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A Bright New Day: Borrowed Dreams / The Trouble with Caasi
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Available in one book for the first Borrowed Dreams and The Trouble with Caasi, two of Debbie Macomber’s classic novels that explore the power of love and family
Borrowed Dreams : Carly Grieves is made of strong stuff. Tough and adventurous, she journeys to the wilds of Alaska looking for a new beginning, but she finds more than she bargained for in Brand St. Clair, a rugged bush pilot. Something about him stirs a primal longing inside Carly, but he’s a man with wounds, a widower stuck in the past. Carly desires him deeply, yet how can she compete with a dead woman for a place in his heart? Despite his painful past, Brand is ready to make his own fresh start with Carly, until he discovers she too has walls that must come down. Now Brand won’t give up until he convinces Carly that the biggest risk of her life is actually the safest move she could loving him.
The Trouble with A driven workaholic, CEO Caasi Crane has sacrificed all semblance of a personal life to build a West Coast hotel empire. But everything she’s built comes into question when her top manager, Blake Sherrill, abruptly resigns. Caasi can’t figure out why it hurts so much to lose him, and why she so desperately misses his presence not only in the office but also in her heart. Once Blake decides to leave, he unexpectedly gets what he’s wanted all Caasi’s undivided attention. Blake is excellent at his job and he knows it. While Caasi begs him to come back to work, he delays his response and tries to convince Caasi there’s more to life than a career. Can Blake help her see the love that’s waiting for her? A love strong enough to last a lifetime.
Borrowed Dreams : Carly Grieves is made of strong stuff. Tough and adventurous, she journeys to the wilds of Alaska looking for a new beginning, but she finds more than she bargained for in Brand St. Clair, a rugged bush pilot. Something about him stirs a primal longing inside Carly, but he’s a man with wounds, a widower stuck in the past. Carly desires him deeply, yet how can she compete with a dead woman for a place in his heart? Despite his painful past, Brand is ready to make his own fresh start with Carly, until he discovers she too has walls that must come down. Now Brand won’t give up until he convinces Carly that the biggest risk of her life is actually the safest move she could loving him.
The Trouble with A driven workaholic, CEO Caasi Crane has sacrificed all semblance of a personal life to build a West Coast hotel empire. But everything she’s built comes into question when her top manager, Blake Sherrill, abruptly resigns. Caasi can’t figure out why it hurts so much to lose him, and why she so desperately misses his presence not only in the office but also in her heart. Once Blake decides to leave, he unexpectedly gets what he’s wanted all Caasi’s undivided attention. Blake is excellent at his job and he knows it. While Caasi begs him to come back to work, he delays his response and tries to convince Caasi there’s more to life than a career. Can Blake help her see the love that’s waiting for her? A love strong enough to last a lifetime.
432 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published February 21, 2023
255 people are currently reading
4983 people want to read
About the author
Debbie Macomber
895 books20.6k followersDebbie Macomber is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and one of today’s most popular writers with more than 200 million copies of her books in print worldwide. In her novels, Macomber brings to life compelling relationships that embrace family and enduring friendships, uplifting her readers with stories of connection and hope. Macomber’s novels have spent over 1,000 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. Fifteen of these novels hit the number one spot.
In 2023, Macomber’s all-new hardcover publication includes Must Love Flowers (July). In addition to fiction, Macomber has also published three bestselling cookbooks, three adult coloring books, numerous inspirational and nonfiction works, and two acclaimed children’s books.
Celebrated as “the official storyteller of Christmas”, Macomber’s annual Christmas books are beloved and six have been crafted into original Hallmark Channel movies. Macomber is also the author of the bestselling Cedar Cove Series which the Hallmark Channel chose as the basis for its first dramatic scripted television series. Debuting in 2013, Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove was a ratings favorite for three seasons.
She serves on the Guideposts National Advisory Cabinet, is a YFC National Ambassador, and is World Vision’s international spokesperson for their Knit for Kids charity initiative. A devoted grandmother, Debbie and Wayne live in Port Orchard, Washington, the town which inspired the Cedar Cove series.
In 2023, Macomber’s all-new hardcover publication includes Must Love Flowers (July). In addition to fiction, Macomber has also published three bestselling cookbooks, three adult coloring books, numerous inspirational and nonfiction works, and two acclaimed children’s books.
Celebrated as “the official storyteller of Christmas”, Macomber’s annual Christmas books are beloved and six have been crafted into original Hallmark Channel movies. Macomber is also the author of the bestselling Cedar Cove Series which the Hallmark Channel chose as the basis for its first dramatic scripted television series. Debuting in 2013, Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove was a ratings favorite for three seasons.
She serves on the Guideposts National Advisory Cabinet, is a YFC National Ambassador, and is World Vision’s international spokesperson for their Knit for Kids charity initiative. A devoted grandmother, Debbie and Wayne live in Port Orchard, Washington, the town which inspired the Cedar Cove series.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
April 23, 2023
These two books were originally published in 1985 and although slightly updated they still show signs of the times. I liked Borrowed Dreams better of the two but both were okay. Although mild by today's standards, the descriptions of the kissing and sexual tensions were all little too much for me.
BORROWED DREAMS - I really like Carly and Brand and the supporting characters. I could identify with Carly's need to have everything new, but her problems with Brand being married before and being "used" was strange. Also the description of Jutta was weird and didn't make a lot of sense. I also felt that the story came to screeching halt without explanation of what happened.
THE TROUBLE WITH CAASI - I struggled with identifying with Caasi and Blake. They were both stubborn and the constant bickering were over the top. The ending was much more satisfying than Borrowed Dreams.
Overall, an okay book but I think I will stick with Macomber's current books.
BORROWED DREAMS - I really like Carly and Brand and the supporting characters. I could identify with Carly's need to have everything new, but her problems with Brand being married before and being "used" was strange. Also the description of Jutta was weird and didn't make a lot of sense. I also felt that the story came to screeching halt without explanation of what happened.
THE TROUBLE WITH CAASI - I struggled with identifying with Caasi and Blake. They were both stubborn and the constant bickering were over the top. The ending was much more satisfying than Borrowed Dreams.
Overall, an okay book but I think I will stick with Macomber's current books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 10, 2023
I love to read about love and Debbie Macomber has a way of making things happen. Carly and Brand have lots in there past that are holding them back from love. Carly was set to foster care at age five and has kept running every since then. She trusts no one and tries to live her life accordingly. Then Brand shows up and makes her want to try for a new life but he is a widow with two kids and carries a lot of baggage around. He still loves his wife and will get custody of his two children soon. Can these two people make love work between them. You must read the book to find out. The second story is about Caasi and Blake. She grew up with her father. She was expected to take over running the hotel chain. Blake has worked for her for six years and now for some reason he wants to leave. She wants and needs love but has no skills to get it. Her father spoiled her rotten and gave her everything. So is it any wonder when she wants to pay Blake to be the father of her child. This book is very interesting. You have read it to find out how Blake and Caase come to realize that they love each other.
March 29, 2023
Debbie MaComber never disappoints. In Borrowed Dreams Carly has a new job in Alaska and is not really looking to date people from work. Brand is a pilot who comes in to Carly’s work needing to barrow a truck. After that meeting she seems to keep running into Brand. Carly was a foster kids and is tired of being everything but first in someone’s life. Can she get past not being first in someone’s life? Very good book that actually helped me to see my own issues.
In The Trouble With Caasi CEO Cassi Crane inherited her fathers empire of hotels. Part of her inheritance was the assistant for her dad, Blake Sherill. Sherill has had a thing for Caasi but because she’s so into her work she doesn’t see it. Would quitting get her to notice him? Only time could tell but has Blake waited long enough?
Both stories kept me reading anytime I could just to see what happens.
In The Trouble With Caasi CEO Cassi Crane inherited her fathers empire of hotels. Part of her inheritance was the assistant for her dad, Blake Sherill. Sherill has had a thing for Caasi but because she’s so into her work she doesn’t see it. Would quitting get her to notice him? Only time could tell but has Blake waited long enough?
Both stories kept me reading anytime I could just to see what happens.
July 10, 2023
Irritated with this revision of an old story that’s been brought up to date… it’s not been brought up to date as far as I can tell. The main character in the first book Carly comes up to Alaska for a job and a formerly married man tries to date her. She doesn’t like “used” men or anything used for that matter, based on a poor upbringing. One one of their first dates, they go to an art show? Wait a minutes… what? I thought this was Alaska, like small town, a bit wild? Guess they are in the big city? Carly, just having moved here, imagines she can introduce a new friend to some women… but she doesn’t know anymore and he’s a business owner that lives there…
Her dialog with people is awkward. She doesn’t seem mature at all and doesn’t like feelings… sexual or sad.., just cringy and awkward. And that’s just the first book…
Her dialog with people is awkward. She doesn’t seem mature at all and doesn’t like feelings… sexual or sad.., just cringy and awkward. And that’s just the first book…
April 6, 2024
No means no...
I don't know if it's just me, but men who think they're a gift to the world make me feel physically ill. I'm probably old fashioned and hardened by the fact most men I've experienced are morons. But the leading men in these two stories are just so obnoxiously into themselves I couldn't help but be a step above loathing them.
The women were great, but to keep going back to these men after they were so forcefully persistent is too much. I'd hope any real woman would see the red flags of violence and kick these dude where the sun don't shine. But I know women like the happily ever after. Well written classics by an author who's been around forever, if you can bypass the controlling aspect of the men which I recognize some women go for. But not me.
Please note: I won this book in a giveaway, but that has no influence on my review.
I don't know if it's just me, but men who think they're a gift to the world make me feel physically ill. I'm probably old fashioned and hardened by the fact most men I've experienced are morons. But the leading men in these two stories are just so obnoxiously into themselves I couldn't help but be a step above loathing them.
The women were great, but to keep going back to these men after they were so forcefully persistent is too much. I'd hope any real woman would see the red flags of violence and kick these dude where the sun don't shine. But I know women like the happily ever after. Well written classics by an author who's been around forever, if you can bypass the controlling aspect of the men which I recognize some women go for. But not me.
Please note: I won this book in a giveaway, but that has no influence on my review.
August 6, 2024
I really enjoyed both stories in this book! Both seemed to get to the point pretty quickly, but since it's two books in one and romance, that makes sense. They are easy reads and very entertaining! SPOILERS BELOW!
Borrowed Dreams was very sweet, but I didn't care for how quickly they got together and how quickly they got married. It felt a little rushed. IMO, them getting married before she met the kids bothered me, but I understand why it had to happen in the end.
The Trouble with Caasi was fairly predictable, but still a good read. I really enjoyed Blake's family and would've like to have seen more of them in the story! It read very much like a Rom Com you'd see with the girls!
Borrowed Dreams was very sweet, but I didn't care for how quickly they got together and how quickly they got married. It felt a little rushed. IMO, them getting married before she met the kids bothered me, but I understand why it had to happen in the end.
The Trouble with Caasi was fairly predictable, but still a good read. I really enjoyed Blake's family and would've like to have seen more of them in the story! It read very much like a Rom Com you'd see with the girls!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 19, 2023
This i 2 books in one - both excellent
Borrowed Dreams
Carly Grieves applies for a gets a job in Alaska.
She meets Brand St. Clair, a bush pilot. Brand is dealing with the death of wife, PTSD.
Carly wants to get to know him better, but he keeps his demons to himself.
Carly also has built up walls around her heart - because of her child hood.
Can they break down these walls and build something beautiful?
Borrowed Dreams
Carly Grieves applies for a gets a job in Alaska.
She meets Brand St. Clair, a bush pilot. Brand is dealing with the death of wife, PTSD.
