Daydreams

by Marcia Lynn McClure

Sayler Christy knew chances were slim to none that any of her silly little daydreams would ever actually come true-especially any daydreams involving Mr. Booker, the new patient-the handsome, older patient convalescing in her grandfather's rehabilitation center.

Yet, working as a candy striper at Rawlings Rehab, Sayler couldn't help but dream of belonging to Mr. Booker-and Mr. Booker stole her heart-perhaps unintentionally-but with very little effort. Gorgeous, older, and entirely unobtainable-Sayler knew Mr. Booker would unknowingly enslave her heart for many years to come-for daydreams were nothing more than a cruel joke inflicted by life. All dreams-daydreams or otherwise-never came true. Did they?

Genres: Romance, Clean Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Fiction, Novella, Young Adult

202 pages, Paperback

First published April 10, 2011

About the author

Born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Marcia Lynn McClure grew up influenced by the reminiscent stories of rugged, rural Colorado farm life fascinatingly recounted to her by her parents, grandparents, uncles and aunts…tales of runaway buckboards, mule-drawn plows and dust pneumonia; verbalized images of stream-flooded meadows, frozen over in winter, where a child could peer through the crystal clear ice in wonder at the small fish, snakes and mice sealed in the meadow grasses beneath; stories of hardship and tragedy, love and loss. But always the stories, and the people telling them, bore evidence of the wonder and worthiness of simpler, yet sometimes brutal, times.

These influential people and the family legends they detailed, coupled with her own life experiences and utterly romantic nature, led Marcia to begin writing novels as Christmas gifts for her closest friends…friends who long for a breath of the past and miss the romance of bygone eras; friends searching for moments of distraction from the stressful, demanding times we live in.

And so, knowing that it is the breath of the past and the "take me in you arms and kiss me" kind of moments that so many women long to relive, Marcia spins her tales of love, life and laughter…adventures woven around those compelling, romantic instances that most appeal to a woman's loving heart. Marcia feels that if her readers close one of her books with a contented sigh and a delighted smile, feeling rejuvenated, cheerful and edified, then she has achieved what she set out to do…shower refreshment and happiness on anyone having experienced the story.

Marcia lives in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. There she writes her stories surrounded by her beloved friends and family...and the beautiful desert landscape of New Mexico!

Reviews

[Kathy * Bookworm Nation · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is probably my favorite MLM contemporary, or at least in the top three. Sayler is a candy striper at her Grandfathers rehabilitation center, she doesn’t get along well with two of her coworkers, who are constantly playing pranks and putting her down. The nurses decide to embarrass Sayler by having her put chapstick on a new coma victim. Turns out he isn’t in a coma and when he wakes up to find Sayler hovering over him the fun really begins. The book is done in two parts, the first part being when Saylor and Bo meet in the rehab center and build a foundation for their relationship. The second part takes place a few years later when they are reunited. I loved both parts. Their first meeting was funny, but I liked how they were able to get to know each other. Their relationship is sweet. Then when they meet again they're more grown up and their relationship feels more mature as well. I really enjoyed each section and thought the overall story was fun.

It was a pretty quick, conflict-free romance, but sometimes that's just want you're in the mood for. I'd recommend having your iPod handy so you can play a certain song while you read, makes it even more fun. :)

Content: Clean!

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been saving this one for awhile. It's been my last Marcia book to read for a long time, and I've liked knowing I still had one more I hadn't read. It was also a wonderful gift from Cindy (THANK YOU, THANK YOU, CINDY!) and it's the only Marcia book I own in print. My Kindle library is brimming with Marcia titles, but Daydreams is the only title on my bookshelf. I always get happy when I see it there, and being a full-fledged member of the Marcia Addiction Club as I am, it's such a thrilling experience to see her words in print. (Now I know why Cindy owns both the print and e-book editions of all of Marcia's works!)

Since Marcia has announced two new titles to be released in October, I thought it was finally time to read my last Marcia that I've been holding in reserve...and Marcia did not disappoint. I LOVE how these characters meet, sparks fly, and then they say goodbye for three years. It lead to greater depth in the characters and their romance, and it made the longing feel that much more tangible knowing they had waited years for each other.

Of course, I started reading right before bedtime, promising myself I'd only read a few chapters. Lesson learned? My self-control is seriously lacking when it comes to this woman's words. I even snuck out and finished this book in the hallway after my husband fell asleep because I just couldn't stop. Addicted? I should say so. Daydreams provided a great fix of endearing cheese and steamy clean kissing that I love Marcia for.

