American Dreams

American Dreams #1

by Janet Dailey

Previously published as The Proud and The Free New York Times bestselling author Janet Dailey returns to her roots in this richly conceived epic of a passionate family’s fate and fortune in the tumultuous era of America’s wild frontier… At first glance, Temple Gordon is every inch a Southern belle. Raised on a grand plantation, the outspoken young beauty has known only the comforts of luxury. Yet even though Temple’s father attended the finest schools in the east, his greatest source of pride is the Cherokee blood that runs through his veins. And for Temple and her family, life is about to change beyond all imagining. “The Blade” Stuart, a reckless Cherokee landowner, knows that trouble is rumbling close, even if others refuse to acknowledge it. He loves Temple’s unwavering devotion—to her heritage, and to the passion they share—and he realizes how dangerous it may be. As treaties are broken, property confiscated, and neighbors turned against one another, he and Temple risk losing everything they cherish, including each other. Fueled only by the promise of freedom, Temple and her family must embark on an unforgettable journey through a land torn by violence, toward a future forged from courage, hope, and a wild, turbulent love.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Romance, Historical Romance

375 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1994

About the author

Janet Anne Haradon Dailey was an American author of numerous romance novels as Janet Dailey (her married name). Her novels have been translated into nineteen languages and have sold over 300 million copies worldwide.

Born in 1944 in Storm Lake, Iowa, she attended secretarial school in Omaha, Nebraska before meeting her husband, Bill. Bill and Janet worked together in construction and land development until they "retired" to travel throughout the United States, inspiring Janet to write the Americana series of romances, where she set a novel in every state of the Union. In 1974, Janet Dailey was the first American author to write for Harlequin. Her first novel was NO QUARTER ASKED.

She had since gone on to write approximately 90 novels, 21 of which have appeared on the New York Times Bestseller List. She won many awards and accolades for her work, appearing widely on Radio and Television. Today, there are over three hundred million Janet Dailey books in print in 19 different languages, making her one of the most popular novelists in the world.

Janet Dailey passed away peacefully in her home in Branson on Saturday, December 14, 2013. She was 69.

Reviews

[Dinah Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The American Dream is an engaging Historical Novel which kept my interest from the beginning to the conclusion. The description of the hardships of the Cherokee’s as they were forced to move westward was appalling. Survival, pride, and rebirth of a Nation were strong themes written by the talented author Janet Dailey.

[Kat Ashworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written and superb pace considering the complexity and depth to this story and the many characters woven in. I understand that it has been very well researched and this shows in details within the narrative and emotion within their journey.

[Martha A. Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

American Dreams

Very interesting book about the Indians back in the 1800’s when their homes and land was taken away from them. The Indians had to travel to different states through extremely hot and then frigid temperatures. Many of them died on the journey that was called the Trail of Tears.

[Beverly Kee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good storyline but...

I liked this story, my great grandfather had family who made that journey and many stories were repeated around the ranch kitchen table about great great Aunt Ina and her family. But the ending didn't feel right.

[SheLove2Read · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a romance set in the Cherokee Nation of Georgia during the time just before and during The Trail of Tears forced migration from Georgia to Oklahoma.

I wanted to like it, because its set basically in my hometown area with historical figures but it was really a depressing book for me. I didn't much care for the heroine or the hero and knowing the outcome of what they eventually went through (I skimmed the second half of the book) it didn't appeal to me on a historical or romantic-read level.

2 stars for the portion I did read which included slavery, haughty attitudes and a spinster character who grated on my nerves.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

My mom gave me a big bag of Janet Dailey novels. She raves about these. Historical romance. It was great! The writing is not stellar, but Dailey researches and writes about important issues. This was about the Trail of Tears and I learned a lot - under the guise of exciting entertainment. They are in series format, and I want to read more.

[Christel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Based on before ,during and after the Cherokee Removal Act of the 1830's. Very well written historical romance. Dailey combines historic and fiction to encompass a great story of love, danger and understanding.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Romance with american history and the indian's forced movement west from Virginia.

[Cws]

F Dai

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

very interesting book great story. keeps u going. love, betrayal,sadness. happiness too.