When Dreams Cross

Second Chances #2

by Terri Blackstock

Justin Pierce's brainchild, Khaki Kangaroo, is exactly the cartoon theme Andi Sherman needs for her world-class amusement park, Promised Land. In turn, Andi's park is the opportunity that can rocket Justin from obscurity to success. For both of them, spreading the Gospel through their creation is their passion--a shared dream that could cement a powerful partnership. If their shared past hadn't already driven them apart. Now, with construction of the park in its final phase, what begins as an uneasy alliance between the successful businesswoman and the talented animator enters a baptism of fire. Disaster stalks Promised Land--and only by burying their pride can Justin and Andi save everything they've work for from destruction. When Dreams Cross is part of the Second Chances series by award-winning suspense novelist Terri Blackstock. Combining fast-paced reading with realistic characters and situations, Second Chances takes readers to where the conflict between good and evil becomes the proving grounds of faith.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Fiction, Romance, Christian, Mystery, Audiobook, Suspense

240 pages, Paperback

First published January 14, 1997

About the author

Terri Blackstock is a New York Times best-seller, with over seven million books sold worldwide.. She has had over thirty years of success as a novelist.

Terri spent the first twelve years of her life traveling in a U.S. Air Force family. She lived in nine states and attended the first four years of school in The Netherlands. Because she was a perpetual “new kid,” her imagination became her closest friend. That, she believes, was the biggest factor in her becoming a novelist. She sold her first novel at the age of twenty-five, and has had a successful career ever since.

In 1994 Terri was writing romance novels under two pseudonyms for publishers such as HarperCollins, Harlequin, Dell and Silhouette, when a spiritual awakening prompted her to switch gears. At the time, she was reading more suspense than romance, and felt drawn to write thrillers about ordinary people in grave danger. Her newly awakened faith wove its way into the tapestry of her suspense novels, offering hope instead of despair. Her goal is to entertain with page-turning plots, while challenging her readers to think and grow. She hopes to remind them that they’re valued by God and that their trials have a purpose.

Reviews

[Hannah · Rating 1 out of 5]

Blech. Bicker bicker bicker and clashing egos...this just didn't work for me. The constant cycle of telling each other off, feeling guilty, occasionally lying, and then bickering again over nothing was just exhausting. I'd have liked to have gotten some details about the whole build-a-fun-park thing because that could have made it really interesting.

I don't have confidence in the future happiness of this couple unless they go through some really intense counseling. These sorts of critical bickering habits are super hard to break...

Content: childish displays of anger

[Wendy Sparkes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listened to the audiobook version.

Andi Sherman has taken over co-ordinating and managing the construction of Promised Land, the amusement park her father started before a serious car accident put him in hospital.

Justin Pierce is an animator, and his cartoon theme Khaki Kangaroo is what Andi needs for Promised Land. In return, Andi's theme park would lift Justin out of his current obscurity to success. For both of them, sharing the gospel through their creativity is their passion and goal.

The problem? - Andi and Justin have a history. They were together in their college days. A misunderstanding split them up, and a lot of hurt feelings and stubborn pride have added to their pain since. Warily they form a business relationship, which threatens under the pride they both struggle with.

Someone is targeting Promised Land. Accidents happen and Promised Land is in danger of going under. Andi and Justin fight to find the answers, while still continuing with the dream they believe God has placed in their hearts despite the odds. While struggling to overcome the odds - and their pride - they discover they are still in love, and that God has brought them back together because they are better together.

This is my favourite book in the Second Chance series. These books have been written showing how God gives a second chance when we make a mistake. They are also a living testimony of God giving second chances, as this series is a second chance for Terri Blackstock to get them right before God. A definite must-read for any Christian who has blown it and feels their chance is gone forever. It might not happen straight away - it didn't in the story, or in Terri's own life, but it happened. Pray for a second chance, and be ready for it when it is offered!

Other books in the Second Chance Series:
#1
#3
#4

[Sarita · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating 3.5 stars

I started out liking this one, somewhere in the middle it fell a bit flat, but then the last 40% picked it up again for me.

When I started the story, I enjoyed the back and forth bickering between Andi and Justin, but it started to feel bit never-ending. The ending with the action and mystery and twist with Wes' sister revived the book again.

Enjoyed this book, but prefer Terri Blackstock's suspense books.

[Barbara Schultz · Rating 3 out of 5]

More than 3 stars but not 4
I know I can count on [author; Terri Blackstock] for a nice wholesome read. When I started this, I thought hmmm so far not my favorite Ms Blackstock novel (this is #16 for me). Andi was making me want to shake her. She is a very intelligent woman who keeps coming up with the wrong message when it comes to Justin. But I have read 15 other Blackstock novels so I know she usually comes up with some twists that keep me interested.
Plus audio narrator Kris Faulkner did a great job in performing the characters.
This is second in the “Second Chance” series. There are several series that I have read and enjoyed. The “If I Run” series is my favorite.

[Erika Hayes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was not my favorite book from Terri Blackstock. I felt like the back and forth made protag flighty and the commitment was not that strong. I enjoyed the book but the characters were not what I've come to expect from this author.

[Mak · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did not really enjoy this book too much. Which is a shame because I really enjoyed the first one in this series. I’m hoping the other books in this series are better :)

[Darla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read!

Another great story in the Second Chances series! Terri Blackstock.does a very good job weaving characters lives together. I will read more of her books.

[Eric Wright · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this book annoying. You might ask why, as a man, I read it. Good question. One reason was that I'm finishing a romantic suspense novel written from the female perspective, so I though I could learn a thing or two from an expert.

For another reason, the book was passed on by a relative at a time when I was looking for an entertaining, morally uplifting, easy reading book. It was easy reading. It was entertaining to a degree. But on the other hand--very frustrating.

There were two characters, one a woman trying to fulfill her father's dream of a Christian theme park and a man whose gifted animations could really add to the park. They were Christians who met eight years after a disastrous broken engagement. And whenever they met sparks flew.

The book was full of god-talk but little depth and subtlety. The book was one big argument between the two, filled with misunderstandings and rancor. Now I realize that Christians aren't perfect. I ought to know. But the immaturity of these two was astounding. In their relationships they acted as if they hadn't learned the most basic things about the Christian faith: humility, patience, kindness, forgiveness. In a word the characters were cardboard cutouts with lots of passion but no depth.

After reading it, I shake my head at the thought of the millions and millions of copies of romance like this sold every year.

[Joi · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's another book by Terri Blackstock that I love. It's the second book to a quartet that I started by her. I must admit that I liked the first one better. I didn't like the fact that there were different characters. I should have been expecting that since the first book wrapped up very nicely. I don't think that that's how I like series to go, but I must admit that I loved this book. I really can't wait to continue with the third book.

[Sharon Richmond Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was great!!

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

THIS SUMMARY/REVIEW WAS COPIED FROM OTHER SOURCES AND IS USED ONLY AS A REMINDER OF WHAT THE BOOK WAS ABOUT FOR MY PERSONAL INTEREST. ANY PERSONAL NOTATIONS ARE FOR MY RECOLLECTION ONLY

Andi Sherman has taken over coordinating & managing the construction of Promised Land, the amusement park her father started before a serious car accident put him in hospital.

Justin Pierce is an animator, & his cartoon theme Khaki Kangaroo is what Andi needs for Promised Land. In return, Andi's theme park would lift Justin out of his current obscurity to success. For both of them, sharing the gospel through their creativity is their passion & goal.

The problem? - Andi & Justin have a history. They were together in their college days. A misunderstanding split them up, & a lot of hurt feelings & stubborn pride have added to their pain since. Warily they form a business relationship, which threatens under the pride they both struggle with.

Someone is targeting Promised Land. Accidents happen & Promised Land is in danger of going under. Andi & Justin fight to find the answers, while still continuing with the dream they believe God has placed in their hearts despite the odds. While struggling to overcome the odds - & their pride - they discover they are still in love, & that God has brought them back together because they are better together.

****
There were two characters, one a woman trying to fulfill her father's dream of a Christian theme park and a man whose gifted animations could really add to the park. They were Christians who met eight years after a disastrous broken engagement. And whenever they met sparks flew.

***
Justin and Andi, college sweethearts both hurt by Andi's father's lie to keep them apart and pride, of which they could not let go, end up working together. Justin's cartoon characters are just what Andi thinks will make her amusement park, Promised Land, stand out. Their mutual friend, Wes, encourages them to stick with it and forgive each other. Justin finds a plot to sabotage Promised Land and also is able to finally make his characters into a cartoon. In the end, Justin and Andi remember their love fore each other and are married.
Wes's story from the first book, Never Again Good-Bye, is continued with his wife having a baby, and his sister getting engaged.
The miscommunications and frustration with each other ended up being a little annoying toward the middle of the book, but the ending was fine and leads into the third book, Blind Trust.

[Debbie West · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! The idea of a Christian theme park is wonderful! There even may be some around the United States now, though nothing like that is in Arkansas where I live. I did get a little tired of the stars of the story butting heads, but I understood that the author had to show the stubbornness of both in order to get them to slowly relent and compromise as their respect and love grew. When it seemed like the theme park was doomed, a solution was found. A little bit of mystery is involved, just enough to make you want to see what happens next! Terri Blackstock is an superb author, in my opinion. I didn't read Book 1 of this series, but that's not a problem. Each book can be read as an individual story with no reference to characters in other novels.

[Steve W · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story, and the premise, but the characters felt a bit over the top at times. Maybe it is realistic that two people (who have repressed love interest) would bounce so quickly between affection and angry rejection, but it tired me out and left me doubting. Other aspects of the story felt a bit disjointed, but maybe that was my fault for allowing distractions as I was driving while listening to the story as an audiobook.

I like Andi's strong, yet sometimes vulnerable, character, yet also found her to be quite stubborn and sometimes inconsiderate of how her actions and statements affect others. Justin was a bit of an enigma, with his pent-up hatred (or resentment?), then his propensity to assume the worst of Andi, finally softening to consider and cherish her.

[David Rough · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars
Andi Sherman plans to open a world-class amusement park based on the Bible called Promised Land. She is looking for some cartoon characters to make the park come alive for the visitors. Justin Pierce happens to be an aspiring cartoonist and a perfect fit for the role. However, Andi and Justin have a past together filled with hurt and disappointment. Is the business partnership possible or will the huge pride and ego on both sides cause a disaster of biblical proportions?

I enjoyed the read (listen) but the plot was a little thin at times. The egos of both major players seemed to rise and fall too quickly with both characters over-reacting with a high dose of immaturity.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crossed dreams

Justin and Andi are old frenimies, and are suddenly back together after eight years' absence--each following their dream. They never got over loving each other but stubbornness, obstinance, or just plain pig-headedness kept tearing them apart. I was waiting for Justin to finally say, "Frankly, my dear, I don't give a...hoot", but he was a match in stubbornness with Andi. You know they'll wind up married, but will they ever be able to resolve differences without fireworks?

[Evonne · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've read several Terri Blackstock books and I was looking forward to another one. This one was a disappointment. Instead of the mystery I was hoping for it was just a syryupy romance and not even well written. I made it through to the end but not because I couldn't put it down. I just kept thinking surely this will get better. It got worse. If this were the first Terri Blackstock book I had ever read, I would not have read a second one.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read with a very original setting in an amusement park called Promised Land with rides based on Biblical events (Jonah ride with whales to ride on, Jacob's Ladder, Canaan, and Noah's Ark, etc.) I'd love to see a real amusement park like this! Loved the characters from the last book and meeting new ones! Definitely more romance than suspense in this one. Love that this book was one of God's second chances for the author, which made it even more meaningful

[Dianne Sidebottom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Following on from Laney and Wes's story we have Justin and Andi's second chance. There was a lot of miscommunication/conflict/ misunderstanding between these two which was frustrating. Then we get the glimpse of Clint and Sherry (being Wes's sister) relationship and Clint disappears. The Promised Land Park would have lots of opposition if it really was to be built as Ken Ham's Noah Ark .

[Annie Webb · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely Christian themed romance between a highly successful woman creating a theme park & an animator who will see his characters come to life in the park. They have a love history years in the past that brings a lot of conflict into the story & makes you wish they’d get past their pride. Here’s to second chances!!

[Carol Bell · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was such a disappointment. I felt like it was a comedy of errors with each of the main characters assuming the other's actions without communicating with the other. Come on people! Each one is so full of pride and can't share their feelings and emotions, but Andi really is not likeable.

[Brenda Bishop · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHEN DREAMS CROSS
This story will be a delight for readers who enjoy:
1. Lots of ups and downs, twists and turns.
2. Mysteries to be solved.
3. Intense emotions and plenty of dramatic events.
4. Strong willed, determined - and stubborn - characters.
6. Christian thread through the novel which doesn't overtake the story itself.
7. A satisfying ending.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great second book in this series!

Andi and Justin are at each other’s throats constantly. They need to work together but can’t seem to get along. They suspect someone of trying to destroy their work and Justin sets out to prove it

[Kristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

While romance is not typically a genre I gravitate toward, I'll read anything from Terri Blackstock. This was a meaningful story of second chances, humbling oneself and overcoming pride. While the first I this series was a stand alone, this second book sets up the characters for the next one.

I talk about this book more in my YouTube video: which can be viewed here

[Stella Potts · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my second time to read this book but it has been a long time so I only remembered snippets of it. Well worth the read. Enjoyed reading it again. Loved the characters and the plot. Blackstock is an excellent author.

[Dana · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really like this author, but I ended up skimming a lot of this book and just looking for the conversations. I don’t plan on finishing this series. I don’t usually read romances, even Christmas ones, so maybe that was the issue. I just didn’t enjoy it that much.

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

We both can win

The story drew me into my own pride hat was interfering with my happiness. Confronting my own pride by seeing how she was handling hers humbled me and I repented. Thanks Terri

[ML Couch · Rating 3 out of 5]

okay

I love this author and I’ve enjoyed the many books I’ve read of hers but this story frustrated me most of the time. I thought the main character was over the top with her reactions. Still, a good message as always.

[Carly Leigh Forbes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely brilliant!

I absolutely loved this book and the Main Characters Andi and Justin. I also love what it taught me about pride. I loved the fact that Promise Land was a success and they did eventually get married despite all the setbacks because it was part of God's Plan!

[Peggy Hand · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life happens, you hold on.

It was very relatable to everyday life. Shows how to depend on the one God's has chosen for you to love.

[B · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book very much. Terri Blackstock writes characters that refuse to learn their lessons. This frustrates me but her characters are like most of us. We refuse to learn some lessons.