[Teya Teya · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's that time of the year again to devour the deliciousness of Marcia Mcclure's journeys to destiny books. Okay, I'm a month early starting but who cares!

8/28/22
I love how this book starts out and how Bo champions her against the two "ugly step-sisters" per se. I love this love story and I do not know how to explain why.

Other years
Loved it!
I just picked this book up again. I needed to escape for a day into joyous bliss. This did the trick. Clean, sweet, and oh so yummy sexy. Thank you Marcia for this daydream away from life.

Better the second time!

Nothing better than daydreams except the real thing. I love the old soul feel. I also like how it was back in the nurses' faces that they were mean and it backfired.

[Sharon Hogenson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very short two part story. The first half is about 18-year-old Sayler, and the second half is three years later.

Being as short as it is there isn’t a lot of room for character development, but is it a fun fast read.

Virtual narration isn’t worth the time.

[Katie (hiding in the pages) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite contemporary books by this author and I had forgotten just how much I loved it...until I read it again.

Sayler is a dreamer--a dreamer who just so happens to work as a candy stripper, uh, I mean, striper, at her grandpa's rehab center. Bo is a new patient in the center and their first meeting had me laughing out loud! That has got to be the best meeting ever! Bo quickly steals Sayler's heart, but nothing comes of it--it's all just a daydream for her--until they meet again, years later.

I love how naive Sayler is. She's easy going and tries hard not to let things bother her and she really does love to live in her dreams. Bo is such a fun man. He could have had a fit about how they met, yet he just played right along with it. He's very real, although he has every reason not to be. Their chemistry is great and I love the way the storyline builds. So much happens in such a little book, yet it wasn't rushed. This really is a favorite of mine.

Content:
language: a few mild expletitives
violence: none
romance: kissing
Clean!

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I've now read all but about a half dozen of Marcia's books. I've loved everyone of them. Daydreams was easily read in one sitting and left me with a big smile on my face. Full of romance with nothing more than kissing this book is set in modern day which is different than most of her books that I've read which have been full of cowboys, knights, lords & ladies. A very enjoyable book. Thanks for the fabulous read.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Swoon sigh....I didn't remember loving this one as much the first time I read it as I did this time. I LOVED it...seriously...so sweet. I LOVE how they meet...and another classic Marcia Lynn ending. No one does it better.

[Angie Cornelison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok! So I couldn't put this one down. Three hours later...I was finished! Wonderful clean romance! You'll love Saylor and Bo.

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute! I love this author. This was just a nice tention free love story. It kept me smiling!

[Valerie Waters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most definitely my favorite McClure book so far!! I loved it! I loved that the lost daydream comes true. So cute

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

1/8/15 - It's interesting how tastes change, I still enjoyed it but has anyone noticed how all her heroines are watering pots?

[Kristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, swoon, swoon, swoon. I thoroughly loved this sweet, romantic, book.

It is a delightful, contemporary story about an 18 year old girl, Sayler Christy who meets a very handsome 22 year old patient (Bo Booker) in the rehabilitation centre where she works as a candy striper. They strike up a friendship but once Bo is discharged, they do not see each other for over three years. Sayler being the daydreamer that she is, always fantasizes of meeting up with Bo again. Bo, a successful architect and a very sought after bachelor, seems way out of her reach. Sayler does not know that Bo also secretly yearns to see her again, but fears she may not be interested in him, since she was so young when they first met. Oh, but they do meet up again and the romantic tension between them is wonderful!

I am really enjoying Marcia Lynn McClure's books and I've been reading them lately, one after the other. I just can't seem to get enough of her romantic stories. Ms McClure's books always make me sigh and smile, not only while I'm reading them, but even when I think about them long after I've finished reading.

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay...so y'all probably know what a sucker I am for McClure books at this point, given that I've read every one. They are my easy-read, pleasurable, bring-a-smile-to-my-face, feel-good books. That's why I rate them 5 stars. Because that's how I feel about MYSELF after I read them...

BUT this book is different. If I could give it 6 out of 5 stars, I would because it made me feel THAT fabulous. This book has THE BEST kissing scene by far out of ALL her books. Made me want to attack Bo Booker. So...for that...an extra star. :)

[Stacey Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

OK!!! Bo Booker and his candy stripper was so fun!! I loved this book sooooo much! I felt so wrapped up in this story and was so sad when I read the last page because I wanted to keep going!! Good thing I know Marcia will keep them comin'!!

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another marvelous read from Marcia Lynn McClure. Her books are going to ruin me from so many other books. So many other books seem to be missing the spark that Marcia's book ignite. Again another cute and adorably fun book.

[Emily (biblioblondes) · Rating 5 out of 5]

July 2016- This is such a dreamy read! I LOVE BO BOOKER! I think I even enjoyed this more the second time. So romantic! Perfect summer read! ❤️❤️❤️

Sweet sweet sweet fluff! Marcia's books make me smile and this one was no exception.... It has definitely give me some daydream fodder.

[Nikita · Rating 5 out of 5]

At the age I am, this book was really easy to relate to, it was SUPER cute and I couldn't put it down--ended up reading it in one sitting.

[Donna R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute story!

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Cute novella with high chemistry. All in all, I would say it was worth reading for the fun chemistry and romance, since it's such a short time commitment.

I have to confess the writing was subpar, which is why I gave it only 3.5 stars. Normally great chemistry like this would get more stars, because that's what I most enjoy in the romance. But this needed a lot of polishing (both in the general writing and in the character interactions), and apparently all the chemistry still couldn't make up for it.

Some themes were overused, like the daydreaming theme (and that word was used too much), mentions of their song "Ooh, baby, baby," stuff like that. The dialogue sometimes felt stilted. For instance, referring to each other by name constantly in a conversation. That's not natural. Watch how many times you use the other person's name the next time you're having a conversation with that person. That's right - never. Other things made it feel stilted sometimes too, which took me out of the book. He was constantly winking, sometimes so frequently that in real life it would look like a twitch. She was always on the verge of crying, or tears would even slip down her cheeks (she cried when she felt any emotion - don't worry, she wasn't always sad).

She was a little too timid... I mean, he's just told her that he has had a crush on her for the past 3 years and he's TOTALLY flirting with her shamelessly, and the next minute she's wringing her hands over whether or not he likes her. Um, isn't it completely obvious? How would she not know this???? She didn't really understand the art of flirting - a guy flirts with you and if you're interested, you flirt back. It's a form of communication. Because she didn't really reciprocate fully, and because she was always stammering and seeming unsure of herself, or answering his flirty questions earnestly, she seemed really young and naive and overly timid. I really don't like aggressive heroines, but her character went a bit too far on the other end of the spectrum.

If the writing had been better and some of her character weaknesses could be patched up a little to give her some confidence, I could have given this 5 stars. The chemistry was awesome. The kissing was delish. :) For the most part, I really liked both characters and they were both attractive. I enjoyed the little sneak peaks from Bo's perspective. I looooved how flirty he was. A flirty hero is all I need in a romance! It was a fun plot line with a swoony romance.

Btw, I think the 3rd person past tense point of view might have detracted from the story a little for me. I've never felt that way before, but in this case it seemed to take me out of the story, like someone else was telling me everything that happened instead of the main character living the story. Maybe it was too much ruminating in Sayler's mind... I'm not sure what it was. I can't put my finger on it...

Content:
Language - no swearing.
Sex - no sex or innuendo.
I read this on Kindle Unlimited

[NefariousButterfly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daydreaming of daydreams

This is one of Marcia's more comical novellas. There are quote a few times that you just have to laugh out loud. And although it is short it easily pulls you in and makes you think of all of your personal daydreams while happily living a beautiful daydream vicariously through Saylar.

[Katrina]

Short and sweet

[A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 This was a cute, clean story some amusing banter.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one is really short, clean, non religious romance. It has some things I don’t like, like his nick name for her I thought was off putting. But overall I enjoyed it.

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is defiantly a romance and it does have steamy kissing, but still is clean. Sayler is 18 and about to start her freshman year in college. She works at her grandfathers rehab center for recovering patients for really sick people and physical therapy patients. She is a candy striper and her job is to uplift the spirit of the patients. Her daydream and girlish dream is to fall in love with her boss and marry him...not in the current job she can't. Two nurses that work at the center are older and more snobby and are always being mean to sayler because they think she got an in for the job by relations alone. One day they set her up by telling her a new young man was brought in in a coma and needed to have vaseline put on his lips because the last place wasn't very good to him. They warned her that he was good looking and asked if she could handle the situation. When she walked into the room she couldn't deny that Bo Booker was a looker. She started to put the ointment on his lips when he woke up and grabbed her wrist. She screamed when he began to talk because she didn't think awakening coma patients were that vocal at first. The other nurses come in when she figures out that she was set up. Bo realizes what the situation was and plays along encouraging her to stay and read him a book like she was really there to see him and comfort him. The trick backfires in the other nurses faces as Bo showers Sayler with attention. He is there for two weeks and over that time Saylers daydream changes into having a lasting relationship with Bo, but although he is attracted to her too, he feels she is too young for his 22 years. They have the opportunity to dance one night to an oldies song and Bo tells her the reasoning behind the basic step for guys, then he draws away from her, but it is too late she is in love with him. He leaves but first he gives her 3 goodbye kisses with the promise of a job at his arcitectural firm anytime she needs one. 3 years pass and she is in need of a job for the summer. She goes to BO and finds that her feelings haven't changed and little does she know neither have his. Her first daydreams come true and she takes the most eligible bachelor off the market permanently.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whew....I tell you what..No one can write like Marcia McClure. I have a good number of Authors I like, a few I really like, but Marcia has an amazing talent for making you feel good, happy and ready to go out and make life fantastic. It just makes you want to grab your husband by his shirt, yank him in and ravish him. I just got done reading this book and I feel like I need to run a few miles to get out all my energy. It only took a few hours to read, but it was so worth it. This is the type of book that you want to read.
Tell me if you can any other other who can make you feel giddy and romantic with out all of the...mmm...hairy details.
Thank you Marcia. At this time in my life, I am gratefull for your books. If I wasn't giving birth to my third little girl, I would have been first in line at your book signings in August. I am hoping to have collected all of your books by the time you have another signing here in the Davis County or Salt Lake area. I would order all of the books I don't have at one time, but my husband would probably have a conniption if I did that.

[Crystal (Books Are Sanity!!!) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daydreams was not what I expected at all. I thought it would be a whirlwind romance with Saylor and Mr. Booker falling in love, dating, getting married, the whole nine. But Marcia Lynn McClure throws some unexpected turns in there. Christy is a young girl just out of high school working for the summer until she starts college. Mr. Booker becomes a patient where she works and she falls head over heels for him. But their age gap becomes an issue and when Mr. Booker leaves, Christy doesn't see him again for years.
When they do meet again, it is under very different circumstances and sparks begin to fly. Marcia Lynn McClure writes a beautiful story where two people have to swallow their fear and trust enough to show their true feelings for the other. I highly recommend this book for anyone who is a hopeless romantic at heart like I am. I really felt like I could relate to the character because there is an age gap between my husband and I. A great read, Daydreams will keep you turning page after to page to see if there can be a happily ever after!

[LadyCalico · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cute little short and sweet contemporary romance with likable characters and exceptionally well-written dialogue. I might have given it 4-stars just because all that overdone "Ooh, Baby, Baby" stuff got really sickening after a while, but overall, I just enjoyed this sweet story too darn much. If I critique this book intellectually I can not say it was a 5-star book, but if I critique it subjectively based on fun-factor, it certainly was. After all, what is more important to people reading for entertainment other than that the book be entertaining, and this one certainly was. It will not give you any great insights that will save the free-world, but it will guarantee you an exceptionally happy night's reading. Too bad some nice editor didn't take a red pen to about half the Ooh, Baby Babies.

[Shellie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was different from the others I have read by this author. It was modern day, and not as romantic as some of her others, but still a fun story. No accidents, no rescuing needed, just a good story about a girl and a boy. It starts out with Sayler, being 18 years old, falling in love with a wealthy 22 year old business owner. Of course, with her being a teenager (legal or not, still a teen), we find our 22 year old taking a hands-off approach even though he would rather not. Then, 3 years later, they meet up again and she begins working for him. Then, it becomes a strength of will kind of thing with Sayler and her boss. They need to stay apart because of work relations, but don't want to.

Not sure it is one I will buy for my shelves, but still a decent story.

[Annalisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 9 Love Notes Collection. I still can't figure out why these are a collection maybe just because of the length of the books and their clean romance aspect because I can not find any similarities between the books other than the first 3. I really enjoyed reading them because they were fast reads that took you away from reality for a few hours. This one is another rare current day novel by Marcia Lyn McClure. This is the story of Bo Booker a patient in physical therapy and the young candy striper Sayler who build a bond that enables them to cross paths 3 years later at which time a romance can truly blossom.

[Karen Phelps · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great

This is a book that makes you happy. Making dreams come true is a good way to describe this book. I liked the way that Bo is willing to see and get to know Saylor after there first visit in the rehab center. Even though it was three years later, they still have a good relationship. Saylor needs a job and she goes to Bo asking for one. He waited for Saylor to grow up a bit since she was only eighteen when he first met her. The fire works fly shortly after her employment. They both remember how they felt in the rehab center. It's a great book and I really enjoyed reading it. Marcia you are a great writer.