Dagdroom

Chandler Sisters #2

by Deborah Raney, Tineke Tuinder (translator)

Een romantische feelgoodroman over liefde en toekomstplannen.

'Dagdroom' van Deborah Raney is het tweede deel van de serie 'De drie zussen' over de zusjes Chandler. Dit keer staat de middelste zus Joanna centraal. Nadat ze haar studie heeft stopgezet om voor haar stervende moeder te zorgen, weet ze niet meer wat ze wil. Als ze de bruiloft van haar zus Phee mag organiseren, ontdekt ze dat weddingplanner haar droombaan zou kunnen zijn, en de charmante DJ op het feest haar droomman. Maar deze Lukas Blaine heeft de nodige bagage…

Genres: Christian Fiction, Romance, Fiction

352 pages, Paperback

First published October 22, 2019

About the author

DEBORAH RANEY's first novel, A Vow to Cherish, inspired the World Wide Pictures film of the same title and launched Deb’s writing career. Twenty-five years, forty-plus books, and numerous awards later, she's still creating stories that touch hearts and lives. Her novels have won RWA's RITA Award, the ACFW Carol Award, the National Readers Choice Award, and the HOLT Medallion. She is also a three-time Christy Award finalist. Deb is a recent Missouri transplant, having moved with her husband, Ken Raney, from their native Kansas to be closer to kids and grandkids. They love road trips, Friday garage sale dates, and breakfast on the screened porch overlooking their wooded backyard. Visit Deb on the Web at www.deborahraney.com.

Reviews

[Dee/ bookworm · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did not finish this book. It was so, but the reason for my not finishing was I didn't like Jo. She was selfish and has this idea of what perfect looks like. Instead of having compassion for Mateo, she wants him to go into the system so Luke can focus on more important things... her? Luke was an upstanding guy and deserved better.

I received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this second book in the Chandler Sisters series. Having read book one, A Reason to Breathe, I really enjoyed catching up with Phee and Quinn, the main characters from that novel. If you haven’t read book one, you can probably follow along fine in this story, however, book one sets the stage nicely for understanding what these three sisters have gone through with the death of their mother and the renovating of cabins that they are using for rental income.

In Chasing Dreams, Luke was a wonderful character, full of compassion, love, and was clearly a good match for Joanna. Joanna, however, took a while to grow in her compassion for Luke’s charge, Mateo. She was reluctant to embrace a future unlike what she envisioned. I believe this was probably a result of many broken dreams over the past few years and the feeling that things just never seemed to work out the way Joanna wanted them to. But Joanna was definitely on a journey of emotional and spiritual growth in this story, one definitely worth reading about.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...

[Karen R · Rating 4 out of 5]

The next chapter in the busy lives of the Chandler sisters, continuing on from book one, Reason to Breathe, includes some drama and a new romance. I enjoyed catching up with these three sisters, whose relationship is supportive and fun loving.
Joanna or 'Jo' seems to bear the load of responsibility for their fledgling Air bnb venture, while working out the details for her sister's wedding. It wasn't too hard to identify with her need to find her own happy ending, one that doesn't involve a surly preteen. Being flexible and open to change in future plans doesn't come easily to most of us. She learned to lean on God for help in decisions and relationship issues through her trials. It was a good reminder to pray first and wait on Him before jumping into things.
Their property sounds lovely as described, and made me wish I could visit for a weekend getaway for real! I look forward to reading Britt's story.
Readers who enjoy clean contemporary romances with some faith would like this well written series. (It is best read in order, to avoid some major spoilers.)

(An ebook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.)

[Staci · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the relationship between the three sisters in this series and their ability and joy in working together on a secondary source of income. Joanna, understandably, has reservations about beginning a relationship with Luke. While I thought it was incredibly mature to be realistic about her own heart, at times it seems she didn't try very hard to overcome her reservations. Overall, it was an enjoyable story. I didn't like this novel as much as the first book and look forward to reading the baby sister's story in the final book of the series.

[Linda Klager · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love stories that involve family members - this one was about 3 loving sisters and is book 2 in the series. I would like to read book 1, but book 2 was suggested for a book club first.

Joanna Chandler was the middle sister - she was very selfish and jealous. She had a lot to learn in this story.

Joanna met a wonderful man at her oldest sister's wedding. This man was the DJ for the wedding and Joanna thought he was so very handsome and she was very attracted to him. The only thing standing in the way was that he was a Big Brother to a 12 year old boy whose mother died of cancer. Before this woman passed away she made Luke promise to take care of 12 year old Mateo.

Joanna always dreamed that she would meet a wonderful man, get married and have this man "all to herself". Even though she was interested in Luke in the beginning she hated Mateo "horning" in on her time with the guy of her dreams.

Luke was so very patient - I loved his character and he loved this little boy so much. I was amazed at Luke's patience with Joanna, but he liked Joanna so much that he was willing to give Joanna time although Luke was losing patience with Joanna's selfishness.

Joanna's sisters helped her understand the situation and eventually Joanna began to grow up. The oldest sister was the sweetest person and I really enjoyed her character.

[Diana Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an easy read..I will definitely read the other two Chandler Sister's books from this author.