Carly wants to get to know him better, but he keeps his demons to himself.
Carly also has built up walls around her heart - because of her child hood.
Can they break down these walls and build something beautiful?
April 27, 2023
Debbie Macomber does not disappoint! I love how she weaves multiple stories and complex characters into her novels. Love, struggle, and personal growth—and a happy ending with a good looking gentleman never hurts.
August 16, 2023
Debbie does not disappoint! A 2-in-1 treat to veg-out with when you need to escape! Borrowed Dreams was a bit more risque then I'm used to in Debbie's writing, but overall both quick and pure reads--good for the soul!
May 15, 2024
*Only read Borrowed Dreams*
I was annoyed by Carly and Brand's relationship for most of the book! There was a ton of miscommunication and misunderstanding that it was hard to view this book as a potential reality.
I was annoyed by Carly and Brand's relationship for most of the book! There was a ton of miscommunication and misunderstanding that it was hard to view this book as a potential reality.
April 18, 2023
To me, the first of the 2-in-1 collection, Borrowed Dreams stood a bit above the second, The Trouble with Cassi. Both would provide a temporary escape from today's stressful world.
May 7, 2023
Quick reading, won this selection in a giveaway..... Finished book while on vacation will leave book in the rentals collection.
May 10, 2023
Quick enjoyable reads
July 7, 2023
two very funny and easy reads. the perfect escape from everything.
December 5, 2023
I think I would have enjoyed these more when they were first published, but as an adult, I just couldn't get past how much these characters needed therapy! LOL.
Read
May 26, 2024DNF
Could not get into either of these books .. didn’t like the characters or plots.
The trouble with Caasi = 2nd story.
Dollar General book $3.
Could not get into either of these books .. didn’t like the characters or plots.
The trouble with Caasi = 2nd story.
Dollar General book $3.
October 30, 2024
Amazing stories, loved them both.
December 14, 2024
Great book
June 4, 2025
cute stories
February 19, 2024
Good book, both stories.
July 23, 2023
The weather has been so hot, sticky and enervating in these dog days of summer that heavy duty reading had no appeal whatsoever.
A doubleheader Debbie Macomber redo was just the ticket. Whether pouring rain pounding on the roof or hot sharp shards of sunlight slamming its way through the windows I was able to pass a few days in cool comfort reading the tales of 2,younger women finding their ways to love and it’s attendant miscommunications, angst, and finding their own hearts to give it to the man they love.
It was just what I needed. A read that was not hard work and 2 of Debbie Macomber’s trademark happy endings at the end of torturous middles.
Thank you Miss Debbie!!
A doubleheader Debbie Macomber redo was just the ticket. Whether pouring rain pounding on the roof or hot sharp shards of sunlight slamming its way through the windows I was able to pass a few days in cool comfort reading the tales of 2,younger women finding their ways to love and it’s attendant miscommunications, angst, and finding their own hearts to give it to the man they love.
It was just what I needed. A read that was not hard work and 2 of Debbie Macomber’s trademark happy endings at the end of torturous middles.
Thank you Miss Debbie!!
July 1, 2023
great reads
This book had too very amazing stories. Kept me reading until I read them both! I’ll be sat for more books to read!
This book had too very amazing stories. Kept me reading until I read them both! I’ll be sat for more books to read!
July 5, 2023
This was a wonderful book. I enjoyed it so much. It has two stories in it. It is a romance.
July 13, 2023
Definitely a Hallmark type of book, nothing wrong with it, but, there is no real story here.
July 20, 2023
Two great books
Both stories were riveting. The reader gets the real emotion in both book's. The challenges, the emotions, are surprisingly real
Both stories were riveting. The reader gets the real emotion in both book's. The challenges, the emotions, are surprisingly real
July 27, 2023
A Bright New Day
2 stories about strong women with issues who worked through them and were able to love & be loved. Really enjoyed!
2 stories about strong women with issues who worked through them and were able to love & be loved. Really enjoyed!
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews