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Dreams Trilogy #1
Dreams for Stones
An alternative cover edition for this ASIN can be found here.
A man holding fast to grief and a woman who lets go of love too easily. It will take all the magic of old diaries and a children’s story to heal these two.
Caught in grief and guilt over his wife’s death, English professor Alan Francini is determined never to feel that much pain again. He avoids new relationships and keeps even his best friend at arms’ length. His major solace is his family’s ranch south of Denver. Children’s book editor Kathy Jamison has learned through a lifetime of separations and a broken engagement that letting go is easier than hanging on. Then she meets Alan, and for once, begins to believe a lasting relationship is possible. But Alan panics and pushes her away into the arms of his best friend. Now the emotions of three people are at stake as they struggle to find a way to transform their broken dreams into a foundation for a more hopeful future.
Suitable for all readers.
A man holding fast to grief and a woman who lets go of love too easily. It will take all the magic of old diaries and a children’s story to heal these two.
Caught in grief and guilt over his wife’s death, English professor Alan Francini is determined never to feel that much pain again. He avoids new relationships and keeps even his best friend at arms’ length. His major solace is his family’s ranch south of Denver. Children’s book editor Kathy Jamison has learned through a lifetime of separations and a broken engagement that letting go is easier than hanging on. Then she meets Alan, and for once, begins to believe a lasting relationship is possible. But Alan panics and pushes her away into the arms of his best friend. Now the emotions of three people are at stake as they struggle to find a way to transform their broken dreams into a foundation for a more hopeful future.
Suitable for all readers.
280 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 25, 2007
917 people are currently reading
541 people want to read
About the author
Ann Warner
36 books95 followersA former Air Force brat turned clinical chemist, toxicologist, and university professor, Ann's life took another turn in 2001, when she began writing fiction. After completing a perfectly dreadful novel (she didn't know it was at the time) she talked her way into a graduate writing seminar and followed that up with several years of study as she continued to write. Along the way she made friends with other writers who have supported, critiqued, and eventually praised her novels. Her debut novel, Dreams for Stones, was a finalist for the Indie Next Generation Book Award.
Ann's novels take advantage of the many unusual settings she's traveled to or lived in including New Zealand, Australia, Peru, San Francisco, Wrangell Alaska, Colorado, Boston, and Puerto Rico. As well, her experiences as a toxicologist have added fillips of intrigue to many of her stories.
In Ann's novels, the consequence of choosing to love or not to love is an underlying theme, as characters face crises and complications that force them to dig deep within themselves to discover their own resilience.
Ann has a readers' group. Sign up here: http://eepurl.com/dctGuf
Members of the group will receive a link to a short story along with insider information about Ann's writing process, the stories behind the stories, and recommendations of books Ann has enjoyed.
Contacts for Ann:
Website http://annwarner.net/
Readers' Group Sign-up http://eepurl.com/dctGuf
Email Contact http://annwarner.net/contact-ann/
Facebook Ann Warner Author of Emotionally Engaging Fiction
Ann's novels take advantage of the many unusual settings she's traveled to or lived in including New Zealand, Australia, Peru, San Francisco, Wrangell Alaska, Colorado, Boston, and Puerto Rico. As well, her experiences as a toxicologist have added fillips of intrigue to many of her stories.
In Ann's novels, the consequence of choosing to love or not to love is an underlying theme, as characters face crises and complications that force them to dig deep within themselves to discover their own resilience.
Ann has a readers' group. Sign up here: http://eepurl.com/dctGuf
Members of the group will receive a link to a short story along with insider information about Ann's writing process, the stories behind the stories, and recommendations of books Ann has enjoyed.
Contacts for Ann:
Website http://annwarner.net/
Readers' Group Sign-up http://eepurl.com/dctGuf
Email Contact http://annwarner.net/contact-ann/
Facebook Ann Warner Author of Emotionally Engaging Fiction
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
July 10, 2014
Wow! I loved this book on every level - The storyline is gripping; I had trouble putting it down. All the characters are unique, flawed and extremely likable. Kathy, Alan, Grace, Charles, Delia, Emily, the Costellos - what a wonderful community they are.
This book has so much going for it - there are stories within the story and yet I never once felt confused. It was masterfully written and I love the way Warner spins her words together to form magical phrases and images, reminiscent of one of the things I admire about Barbara Kingsolver's writing.
I can't wait to read the follow up: Persistence of Dreams.
This book has so much going for it - there are stories within the story and yet I never once felt confused. It was masterfully written and I love the way Warner spins her words together to form magical phrases and images, reminiscent of one of the things I admire about Barbara Kingsolver's writing.
I can't wait to read the follow up: Persistence of Dreams.
May 12, 2018
Most enjoyable. Excellent writer. Enjoyed her style the way Kathy was able to blend the different characters
Refreshing to read a book absent of violence and hate language
This novel would be most suitable for all age groups
Refreshing to read a book absent of violence and hate language
This novel would be most suitable for all age groups
July 2, 2018
An achingly beautiful story of loss and the redeeming power of love. Expect to cry as you read this mesmerizing story of a man consumed with grief and guilt over the tragic death of his wife five years earlier, and a woman wounded by the betrayal of her former fiance. Though Alan and Kathy are attracted to each other, they can't break through their emotional barriers to find their way to love. Alan, believing death is the only cure for sorrow, pushes Kathy away and into the arms of Charles, his best friend. But through a series of therapy sessions, Alan gradually learns to let go of his guilt and open himself to the possibility of loving again.
Another story is woven throughout this main plot in excerpts from Emily Kowalski's diary. At first I didn't understand how Emily's diary about her life with Bobby, her severely disabled son, fit into the main narrative, but it all becomes clear when Kathy writes a book about Bobby and Brad and the goats--an incredibly touching view of life and death that is sure to bring tears. It worked for Alan. In a final attempt to break through his barriers, Kathy gives him a copy of "Bobby and Brad." "Alan set the pages aside, only then noticing the tears running down his face . . . dripping off his chin. Something tight and hard was loosening inside him, as if Meg's death had corroded him, rusting him shut, and now he was being pried open. It's okay to be happy. Could it possibly be that simple?"
A book seldom grips my emotions as powerfully as this one did. It drew me in completely, absorbing me into the lives of these characters through Ann Warner's extraordinary skills as a writer. I'm so glad I discovered this book (and to think it was free!) because books of this quality are often hard to find. I'll be reading Charles's story (and hoping he finds true love) in Persistence of Dreams, Book Two of the Dreams Trilogy. Thank you, Ms. Warner, for sharing your incredible gift!
Another story is woven throughout this main plot in excerpts from Emily Kowalski's diary. At first I didn't understand how Emily's diary about her life with Bobby, her severely disabled son, fit into the main narrative, but it all becomes clear when Kathy writes a book about Bobby and Brad and the goats--an incredibly touching view of life and death that is sure to bring tears. It worked for Alan. In a final attempt to break through his barriers, Kathy gives him a copy of "Bobby and Brad." "Alan set the pages aside, only then noticing the tears running down his face . . . dripping off his chin. Something tight and hard was loosening inside him, as if Meg's death had corroded him, rusting him shut, and now he was being pried open. It's okay to be happy. Could it possibly be that simple?"
A book seldom grips my emotions as powerfully as this one did. It drew me in completely, absorbing me into the lives of these characters through Ann Warner's extraordinary skills as a writer. I'm so glad I discovered this book (and to think it was free!) because books of this quality are often hard to find. I'll be reading Charles's story (and hoping he finds true love) in Persistence of Dreams, Book Two of the Dreams Trilogy. Thank you, Ms. Warner, for sharing your incredible gift!
February 7, 2021
I absolutely cried with this story towards the end and found it to be an enjoyable and heart-warming story about grief and loss. Alan meets Kathy, but their friendship doesn't develop into something more as he cannot let go of the loss of his wife, Meg. He's been mourning her for five years and cannot let her go. Kathy works through her own issues with Alan by reading the diary of an old teacher, and this inspires her to write a children's story focusing on grief. The story helps others more than she knows. It had a beautiful and touching ending, and I would definitely recommend it. My only critiques were that the diaries of Emily and the children's story she'd written inside the novel could have been shortened a little, as I felt that it interrupted the flow of the story between Alan, Kathy, and Charles. I understand it helped to resolve the main plot, but perhaps a bit less of those stories would have kept the plot moving forward a lot quicker. Although, this didn't interrupt the quality of the story.
May 23, 2021
This book has everything which a great romance story needs: characters you can believe in, tension from loves lost or unrequited, and a lovely array of side stories. Highly recommend
August 29, 2019
I like how the story didn't just skip over Alan's therapy, once he had finally decided to go through with it. We got to see him discuss some of his issues with his wife's death, with his therapist.
I also liked the friendships between Kathy and Alan, and Kathy and Charles. I like she got to know each man, and didn't just meet them and then jump into bed with each man as she was getting to know them.
I'm finding more and more often lately, that in the books I read, it's rare to find any actual friendships between the opposite genders. Most books I read, end up throwing some romance in right away, having a big problem that lasts a few pages, and then ends with the man and woman sleeping together.
This book wasn't about that. It was about different forms of loss, grief, friendship, romance, family, and much more. I also like that the two main characters weren't immediately thrown together.
I'll be honest and admit that when I found out Alan's wife, Meg had died, I figured we'd get a mention or two of her, and then that plot would be dropped and forgotten about, because the author was focused more on getting Alan and Kathy together.
That's not what happened. The author showed us some of Alan's grieving process, and how he felt guilt and sadness, and like he couldn't move on after the death of his wife.
And with Kathy, we were showed how she was having trouble moving on from her past relationship as well. I loved their friendship with Grace, and her family.
I love that the story wasn't simple and quick. It was long, complicated, and messy at times, which is good. Because I find that dealing with grief, or trying to deal with grief, and trying to work through it to move on, isn't as easy as others would like us to think.
This book made me think, and it made me cry. In a good way. The author was good at showing Alan's grief and his struggles, and it actually made me cry, as I felt bad for him.
I also felt bad for Kathy, because it seemed like Alan was going to stay drowning in his grief, and not give things between the two of them a real shot. And I feel like that would've been a waste.
I really wanted Alan and Kathy to get together. And though the book ended without really clarifying if they get together or not, the ending made me think that it's going to happen.
A book that can make you laugh and cry, and laugh again within a short period of time, is a good book. And this book did that for me.
I also liked the friendships between Kathy and Alan, and Kathy and Charles. I like she got to know each man, and didn't just meet them and then jump into bed with each man as she was getting to know them.
I'm finding more and more often lately, that in the books I read, it's rare to find any actual friendships between the opposite genders. Most books I read, end up throwing some romance in right away, having a big problem that lasts a few pages, and then ends with the man and woman sleeping together.
This book wasn't about that. It was about different forms of loss, grief, friendship, romance, family, and much more. I also like that the two main characters weren't immediately thrown together.
I'll be honest and admit that when I found out Alan's wife, Meg had died, I figured we'd get a mention or two of her, and then that plot would be dropped and forgotten about, because the author was focused more on getting Alan and Kathy together.
That's not what happened. The author showed us some of Alan's grieving process, and how he felt guilt and sadness, and like he couldn't move on after the death of his wife.
And with Kathy, we were showed how she was having trouble moving on from her past relationship as well. I loved their friendship with Grace, and her family.
I love that the story wasn't simple and quick. It was long, complicated, and messy at times, which is good. Because I find that dealing with grief, or trying to deal with grief, and trying to work through it to move on, isn't as easy as others would like us to think.
This book made me think, and it made me cry. In a good way. The author was good at showing Alan's grief and his struggles, and it actually made me cry, as I felt bad for him.
I also felt bad for Kathy, because it seemed like Alan was going to stay drowning in his grief, and not give things between the two of them a real shot. And I feel like that would've been a waste.
I really wanted Alan and Kathy to get together. And though the book ended without really clarifying if they get together or not, the ending made me think that it's going to happen.
A book that can make you laugh and cry, and laugh again within a short period of time, is a good book. And this book did that for me.
January 29, 2021
When Kathy's engagement ends, she finds herself accepting an offer to teach at a local university. There, she is thrown together with Alan, a professor. Alan is paralyzed with grief over his young wife's death. He and Kathy grow close, but then he shuts it down. Alan's friend, Charles, makes his move. Ultimately, the HEA depends on Alan dealing with his grief before he can have any future, let alone one with Kathy.
This story had potential. There are beautiful descriptions and emotional depth. The death of Alan's wife was so traumatic, it stuck with me for days. The author pulls no punches. A boy gets meningitis and becomes totally disabled. A girl gets a fever and loses her hearing. OMG, there is sorrow in this book. The author is not afraid to go deep.
However, I don't know why it didn't pull me in. I wasn't riveted by Emily's diary or Kathy's book. Having two stories within the main one slowed it down. I wasn't sure which character was the most important. Alan almost seemed so, yet I think this was Kathy's story. Charles was a minor character, serving primarily as a romantic device. The novel started out like a romance but then became more about Alan's issues, and even Emily's, the writer of the diary.
This story had potential. There are beautiful descriptions and emotional depth. The death of Alan's wife was so traumatic, it stuck with me for days. The author pulls no punches. A boy gets meningitis and becomes totally disabled. A girl gets a fever and loses her hearing. OMG, there is sorrow in this book. The author is not afraid to go deep.
However, I don't know why it didn't pull me in. I wasn't riveted by Emily's diary or Kathy's book. Having two stories within the main one slowed it down. I wasn't sure which character was the most important. Alan almost seemed so, yet I think this was Kathy's story. Charles was a minor character, serving primarily as a romantic device. The novel started out like a romance but then became more about Alan's issues, and even Emily's, the writer of the diary.
October 4, 2019
I was really enjoying this book and on track to give it 5 stars, until the journal entries become more frequent and the entirety of the book that Kathy wrote was included. It didn't see the need for it to be in there and it lost interest for me, unfortunately in a very big way.
I also found the determination of Charles to marry Kathy very odd. Not that he would want to but how fast it seemed to occur. It just didn't sit quite right for me.
I absolutely loved Alan's journey though. From the beginning of the book right through to the very end. It was very authentic and pulled at my heart for the pain he was experiencing. Both the pain of the loss and the pain of learning to move on. This was a character that was brilliantly written and I take my hat off to the author for her skill in doing so.
I also found the determination of Charles to marry Kathy very odd. Not that he would want to but how fast it seemed to occur. It just didn't sit quite right for me.
I absolutely loved Alan's journey though. From the beginning of the book right through to the very end. It was very authentic and pulled at my heart for the pain he was experiencing. Both the pain of the loss and the pain of learning to move on. This was a character that was brilliantly written and I take my hat off to the author for her skill in doing so.
July 26, 2022
This is the first time I have read a book by this author and I picked it up based on some really superlative reviews I found on GoodReads. I must say I found it very disappointing.
While I agree that it is a book about grief and dealing with grief, the characters especially Alan and Kathy are not presented in a way that you grieve with them.
Alan comes across almost as a dislikable character and Kathy's falling in love with him and then continuing to wait for him, her devotion to him all doesn't really work at least for me.
That said in the last quarter especially when the Billy story that Kathy writes starts, that section is written really well. A really wonderful representation of disease and death.
It almost feels like the last quarter is written by a different author or maybe by the same person at a completely different time.
I would definitely not be going back for more from this author
While I agree that it is a book about grief and dealing with grief, the characters especially Alan and Kathy are not presented in a way that you grieve with them.
Alan comes across almost as a dislikable character and Kathy's falling in love with him and then continuing to wait for him, her devotion to him all doesn't really work at least for me.
That said in the last quarter especially when the Billy story that Kathy writes starts, that section is written really well. A really wonderful representation of disease and death.
It almost feels like the last quarter is written by a different author or maybe by the same person at a completely different time.
I would definitely not be going back for more from this author
March 26, 2023
The author has written a wonderful story. We are all connected, and this story weaves people and storylines together to show how true that is. She gently slips the reader into each protagonist. You will feel what they feel, you will wrestle with the conflicts that have created the person they are.
Set in Denver, the details are true and reflect Denver at that time. Even the Alaska references are perfect. Combine that with all too true emotions and it is a great story for those who really enjoy immersion into the story they are reading.
The author layers a story within a story. Emily actually drives two stories within the main story. It provides a huge impact on many of the characters in the story.
Set in Denver, the details are true and reflect Denver at that time. Even the Alaska references are perfect. Combine that with all too true emotions and it is a great story for those who really enjoy immersion into the story they are reading.
The author layers a story within a story. Emily actually drives two stories within the main story. It provides a huge impact on many of the characters in the story.
August 16, 2021
Have a box of "Kleenex" handy
As the "designated-narrator" for my family, I try to attempt at the author's characters to become as real as I can; even including Brad, Bethel, and Ethel. "Men-in-jeans" is one of the many aspects of the character's lives, but so are the emotions such as laughter, adventure, and living among very difficult times of this country's history. "You'll laugh and cry, you may say 'goodbye,' but you will LOVE this author, because she makes the story come alive!"
As the "designated-narrator" for my family, I try to attempt at the author's characters to become as real as I can; even including Brad, Bethel, and Ethel. "Men-in-jeans" is one of the many aspects of the character's lives, but so are the emotions such as laughter, adventure, and living among very difficult times of this country's history. "You'll laugh and cry, you may say 'goodbye,' but you will LOVE this author, because she makes the story come alive!"
January 24, 2022
4.5☆s
Book got better and better as I read on. At first distracted by author as narrator because I read the hysterically good Babbling Brook Naked Poker Club series [whispersync audio & ebook combo] and it took awhile to get Josephine & crew out of my head. The diary woven through the tale really creates a whole new level of depth to the plot as well as the character development.
Definitely a good read. [And very different from The Naked Poker Club 😉. ]
Book got better and better as I read on. At first distracted by author as narrator because I read the hysterically good Babbling Brook Naked Poker Club series [whispersync audio & ebook combo] and it took awhile to get Josephine & crew out of my head. The diary woven through the tale really creates a whole new level of depth to the plot as well as the character development.
Definitely a good read. [And very different from The Naked Poker Club 😉. ]
November 17, 2019
An emotional read
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I could not put it down until I finished it. The characters were well developed and the story line was very interesting. I loved the main story between Kathy and Alan and the diary story of Emily and her life. Tears will be shed but so worth it. This is a book I will read more than once.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I could not put it down until I finished it. The characters were well developed and the story line was very interesting. I loved the main story between Kathy and Alan and the diary story of Emily and her life. Tears will be shed but so worth it. This is a book I will read more than once.
January 7, 2020
Refreshingly Clean Christian novel
Sometimes the genre "Christian Novel" could be misleading but it was a relief that Ann Warner not only stayed the course throughout this refreshingly clean romantic novel, she delivered on every checklist for a thoroughly educating as well as entertaining piece.
Sometimes the genre "Christian Novel" could be misleading but it was a relief that Ann Warner not only stayed the course throughout this refreshingly clean romantic novel, she delivered on every checklist for a thoroughly educating as well as entertaining piece.
July 9, 2021
I can't describe how this book touched me
It's like the author could read my mind and express things with the turn of a phrase that made me say, "yes, I need to remember exactly that" so I can bring it out another day and feel the same way it made me feel the first time. I definitely need to read more of her writing!
It's like the author could read my mind and express things with the turn of a phrase that made me say, "yes, I need to remember exactly that" so I can bring it out another day and feel the same way it made me feel the first time. I definitely need to read more of her writing!
January 5, 2022
Beautifully written
What a breath of fresh air. The characters are so real, layered within different time periods. I was so engrossed I didn't realize how late it was (or early) when I finished. I love how Ms. Warner gives you visions and analogies of hopes and beliefs. You will have to read the book to make sense of that last sentence. Please read, you won't regret it.
What a breath of fresh air. The characters are so real, layered within different time periods. I was so engrossed I didn't realize how late it was (or early) when I finished. I love how Ms. Warner gives you visions and analogies of hopes and beliefs. You will have to read the book to make sense of that last sentence. Please read, you won't regret it.
June 21, 2017
Interwoven Tales
Kathy and Alan's story is like so many romances. Attraction, obstacles and plot twists. But bringing healing is Emily's journal, Delia's resilience, and Bobby and Brad. All of these meld together in a touching story.
Kathy and Alan's story is like so many romances. Attraction, obstacles and plot twists. But bringing healing is Emily's journal, Delia's resilience, and Bobby and Brad. All of these meld together in a touching story.
August 1, 2019
Intriguing Story
A beautiful story about finding love after loss. The characters just come alive and seem to jump off the page at you. Emily’s diaries help guide the way. This is a must read, I couldn’t put it down.
A beautiful story about finding love after loss. The characters just come alive and seem to jump off the page at you. Emily’s diaries help guide the way. This is a must read, I couldn’t put it down.
May 2, 2021
This was a totally different story from the Babbling Book stories, but just as good, perhaps even better. I laughed, I cried, and I ached with sadness, but I also learned something. We all can recover from almost anything if we just try. I highly recommend this book.
December 16, 2021
Sad and Happy
I really enjoyed the book. Excellent story. I am anxious to read book 2. So much food for thought. I thought of my own son who was born mentally handicapped. Great Reading. I would definitely recommend this book.
I really enjoyed the book. Excellent story. I am anxious to read book 2. So much food for thought. I thought of my own son who was born mentally handicapped. Great Reading. I would definitely recommend this book.
July 20, 2023
Really good story on life after dealing with lose and grief. The stories within the main story was an excellent surprise as well. Went back and bought a copy of book to give to niece who just lost a special needs family member because of the book about Bobby and Brad was brilliant.
October 19, 2024
My heart ached at times. This is so well written. Two people who have both been hurt incredibly journey through life and find each other. Can they manage to put hurt behind and risk love. Read the book to find out. I loved the story within the story, "Bobby and Brad".
January 3, 2018
The emotion leapt from the pages of this heartfelt novel of love, loss and healing
April 10, 2018
This book kept me reading and had a hard time to put it down. I was glad that Alan was able to finally be able to put the past behind him so that he could look to the future and find happiness.
June 27, 2018
Great story
This is a beautiful love story that really is the stories all rolled up into one. The characters will have you smiling, crying and laughing out loud.
This is a beautiful love story that really is the stories all rolled up into one. The characters will have you smiling, crying and laughing out loud.
September 20, 2018
A light but sensitive read with some wonderful characters. I really like Ann Warner!
September 30, 2018
+++++
I absolutely loved this story and the story within Looking forward to the book 2 and book 3. The characters pull in in
I absolutely loved this story and the story within Looking forward to the book 2 and book 3. The characters pull in in
December 2, 2018
This was a quick read and I would probably classify it as 'chick-lit'. It has a pretty predictable plot.
August 20, 2019
Great book
August 25, 2019
Again, I’m hooked and want to read the other two ‘Dreams’ books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews