Heart of Dreams

Colorado Hearts #4

by Caroline Fyffe

Journey back to the frontier of Eden, Colorado in USA Today bestselling author Caroline Fyffe's Heart of Dreams, a story of danger, deliverance, love—and what matters most.

Still reeling from a broken heart, Katie Brinkman, the youngest of the Brinkman sisters, does her best to keep busy. When the sympathetic glances of the townspeople drive her into the wilderness for a much-needed day away, she stumbles upon a man close to death. A man who appears to be on the other side of the law.

Unwilling to leave him to die, Katie throws her sisters into a panic when she returns with the dangerous-looking fellow and insists on nursing him back to health. Has Katie's destiny arrived, or is her life—and those of her family and the residents of Eden—in peril?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical Romance, Ebooks, Historical, Romance, Fiction, Westerns

379 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 14, 2021

About the author

USA Today Bestselling Author Caroline Fyffe was born in Waco, Texas, the first of many towns she would call home during her father's career with the US Air Force. A horse aficionado from an early age, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in communications from California State University-Chico before launching what would become a twenty-year career as an equine photographer. She began writing fiction to pass the time during long days in the show arena, channeling her love of horses and the Old West into a series of Western historicals. Her debut novel, Where the Wind Blows, won the Romance Writers of America's prestigious Golden Heart Award as well as the Wisconsin RWA's Write Touch Readers' Award. She and her husband have two grown sons and live in the Pacific Northwest.

Visit Caroline at www.carolinefyffe.com
See her photographs at www.carolinefyffephoto.com
http://facebook.com/caroline.fyffe
Twitter @carolinefyffe
Write to her at caroline@carolinefyffe.com. She loves hearing from readers!

Reviews

[TJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet and enjoyable American Western

Very sweet and enjoyable American western. While it is a romance at heart, the story seems to be just as much a love letter to the beauty of the west and to the strength of family. The situations were a bit of a stretch to be believed, however.

[Karen Sheldon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this series

Colorado is one of my favorite places to travel to. This series of books as well as being heartwarming and filled with the love of family and home is just so enjoyable to lay back and sink into for several hours.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this one! Lots of love and drama!

[Kathy Heare Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

EVEN IN SADNESS AND PAIN, THERE ARE LESSONS TO BE LEARNED

Once again, Ms. Caroline Fyffe has taken her readers on a roller-coaster ride in this emotional journey of family, loss, secrets, new beginnings, and love. The story has brought the five Brinkman sisters back to Eden, Colorado, where they were born, from their home in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They must all agree to spend six months in Eden to inherit according to the will left by their father, John Brinkman.

The story encompasses all four of the five Brinkman sisters, but this tale will mainly focus on Katie. It will also have bits and pieces of Mavis and her situation with Sheriff Clint Dawson. Both sisters are dealing with emotions that revolve around men. Katie is lost, confused, hurt, and in a dark place over Santiago leaving—has the last year meant nothing to him? Mavis and Clint are at a stalemate, yet, neither one know how to proceed.

The story will bring the first guest to Five Sisters Ranch, Craigston, and Samantha Clark. A couple that is a shock to see, a May-December marriage. But on the stage, another surprise comes with Santiago’s return. How will the Brinkman sisters tell Katie? Katie will find a wounded man at the Lucky Sister mine entrance and must get him back to town.

The story has mystery, suspense, danger, angst, friendships, and even romance. It is making peace with the past, moving forward with the future, and learning that you are stronger than you believe. It is being compassionate and helpful when faced with a crisis and saying goodbye to one person while not knowing how the future will play out with another.

The man Katie rescues can’t remember who he is, why he was there, and what role he has played. Is he an outlaw? Did he kill someone? And is he a danger to the Brinkman’s or their guest? The uncertainty has Katie calling him Nick—but is that his name?

“What would they learn when Nick’s memory returned? A person couldn’t move forward without knowing what lay behind them.”

“This is a story of good versus evil. I’m so happy that good won out.”

Nothing in life is guaranteed, and the Brinkman sisters and those close to them will learn that first hand. Craigston is in failing health, and his love for his wife, Samantha, is his greatest joy. But his time on earth is fading fast, and danger is ever-present.

“Life sometimes takes you by surprise. Follow your heart and do what your heart tells you to do. That is a recipe for happiness, something I want for you and all my daughters” –John Brinkman in his birthday letter to Katie

“Life is a wonderful gift. A life well-lived is the most valuable thing any man or woman can earn.” –Craigston Clark

“Happiness is what you make for yourself.” --Joe

“Life is fleeting. Enjoy it while you can.” –Craigston Clark

The story has the good, the bad, and the ugly in people—and all that will play a part in this tale. Craigston knows his greedy nephew expects to inherit, and he has married Samantha to make sure she and his loyal staff will instead. But that doesn’t mean trouble isn’t following them to Colorado. Then the mystery of the man found at the Lucky Sister mine adds to the suspense. Is Nick/Joe a criminal? Is he there to harm the Brinkman sisters or the Clarks? Will the painful memories of Katie’s childhood haunt her and prevent her from moving forward?

The story includes Mavis and Clint, as well as Katie and two different men who she has affection for. One broke her heart, and the other doesn’t know who he is, his past, and if he has previous obligations. While their stories aren’t always smooth sailing, it does have several surprises along the way. I loved the ending and can’t wait to see if there will be more stories to follow in this series—I see wedding bells in the future for two couples.

[Terry Houchin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been eagerly awaiting Caroline Fyffe’s next installment in the A Colorado Hearts Novel series. Heart of Dreams will be released on Valentine’s Day, 2021.

The series is set in Eden Colorado in the late 1800’s. It is the story of the five Brinkman sisters who inherit the Five Sisters Ranch left to them by their late father. The five sisters were raised by guardians in Philadelphia but leave the comforts of city life and move to the ranch in Colorado.

Each book highlights one specific sister. In the newest story, Katie, the youngest Brinkman sister is the star. Katie is nineteen years old and has recently had her heart broken. Everyone in the small town of Eden feels badly for her. Katie feels smothered by her sisters and grows weary of all the side ways glances and whispers of the towns people. She decides to take a ride by herself into the forrest. A gunshot spooks her horse and Katie finds herself near the family’s mine, The Lucky Sister. She decides to cross the stream and take a look around the mine entrance. She finds a man lying just inside the entrance to the mine. He has a gunshot wound to the chest. Katie decides the man will die if she doesn’t help him.
I haven’t given anything away that you couldn’t read for yourself under the description for the book so I need to tell you why you need to buy this book. (Or really the whole series, who are we kidding here) I love Caroline Fyffe’s writing voice! She is easy to read and the pacing is perfect. I love the characters….these five sisters are wonderful. You can emphasize with the family dynamics: The oldest who feels like she has to take care of all of the younger sisters yet has dreams of her own that she longs to fulfill. The arguing between sisters is just as normal as in any family. Yet the love between sisters who feel as though it’s them against the world is the bond that ties all of the books together. I’ve loved reading this series and I’m sure you will too. There is time to get books 1 through 3 and read them before the newest book comes out on the fourteenth of February. You won’t be disappointed, I promise.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Fyffe has weaved her story telling magic with a new and entertaining visit back to Eden, Colorado to the Brinkman Sister’s ranch to find out what these women and the towns people have been up to. This was a fun trip back to meet new characters stirring up trouble as well as finding out if characters from the previous books have had any new adventures. Throw in a murder, some amnesia and a couple of broken hearts and you get an amazing story that Caroline Fyffe is famous for!

As it turns out we start with Katie Brinkman being very discontent because the man she thought loved her had left town with another woman. She just needed to find a minute to herself so she goes on a ride out to the mines that her family owns. Once she gets there she finds an injured man and is able to get him to town for the doctor’s help. Heart of Dreams isn’t just a romance where the hero and heroine dance around each other until they figure things out. The issue is trying to figure out what happened to “Nick” and if he is a good guy or bad guy. As Katie gets to know him there are many obstacles in their way. He has amnesia from his injury so he has no idea who he is or what happened to him. Then an old love comes back town to stir up things and then we have bad guys stirring trouble as well.

I love stories involving big families and their closeness, not letting anything get in the way of their bond and love for each other. I loved each sister and their story but I think Katie and “Nick’s” tale is my favorite. Nick’s character is written with such caring and kindness even though he didn’t know who he was it came through so well on the pages of the story. Katie being the baby of the family her sisters tended to try to lovingly control her. However, Katie proved that she could take care of herself. I loved how once she figured out who she was and what she wanted she stood true to herself. There are so many fun characters in this story that I enjoyed finding out what they did to add to this lovely plot. Once again it was nice to go back to a time where life wasn’t so hurried and things were simple. I highly recommend Heart of Dreams as well as the other books in this series.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! We finally get to see how Katie’s story unfolds and it is a doozie. Gil of heartache, mystery and the unknown, it grabbed my attention and I couldn’t stop reading.

Katie is heartbroken over Santiago. Her sisters are worried about her. But when she finds a man left for dead in their silver mine all bets are off. Not knowing if his assailant is still out there, or who he even is, she saves his life. And now he can’t remember who he is.

She is intrigued by him, Nick he thinks, and wants to help him try to regain his memory. And along the way she starts to develop feelings for him. Even though everyone thinks he may be an outlaw she doesn’t care. She sees the good in him and never doubts him.

Nick, if that’s who he is, is desperate to find out who he is. If he’s an outlaw or married with a family he just doesn’t know! And with Katie being so sweet and his feelings growing more everyday, he needs to know. But when her past comes riding back into town things are unknown between them.
Does he have a chance now?

Katie is blindsided when her past comes back to town and she doesn’t know how to feel about that. But she’s not going to forget what he did, or how Nick makes her feel. What will she do? Can she make up her mind?

I love how this book has stories within the main story. We have been wanting to know what happens with Clint and Mavis and the story continues which makes me so happy! And we meet a new sweet couple that just endears themselves to me anyways and I loved everything about them and this book.
Well done, Caroline and I can’t wait for more!

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Get ready for a rollercoaster of emotions while on this adventure in Eden.

I loved revisiting Eden. I hope that all the newcomers don't change it completely otherwise it will lose all of it's charm. I really dislike when newcomers start dictating how things "should be" rather than honouring the traditions of the town. Hilda's renaming of the Cafe was an underhanded move and it made me instantly dislike her. When she started her campaign against Dallas and Bonnie, that had me furious. Both Dallas and Bonnie where there first. I was surprised that Dallas didn't get a medal for his bravery and countless acts of heroism in this story. But I digress....

I was baffled by the general consensus reached by the sheriff and Katie's sisters about the stranger which lasted throughout the book. The condition that Katie found him in didn't automatically make me come to the conclusion that they did. I was on Katie's side. I enjoyed watching her stand up for herself and her new friend. She really blossomed in this book and it had me cheering most of the time. She handled every situation with grace.

There were two other stories within this story. Mavis and Clint were both exasperating. Samantha and her husband's love was so beautifully written that it moved me to tears.

I hope that we get to visit with Emma in the next book. It would be great if Katie and Joe could join her across the pond.

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an exciting read, the danger and mystery keeps you in the edge. A mystery man found almost dead, he can’t remember who he is, the woman who found him has so many unanswered questions. Could he be an outlaw, is he dangerous, where is he from and why is he here, so many question he can’t answer and then it’s he feeling of loss knowing he is here for a reason, knowing it is important but it is just out of reach. Katie  feels he is good but what if he isn’t and what about her heart and doesn’t want to listen to reason.

I thought this was a wonderful read filled with mystery, danger and excitement. New people in town that could hold the answer and one man that makes the stranger feel uneasy, he must protect Katie at all cost. I enjoyed coming back to Eden seeing where the sisters life have gone, it is a town that comes to life, I enjoy the characters they seem like family. This is Katie’s story which is very touching, there were times I held my breath, other times my feeling went out to her wondering if things would work out. I enjoyed the Clark’s and how their story was told. It was very touching but sad.

I thought the author put together a delightful story that held my attention, with a little mystery and excitement of the unknown. She is an author that keeps you guessing with delightful twists and turns. I look forward to the next book in this series.

[Dorothy Roller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this awesome love story. So much happened to Katie Brinkman in her short time of being at the five sisters ranch in Colorado. Like most stories there is a lot going on in this story that takes you in circles sometimes. Katie the youngest of the five sisters is pining for one man but also very angry as he broke her heart.
One day she just had to get away and rode her horse to the mine the sister’s own.
She saw a man where the entrance would be when blasted open, and he was laying there bleeding and she wasn’t sure he was even alive. She went to him and found he was still alive and she managed to get him on her horse and take him into Eden.
This man had some identification on him but that is all they know about him.
Katy becomes his friend since her beau went away and she starts falling for him.
Now there is so much that goes on in this story and this is just the beginning.
I am telling you; this is a great story and you should get this story, especially if you have read the other books of Eden. This author can really write the most exciting stories and you won’t see what is coming either. Get this book.

I received a copy of this book, but this is my honest opinion and I wanted to write this but not asked to.

[Janice Spina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart of Dreams is Book 4 of the Colorado Hearts Series that is full of action, adventures, danger, and love. This book is centered upon the last two sisters who are unmarried and their search for love.

Mavis, the oldest Brinkman sister and her younger sister, Katie, are the ones whose stories are told in this book. Mavis’s goal is to find love of a man she has known since she moved to Eden. Will she be able to convince him that he cares for her as much as she cares for him.

Katie stumbles upon a man who has been shot, lost his memory and is in need of help. She insists on nursing him back to good health even though he may be a murderer. When Katie begins to care for this man, she vows to find out who he is and somehow prove that he is not who everyone thinks he is. What she doesn’t foresee is the danger she has put herself into in order to do this.

There are three stories simultaneously being told here. Besides the two about Mavis and Katie another one is told involving two visitors to the Five Sisters Ranch who may also be in danger.

An interesting read that closes off this enjoyable and well-written series.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eden has come to feel like home as I have followed the Brinkman sisters through their adventures as they find love and happiness in the mountains of Colorado. Katie is the youngest of the sisters and ready to be her own person without being mothered by four older sisters. While she wants them to be part of her life, she doesn't want them treating her like she needs to be watched over. Katie trusts her insticts as she rescues an unknow stranger and helps nurse him back to health. I love watching her learn from her past experiences and find healing in her own life. Mavis, the oldest of the Brinkman sisters also continues her quest for love and fulfillment in this story. All while these brave sisters host guests at the ranch with challenges of their own. I love watching the girls and the men in their lives pull together to overcome the challenges of life on the frontier.

[Penny Venable · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really good story with adventure, mystery, & of course romance! Katie is the youngest of the Brinkman sisters. She goes out alone on a ride to try to clear her head, & finds an unconscious man in one of the mines. Although a struggle, she brings him back to the doctor in town for treatment, & stays to help care for him.
Her sisters receive their 1st guests to the ranch, a wealthy May, December couple. They're a lovely & so in love couple. Due to their wealth, a scary adventure occurs.
The unconscious man is on the road to recovery, but suffers from amnesia & can't even remember his name! He tells the sheriff, Clint, about a realistic dream he had, so it's off to jail for him!!
A really good book! It's probably my favorite of the series so far. Great writing!
I received an advance reader's copy in exchange for my unbiased review.

[Marlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

She was the youngest sister, left without a mother when a few months old, sheltered as much as possible by her older sisters, and, now heartbroken from her first romance. As a sweet girl, Katie fell in love with a scoundrel who broke her heart. Would she leave a wounded man to die? Would she walk away from an orphanage that needed help? Would she forget her family responsibilities? That would be a big NO to all the questions because she was a survivor, helper and loved her community. This story will make you smile; it will make you cry; and, it will make you want more when you reach The End. I literally wanted to reach into the book and give her a hug, but instead I grabbed a Kleenex and kept reading. Thanks for a wonderful book!

[Miriam Rivera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Katie Brinckman the youngest of the five sisters to arrive in Eden Colorado has began her story. I was really looking forward to this book because Katie suffered so much in the previous book and her story has been until now full of turmoil. Katie, a stranger and an old friend have given an us an absolute breathtaking story. Katie matures and finds herself through the insecurities of the unknown and the pain of the past. She thrives with the help of her sisters and becomes one of the strongest Brinckman girls. The character development and writing were wonderful, this book is an all night, reading marathon, page turner.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caroline Fyffe has done it again! This is the 4th book in this series about the youngest Brinkman sister, Katie. She is trying to recover from a broken heart and is having a hard time. This story is full of humor and various real life situations that make it hard to put down. Katie and Nick/Joe (you have to read it) are the main characters and you can't help but hope the best for them but it doesn't come easily or quickly. There are side stories to make it even more interesting and keep you up to date on the other sisters and townfolks. A must read! I was given an advanced copy of this book to give an honest review. I couldn't put it down

[Sandra Newton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome back to Eden Colorado and the Brinkman sisters. This book is Katie's story and she runs the family lumber yard were she finds a wounded outlaw and is forced to save his life. Katie who is suffering from a broken heart by Santiago who she thought would share the rest of her life with. This is a great addition to the rest of the Brinkman sisters stories. I highly recommend you read this story and read the other sisters stories. You will never be disappointed when you read one of Caroline Fyffe books🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟❤❤❤❤❤

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky to read this story in advance for my honest review. First, this story captured my attention and let me escape for hours of of adventure. All of us can relate to Katie as she stumbles to find her own path, and as she questions if she can trust her own heart and mind. Being drawn to the stranger, can she trust him against the obvious evidence?
You may think the storyline was a little bit of a reality stretch, but personally I prefer to escape reality for a short time and I enjoyed this sweet romance story full of mystery, danger and a hard earned happy ending.

[Penny Lovell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was honored to get an advance copy to review and this is my honest review. This book had everything you enjoy in a historical romance. It also has mystery and suspense and some action. This was such a wonderful book. If you haven’t started this series yet or read books from Caroline Fyffe, today is the day to start. I will say this, you will not want to stop reading. I look forward to each new book by this author.

[catherine I. Bryson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivated by Katie's Story

Once again, Fyffe does not disappoint. Loved returning to Eden to catch up with the Brinkman sisters. I missed the characters and Colorado, and her writing style brings both to life. Satisfying read during these sub-teen temps in the Deepest South. Please, Ms. Fyffe, get one of your dreamy male narrators to voice it for Audible and, while you're at it, give us some Brinkman babies!

[Shari Ring Wolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome back

How nice to visit the Brinkman sisters in Eden, Colorado again. I love Caroline Fyffe's writing, and the era of history her stories are set in. This series is set in Colorado, and I hope there are more books coming. Now that all the Brinkman girls are coupled with their true loves, it's time to expand to the townspeople and see the sisters have families of their own.

[michele Spence · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed this book! Caroline has a way of making the characters come alive and feel so real. She truly transports her reader to another place and time. It was great to catch up with the characters of Eden Colorado and see whats going on in their lives. Katie's story was full of drama, mystery, and of course love. You won't be disappointed.

[Linda Rimer-Como · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an interesting read! The story grabs you from the start and keeps you enticed to the end. I thoroughly enjoyed all the Brinkman sisters but this by far is my favorite book of the series. The characters are amazing and the story line is heart felt. Highly recommend this book.

I voluntarily read and reviewed this book; all opinions expressed are my own.

[Jana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved reading about the Brinkman sisters. This is Katie’s story and I was anxiously waiting to read it. Full of interesting twists and turns, it kept me guessing what might happen to our beloved characters. The story doesn’t disappoint. And as always, there has to be more after this one! Well done.

[Robin Malek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Katie Brinkman might be the youngest of the Brinkman sisters and have the softest heart of them all but that doesn't stop her from possibly being the strongest of the bunch. She stands strong in the face of heartache and murder and unfaithful boyfriends. Get your tissues ready Caroline Fyffe knows how to tell a gripping story and you won't want to put it down.

[Kathy Driggers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Colorado Hearts

I’ve been looking forward to Katie’s story and it didn’t disappoint! Caroline is one of my favorite authors. I’ve read everything she’s written. I believe this is her best book yet! Mystery, humor and love- it’s everything I look for in a book. I hope there will be a book about Samantha!

[Nancy Biebinger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love and intrigue!

I really enjoyed this Colorado series. Heart of dreams brought together characters and happenings from all the prior storylines. It truly made an the perfect ending to tie the stories and characters together. It was a bit slow to start but soon proved to be most intriguing.

[Rita · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy this author. There’s just some thing about going back to the 1800s in the west west and imagining what life was like. The characters are very believable as are the stories. You feel like you know these characters and care about them and miss them. not only when the individual book in the series is finished, but the entire series is done as well

[Sandy Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it. A great addition to the series about the Brinkman sisters. I can’t wait to see what happens next. If you haven’t read this series yet I would definitely recommend it. All of Caroline’s books are awesome. One of my favorite authors.

[Kelly Fountain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this one too! Such a beautiful story for Katie and for Mavis! There’s excitement, wonder and danger woven in these pages. I hope the story doesn’t end here, there’s so many more warriors that could come from the fantastic town.