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The Rockwood Chronicles #6
Dolly's Dream
Don’t miss the sixth and final book in the heartwarming six-part series from the No.1 Sunday Times bestselling author Dilly Court!
Dolly’s dreams could lead her astray . . .
Dolly Blanchard dreams of a bigger life. She wants to make a mark on the world, not simply wait for a husband to come along. So when an impoverished actress offers her a lifeline, Dolly flees to London, determined to make it on the stage and prove to her family – and herself – that she can strike out alone.
But the dark city streets are full of danger. With her dreams fading to dust, Dolly soon finds herself in peril. And with the family’s future under threat at Rockwood Castle, and secrets tumbling out of the shadows, she faces a difficult choice.
Will her heart call her home?
Dolly’s dreams could lead her astray . . .
Dolly Blanchard dreams of a bigger life. She wants to make a mark on the world, not simply wait for a husband to come along. So when an impoverished actress offers her a lifeline, Dolly flees to London, determined to make it on the stage and prove to her family – and herself – that she can strike out alone.
But the dark city streets are full of danger. With her dreams fading to dust, Dolly soon finds herself in peril. And with the family’s future under threat at Rockwood Castle, and secrets tumbling out of the shadows, she faces a difficult choice.
Will her heart call her home?
491 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 2, 2023
207 people are currently reading
139 people want to read
About the author
Dilly Court
87 books422 followersDilly Court grew up in North-east London and began her career in television, writing scripts for commercials. She is married with two grown-up children and four grandchildren, and now lives in Dorset on the beautiful Jurassic Coast with her husband. She is the author of eighteen novels and also writes under the name of Lily Baxter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
January 10, 2024
This book had me hooked from the very first page to the last. Very addictive. Was hard to put down.
September 11, 2024
Just finished book 6 of The Rockwood Chronicles and thoroughly enjoyed them all. All books were addictive. and Dilly Court makes you feel as though you are actually in the story. It would be great if they were adapted for a TV series!
July 26, 2023
This is the last book in the 6 part series which features Dolly, I really enjoyed this but thought the ending was a bit abrupt especially as its the end of the series.
August 6, 2024
This was a pleasant book to read. It is 6 of 6, I haven’t read the previous 5.
February 22, 2023
Another fantastic book in the Rockwood Chronicles. As in the other 5 books the continuation of the story keeps you wondering what’s next. Good to catch up with the characters throughout. Not sure if there are plans for more from the Rockwood Chronicles but I would really love to read more!!
October 20, 2024
Not my cup of tea or rather my type of book.
February 12, 2023
So loved this book, and this whole series, wish there could have been one more book so one more character could have found love. Won't say who as I don't want to spoil anything for other readers, but I will say that if you are now thinking of starting this series you will not be disappointed.
March 16, 2023
(The ending felt a bit abrupt but this was an amazing series)
Dolly’s dreams could lead her astray . . .
Dolly Blanchard dreams of a bigger life. She wants to make a mark on the world, not simply wait for a husband to come along. So when an impoverished actress offers her a lifeline, Dolly flees to London, determined to make it on the stage and prove to her family – and herself – that she can strike out alone.
But the dark city streets are full of danger. With her dreams fading to dust, Dolly soon finds herself in peril. And with the family’s future under threat at Rockwood Castle, and secrets tumbling out of the shadows, she faces a difficult choice.
Will her heart call her home?
Dolly’s dreams could lead her astray . . .
Dolly Blanchard dreams of a bigger life. She wants to make a mark on the world, not simply wait for a husband to come along. So when an impoverished actress offers her a lifeline, Dolly flees to London, determined to make it on the stage and prove to her family – and herself – that she can strike out alone.
But the dark city streets are full of danger. With her dreams fading to dust, Dolly soon finds herself in peril. And with the family’s future under threat at Rockwood Castle, and secrets tumbling out of the shadows, she faces a difficult choice.
Will her heart call her home?
January 9, 2024
★★★★★ 4.5 stars (rounded up)
The sixth and final installment of the Rockwood Chronicles focuses on the eldest of Rosalind Blanchard's children, Dolly. The first of the series began with Rosalind so it only seems fitting that it should end with her child. But of course, it doesn't really end there as we meet up with many of the Rockwood family in the standalone "A Thimble for Christmas" as Todd, Gus, Dolly, Rosalind and ALex all put in an appearance along with the eternal bachelor Freddie.
But in this tale we are back in Rockwood where Felicia de Marney's dream of opening and running her own theatre has come to fruition, having been built on the site of the former Greystone Park after it was razed to the ground.
After witnessing her grandmama's harsh words towards a young girl who has auditioned for her, Dolly decides that she could follow a career on the stage as well. It seems the young girl, Liza Day, had relinquished her role in London to return home to care for her ailing grandmother and take on a smaller role in Felicia's theatre. Not one to refuse a challenge, Dolly decides to go to London and take on Liza's role until she is able to continue to do so and begs Gus Baker, a young soldier who began life at Rockwood as one of Nancy's street urchins she saved from the gutter, to acconpany her to London.
Of course a young woman of barely twenty travelling to London accompanied by a gentleman who is not related to her could threaten to ruin her reputation. But Dolly has bigger dreams than that of tittle tattle. And Gus only has eyes for Dolly.
Dolly is determined to prove to herself - and her family - that she can strike out and make a name for herself on the stage. But Dolly isn't prepared for the life that awaits her away from the safety of her family shroud and soon she discovers that the streets are fraught with danger. Dolly soon finds herself in peril and can think of only one lifeline she can call upon in the big city - Freddie at Dorrington House.
But then with her dreams in tatters and her family's fortune under threat back in Devonshire, Dolly must make the decision to return home lest secrets destroy everything she knows.
A most enjoyable final read and a fitting end, as being the sixth book I feel the series has run its course, particularly with the awful Felicia de Marney who I wished would have taken a stage dive long ago. The woman is selfish and thinks only of her own ends. Claims to be Lady Carey but was born in the gutter and then left her family to pursue her own ends on the stage.
I enjoyed this final outing and though I read "A Thimble for Christmas" before this one, it was good to revisit with those chraracters post-Rockwood.
Another delightful read.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
The sixth and final installment of the Rockwood Chronicles focuses on the eldest of Rosalind Blanchard's children, Dolly. The first of the series began with Rosalind so it only seems fitting that it should end with her child. But of course, it doesn't really end there as we meet up with many of the Rockwood family in the standalone "A Thimble for Christmas" as Todd, Gus, Dolly, Rosalind and ALex all put in an appearance along with the eternal bachelor Freddie.
But in this tale we are back in Rockwood where Felicia de Marney's dream of opening and running her own theatre has come to fruition, having been built on the site of the former Greystone Park after it was razed to the ground.
After witnessing her grandmama's harsh words towards a young girl who has auditioned for her, Dolly decides that she could follow a career on the stage as well. It seems the young girl, Liza Day, had relinquished her role in London to return home to care for her ailing grandmother and take on a smaller role in Felicia's theatre. Not one to refuse a challenge, Dolly decides to go to London and take on Liza's role until she is able to continue to do so and begs Gus Baker, a young soldier who began life at Rockwood as one of Nancy's street urchins she saved from the gutter, to acconpany her to London.
Of course a young woman of barely twenty travelling to London accompanied by a gentleman who is not related to her could threaten to ruin her reputation. But Dolly has bigger dreams than that of tittle tattle. And Gus only has eyes for Dolly.
Dolly is determined to prove to herself - and her family - that she can strike out and make a name for herself on the stage. But Dolly isn't prepared for the life that awaits her away from the safety of her family shroud and soon she discovers that the streets are fraught with danger. Dolly soon finds herself in peril and can think of only one lifeline she can call upon in the big city - Freddie at Dorrington House.
But then with her dreams in tatters and her family's fortune under threat back in Devonshire, Dolly must make the decision to return home lest secrets destroy everything she knows.
A most enjoyable final read and a fitting end, as being the sixth book I feel the series has run its course, particularly with the awful Felicia de Marney who I wished would have taken a stage dive long ago. The woman is selfish and thinks only of her own ends. Claims to be Lady Carey but was born in the gutter and then left her family to pursue her own ends on the stage.
I enjoyed this final outing and though I read "A Thimble for Christmas" before this one, it was good to revisit with those chraracters post-Rockwood.
Another delightful read.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
April 16, 2025
Dolly's Dream
Main theme: coming of age
Summary:
Dolly was tired of her life which she felt had no purpose except to marry well, rear children and want for nothing when it came to wealth. After meeting Liza Day at an audition, Dolly makes it her responsibility to help struggling Liza and her grandmother. She makes a rash decision to go to London alone and audition as an actress, going against her family and friends’ advises.
Dolly is also attracted to Guz Baker and she struggles with these emotions throughout the book.
This story is about Dolly finding herself. Young Dolly is presented as determined but stubborn at times, brave as well as innocent but definitely a girl of action. She is bold, adventurous and enthusiastic not hesitant in giving something a try. Dolly has her own mind which is a great strength but due to her lack of experience in the world, this also lands her in unpleasant situations.
Dolly's opinions seem to contradict throughout the book but this could be a portrayal of a young adult who is facing situations with uncertainty, has a lot to learn and is maturing through life experiences.
Having come to the end of the Rockwood Chronicles, I found this book very long to read and even harder (to get through) than book 5. It was lengthy and tedious at times. I had to go back and skim read the beginning to remind myself what the main theme of the story was and for this reason I’ve given this book three stars.
Main theme: coming of age
Summary:
Dolly was tired of her life which she felt had no purpose except to marry well, rear children and want for nothing when it came to wealth. After meeting Liza Day at an audition, Dolly makes it her responsibility to help struggling Liza and her grandmother. She makes a rash decision to go to London alone and audition as an actress, going against her family and friends’ advises.
Dolly is also attracted to Guz Baker and she struggles with these emotions throughout the book.
This story is about Dolly finding herself. Young Dolly is presented as determined but stubborn at times, brave as well as innocent but definitely a girl of action. She is bold, adventurous and enthusiastic not hesitant in giving something a try. Dolly has her own mind which is a great strength but due to her lack of experience in the world, this also lands her in unpleasant situations.
Dolly's opinions seem to contradict throughout the book but this could be a portrayal of a young adult who is facing situations with uncertainty, has a lot to learn and is maturing through life experiences.
Having come to the end of the Rockwood Chronicles, I found this book very long to read and even harder (to get through) than book 5. It was lengthy and tedious at times. I had to go back and skim read the beginning to remind myself what the main theme of the story was and for this reason I’ve given this book three stars.
October 25, 2023
I bought this book at National Trust second hand book shop at Uppark. It was wrapped up on the mystery book section with a small card saying ‘Dollys dreams could lead her astray, will her heart call her home! It got me interested. I couldn’t wait to turn the next page. Very good writing. A great read so I want to go back to the beginning as it was the 6th book of the Rockwood Chronicles!
February 26, 2023
Excellent
This story was equally enthralling capturing my mind to be back into Rockwood castle.
Funny. As always Dolly puts something funny in.
Just wondered if this was the last in this series?
This story was equally enthralling capturing my mind to be back into Rockwood castle.
Funny. As always Dolly puts something funny in.
Just wondered if this was the last in this series?
February 28, 2023
A great sequel to the other 5 - not the best in the series but still good and an easy read.
Not sure who the proof reader was though! So many spelling mistakes and typographical errors - they want sacking!
Not sure who the proof reader was though! So many spelling mistakes and typographical errors - they want sacking!
March 20, 2023
This is the 6th and final part of rock wood series
Loved every minute of this 5*
Based on dolly ,I do feel that this series could have gone on further
But guess everything comes to an end ,so I still enjoyed it 😊
Loved every minute of this 5*
Based on dolly ,I do feel that this series could have gone on further
But guess everything comes to an end ,so I still enjoyed it 😊
July 1, 2023
A wonderful continuation of the Rockwood Chronicles
Can’t wait for the next book to continue reading about this fascinating family. There are plenty of family to find out more about.
Can’t wait for the next book to continue reading about this fascinating family. There are plenty of family to find out more about.
May 11, 2024
Brilliant series!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading the
Rockwood Chronicles. Dilly Court certainly does her research and brings her historical novels alive. She's a fabulous writer and keeps the reader on their toes.
All her books are page turners.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading the
Rockwood Chronicles. Dilly Court certainly does her research and brings her historical novels alive. She's a fabulous writer and keeps the reader on their toes.
All her books are page turners.
March 4, 2026
A wonderful and engaging historical saga with rich characters and plenty of drama. Dilly Court paints a vivid picture of life and family secrets around the Rockwood estate. I really enjoyed the story and found it hard to put down. A fantastic read for saga lovers. 📚✨
February 11, 2023
Really good wish there was more to come xx
February 21, 2023
Dolly’s Dream
I have loved this book, as I have the others in this series, be nice to follow Dolly’s new life. Well done Dilly Court.
I have loved this book, as I have the others in this series, be nice to follow Dolly’s new life. Well done Dilly Court.
March 11, 2023
Book 6 of the Rockwood chronicles, need I say more. I couldn't wait to read this last one in the series, loved them all and woukd have read more!
March 22, 2023
Will Dolly find true Happiness? I couldn't put this book down its the 6th book in the Rockwood series hoping for more from Dilly Court a brilliant author
March 23, 2023
Fantastic
March 26, 2023
Another great book in the series, love following life’s of the families. Would recommend reading the series to everyone
April 2, 2023
It is an easy read with a happy ending.
April 11, 2023
Last book in the series, decent read
April 15, 2023
Really good, dramatic, loved it
April 21, 2023
Lovely last book in the series, just love Dilly Court books
May 10, 2023
Excellent read, sorry that's this saga has ended.
Hopefully another will begin.
Hopefully another will begin.
June 30, 2023
enjoyed the newest of the rockwood chronicles.
October 1, 2023
Another thoroughly enjoyable story from Dily Court. The characters all feel like familt now. Thisone was great fun and I finished with a tear in my eye!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews