the reporter and Jane fall in love and she is upset he lies about who he is and then he writes an article, but she misunderstands and thinks it’s about her dad and she is super angry. This is why people should communicate. Thomas learns that if you are promised something get it in writing because he was doublecrossed by his editor!! But there is a Happy ending!!! Jane gets credit for her art and Thomas gets his reporting job!!
Carousel of Love by Teresa Ives Lily
Tamara Brand is pretending to be a rich spoiled debutante, Miss Thelma York. Tamara is Thelma maid and she is doing it because her mother is extremely sick.
Thelma’s dad wants her off for the summer at this hotel area to get her out of the city to keep her from getting into scrapes and out of her dads way.
Tamara is just to stay low and be there to accept wires from her family and so hotel staff can tell her father that his daughter is within the hotel area.
While traveling to the hotel via the train, Blake Conner, a rich bachelor who is pretending to be a carnie running the carousel accidentally hit Miss Brand in the ankle with his suitcase. He knows the real Miss York and so when Miss Brand introduced herself as Miss York, he knew something was up and was determined to find out what her “game/intentions were!
During the course of investigating the two fell in Love, but a third person stepped in to foul up things! A nemesis for Blake, Clarence Viscount who also knew the real Thelma York. He tried to get Tamara arrested for fraud, but Blake was not going to let that happen. Then the real Thelma showed up and was mad because she said Tamara stole Blake and that’s who she was trying to find and here he was where she was supposed to be at and Tamara was a thief. She stole her life and she was pressing charges! Of course she would never get Blake regardless he was already in love! A very clean romance!
Carousel Wedding by Susanne Dietz
June Lowell is a typist for a History Museum and it’s not her ideal employment, but she does it in order to pay for her brother Kelly’s college courses and the both of them living expenses. Their parents had passed away and there was no other family that could step in and help.
Kelly had just gotten a job working on the Carousel where he met Evie Howard who he planned to ask out.
June was also enamored with Dr. Martin Howard who was an associate marine zoologist affiliated with the museum and he was Evie’s brother and their parents were also gone and they had one living Aunt.
Evie became involved with Bernard who was a fortune hunter that owned and operated a secret speakeasy!
Mary who was a hostess at the speakeasy was like a house mom to Vincent who was the gang leader who recruited young impressionable boys to clean and to help guide the illegal people to the location of the speakeasy.
Tim was a young boy that Dr. Howard was trying to lure from the gang but was having a hard time because they were threatening to harm his mom.
Bernard apparently got mary pregnant and on the day he was to marry Evie she came forward and it caused all sorts of issues!!
Promises and trying to lie and harm others wii come back to get you later.
This story also has so many other wonderful life experiences for a person to learn that it would ruin it for a person to read it!!
All four of these books have so many wonderful things within them that to list the morals of what you learn and how God can fulfill your heart and life in so many ways!!!
June 13, 2020
Carousel Dreams
4 Historical Stories
by Susanne Dietze, Patty Smith Hall, Cynthia Hickey, Teresa Ives Lilly
Barbour Publishing, Inc.
Barbour Books
Christian | Romance
Pub Date 01 Jun 2020
I am reviewing a copy of Carousel Dreams through Barbour Books and Netgalley:
The first story in this four story collection, Sophia’s Hope takes us back in time to 1889, Oak Bluff, Martha’s Vineyard where Sophia Blackwell is living the life of the wealthy, but she remains on the edge of acceptance . Drake Moreland is interested in Sophia but he believes that she’s above his station. Unfortunately a misunderstanding between them nearly destroys their chances at love. Cynthia Hickey draws you in with this story.
The Art of Romance by Cynthia Hickey is the second story in Carousel Dreams. In this story we are transported back to 1895, in Riverside Rhode Island. Just what Thomas West needs is an interview with the artist painting the Crescent Park Carousel. What he finds instead is that his daughter, Jane is hiding secrets. Thomas is desperate to uncover. Jane has to do everything she can to save her ill father’s reputation as well as her heart.
Carousel of Love by Teresa Ives Lilly takes us to Exposition Park, Conneaut Lake, Pennsylvania 1910. For Tamara Brand spending the summer at Expedition Park impersonating her wealthy debutante employee is a dream control, that is until she meets Blake Conner, Blake is a Carnie who runs the Carousel. But Tamara can’t help nor feel that Blake is the type of man she should get to know better the only problem is she’s pretending to be someone she isn’t.
Carousel Wedding by Susanne Dietze allows us to travel back in time to 1922, Balboa Park located in San Diego California. June Lowell is a secretary at the Natural History Museum, to her being with scientist Martin Howard is as thrilling as a ride on the carousel by the museum, the problem is Martin and June cannot have a relationship.
I give Carousel Dreams five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
4 Historical Stories
by Susanne Dietze, Patty Smith Hall, Cynthia Hickey, Teresa Ives Lilly
Barbour Publishing, Inc.
Barbour Books
Christian | Romance
Pub Date 01 Jun 2020
I am reviewing a copy of Carousel Dreams through Barbour Books and Netgalley:
The first story in this four story collection, Sophia’s Hope takes us back in time to 1889, Oak Bluff, Martha’s Vineyard where Sophia Blackwell is living the life of the wealthy, but she remains on the edge of acceptance . Drake Moreland is interested in Sophia but he believes that she’s above his station. Unfortunately a misunderstanding between them nearly destroys their chances at love. Cynthia Hickey draws you in with this story.
The Art of Romance by Cynthia Hickey is the second story in Carousel Dreams. In this story we are transported back to 1895, in Riverside Rhode Island. Just what Thomas West needs is an interview with the artist painting the Crescent Park Carousel. What he finds instead is that his daughter, Jane is hiding secrets. Thomas is desperate to uncover. Jane has to do everything she can to save her ill father’s reputation as well as her heart.
Carousel of Love by Teresa Ives Lilly takes us to Exposition Park, Conneaut Lake, Pennsylvania 1910. For Tamara Brand spending the summer at Expedition Park impersonating her wealthy debutante employee is a dream control, that is until she meets Blake Conner, Blake is a Carnie who runs the Carousel. But Tamara can’t help nor feel that Blake is the type of man she should get to know better the only problem is she’s pretending to be someone she isn’t.
Carousel Wedding by Susanne Dietze allows us to travel back in time to 1922, Balboa Park located in San Diego California. June Lowell is a secretary at the Natural History Museum, to her being with scientist Martin Howard is as thrilling as a ride on the carousel by the museum, the problem is Martin and June cannot have a relationship.
I give Carousel Dreams five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
June 20, 2020
Can you hear the music, reader? The melody spins in time with the horses, inviting you to step into four carousel dreams sure to entertain and delight with their lighthearted romance and historic ties to, perhaps, the most nostalgic of all carnival rides.
Carousel Dreams is a whirlwind book, bringing together four stories that are unconnected in all respects except one: each features a historic carousel and the couples that are brought together by their connections to it. Each story celebrates love stories that, while not without their difficulties, are pure and true. While reading, I was impressed by each author's ability to set the stage so deftly and craft meaningful story lines. That being said, the stories, with A Carousel Wedding being the exception, left me wanting deeper character development and a richer historical backdrop.
All things considered, Carousel Dreams is the perfect summertime read, lighthearted and inspiring. While the stories could have had more depth, the characters remain real: flawed, hopeful, torn, courageous, and all the more relatable because of it. In its own unique way, each story will encourage readers to take risks, remain faithful, and hold onto hope.
Can you hear the music, reader? Step aboard the carousel, quickly now, before the music fades.
Carousel Dreams is a whirlwind book, bringing together four stories that are unconnected in all respects except one: each features a historic carousel and the couples that are brought together by their connections to it. Each story celebrates love stories that, while not without their difficulties, are pure and true. While reading, I was impressed by each author's ability to set the stage so deftly and craft meaningful story lines. That being said, the stories, with A Carousel Wedding being the exception, left me wanting deeper character development and a richer historical backdrop.
All things considered, Carousel Dreams is the perfect summertime read, lighthearted and inspiring. While the stories could have had more depth, the characters remain real: flawed, hopeful, torn, courageous, and all the more relatable because of it. In its own unique way, each story will encourage readers to take risks, remain faithful, and hold onto hope.
Can you hear the music, reader? Step aboard the carousel, quickly now, before the music fades.
July 2, 2020
Four stories revolving around historic Carousels are included in this collection put out by Barbour Books. From Martha's Vineyard to San Diego, California, these majestic beauties are the sites of romance, and, to some degree, adventure. There are workers at the Carousels, painters of the Carousels, and, most of all, those who just enjoy the Carousels. These are great stories for the reader to escape quarantine without leaving home during this pandemic. My favorites were Sophie's Hope by Cynthia Hickey and Carousel Weddings by Susanne Dietze. They both captured my imagination and kept me in a contented reading space all the way through the stories.
All four of these authors have offered quality writings for this collection and it is well worth the time and money to be able to read them all. I love these kinds of collections because they offer plots that are finished in short time spans with engaging characters and beautiful settings that leave the reader satisfied once the story is done.
Five stars, two thumbs up, and a brass ring from the Carousel of your dreams.
Barbour Books and NetGalley.com provided the copy I read for this review. All opinions expressed are my own.
All four of these authors have offered quality writings for this collection and it is well worth the time and money to be able to read them all. I love these kinds of collections because they offer plots that are finished in short time spans with engaging characters and beautiful settings that leave the reader satisfied once the story is done.
Five stars, two thumbs up, and a brass ring from the Carousel of your dreams.
Barbour Books and NetGalley.com provided the copy I read for this review. All opinions expressed are my own.
November 2, 2020
I have always adored carousels, so when I saw the name and cover of this book - I had to check it out!
Susanne Dietze, Patty Smith Hall, Cynthia Hickey, and Teresa Ives Lilly all four wrote beautiful and thrilling historical fiction stories, each centered around a different carousel.
Each tale was sweet, well-written, enjoyable, and quick read. I relished traveling back in time to experience each of these carousel inspired stories.
I would definitely recommend this novella collection and will be watching for other titles by these four talented authors.
***Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the digital ARC of this book. All views and opinions expressed in this review are my own.***
Susanne Dietze, Patty Smith Hall, Cynthia Hickey, and Teresa Ives Lilly all four wrote beautiful and thrilling historical fiction stories, each centered around a different carousel.
Each tale was sweet, well-written, enjoyable, and quick read. I relished traveling back in time to experience each of these carousel inspired stories.
I would definitely recommend this novella collection and will be watching for other titles by these four talented authors.
***Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the digital ARC of this book. All views and opinions expressed in this review are my own.***
April 20, 2020
Four couples, four stories. This collection is full of attraction, suspense, confrontation, reconciliation, and of course, beautiful carousels.
Novella collections are generally among my favourite books, but unfortunately, Carousel Dreams fell a little short. I enjoyed Sophia’s Hope and The Carousel Wedding; but really struggled to get into Carousel of Love and The Art of Romance. The Art of Romance, in particular, showed what seemed to be a rather toxic relationship between Jane and her father that everyone brushed off as “just his personality” or “because of his illness”. Of course, there is a chance that I may have read more into it from my own life experiences, but, personally, isn’t one I’d be up for re-reading.
All in all, Carousel Dreams is a laidback easy read.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Novella collections are generally among my favourite books, but unfortunately, Carousel Dreams fell a little short. I enjoyed Sophia’s Hope and The Carousel Wedding; but really struggled to get into Carousel of Love and The Art of Romance. The Art of Romance, in particular, showed what seemed to be a rather toxic relationship between Jane and her father that everyone brushed off as “just his personality” or “because of his illness”. Of course, there is a chance that I may have read more into it from my own life experiences, but, personally, isn’t one I’d be up for re-reading.
All in all, Carousel Dreams is a laidback easy read.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
June 12, 2020
A sweet set of romances that occur around the turn of the 19th century with beautiful carousels that have starring roles in each love story. My favorite of the four novellas was Sophia's Hope by Cynthia Hickey. I enjoyed reading about Drake's persistence in pursuing Sophia despite the obstacles that stood in the way of their love. This book will appeal to anyone with an appreciation for light-hearted historical Christian fiction. My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC for this my honest review.
June 16, 2020
A well written collection of romance novellas. I enjoyed each selection. I love carousels and each plot revolves around a carousel. I highly recommend this book. I received an arc from the publisher and Netgalley. This is my unbiased review.
April 10, 2020
Lovely collection of novellas with carousel themes.
Sophia's Hopes by Cynthia Hickey.
I loved Drake's timidity and Sophia's outspokenness. I enjoyed reading about how they completed each other and how they found their way to each other despite all that way against them. Beautiful one sitting read filled with love, faith and adventure.
The Art Of Romance by Patty Smith Hall.
I enjoyed reading this story. Lies have never ended well, worst when love is involved. Thomas and Jane's was such. But love always finds a way and it prevailed in this story. I admired Jane's and Thomas' dedication to their families even when it was uncomfortable.
Carousel Of Love by Teresa Ives Lilly.
I enjoyed reading about the uniqueness of Blake and Tamera's love. Though from different social circles they found and loved each other. I loved Blake's protectiveness over Tamera and her quiet and gentle spirit. Theirs was a story of deep faith, love and joy.
The Carousel Wedding by Susanne Dietz
Lovely, lovely story of love, dedication and sacrifice.
Two people have never been suited for each other like June and Martins. Both with family obligations but with sweet hearts that loved deep. I enjoyed their stories and adventures together.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and this is my honest opinion
Sophia's Hopes by Cynthia Hickey.
I loved Drake's timidity and Sophia's outspokenness. I enjoyed reading about how they completed each other and how they found their way to each other despite all that way against them. Beautiful one sitting read filled with love, faith and adventure.
The Art Of Romance by Patty Smith Hall.
I enjoyed reading this story. Lies have never ended well, worst when love is involved. Thomas and Jane's was such. But love always finds a way and it prevailed in this story. I admired Jane's and Thomas' dedication to their families even when it was uncomfortable.
Carousel Of Love by Teresa Ives Lilly.
I enjoyed reading about the uniqueness of Blake and Tamera's love. Though from different social circles they found and loved each other. I loved Blake's protectiveness over Tamera and her quiet and gentle spirit. Theirs was a story of deep faith, love and joy.
The Carousel Wedding by Susanne Dietz
Lovely, lovely story of love, dedication and sacrifice.
Two people have never been suited for each other like June and Martins. Both with family obligations but with sweet hearts that loved deep. I enjoyed their stories and adventures together.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and this is my honest opinion
May 31, 2020
I received a ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest reivew.
Sophia’s Hope by Cynthia Hickey
3 stars
The highlight of this story is Hickey’s eye for detail, engrossing the reader in late nineteenth century Martha’s Vineyard, as well as the carousel bit that is the theme for this collection. The romance, while sweet and one of my favorite tropes (a high ranking woman and lower class man), I found the story a bit underwhelming and lacking a ton of substance.
The Art of Romance by Patty Smith Hall
4 stars
Stories where one partner or the other is hiding a secret can be hard to do, but this one is done well, with Jane having good reason for keeping the secret, and there being enough tension and conflict, as well as a believable resolution to said conflict once all was said and done.
Carousel of Love by Teresa Ives Lilly
5 stars
This one was adorable, with two people from opposite sides of the tracks each pretending to be what they aren’t. I love that, in spite of the barriers, Tamera and Blake were able to find each other and recognize that they were who meant for each other.
The Carousel Wedding by Susanne Dietze
4 stars
A sweet story highlighting obligations keeping sweethearts apart, with a well drawn backdrop of Prohibition. It’s not the most memorable story, but I enjoyed seeing how June and Martin overcame the obstacles thrown at them.
Sophia’s Hope by Cynthia Hickey
3 stars
The highlight of this story is Hickey’s eye for detail, engrossing the reader in late nineteenth century Martha’s Vineyard, as well as the carousel bit that is the theme for this collection. The romance, while sweet and one of my favorite tropes (a high ranking woman and lower class man), I found the story a bit underwhelming and lacking a ton of substance.
The Art of Romance by Patty Smith Hall
4 stars
Stories where one partner or the other is hiding a secret can be hard to do, but this one is done well, with Jane having good reason for keeping the secret, and there being enough tension and conflict, as well as a believable resolution to said conflict once all was said and done.
Carousel of Love by Teresa Ives Lilly
5 stars
This one was adorable, with two people from opposite sides of the tracks each pretending to be what they aren’t. I love that, in spite of the barriers, Tamera and Blake were able to find each other and recognize that they were who meant for each other.
The Carousel Wedding by Susanne Dietze
4 stars
A sweet story highlighting obligations keeping sweethearts apart, with a well drawn backdrop of Prohibition. It’s not the most memorable story, but I enjoyed seeing how June and Martin overcame the obstacles thrown at them.
April 7, 2020
I have never read any books by these authors. I like the idea of carousels and all the stories. It was a nice read for an afternoon. I recommend this book.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Barbour Publishers for my honest review.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Barbour Publishers for my honest review.
May 19, 2020
Sophia’s Hope by Cynthia Hickey
Unfortunately I could not make myself like this story. It didn’t have much depth, and the characters were a bit annoying and contradictory. 2.5/5 stars
The Art of Romance by Patty Smith Hall
A very sweetly romantic story with powerful themes of devotion and family! The premise of a daughter painting under her father’s name was so interesting, I kept wanting a full length story, not because it wasn’t a satisfying novella but because I didn’t want it to end! 4.5/5 stars
Carousel of Love by Teresa Ives Lilly
This story was cute but a bit repetitive. There are good lessons the reader will learn and hopefully remember. 3/5 stars
The Carousel Wedding by Susanne Dietze
A very interesting story with details about problems during Prohibition, as well as a sweet romance. 4/5 stars
Unfortunately I could not make myself like this story. It didn’t have much depth, and the characters were a bit annoying and contradictory. 2.5/5 stars
The Art of Romance by Patty Smith Hall
A very sweetly romantic story with powerful themes of devotion and family! The premise of a daughter painting under her father’s name was so interesting, I kept wanting a full length story, not because it wasn’t a satisfying novella but because I didn’t want it to end! 4.5/5 stars
Carousel of Love by Teresa Ives Lilly
This story was cute but a bit repetitive. There are good lessons the reader will learn and hopefully remember. 3/5 stars
The Carousel Wedding by Susanne Dietze
A very interesting story with details about problems during Prohibition, as well as a sweet romance. 4/5 stars
March 29, 2021
Carousel Dreams is a well-written anthology.
Sophia’s Hope (Cynthia Hickey)
The setting is Martha’s Vineyard (1889)
Drake Moreland is a carousel attendant with lofty goals. Sophia Blackwell came from an affluent family and is now a nanny. I loved this romance story. Perfect for a summer read. I also found it interesting to learn about the Methodist meetings in Cottage City.
The Art of Romance (Patty Smith Hall)
The setting is Riverside, Rhode Island (1895)
J. Wells is a carousel painter. It was quite interesting to read about the artistry that went into painting a carousel.
Carousel of Love (Teresa Ives Lilly)
The setting is Conneaut Lake, Pa. (1910)
I loved this most amusing story. Tamara Brand is impersonating wealthy debutante Thelma York, her employer.
The Carousel Wedding (Susanne Dietze)
The setting is Balboa Park, Ca. (1922)
This story was well-written and emotionally charged.
I have always loved carousels and was honored to review Carousel Dreams.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
Sophia’s Hope (Cynthia Hickey)
The setting is Martha’s Vineyard (1889)
Drake Moreland is a carousel attendant with lofty goals. Sophia Blackwell came from an affluent family and is now a nanny. I loved this romance story. Perfect for a summer read. I also found it interesting to learn about the Methodist meetings in Cottage City.
The Art of Romance (Patty Smith Hall)
The setting is Riverside, Rhode Island (1895)
J. Wells is a carousel painter. It was quite interesting to read about the artistry that went into painting a carousel.
Carousel of Love (Teresa Ives Lilly)
The setting is Conneaut Lake, Pa. (1910)
I loved this most amusing story. Tamara Brand is impersonating wealthy debutante Thelma York, her employer.
The Carousel Wedding (Susanne Dietze)
The setting is Balboa Park, Ca. (1922)
This story was well-written and emotionally charged.
I have always loved carousels and was honored to review Carousel Dreams.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
March 21, 2022
What I love about this book overall is the fact that they are set at various historical carousels across the country. I can tell that the authors did a lot of research to make their stories authentic.
"Sophia's Hope" by Cynthia Hickey is at Oak Bluffs in Martha's Vineyard
"The Art of Romance" by Patty Smith Hall is set at Riverside in Rhode Island
"Carousel of Love" by Teresa Ives Lilly is set at Exposition Park, Conneaut Lake in Pennsylvania
"Carousel Wedding" by Susanne Dietze is set at Balboa Park in California
I plan to read the rest of this book, but for now I want to rate the one story that I finished in March 2022.
"Carousel Wedding" by Susanne Dietze takes place in the San Diego area. It starts with a proposal in front of the carousel which results in one of the main characters helping another with planning a wedding. While I am guessing many of the weddings in the 1920's would have happened at churches, I do think this novella includes valid reasons as to why a carousel wedding could have happened. It definitely would have been a novelty.
While the carousel at Balboa Park is the key location in the story, the Museum of Natural History is also significant. I enjoyed the fact that the main character was a marine biologist at the museum. The starfish information added interest to the story.
Since this one is set in 1922, the Prohibition also comes into play. A speakeasy is causing problems for several of the characters. Supporting such a "joint" was a sign that someone was breaking the law. It added an important level of authenticity to this time period.
As for the romance, I appreciated that it started with friendship first. He appreciated who she was a person. Because of the time period, the couple would have been more sedate in their treatment of each other. To me, that makes for a sweet story as it is built on a stronger foundation than passion alone. I really enjoyed this novella!
"Sophia's Hope" by Cynthia Hickey is at Oak Bluffs in Martha's Vineyard
"The Art of Romance" by Patty Smith Hall is set at Riverside in Rhode Island
"Carousel of Love" by Teresa Ives Lilly is set at Exposition Park, Conneaut Lake in Pennsylvania
"Carousel Wedding" by Susanne Dietze is set at Balboa Park in California
I plan to read the rest of this book, but for now I want to rate the one story that I finished in March 2022.
"Carousel Wedding" by Susanne Dietze takes place in the San Diego area. It starts with a proposal in front of the carousel which results in one of the main characters helping another with planning a wedding. While I am guessing many of the weddings in the 1920's would have happened at churches, I do think this novella includes valid reasons as to why a carousel wedding could have happened. It definitely would have been a novelty.
While the carousel at Balboa Park is the key location in the story, the Museum of Natural History is also significant. I enjoyed the fact that the main character was a marine biologist at the museum. The starfish information added interest to the story.
Since this one is set in 1922, the Prohibition also comes into play. A speakeasy is causing problems for several of the characters. Supporting such a "joint" was a sign that someone was breaking the law. It added an important level of authenticity to this time period.
As for the romance, I appreciated that it started with friendship first. He appreciated who she was a person. Because of the time period, the couple would have been more sedate in their treatment of each other. To me, that makes for a sweet story as it is built on a stronger foundation than passion alone. I really enjoyed this novella!
May 5, 2020
Carousel Dreams is a collection of four delightful stories by four talented authors set in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The stories feature historical carousels located in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, and California. Social class differences, deception, impersonation, and a forbidden work-place relationship paired with romance, humor, and spiritual truths make this an enjoyable, inspiring read. The engaging characters are well-developed and believable. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.
I received a copy of this book in e-book form from the publisher via netgalley but am under no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
I received a copy of this book in e-book form from the publisher via netgalley but am under no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
June 22, 2025
In this romantic and inspirational collection of short stories by Cynthia Hickey, Patty Smith Hall, Teresa Ives Lilly, and Susanne Dietze, 4 Victorian-era couples fall in love despite external challenges of family members' illnesses, social classes, and employers amidst a backdrop of beautiful carousels. Although different stories, each of of the novellas are filled with hope, love, the importance of family, and a touch of Christianity. The novellas may be short, but they are sweet, and I couldn't help but smile at each of their endings. This collection of stories is a perfect way to relax and unwind on a beautiful summer day, preferably before or after a carousel ride.
May 9, 2020
All of the novellas in this book are well written and hold your attention. All of the stories are clean heartwarming romances that have a carousel in the story. This a book that made me smile and brought back memories of the carousel at the fair when I was young. I loved this book and highly recommend it. Thank you Barbour Publishing via NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
August 6, 2020
I'm very much interested about this story. The first one seems cute but for personal reasons, my review might be late because I don't have time to read this August. I will definitely read this when I'm free and post it to my Goodreads account. Thank you for giving me an ARC of this book. I'll give this a reasonable rating and will update it once I have time to read.
August 21, 2020
Carousel Dreams is a collection of 4 Historical Stories. These stories include:
Sophia’s Hope by Cynthia Hickey
The Art of Romance by Patty Smith Hall
Carousel of Love by Teresa Ives Lilly
The Carousel Wedding by Susanne Dietz
I enjoyed this collection. My favorite of the four is Cynthia Hickey's Sophia's Hope. I give this collection four stars.
Sophia’s Hope by Cynthia Hickey
The Art of Romance by Patty Smith Hall
Carousel of Love by Teresa Ives Lilly
The Carousel Wedding by Susanne Dietz
I enjoyed this collection. My favorite of the four is Cynthia Hickey's Sophia's Hope. I give this collection four stars.
August 12, 2020
4 delightful stories of a bygone era with carousels. My two favorite stories in the collection were Sophia's Hope by Cynthia Hickey and The Carousel Wedding by Suzanne Dietz. A perfect read for the summer days and nights.
November 23, 2020
#Carousel Dreams is:
*4 Historical stories & Carousel's
*4 Stories of Love
Short stories are wonderful when your out and about. Author's #Cynthia Hickey, # Patty Smith Hall, # Teresa Ives, and #Susanne Dietze will entertain you with romance. And the novels are short but sweet.🌟🐾🐾
*4 Historical stories & Carousel's
*4 Stories of Love
Short stories are wonderful when your out and about. Author's #Cynthia Hickey, # Patty Smith Hall, # Teresa Ives, and #Susanne Dietze will entertain you with romance. And the novels are short but sweet.🌟🐾🐾
November 23, 2025
I really enjoyed the first and last stories — Sophia’s Hope by Cynthia Hickey, and The Carousel Wedding by Susanne Dietze.
The middle two stories I skimmed/skipped, just because I personally prefer stories that don’t revolve around deception.
The middle two stories I skimmed/skipped, just because I personally prefer stories that don’t revolve around deception.
Want to Read
July 26, 2020recommended
April 7, 2022
A cute and fun novella collection. I enjoyed each of the stories and I liked the carousel theme. Good read.
July 10, 2020
Since I love carousels so much, when I saw Carousel Dreams by Susanne Dietze, Patty Smith Hall, Cynthia Hickey, and Teresa Ives Lilly, I just knew I had to read it! Carousel Dreams is a collection of four different historical fiction stories, each by a different author with a different historical carousel as part of the plot. It was so fun to read about the different settings that these historical carousels were in. I also really enjoyed learning about the painting of carousels in one of the stories. Each story was sweet and a quick read. I really enjoyed traveling back in time to ride the carousels with the characters. I would recommend this book for people who like novellas, historical romances, and carousels.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
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