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Growing up, Tamara Davison felt like a princess in the empire of her father's megachurch ministry. She never wanted for anything, and in her eyes, life was pretty near perfect. It wasn’t until her NFL bound boyfriend broke her heart and a sobering truth about her father's past was revealed that Tamara began to wonder about the perfect life she thought she had.

Jonathan Hartman loved Tamara Davison the moment he met her. Jonathan was brought up by a single mom who struggled to make ends meet. He had to work two jobs in college, but it all paid off. Now he is successful and rich beyond anything he ever imagined possible for a kid that came up the hard way like he did. It had been ten years since Tamara ran after a pro-baller rather than give Jonathan’s love a chance. Tamara is back in his life now and Jonathan must find a way to convince her that true love feels so much better than any fairytale she could ever dream up.

Once Upon A Dream is a reprint of Heaven On Earth with 25% new content, book discussion questions and a book club kit.

255 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 15, 2021

19 people are currently reading
495 people want to read

About the author

Vanessa Miller

101 books806 followers
Vanessa Miller is a best-selling author, entrepreneur, playwright, and motivational speaker. She started writing as a child, spending countless hours either reading or writing poetry, short stories, stage plays and novels. Vanessa’s creative endeavors took on new meaning in1994 when she became a Christian. Since then, her writing has been centered on themes of redemption, often focusing on characters facing multi-dimensional struggles.

Vanessa’s novels have received rave reviews, with several appearing on Essence Magazine’s Bestseller’s List. Miller’s work has receiving numerous awards, including “Best Christian Fiction Mahogany Award” and the “Red Rose Award for Excellence in Christian Fiction.” Miller graduated from Capital University with a degree in Organizational Communication. She is an ordained minister in her church, explaining, “God has called me to minister to readers and to help them rediscover their place with the Lord.”
· Essence Bestsellers’ List March 2008; May 2008 (Former Rain)
· Essence Bestsellers’ List September 2008 (Rain Storm)
· Black Expressions Book Club Alternate Selection 2007, 2008, 2009 & 2010
· #1 Ebook for fiction on Amazon.com November 2010 (Long Time Coming)
· #1 on BCNN/BCBC Bestsellers’ List November 2010 (Long Time Coming)
She has worked with numerous publishers: Urban Christian, Kimani Romance, Abingdon Press and Whitaker House. She is currently working on Something Good with Thomas Nelson (HarperCollins) which releases in March 2022.

In 2016, Vanessa launched the Christian Book Lover’s Retreat in an effort to bring readers and authors of Christian fiction together in an environment that’s all about Faith, Fun & Fellowship. To learn more about Vanessa, please visit her website: www.vanessamiller.com. If you would like to know more about the Christian Book Lover’s Retreat that is currently held in Charlotte, NC during the last week in October you can visit: http://www.christianbookloversretreat...
Vanessa lives in North Carolina with her husband and family. She graduated from Capital University with a degree in Organizational Communication.

Most of Vanessa’s published novels depict characters that are lost and in need of redemption. The books have received countless favorable reviews.

“. . . Heartwarming, drama-packed and tender in just the right places.”—Romantic Times Book Review.

“Recommended for readers of redemption stories.” –Library Journal.

www.vanessamiller.com

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5 stars
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18 (20%)
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
Profile Image for MidnightAce Book Bar.
170 reviews11 followers
June 17, 2021
Tamara had this picture-perfect vision of her father. In her eyes, he checks off all the boxes of being almost perfect. When she finds out he had a fall from grace moment, the rose-colored glasses come off, and her world spins. Disappointed with the men she looked up to and the failed relationships with pro-ballers changed her view of all men. Because of her anger and inability to have an adult conversation to find out the specifics, she closes up, runs, and separates from her family.

I love Jonathan's character... "Troubled Man" is his theme song and is based on his humbled beginnings. Growing up rejected by his father and watching his mother struggle was enough determination for Jonathan to make something of himself. In exchange for answered prayers, he vows to help those in need. His dedication to helping others is just one of his endearing qualities.

This couple's journey to happiness wasn't easy and longsuffering to say the least. It was clear that God wasn't done with them yet. What I liked most was about Once Upon A Dream was the unique family dynamic, strong bonds, and unconditional love of their parents.

The author did a good job of crafting realistic situations and applying scripture and prayer to help the characters navigate through their struggles. If you enjoy reading romance sprinkled with a bit of spiritual reflection, I recommend trying this treasure.

https://www.midnightacebookbar.com/po...
2,076 reviews14 followers
June 18, 2021
Absolutely loved it!

This book was awesome. It centered around love, family dynamics, forgiveness and the power of prayer. Forgiveness played a huge part in the Davison’s family and Jonathan. Once Jonathan, Leah and Tamara forgave the ones that they thought needed it and themselves, their lives seemed much better. No matter what the Davison family went through, they always believed in the power of prayer. Jonathan and Carter’s relationship was so refreshing. In the end, Jonathan and Tamara got their happily ever after.
Profile Image for Cherie l brown.
797 reviews
May 6, 2024
More family fallout from the decades ago scandal of the now Bishop Davison. Tamera, Bishop’s daughter has sworn off men thinking they all cheat and are not trustworthy. Meanwhile that stance and her strong stubbornness has her missing out on her own blessings. She is stuck in a rut and has separated herself from the family and trying to go thru life holding all men guilty for her father’s and brother’s indiscretions. CN she see the light before the very best man-her true soulmate walks away again?
325 reviews2 followers
June 30, 2021
Forgiveness, Family and a Forever Love

I loved this book. Jonathan and Tamara were best friends and their chemistry together was so on point. Both had to get through their issues and acknowledge their love for one another. Forgiveness is a powerful thing. Kudos to Vanessa Miller on another awesome book.
Profile Image for Crystal.
294 reviews1 follower
June 27, 2021
Once Upon A Dream

This was a great Christian love story between Tamara and Jonathan. The challenge of love, domestic violence and mental illness plagued the family. Through God, they conquered through it all.
Profile Image for Sharon Simmons.
828 reviews7 followers
November 18, 2021
The power of prayer!

This authors books always uplift me! This family has so much faith and truly believe in the power of prayer. I found myself praying with them in some of their situations. Tamara and Jonathan had an unbreakable bond. This series is definitely a must read!
21 reviews
July 8, 2021
A dream destined to happen.

I gave it 5 stars because I felt!t they would get together in the end. I disliked Adam getting hit but liked THE power of prayer the family gave.
2 reviews
July 27, 2021
Great book from Vanessa Miller as usual. The book made me feel like I was there. I didn't want it to end. One of her best books
2 reviews
September 8, 2023
Wholesome and clean.

Wholesome and easy to read with a heart-felt message. God has used Vanessa's talent to reach me when I was in some rough areas of my life.
Profile Image for Virginia.
9,263 reviews23 followers
May 29, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews

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