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ccgwalt's review against another edition
4.0
I gave this book 3* in print partly because I get tired of the "hatred-filled small town and crazy religious zealots" story line, but upped it to 4* in audio. Definitely better with Anna Fields reading it!
I still don't care for Ethan or Cal in this book, but they didn't annoy me nearly so much since I was enjoying the wonderful voices and timing of the narrator.
*****Possible Spoiler*****
I don't understand how the money G. Duane made off his "ministry" could in any way be Rachel's. There isn't any legal way she could end up with even a part of the money. That confused me when I read it and it still confuses me. I know it said she paid of G. Duane's debts, but if that's the money police were looking to confiscate in the first place, it seems they'd still want it.
I still don't care for Ethan or Cal in this book, but they didn't annoy me nearly so much since I was enjoying the wonderful voices and timing of the narrator.
*****Possible Spoiler*****
I don't understand how the money G. Duane made off his "ministry" could in any way be Rachel's. There isn't any legal way she could end up with even a part of the money. That confused me when I read it and it still confuses me. I know it said she paid of G. Duane's debts, but if that's the money police were looking to confiscate in the first place, it seems they'd still want it.
hm08's review against another edition
5.0
The number of times I've cried and laughed reading this is unreal. It's difficult putting into words what exactly it is about this that has got my heart in KNOTS. I can't decide if I like this or [b:Nobody's Baby But Mine|73080|Nobody's Baby But Mine (Chicago Stars, #3)|Susan Elizabeth Phillips|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1298032580l/73080._SY75_.jpg|776136] more.
I've devoured this story in nearly one sitting. Dream a Little Dream was just EVERYTHING. While I loved the strength of Rachel and Gabe's characters, it was little Edward that really stole the show. I appreciated how Edward wasn't just a tool used to drive Rachel and Gabe's relationship, but was an indispensable part of the entire story.
While Rachel and Gabe's relationship was an intense one fraught with mistakes (and a good grovel or two), we also had Ethan and Kristy's relationship blossoming on the side, which provided much-welcomed light-heartedness in an otherwise rather serious story. Rachel's vivaciousness was also a lovely contrast against Gabe's grumpiness and mean-ness.
There were several scenes here and there that made me comfortable. But I appreciated that the author did not shy away from showing us Gabe messing up, and talking about the downsides of the Christian prosperity gospel movement. The latter topic is probably not for everyone. I thought it was also interesting that.
Having read some of SEP's works in a row made me realise what it is I like so much about romances written in this time. The author (at least, SEP) rarely treats us, the readers, as babies. She tells the story she wants, with flawed characters with sometimes myopic worldviews, and shows us how they change. What we take from who they are and their subsequent character development is left up to us. I don't always need an author drilling into me the moral of the story and whatnot. I'm here to experience a journey and not a lecture!
Now, onto the next one!
I've devoured this story in nearly one sitting. Dream a Little Dream was just EVERYTHING. While I loved the strength of Rachel and Gabe's characters, it was little Edward that really stole the show. I appreciated how Edward wasn't just a tool used to drive Rachel and Gabe's relationship, but was an indispensable part of the entire story.
While Rachel and Gabe's relationship was an intense one fraught with mistakes (and a good grovel or two), we also had Ethan and Kristy's relationship blossoming on the side, which provided much-welcomed light-heartedness in an otherwise rather serious story. Rachel's vivaciousness was also a lovely contrast against Gabe's grumpiness and mean-ness.
There were several scenes here and there that made me comfortable. But I appreciated that the author did not shy away from showing us Gabe messing up, and talking about the downsides of the Christian prosperity gospel movement. The latter topic is probably not for everyone. I thought it was also interesting that
Spoiler
there were allusions to Rachel potentially having miracle healing abilities - something which I do not personally believe in. But I liked how it was portrayed anyway. It is left up to each reader to take what he or she would from the story the author tellsHaving read some of SEP's works in a row made me realise what it is I like so much about romances written in this time. The author (at least, SEP) rarely treats us, the readers, as babies. She tells the story she wants, with flawed characters with sometimes myopic worldviews, and shows us how they change. What we take from who they are and their subsequent character development is left up to us. I don't always need an author drilling into me the moral of the story and whatnot. I'm here to experience a journey and not a lecture!
Now, onto the next one!
milicasbookshelf's review against another edition
5.0
Ovo je možda najsentimentalnija priča celog Chicago stars serijala. ♥
serialromancelibrarian's review against another edition
5.0
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
SEP has yet to disappoint me. Rachel is such a sad character, but she has a backbone of steel. She will do ANYTHING for her sickly 5 yo son, even throw herself at the mercy of Gabe Bonner who owns a fledgling drive-in cinema.
Rachel is beautiful, but emaciated and life has been unkind. She’s been blamed for her deceased evangelist husband’s misdeeds. The whole town hates her and castigates her.
Gabe lost his wife and son in a tragic accident. He’s close to ending it all, but along comes Rachel. He freezes Rachel and her son out of his heart. He was so harsh to the kid that it took me aback, but he eventually makes up for it.
I loved this story—the angst and, especially, the resolution! I also LOVED the setting. It was set in the Asheville, Bryson City, NC area which is less than an hour from where I live, and the small town mentality of the citizens was very believable (especially for 1998).
SEP has yet to disappoint me. Rachel is such a sad character, but she has a backbone of steel. She will do ANYTHING for her sickly 5 yo son, even throw herself at the mercy of Gabe Bonner who owns a fledgling drive-in cinema.
Rachel is beautiful, but emaciated and life has been unkind. She’s been blamed for her deceased evangelist husband’s misdeeds. The whole town hates her and castigates her.
Gabe lost his wife and son in a tragic accident. He’s close to ending it all, but along comes Rachel. He freezes Rachel and her son out of his heart. He was so harsh to the kid that it took me aback, but he eventually makes up for it.
I loved this story—the angst and, especially, the resolution! I also LOVED the setting. It was set in the Asheville, Bryson City, NC area which is less than an hour from where I live, and the small town mentality of the citizens was very believable (especially for 1998).
sophael's review against another edition
5.0
this book was a bit different than the others, good different :)
I read the chicago stars series out of order and its nice to see everything click and mesh haha
I read the chicago stars series out of order and its nice to see everything click and mesh haha
jamieco's review against another edition
2.0
1.5 stars
One of my least favorite H’s I’ve ever read about. His treatment and hatred of the h’s son was disgusting. And the way he suddenly, out of the blue decides he likes him and claims that he’s his child from now on??No way.
One of my least favorite H’s I’ve ever read about. His treatment and hatred of the h’s son was disgusting. And the way he suddenly, out of the blue decides he likes him and claims that he’s his child from now on??No way.
estermesma's review against another edition
5.0
Esse livro foi tão lindo, chorei de início ao fim! 5 estrelas são poucas diante da beleza dessa estória!
mangomari's review against another edition
4.0
would have been 5 stars if not for the faith healer ending lol