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Dreamcatcher
Attempting to escape from her obsessive and powerful husband, Amanda Potter fantasizes about a dream lover who draws her into a shadowy refuge, and detective Jefferson Dupree attempts to protect her even as he realizes that he has fallen in love. Reissue.
292 pages, Paperback
First published November 27, 1995
68 people are currently reading
346 people want to read
About the author
Dinah McCall
20 books162 followersDinah McCall is a pseudonym for author Sharon Sala.
It was a job she hated that drove Sharon Sala to put the first page of paper in an old typewriter, but it was the love of the craft that kept her writing. Her first efforts at writing came in 1980 when she began a book that wound up under her bed. A second book followed in 1981 and suffered a similar fate, but she claims the writing bug had bitten hard. However, she let life and the demands of a growing family delay her from continuing until a tragedy struck.
Her father died in May of 1985 after a lingering illness, and then, only two months later, her only sister died unexpectedly. She vowed then and there that she was not going to wind up on her deathbed one day with regrets for not following through on her dreams.
She joined writers' groups and attended conferences, and she slowly learned her way around the written page. By 1989, she decided she had come far enough in her writing to attempt another try at book-length fiction and began a book that would later be entitled Sara's Angel. As fate would have it, the first publisher she sent it to bought it, and she hasn't looked back.
As a farmer's daughter, and then for many years a farmer's wife, Sharon escaped the drudgeries of life through the pages of books, and now, as a writer, she finds herself often living out her dreams. Through traveling and speaking and the countless thousands of fan letters she has received, Sharon has touched many lives. One faithful reader has crowned her the "Reba of Romance," while others claim she's a magician with words.
Her stories are often dark, dealing with the realities of this world, and yet she's able to weave hope and love within the words for the readers who clamor for her latest works.
Her books repeatedly make the bestseller lists, including those of The New York Times, USA TODAY, Publishers Weekly, and the Waldenbooks mass market fiction list, and she's been nominated for a RITA® Award seven times, which is the romance writer's equivalent of having an Oscar or an Emmy nomination.
Always an optimist in the face of bad times, she finds that many of the stories she writes come to her in dreams, but there's nothing fanciful about her work. She puts her faith in God and still trusts in love and the belief that, no matter what, everything comes full circle.
It was a job she hated that drove Sharon Sala to put the first page of paper in an old typewriter, but it was the love of the craft that kept her writing. Her first efforts at writing came in 1980 when she began a book that wound up under her bed. A second book followed in 1981 and suffered a similar fate, but she claims the writing bug had bitten hard. However, she let life and the demands of a growing family delay her from continuing until a tragedy struck.
Her father died in May of 1985 after a lingering illness, and then, only two months later, her only sister died unexpectedly. She vowed then and there that she was not going to wind up on her deathbed one day with regrets for not following through on her dreams.
She joined writers' groups and attended conferences, and she slowly learned her way around the written page. By 1989, she decided she had come far enough in her writing to attempt another try at book-length fiction and began a book that would later be entitled Sara's Angel. As fate would have it, the first publisher she sent it to bought it, and she hasn't looked back.
As a farmer's daughter, and then for many years a farmer's wife, Sharon escaped the drudgeries of life through the pages of books, and now, as a writer, she finds herself often living out her dreams. Through traveling and speaking and the countless thousands of fan letters she has received, Sharon has touched many lives. One faithful reader has crowned her the "Reba of Romance," while others claim she's a magician with words.
Her stories are often dark, dealing with the realities of this world, and yet she's able to weave hope and love within the words for the readers who clamor for her latest works.
Her books repeatedly make the bestseller lists, including those of The New York Times, USA TODAY, Publishers Weekly, and the Waldenbooks mass market fiction list, and she's been nominated for a RITA® Award seven times, which is the romance writer's equivalent of having an Oscar or an Emmy nomination.
Always an optimist in the face of bad times, she finds that many of the stories she writes come to her in dreams, but there's nothing fanciful about her work. She puts her faith in God and still trusts in love and the belief that, no matter what, everything comes full circle.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
November 7, 2017
Oh my heart, this was sooooooo romantic! Not the whole story—just the last 5% of the book. It was more than enough for me though. I don’t know how to explain it, but I know that it was just right for me! Exactly what I want!
Well, there wasn't much going on in the first half of the story. Things moved a bit slowly but honestly, it wasn’t boring by any means. I enjoyed reading about Amanda’s dreams and her mysterious dream lover. He came to her in her dreams, took away all the pain she had been enduring, and then made love to her with such gentleness. In his arms, she felt safe and loved. But sadly… he wasn’t real.
Things got interesting in the second half. There was the big event—something beyond Amanda’s comprehension happened. And this is where the actual romance began.
So much happened near the end of the story. My excitement was so intense that I wanted to read it faster. And I can tell you that I was very pleased with the outcome.
And the ending… I loved it! Couldn’t ask for a better one! It was wonderful, incredibly romantic, and really touching. I adored Jefferson Dupree. Simple as that! *sigh*
Overall, I enjoyed reading this book in spite of its slow pace and lack of excitement in the first half. I must admit that it wasn’t a stellar one, but that didn’t matter. The last quarter totally made up for it! So, I finally added one more star to my rating. 4 out of 5 stars then.
Well, there wasn't much going on in the first half of the story. Things moved a bit slowly but honestly, it wasn’t boring by any means. I enjoyed reading about Amanda’s dreams and her mysterious dream lover. He came to her in her dreams, took away all the pain she had been enduring, and then made love to her with such gentleness. In his arms, she felt safe and loved. But sadly… he wasn’t real.
Things got interesting in the second half. There was the big event—something beyond Amanda’s comprehension happened. And this is where the actual romance began.
So much happened near the end of the story. My excitement was so intense that I wanted to read it faster. And I can tell you that I was very pleased with the outcome.
And the ending… I loved it! Couldn’t ask for a better one! It was wonderful, incredibly romantic, and really touching. I adored Jefferson Dupree. Simple as that! *sigh*
Overall, I enjoyed reading this book in spite of its slow pace and lack of excitement in the first half. I must admit that it wasn’t a stellar one, but that didn’t matter. The last quarter totally made up for it! So, I finally added one more star to my rating. 4 out of 5 stars then.
April 18, 2008
I have to preface this by saying that my blah opinion of this book is probably a lot to do with it being time-travel. I just don't like time-travel books, at all.
Odd book. And honestly, though I didn't hate it, it bored me most of the time. I was glad to finish it so I could move on and read something more interesting.
I'm not saying it was an utterly horrible book. It's more like...the phrase "lost in translation" comes to mind. Something got lost in translation between McCall's concept of this book and the final product. I understand what she was trying to convey, but when I finished, the message was garbled, so to speak. I just wasn't buying into the story she was telling.
It didn't work for me that the entire romance between Amanda and Jefferson was based on her interactions with Nokose, and at the very end, when she and Jefferson were cuddling up together for happily-ever-after, the two had hardly spent any time together at all. I know the whole point is "soulmates" and "lovers across time" but like I said, it just didn't work for me in the way she told it.
So bottomline, it was a forgettable book.
Odd book. And honestly, though I didn't hate it, it bored me most of the time. I was glad to finish it so I could move on and read something more interesting.
I'm not saying it was an utterly horrible book. It's more like...the phrase "lost in translation" comes to mind. Something got lost in translation between McCall's concept of this book and the final product. I understand what she was trying to convey, but when I finished, the message was garbled, so to speak. I just wasn't buying into the story she was telling.
It didn't work for me that the entire romance between Amanda and Jefferson was based on her interactions with Nokose, and at the very end, when she and Jefferson were cuddling up together for happily-ever-after, the two had hardly spent any time together at all. I know the whole point is "soulmates" and "lovers across time" but like I said, it just didn't work for me in the way she told it.
So bottomline, it was a forgettable book.
March 10, 2016
Je ne veux plus jamais revoir ce livre !!
Tout ce que je deteste dans une histoire. Il ne se passe rien pendant plus de 200 pages, et quand, dans les dernières 50 pages, il se passe enfin quelque chose, on tombe sur une histoire de réincarnation, je déteste !!!!! C'est tellement triste pour celui qui reste seul de l'autre côté ! Je me suis fait plaisir, pour une fois que je lis un vrai livre papier, j'ai pu le balancer à travers la pièce !!! (J'évite quand je lis sur la liseuse :D).
Tout ce que je deteste dans une histoire. Il ne se passe rien pendant plus de 200 pages, et quand, dans les dernières 50 pages, il se passe enfin quelque chose, on tombe sur une histoire de réincarnation, je déteste !!!!! C'est tellement triste pour celui qui reste seul de l'autre côté ! Je me suis fait plaisir, pour une fois que je lis un vrai livre papier, j'ai pu le balancer à travers la pièce !!! (J'évite quand je lis sur la liseuse :D).