[Susan Snodgrass · Rating 4 out of 5]

'You sometimes have a tendency to expect the worst of people, and when you do that, they're sure to give you the worst.'

I am a Deborah Raney fan. I still have my original copy of her very first book. Deborah Raney writes about real life issues. From her heart. The reader feels this. Her books are not fluffy 'happily ever after' books, although we do get a happy ever after ending. But we get heartache and struggle and finding your way back in between.

This is the second in her Chandler Sisters series, Joanna's story. Joanna, who has dreamed all her life about how she wanted her life to be when she grew up. And now she's discovering that maybe God has a different dream for her life. I'm so glad He's planned the best for us! Joanna must travel a road she's uncomfortable traveling to get to that life, though.

I enjoyed this book very much and look forward to the third sister's story! I highly recommend this book and this author.

*My thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book. The opinion here is entirely my own.

[Phyllis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Luke and Jo's story, though I have to confess not understanding Jo very much. Her reluctance to accept Mateo, Luke's ward, was just an attitude so foreign to me, I couldn't relate. The author did a great job of portraying why she struggled - it wasn't that. It is just me.

Luke was something wonderful, though. The way he so willingly accepted Mateo, his "Little" (this is what the call the "little" brother or sister in the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization) into his life when Mateo's mom died made him a hero in my eyes. There are not many people who would allow their lives to be upended in this way. Yet Luke never questioned whether it was the right thing to do - his struggles were around his disappointment that Jo couldn't see how important this was to him.

I did enjoy seeing Joanna learn to listen to the Lord - to truly spend time in prayer and then in silence to hear His voice. And I especially loved seeing her heart change.

Using a mix of serious situations including grief, and humor appropriately, Chasing Dreams is an enjoyable romance.

I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.

[Edward Arrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you have dreams for your life? Are they realistic and achievable? What will you do if you find yourself being pulled in a direction that does not line up with your dreams? Joanna had dreamt most of her life about growing up, finding just the right man, falling in love, getting married, spending a year or two building a solid relationship, and starting a family – all in that order. She never dreamed of falling for a man who had just accepted full responsibility for a pre-teen orphan. Her brain was telling her to walk away while her heart told her something else. I appreciate the honest way she is portrayed after telling Luke she needs time to pray about the situation. All I will say at this point is that her actions seem to reflect what far too many believers do when they say they will pray about something. As one Christian comedian said, when he was invited to join a particular group, his response was: “Let me pray about that ... Yes!” You need to read the story to see what Joanna did and the life lessons to be learned from it.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this visit with the Chandler sisters, especially since I've read the first book. Though all of the sisters, Phylicia (Phee), Joanna, and Britt, are again included in the story, the focus is mostly on Jo. She had dropped out of school, giving up her dream of law school, when their mother was diagnosed with cancer several years before. Now in her mid-twenties, she's not sure she wants to return to that path. Planning Phee and Quinn's wedding makes her think perhaps she'd enjoy developing a clearing on their property as a wedding venue. Meeting the handsome wedding DJ, Luke, sets her dreaming in another area. There's only one problem: Luke is guardian to a twelve-year-old boy who is not part of Jo's perfect scenario. At times, Jo was really a brat about it, though I did appreciate that she felt bad about her behavior and thoughts. It takes something fairly dramatic, plus a lot of prayer, for her to see the right path to take. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Deb Raney's books because she delves into the heart of life. Her books are not cheesy romance, instead her characters dig deep and deal with real struggles as they find the desire of their heart. In Chasing Dreams, Jo, the main character, lays out her feelings and fears. She's honest with herself, which brings her great angst. Luke is a sweetheart who has dedicated himself to Mateo. He's a gentleman who wants to draw Jo into his life, yet hesitates because he cares so much. As always, Deb takes the reader through the struggle with the characters and shows how they confront themselves before God. If you enjoy great fiction with an inspirational thread, read Deb's books. Chasing Dreams is book two in the Chandler Sisters' series. Read Phylicia and Quinn's story in book one, Reason to Breathe. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kregel Publications. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Chandler Sister series. I have book 1 but it is in my TBR pile right now. It will move to the top. I really enjoyed this series so far. I cannot wait to read book 1 and then book 3 on its release. The three sisters have the type of relationship that some of us long for in our lives with our own siblings. They care for one another and find strength in their relationship after losing their mother. Ms. Raney makes her characters believable. Her story is one that many can relate. While her stories are Christian Fiction, her subtle way of having her characters embrace God in the stories is inspiring. I find myself wanting to pray with the characters. I highly recommend this series as well as any of Deborah Raney's books. I received a copy through Netgalley. A review was not required.

[Stella Potts · Rating 4 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed this book about the second Chandler Sister. After reading the first book in the series when I picked this one up it was like visiting family. Admittedly there were times I wanted to shake some sense into Jo, and help her realize how selfish she was being and wished she could have more compassion but she did learn the hard way to seek God about His will for her life. There are some lessons to be learned from this book, one is about realizing the world doesn’t revolve around you. I really love these sisters and their relationship with one another and I am so looking forward to Britt’s story next. I won both these first two books in a drawing with no requirement for a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book of the series. Whilst, I suppose, u could read this without reading the first one, I think it u would enjoy it more reading the books in order. I read the first book in a couple of days, I read this one in 2 days!!!
This story concentrated on the middle daughter, Jo. She has this set idea of how her life would pan out, with regards to romance etc. Things don't quite go according to plan, but in the end, she learns to trust God with her life. That really spoke to me, I'm sure others can relate too. We tend to like to plan our own lives and what we are going to do, who we will marry etc and not necessarily ask God about it. God may have other plans for us. We need to be open to what God wants to do in our lives.

[Eunice Crabtree · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Chandler Sisters series by Deborah Raney, and it literally starts right after the first. Jo’s life, like her sisters’ lives, has been on hold for three years due to caring for their mother who recently died. She had to quit law school and take a job with a law firm as a secretary. When her sister, Phee, decides to get married on their property, Jo decides to plan her wedding. She hires a DJ for the wedding reception, Luke, and begins to fall for him. Problem is he has just become the guardian of a 12 year old grieving boy and he’s at a loss on how to deal with this. How this couple deals with this is the main topic of the book. It is a very heartwarming and inspirational tale.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great book. I think this might be the second in the series, I didn’t read the first one and I found that I didn’t feel like I missed anything, other than Phylicia and Quinn’s story, which does sound interesting.

But I loved Joanna’s story, although her lack of concert for Mateo at first bothered me. Luke did acknowledge it in his thoughts so there were some red flags. You’ll have to read the book to see if that changes.

I was curious how it would all work out. I also enjoyed the setting for this book, a beautiful place I would love to visit.


A copy of this book was given to me. All opinions are my own.

[Mel · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Chandler Sisters at their best!

The cottages are in full Airbnb mode. One sister has found her happily ever after and Joanna is not sure what her future holds. Britt has settled into her role as redecorator and hostess. Book two was packed with surprises and I'm sure Book three will continue the delightful adventures of the Chandler Sisters. Deborah Rainey brings her characters to life in a way that makes me want to have these sisters as friends or neighbors! Kudos for another outstanding read!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Read it in one day! So glad I discovered Deborah Raney’s writing; she quickly became one of my favorite authors to read!

Chasing Dreams is the second in the Chandler Sisters series; it could be read as a stand-alone, however, my recommendation is that Reason to Breathe be read first. It will provide foundational information on the lives of sisters, Joanna, Phyllicia and Brit.

Very highly recommend!

[Courtney Clark · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the setting of this novel (Missouri!) and the fact that Andy's custard gets a shoutout. (A chain I know locally in MO and AR.) I really liked the hero, Luke, and the sisters' relationship. I was annoyed by the heroine sometimes, feeling like she was too focused on a Mr. Right being perfect, and the fact that she wasn't very open to change or growth (didn't like kids, behaved in an envious manner, etc.).

Thank you to the publisher for the review copy. This is my honest review.

[Missy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is part of a series and is the second book. I have not read the first one but look forward to reading. Deborah Raney impresses me with her writings as they deal with real-life struggles and you relate to the characters. Jo Chandler and her sisters have bought cottages in Cape with the inheritance their mother leaves them after her death. Jo meets Luke who is guardian to Mateo after his mother dies from cancer. Jo is unsure if she is ready for a teenager and has to think and pray about it.

This read is for anyone ready for a clean Christian romance.

Thank you Kregal publishing and NetGalley for this ARC.

[Margaret Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

You definitely need to read Reason to Breathe, the first book in this series, first, so that you understand the characters and setting in this second book. The characters become even better friends to the reader, as we learn more about them, plus some one ones added in. I look forward to the third book!!

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sadly I read this book first. A few chapters through I realized it was probably part of a series, but was enjoying it so much I just continued it. It was refreshing. You did it again Deborah! Thanks !

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another delightful book by Deborah Raney. I again love all the characters and the relationship between Luke and Mateo is so cool. I related to this due to my experience with Big Brothers/Big Sisters.

[Jenny K · Rating 4 out of 5]

This second in the series was a stronger book. Featuring the second Chandler sister, there was still strong presence of the other sisters. There is a teenage kid in this book that I felt was written as younger than his stated age. He was supposed to be 12 but felt more like 9 to me.

[Janet Friesner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liked the first book Reason to Breathe better but this one wasgood. Will be looking forward to the third book.

[Deena Peterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

More like 3.75 stars. I really don't like Jo much at all. Probably would have stopped reading if not for the rest of the characters.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deborah Raney has a way of weaving in true-life experiences within her fiction! Many can relate to this story and the heartfelt situations the make "Chasing Dreams" a book for my shelves.

[Tanya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book and good series. I liked the first book better than this one. The main character in this one was very stubborn and selfish. Looking forward to the 3rd book.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Deborah Raney's books and Chasing Dreams does not disappoint. This second installment from her Chandler Sisters series is a great read. I give it five stars.

[Bonnie Olive · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved this story of a man being a big brother to a boy whose mother was ill and passed and Luke took Matao and raised him . It took Luke and jo time to work out that loved each other.