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One random day. One burst of laughter. One perfect moment. That’s all it takes for Gianna Barrett to capture Carter McIntosh’s attention—and his heart. His whole life has been a series of miracles, so this falls right in line. If only it were that simple. The object of his desire refuses to give him the time of day. Not deterred, Carter is sure he’s ready to put his heart on the line for love. Big mistake. He isn’t quite prepared and finds himself wrestling a soul-deep hurt into submission.

“There has been an accident....”

That devastating revelation shattered Gianna’s life, and in that one chaotic moment, everything she had was taken away. She has spent years carefully crafting her new normal, so there is no way Carter can just insert himself into her life. The fight is on but not for long. Their attraction is instant, and before she knows it, all her cynicism goes out the door.

When Gianna learns more about Carter’s life, she gets a better understanding of her beginning. As she starts her journey to healing, she uncovers Carter’s startling secret. In the days that follow, she struggles with feelings of regret, fueling her natural tendency to retreat. But the flames of desire burn hot and it’s not easy to break their unexpected connection. As the past reaches for them, they soon realize that to move forward, they must look back. Will they allow God to be the anchor they so desperately need—before it’s too late? For all they ever wanted was to be loved.

345 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 20, 2020

43 people are currently reading
31 people want to read

About the author

Ann Marie Bryan

14 books218 followers
Ann Marie Bryan is an entrepreneur, bestselling author, and writing consultant with more than a decade of experience providing top-notch literary services and innovative personal and professional development solutions to clients. As Founder and CEO of Victorious By Design, she uses her extensive knowledge and experience in human resources, information technology, banking, and writing to bring a well-rounded perspective when working with clients.

A Christian fiction author, Ann Marie writes to inspire and empower others. Her celebrated bestselling Encounters of the Heart series, blends faith and romance. In addition, Ann Marie serves as the Editor-in-Chief of VBD Magazine, a quarterly literary and empowerment resource for the faith-based community. When she is not writing and training, Ann Marie enjoys speaking at conferences, retreats, workshops, and special events.

Ann Marie's greatest passion is to empower others to succeed by tapping into their God-given potential. She enjoys writing, reading, dancing, teaching, meeting people, and traveling. With all the knowledge and experiences that God has so graciously blessed her with, Ann Marie is determined to make her life a ministry for the Lord. Visit Ann Marie at www.annmariebryan.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
Profile Image for Tera L. Kirksey.
751 reviews21 followers
August 22, 2020
Dream Again

God is in the business of giving second chances. Carter got a second chance at love after losing his wife. Gianna got a second chance to love, trust and dream again after experiencing trauma. But when these two got acquainted, love was definitely in the air. That was almost broken but with God all things are possible because He's able!
An anticipated read from this author who never seems to disappoint. I expected nothing less. A testament to the power of God's love!
Awesome playlist was included.
🔥🔥🔥
Profile Image for Deana Dick.
3,082 reviews135 followers
February 18, 2021
The author shows her talent by writing a story that examines the emotions of loss, trust, love and faith. She has wrapped it all up in a beautiful story that follows our main character as she slowly lets her heart trust. Gianna is poised, smart and faith driven. I love that she listens to God about every aspect of her life. I love the fast pace of her job as editor. It has to be difficult to tell writers they need to change certain words or paragraphs.

I was excited that she was taking a much deserved vacation with a little stop over for research. Now why couldn’t the famous author himself do his own research? When Gianna meets Carter you can feel sparks fly. He is handsome, sure of himself and has a big secret. I did figure out what the secret was, but I enjoyed reading how good he is at avoiding certain questions. His mother was a voice to be reckoned with. I though she was a bit pushy but she does have Carter’s best interest at heart.

At the center of the story are two people who both learn to allow God to direct their paths as they dream about their future. The best part for me was how Gianna reacts to the secret Carter has been hiding. It shatters her hope and trust in him. The hard part is letting go of hurt and allowing God to heal her broken heart. There is a good faith element in the story and it is relevant to the characters as they navigate their feelings for each other. I do think Carter may have rushed a few things with Gianna, but God gently corrects him. Isn't God good? He is always there when we call out to Him.

Gianna has a moment when she breaks down and there in that instant we see the real Gianna. Her hurt , disappointment, guilt and trust issues all come to the surface. This is the meat of the story for me. The author shows a broken, vulnerable Gianna who cries out to God in her darkest day. She surrenders everything and the chains of the past are gone. I won’t say if Gianna and Carter get together because after all that is where you the reader will experience a story filled with a lesson in forgiveness and unconditional love. After reading the book, I feel an urging in my Spirit to make some things right in my life. It is time to let go of that last hold the enemy has on me.

“With just one word from our God, darkness flees, and His glory surrounds us.”

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
Profile Image for Debbie.
2,559 reviews4 followers
March 4, 2021
"Dream Again" by Ann Marie Bryan is a story filled with the aftereffects of loss, one of the characters through death, the other a relationship gone wrong, trusts and love.

This is a story about keeping secrets isn't a good thing!

I really liked that this story is about a book editor and a writer. What could be better for a reader than to read about an author and the editor. But I wonder does an editor really research out an area the writer is writing about? If not, there book is fiction right? It could happen which makes this book believable.

As the title suggests this is a second chance at love novel!

This story is a real heart warming "True to Life" story.

Again, fiction has spoken to me, I am going top share two passages from the book and see if they speak to you as well. " The enemy knows your potential, and that is why he tried to you snuff you out,".....

"Don't let your brokenness take you off course of your destiny. Let it go and be healed. God kept you here because there's oil in you. Yes, there's oil in you."

#2 "When suffering slaps you in the face, you see exactly what you're made of" ..... The great thing is that the Lord gave me enough for the journey, ands He made sure I had more than enough to sustain me wherever He needs me to be.

A fun fact on why I like to say that fiction is real life.The female character in this book is a fan of Jolly Ranchers. I also am a fan. I have a bag by my side when ever I am reading because the characters in the books are always eating and the meals described makes me hungry so I like to be prepared.

The above statement,I posted this on my Facebook page about this book “.

I am glad that this book clearly points out that depression isn’t something to be ashamed of but that it is something that can be overcome if we give it to God.

I was given a contemporary copy by the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own.
2,041 reviews
March 3, 2021
I have really been enjoying my reading year. Dream Again is by another new to me author and the story just really captured my feelings and heart. I would say that this is a story of second chances, of even second chances in your second chances.

Sometimes a girl meets guy and their romance that follows is exactly what I want to read. Gianna and Carter are meant for each other even before they know each other. And one finds out before the other that some things already bind them, but decides to keep them secret, for now.

Gianna is a woman who has suffered the devastating loss of her parents at twelve, and in her adult life she has suffered romantic loss. I think deep down she does not feel she is worthy of love or fun for that matter. She buries herself in her career, which she does enjoy, but there has to be more to life.

Carter has lost his fiancé to death, and he is a little gun shy of falling in love again as well. But he is much more open to it, especially when it comes to his feeling for Gia. He opens his heart completely to her hoping for a happily every after for them.

But sometimes misunderstandings happen and bitterness can take root. My heart broke for both Gia and Carter and at different times in the story. I just wanted them to be together and let the past stay in the past and their future to begin. I look forward to more in this series.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

https://pausefortales.blogspot.com/20...
Profile Image for Excel Andy.
170 reviews15 followers
August 26, 2020
“Gia, you’re powerful. You’re special. You’re amazing. The Bible says, there is no fear in love for perfect love casts out fear…” This quote just made me smile. The verse used here is one of my favourite bible verses.


In this book, you’re going to meet Gianna and other awesome characters. I love the italicised words that shows her thoughts mentally. They made me laugh.


This book is perfect for a movie. I fell in love with Carter, how can a fictional character be descriptively handsome like that?


This book is fantastic! I need people like Carter’s friends in my life. Imagine having friends who prays for you during low times? I love the themes in this book. The prayers in this book made me alert. I love the sentence ” I hear the chains falling“. Instantly, I felt the urge to pray. This book will ignite your prayer life.


A very fantastic, amazing, perfect and all the good adjectives I need to describe this book. This Christian fiction novel carries fire. The romance is so sweet. The Christian themes are so nice anybody can read it without getting offended.


“It is about you dreaming again and taking your rightful position on earth”. I mentally did a “woo-hoo” at this quote.

This book deserves 10 stars rating if I could. Ann Marie Bryan writes well.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Paty.
406 reviews2 followers
January 11, 2024
This is my first book from this author and it definitely won't be my last!
She crafted a beautiful, intricate, deep, compelling and relatable love story with so many lessons to be learned!
Gianna has suffered loss and betrayal. So she's built a hard wall around her heart and she's not looking for love, but she'll find it unexpectedly and with an unavoidable attraction in Carter. Carter is ready to put his heart on the line for Gianna, but is she ready? Carter holds a secret, but will Gianna trust him after it comes out to light?
This story was relatable and touching. I loved the character growth on both Carter and Gianna, as they learn to trust God in their lives, and not try to control what's always been in His hands. There's forgiveness and learning what true love really means. Not easy in a world where trust is a value not easily given. But can they both trust God, and each other with their hearts?
Carter's mom, and Gianna's bf were great too...
I definitely recommend this novel. It left me feeling inspired, and it was quite engaging too. It never dragged!
I received a complimentary copy of this book but wasn't required to post a positive review. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.
Profile Image for Connie Hill.
1,884 reviews47 followers
February 19, 2021
Dream Again By: Ann Marie Bryan is a Christian Fiction book. This is the first book that I have read by this author and I enjoyed it very much. This is book 1 in the McIntosh Brothers series. This book is the story of Gianna Barrett and Carter McIntosh. They were such a cute couple. Gianna is a successful book editor ( I would love to get paid to read and edit books!!!) She has had her heart broken over and over and isn't sure she will ever find love. Enter Carter. Carter lost his wife and is unsure if he can open his heart again. However when he meets Gianna, he is totally smitten. For Carter it is love at first sight. Gianna on the other hand is not as excited about. Dream Again is a beautiful and heartwarming love story. It is a story of second chances and it is a story of reminder of God's love and forgiveness. I think my favorite part of this book was that Gianna is real feeling, broken, hurt and desperate for God to help heal her. She has so much to be thankful for, but she has been so damaged by past relationships. Such a heartwarming real feeling story.

I received a copy of this book through the Celebrate Lit blogging program - all thoughts are my own.
Profile Image for Erin.
2,117 reviews18 followers
February 26, 2021
Gianna doesn’t believe in love anymore. And she doesn’t even want to fit this new somewhat annoying guy into her life. But when the unexpected happens and it throws them together she has to learn to trust him. But can she ever love him like he loves her?

This is a nice love story. There is some plot of course but not a lot of suspense or drama. I like the fact that this is going to be a series so maybe these characters can revisit some of the books in the future. They definitely get a unique story going here and though at times you want to shake Gianna to let go of her issues you do realize it’s a process and really makes the book.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received through Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
3,711 reviews42 followers
August 20, 2020
This is book one in The McIntosh Brothers Series and it is Gianna and Carter's story. Gianna was a big fan of romance books and she was chief editor of a publishing house and loved her job but now she is off to Tallahassee for a holiday and hopefully work as well. Carter is staying at the same hotel as his mother so they could spend time together when he hears someone laughing and on seeing the beautiful women with the delightful laugh he decides that he would like to get to know her. They have both gone through so much heartache in there lives but will this be a second chance of happiness for them. Ann Marie Bryan is a brilliant author and writer and I definitely recommend you read this book and other's by her and you will not be disappointed.
I Voluntarily Reviewed an ARC Copy of this book.
Profile Image for Kenneth Preston.
Author 10 books71 followers
August 25, 2020
Gianna is an immensely successful book editor at a major publishing company. She has nearly everything she could possibly want. But the one thing her life is missing is love. After having her heart broken, she’s given up on love. She may have given up, but her friends her friends and co-workers have not.

Enter Carter. At first sight, he finds himself smitten with Gianna, but Gianna is having none of it. So sure that love is not in the cards for her, she pushes Carter away. But Carter knows that their fates are aligned. Carter knows that destiny has brought them together. And Carter knows that love is in the cards for both of them.

Written with the eloquence that fans of Ann Marie Bryan have come to know so well, “Dream Again” is profoundly uplifting. And for fans of Christian Romance who are not familiar with Ann Marie Bryan’s work, this book is a great place to start.
Profile Image for Jamie Bee.
Author 1 book121 followers
September 26, 2020
Slow Start But Then Delightful Christian Romance

This book has a bit of a slow start for me because the couple didn't meet until near the 10% mark of the book. For me, the romance can't start until the meet-cute. We learned quite a bit about the heroine and her work life before she meets him. We learn of her prior romantic disappointment and her job as an editor. As someone who does freelance editing myself, I thought it was fun to see her working with books. The hero is a kind and decent guy, and he is determined to get her to consider him romantically. He has a genuine feeling of destiny about them, which is sweet. This is a Christian romance, and the author has woven in that element seamlessly. All in all, I found this to be an enjoyable romance.

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

My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
Profile Image for Cheri Swalwell.
Author 72 books61 followers
January 21, 2021
Dream Again was a beautiful story combining a great storyline, believable characters and a biblical message woven throughout. This was a new author for me, but I enjoyed her style, tone, and message. I enjoyed getting to know Gianna and Carter. The storyline kept my attention throughout and the characters and their experiences, the way it was written, allowed me to experience what they were alongside them. I love books that are realistic and this one hit that goal. This is an author I will share with family and friends because they love these types of storylines and in depth characters, woven with a biblical message. So glad I had the chance to read this book from this author. Won’t be the last one either!

I was given a complimentary copy of this book by Celebrate Lit but all reviews are strictly my own.
Profile Image for Tabitha Bouldin.
Author 45 books705 followers
February 20, 2021
Ann Marie has written quite the story. Filled with tender moments and a good bit of excitement, she draws you into Carter and Gianna's lives. These two characters live through the pages of Dream Again and will make you want them to walk into your life for a cup of coffee and a chat. I loved the authenticity of the characters, the way they were not perfect and made mistakes, yet there was always the undercurrent of grace that carried them through the tough moments and pushed them to be better. The romance was fast paced but made sense for the characters, and I enjoyed the behind-the-scenes feel of Gianna's job as an editor for a large publishing house. I received a copy of this book from the author through Celebrate Lit. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Ashley Dawn.
Author 41 books81 followers
March 5, 2021
I really liked this book. Two people meet who each have issues to deal with when it comes to their heart and trust. It seems like they would be the perfect match, and maybe its true but in God's time. Carter is my favorite character. He was just almost too perfect then the author gave him some obvious issues and he became 'more perfect' due to the imperfections.

I like how the author handled love, loss, friendship, family and all of it woven together that could have become overwhelming but didn't. Gianna was a great female lead. I love how she looks to God for all her answers and pray to be more like that. The story was just a really good one that I enjoyed.

It was a 4/5.

Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book via Celebrate Lit. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.
788 reviews5 followers
March 7, 2021
Dream Again is a fantastic inspirational novel that speaks to the heart and captures the awesome power of God! This new to me author writes a memorable story that demonstrates her faith and all the Lord will provide for those who give Him their hearts. I loved this story of worship, tragedy, healing, forgiveness, family and love. I’m looking forward to reading the upcoming books in this series when they are released. I highly recommend this book for those that enjoy romance and inspirational fiction. Anyone who enjoys a good story, those that have a relationship with our Savior and anyone searching for the Truth will love this book. From the book: “One night as I prayed, I heard the Spirit of the Lord saying, Give me you,, and I will make you dream again.”

Celebrate Lit, the publisher and author provided this book to me for me to read. The opinions expressed are my own thoughts.
Profile Image for Shannan Harper.
2,458 reviews28 followers
August 21, 2020
Carter and Gianna are stranger with an unknown common interest. They meet by chance (or so it seems at the beginning) and there is an immediate attraction. As things progress, secrets are uncovered and they have to decide if they feel they are still right for each other.

Stories like this give me hope. It shows real people dealing with real issues, but a perfect God is able to see them through everything they're going through. Engaging characters, Well thought out and written plot, and a story with likeable and unlikeable characters that will have you on an emotional roller coaster. Very well done story

I received a copy of this book via the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
7 reviews
August 23, 2020
Dream Again Oh my it was worth the wait . Dream Again is about love from start to finish its also about fear and overcoming fear, also not letting the pass interfere with the future you have to face your pass to go on to the future with God all things are possible. It's also about trust and faith in each other being honest to each other no matter what secret can break up relationship and friendship. It's about forgiveness, second chances, family love also the love for God faith and trust that the Lord will work it out. its emotional it keeps you just wanting to know what's coming next. I truly enjoyed reading this book I can recommen Dream Again to all who enjoy reading a Christian novel fill with love, faith,and lots more inspiration. thank you Ann Marie can't wait to read book 2
1 review
October 19, 2020
Found it....DreamAgain:
There are so many aspects of Dream Again that grabs me. The way they met was so magical.... the magnetic pull of laughter, being enjoyed by a sole person, pulling another and latching a heart: Carter was eternally captured. I know real personally someone who was captured by laughter and today he still loves when I am joyful and filled with laughter. That spirit of laughter captured Gianna and Carter's relationship thorough Annmarie's descriptive and expressive writing. There is such a pure, light yet captivating flow to this fiction. Annmarie continue to bring alive a story and again pulls you into the hearts of the characters. I simply love this book and I looove the book cover too.
6,160 reviews
January 31, 2021
Dream Again begins the McIntosh Brothers series. It is, also, the first book I have read by Ann Marie Bryan. I loved getting to know Gianna. She is a type of character that so many other readers would be able to relate to. I know I could connect with her. I enjoyed the scenes with her and Carter. I admired his determination. It was fun to see how the story would end and had no problem reading the whole book read in one sitting. It was so good.

I am giving Dream Again four and a half stars. I recommend it for readers who enjoy reading clean and well written romance. I look forward to reading the next installment from the McIntosh Brothers series when it releases. Ann Marie Bryan has earned herself another fan.

I received Dream Again from the publisher. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
172 reviews1 follower
August 17, 2020
It is a privilege to read DREAM AGAIN by Ann Marie Bryan. Her seamless plot, character development and artful descriptions are masterful. Her logophile tendencies create a rhythm in her dialogues, setting her apart from my other favourite authors. I found myself praying with her characters, rejoicing in their moments of joy and grieving in their dark times. This is the first book I have read of hers but she is immediately firmly in my top five authors. *Spoiler* My favourite quote that summarizes the heart of DREAM AGAIN comes from chapter thirty: “One night as I prayed, I heard the Spirit of the Lord saying, Give me you, and I will make you dream again.”
4,176 reviews22 followers
September 17, 2020
This is the first book in the McIntosh Brothers series, and I think it is off to a great start! I was invested in the story right from the beginning. Gianna has everything in her life that she could possibly want except love, which she has given up on due to a heartbreak. That's where Carter comes in. Gianna is sure love is not in her future, and Carter is determined to prove her wrong. Both of these characters are realistic and relatable and have endearing qualities. A beautifully written inspirational story, and I really enjoyed it looking forward to more in this series!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Danyelle Scroggins.
Author 148 books135 followers
December 23, 2020
This Is A Move!

I can never get enough of books that refine and validate the power of our risen Savior, and Author Ann Marie gives us a glimpse of a God move. I was caught in the pages of this book movie and never wanted it to end.
In relationships, if we would just see God moving in the midst of our situations, He will validate our love. Thank you for a wonderful experience. This book was a move that flowed from heavens abode, into your heart, through your fingers, and through the readers eyes.
Holy Spirit reminded me, there are no mistakes or fear in love. Love truly does cast out fear.
Be blessed!
9 reviews1 follower
August 29, 2020
Dream Again is a well-written easy read. The characters in this book are falliable humans who are trying to live a better life. Through many mistakes, hard challenges in their past, and struggles in their spiritual life, they are able to overcome with God’s help and find redemption and love. This book challenged me to deepen my dependence on God and whet my appetite for a deeper prayer life. Great book!!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kathy.
1,436 reviews36 followers
August 24, 2020
Another moving romance from Ms. Bryan. She is very good at making you feel for the characters. They are always very real people that you can't help but become invested in. Wonderfully told through prayer and scripture highlighting their thoughts and feelings. A really powerful story of love and second chances.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
604 reviews
August 24, 2020
Good read during a pandemic ❤️

I was excited to read a love story during this covid pandemic. It was refreshing to read about successful men who loves the Lord. The praise and worship part had me longing to be back in church. The plot was a good reminder that God can and will restore if we don’t get ahead of Him. As a mother I saw myself interfering in my daughters love lives🥴

This is a good one for the book clubs with the discussion questions at the end. Enjoyed!
3,352 reviews18 followers
August 27, 2020
Sometimes you find a book that needs more than 5 stars and this is one of those books. No spoilers here.

An amazing story line that's clean, heartwarming, endearing, captivating and so much more. The characters are just as amazing, easy to get to know, easy to love and feel like family long before you read the last words. Highly, highly recommend!

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

Profile Image for Tramaine Green.
Author 5 books40 followers
November 8, 2020
Great read!

Such a powerful and uplifting story! Gia and Carter were absolutely great together! From the moment they met, I could feel the chemistry between them and a deeper connection. They both loved God and had some emotional baggage. But both of them had to deal with that & really look within themselves to put it behind them. As always, Ann has delivered an exceptional story to her readers. I look forward to reading Book 2.
387 reviews13 followers
September 1, 2020
A beautiful story of second chances and learning to love again. I love how the author deals with the topic of heartbreak and trusting again after you've been hurt. A beautiful reminder that beauty can come out of our brokenness.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All opinions expressed are solely mine.
140 reviews2 followers
September 15, 2020
Never Disappointed...

I can not think of anything more attractive in a man, than a man who loves the Lord and Carter loved the Lord. This is another GREAT Christian Romance. I have not been disappointed by any of the books that I have read of Ann Marie Bryan and I believe I have read them all!
Profile Image for Jujuana Howard.
Author 1 book1 follower
November 1, 2020
If you are looking for a Christian Romance novel that has drama, intrigue, and suspense then this is the book for you! Dream Again is a powerful story about finding love after heartbreak. The characters are relatable, and the plot is very interesting. I highly recommend that you purchase this book!
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