October 17, 2020
This didn’t really fall under romance for me, however, it’s a good read for fiction/suspense. Time travel, mysticism, and implied romance is involved as well, needing a bend in reality to follow. Now the abusive, psychopathic horrid excuse for a husband takes the cake on ick factor and deserved what he got.
TW: heavy on domestic abuse
TW: heavy on domestic abuse
November 1, 2021
I read this book years ago in the 90s. I had gotten it while pregnant and on bed rest. I couldn’t put it down. I’m actually going to dig it out and read it again. It might feed my outlander obsession.
October 21, 2024
dinah mccall rules
This was a captivaring book. Love reading eaarly works by Sharon Sala. it is a wonderful way to curlnup w fantasy superb.
This was a captivaring book. Love reading eaarly works by Sharon Sala. it is a wonderful way to curlnup w fantasy superb.
April 4, 2020
This was a great "escape" book. It was fast-paced, plenty of excitement, as well as a rather unusual love story. There was a touch of the paranormal, inspired by Native American beliefs - a bit of the past mixed with the present. Some small annoyances keep it from a five-star book, but overall, I really enjoyed it.
June 14, 2015
Had this little book sitting on my TBR shelf for several years (2008) and glad I finally read it. The book starts out in 1750 (French/Indian War) and then shifts to present day (1996 was the year it was written). Setting is in West Virginia and because the book was written in 1996 it is somewhat "dated," but worth reading.
Nokose was American Indian/French and had a "connection" to Amanda who was an abused congressman's wife. David was the congressman and he was a complete ass. (Think Sleeping with the Enemy only worse.) Amanda's character got on my nerves about 3/4 into the book. She became a cry baby and did some very dumb things. Nokose wove a dreamcatcher to help Amanda. The dreamcatcher allowed the two to "connect" at night and by that I mean dream sex. The book is rated PG 13 and is no way graphic.
Enter homicide detective Jefferson Dupree. He encounters David and Amanda and senses something isn't right. When he found out that David was an abusive husband, he did nothing but worry and decided he loved her. He felt a connection to Amanda and couldn't put his finger on why. This part of the book had me really suspending my disbelief in order to continue reading. Glad I did because the overall story was about true love, soul mates and reincarnation.
The actual time-travel event was not a big part of the book and happened 3/4 in. I figured out where this book was going and that's where it went. Still as predictable, dated and silly as some of the plot was, I was glued to the pages. Toward the end, the author started repeating herself by recapping what was already read....
Worth reading and 4 stars from This Reader because of the soul-mart/reincarnation theme. I'm a sucker for a good reincarnation theme. :-)
Nokose was American Indian/French and had a "connection" to Amanda who was an abused congressman's wife. David was the congressman and he was a complete ass. (Think Sleeping with the Enemy only worse.) Amanda's character got on my nerves about 3/4 into the book. She became a cry baby and did some very dumb things. Nokose wove a dreamcatcher to help Amanda. The dreamcatcher allowed the two to "connect" at night and by that I mean dream sex. The book is rated PG 13 and is no way graphic.
Enter homicide detective Jefferson Dupree. He encounters David and Amanda and senses something isn't right. When he found out that David was an abusive husband, he did nothing but worry and decided he loved her. He felt a connection to Amanda and couldn't put his finger on why. This part of the book had me really suspending my disbelief in order to continue reading. Glad I did because the overall story was about true love, soul mates and reincarnation.
The actual time-travel event was not a big part of the book and happened 3/4 in. I figured out where this book was going and that's where it went. Still as predictable, dated and silly as some of the plot was, I was glued to the pages. Toward the end, the author started repeating herself by recapping what was already read....
Worth reading and 4 stars from This Reader because of the soul-mart/reincarnation theme. I'm a sucker for a good reincarnation theme. :-)
March 2, 2009
On the good side, this story doesn't have any gigantic plot holes that you can wade through. The plot is fast paced, and the main character is engaging. Okay, our main bad guy is insane and has delusions that his mother is talking to him (and why do I keep seeing that scenario lately in books in which someone is abused?), but I can give that a pass. It seemed like it was going to be OK.
Until we get to the Native American bits.
On the down side, the main character's 40-page detour into the past adds nothing to the plot save for bad Native American stereotyping. NOTE TO AUTHOR: All Native Americans are not alike, and all Native American cultures are not alike. Dreamcatchers are an Ojibwa thing, who were based around Lake Superior. Your character is allegedly Muscogee, who lived in the areas that are now Tennessee, Georgia and Alabama. And let's not get into the Native American guy who is more noble than all the other Native American guys because he's half-white. I could go on, but I don't need to. It's just embarrassing.
Until we get to the Native American bits.
On the down side, the main character's 40-page detour into the past adds nothing to the plot save for bad Native American stereotyping. NOTE TO AUTHOR: All Native Americans are not alike, and all Native American cultures are not alike. Dreamcatchers are an Ojibwa thing, who were based around Lake Superior. Your character is allegedly Muscogee, who lived in the areas that are now Tennessee, Georgia and Alabama. And let's not get into the Native American guy who is more noble than all the other Native American guys because he's half-white. I could go on, but I don't need to. It's just embarrassing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 15, 2015
Sharon Sala always draws me in.
This story was good but I have enjoyed other books by this author more. I especially like the stories set in the Appalachian mountains, reading about the ways and beliefs of people in that region.
This story was good but I have enjoyed other books by this author more. I especially like the stories set in the Appalachian mountains, reading about the ways and beliefs of people in that region.
June 29, 2017
This book was passed on to me & I did not research before I started reading it so it's my fault, but the abuse was too much for me. I kept reading because the writing is VERY good. I skipped the erotic parts (not my style, sorry) & don't usually read fantasy either, but as I said before the writing was good.
October 6, 2024
Hard Pass
There are certain topics that are hot buttons (child abuse is one such topic and no, this book does not cover that topic) and you can choose to stop reading but it would be much better if the author put a warning notice on the book so you never started it or paid for it.
There are certain topics that are hot buttons (child abuse is one such topic and no, this book does not cover that topic) and you can choose to stop reading but it would be much better if the author put a warning notice on the book so you never started it or paid for it.
August 7, 2025
Described as time travel romance, but the time travel is short, a very minimal part of the novel. Italso Described as romance, but there's no romance until nearly the end. The majority of time is spent on the horrible life of Amanda as she navigates her existence with an abusive husband. 3.25 rounded to 3.
February 16, 2023
If you’ve ever been one to day dream of a perfect world where you are loved right and enjoy peace in your soul; this books for you. I find myself rereading this book every year. I’m not one to read a book more than once usually but this book is the exception.
August 14, 2023
Loved this book !
I couldn’t put this book down. There were so many things that were happening and the love Amanda had for Seth and how they came together was amazing. Some times you have to travel back to go forward.
I couldn’t put this book down. There were so many things that were happening and the love Amanda had for Seth and how they came together was amazing. Some times you have to travel back to go forward.
April 29, 2024
I actually read this book for the first time in the 90’s and was sucked into it so much that I just couldn’t put it down. I’ve re-purchased it a few times so I could read it again. It continues to be one of my favorite romance novels today, I just love it!
October 13, 2020
Another good story using a mystery/romance/ESP basis.
Want to read
January 11, 2023I can't read the book....I newly downloaded this app and I can't seem to read any book....I need help please
May 19, 2023
I have owned this book for a few years now and find myself reading it again and again and enjoying it each time. I would love to get this book in Hard Cover some day.
November 19, 2023
Dreamcatcher is the perfect dreamy, paranormal, escapist read. I've been a fan of Sharon Sala (aka Dinah McCall) for years. All of her books are keepers and ones you'll want to read again.
December 28, 2023
Sharon Sala remains one of my favorite story tellers. She weaves strong characters and a plot that will keep you on the edge of your seat!
June 18, 2013
This is my first romance novel. And I mean romance novel from the romance section of a bookstore. I had always had misgivings about the genre in general. I love a good romance, but I always found romance books to be devoid of plot and smut-oriented (which, I think everyone loves a good smut book now and again, but still). Let me tell you this - I was presently surprised at Dreamcatcher for the most part.
I felt an emotional attachment to the main character's tale of spousal abuse, all the while yelling at her to wake up, but at the same time being understanding of her bad situation. One of the reasons I was surprised at this book was that it was much more than a petty smut book as I once thought romance books were. Instead I found Amanda's story of escape and a detective's protectiveness from afar. And then the magic stuff.
The magic element of the story did leave me at a loss, as I can see did for most. I could honestly have done without that side of the novel, surrounding a mystical native dream catcher (though the book is named for it). It seems the author really did not do her research on natives because it seemed a little stereotyped. The ending of the book could have been so much better if there had been no magic to it at all.
Instead of a magical Indian coming in her dreams to give her strength, why couldn't she have somehow, I don't know, gained that strength on her own? This is a romance book, not the place for female empowerment I suppose, but what about developing a more meaningful relationship with the detective himself instead of this 200 year old Amerindian? A few tweaks could have made his story really great.
I bet you're wondering, if I have this many complains, why the three stars? I think a two is too harsh simply because it is a good, quick afternoon read, and pretty enjoyable all together. The writing is good, the plot is pretty compelling up until the last few chapters and when there are sex scenes...damn. They are good. Or scary in the case of Amanda's weirdo abusive husband, but I think they perfectly demonstrate his weirdo-ness plot-wise. Romance novels are the home of sexposition! Well, romance novels and Game of Thrones.
I think this was a good start into romance. Maybe I will even start to read more. After all, everyone likes a nice evening getaway.
I felt an emotional attachment to the main character's tale of spousal abuse, all the while yelling at her to wake up, but at the same time being understanding of her bad situation. One of the reasons I was surprised at this book was that it was much more than a petty smut book as I once thought romance books were. Instead I found Amanda's story of escape and a detective's protectiveness from afar. And then the magic stuff.
The magic element of the story did leave me at a loss, as I can see did for most. I could honestly have done without that side of the novel, surrounding a mystical native dream catcher (though the book is named for it). It seems the author really did not do her research on natives because it seemed a little stereotyped. The ending of the book could have been so much better if there had been no magic to it at all.
Instead of a magical Indian coming in her dreams to give her strength, why couldn't she have somehow, I don't know, gained that strength on her own? This is a romance book, not the place for female empowerment I suppose, but what about developing a more meaningful relationship with the detective himself instead of this 200 year old Amerindian? A few tweaks could have made his story really great.
I bet you're wondering, if I have this many complains, why the three stars? I think a two is too harsh simply because it is a good, quick afternoon read, and pretty enjoyable all together. The writing is good, the plot is pretty compelling up until the last few chapters and when there are sex scenes...damn. They are good. Or scary in the case of Amanda's weirdo abusive husband, but I think they perfectly demonstrate his weirdo-ness plot-wise. Romance novels are the home of sexposition! Well, romance novels and Game of Thrones.
I think this was a good start into romance. Maybe I will even start to read more. After all, everyone likes a nice evening getaway.
August 3, 2014
Amanda Cross' life is crazy. She has an insane husband who beats her on a regular basis, a handsome detective who wants to help her, and a lover who comes to her only in her dreams. She has to figure out how to escape her husband before her husband kills her.
I didn't like this book at all. The heroine has been abused and held a virtual prisoner in her own house for years and years without being able to escape. Suddenly, with nightly visits from her dream lover, she grows a backbone and makes changes in her situation. Dumb. My rating: 1 Star.
I didn't like this book at all. The heroine has been abused and held a virtual prisoner in her own house for years and years without being able to escape. Suddenly, with nightly visits from her dream lover, she grows a backbone and makes changes in her situation. Dumb. My rating: 1 Star.
May 22, 2014
First of all, I wasn't the one who bought this book. My aunt bought me this book some time around 2012. I was actually surprised that this was published even before I was born (1999) Anyways, this book was pretty awesome. I struggled halfway through finishing it coz I don't like these kinds of themes but I enjoyed it. Dinah somehow let her readers enter to her own personal paradise through this book. I got so much respect for this book and I thought that it was quite interesting.
Currently reading
April 3, 2008Wow, the most incredible ancient artifact of the Native Americano Peoples, the Dreamcatcher reportedly captures all your dreams and most wicked desires, spinning them into a delightful symphony of delicious banality! Oooo, my fingertips are tingling!! Somebody please poke me! I'm caught in a scrumptious fabulous spider's web of dreams!
June 1, 2009
I read this book a long time ago. I loved it. The story was very entertaining. The girl goes through time and finds her soul mate. Then she has to find a way to be with him in the present time. Later I will read the book to refresh my memory of some details and express them here. I would tell someone to buy a copy of this book for themselves.
Read
August 16, 2008Dreamcatcher by Dinah McCall (1996)
August 30, 2014
Dinah McCall/Sharon Sala is one of my fave authors. This is not one of my fave books by her but I still enjoyed it.
November 16, 2011
ADULT READ. She travels back in time and finds her true love only to lose him and is forced back to her own time to find him again.
Read
February 12, 2012Sent to a bookcrosser
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews