Customer Reviews

When Dreams Come True (The Ladies of Sweetwater Lake, Book 4) (Larger Print Love Inspired #339)

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Back from the Dead...
Two and a half years after being declared dead, Dane shows up on Zoey's doorstep. Can they reclaim their love and forgive the past?

Daley, as always, writes a story that delights, even as it touches your heart.

Courtesy of CK2S Kwips and Kritiques

Zoey Witherspoon has made a new life for herself and her children back in her hometown of Sweetwater after coming to terms with the death of her workaholic husband, DEA Agent Dane. Now two years later, her world flips on its axis once more when Dane appears on her doorstep... very much alive!

As it turns out, Dane's plane went down in an Amazon jungle killing his partner and the pilot, but leaving Dane alive but suffering from amnesia. Though most of his memory has returned, there are still some things he can't remember, like what happened immediately before and after the plane crashed. But now he's back and wanting to make up for lost time.

But can they overcome Zoey's fears he will return to his old work routine and Dane's still foggy memories? Will their faith see them through?

When Dreams Come True was my first book by Margaret Daley and my first book from Harlequin's Love Inspired line. I was pleasantly surprised and will now be looking for the rest of the books in The Ladies of Sweetwater Lake miniseries. It is a very solid story that promotes family values and a strong faith under fire. I also really like the fact Daley is not afraid to tackle such serious subjects as alcohol and drug dependency and even juvenile delinquency. Even with the heavy subject matter, the story never gets too serious and Daley proves that putting your trust in God will see you through even the worst of situations.

Dane has deep personal struggles that make it very difficult for him to open up to anyone, even his wife. His underlying guilt over something in his past colors everything he does and is the driving force behind his career determination. After the plane crash, and his memory's return, he realizes that what once kept him going is no longer enough and he longs to fill that emptiness. As he adjusts to his new life and searches for his new path in life, his faith grows, as does his desire to make a difference in the lives of others, starting with his family. When he finally comes to terms with his past and once again accepts God in to this life, readers will be overjoyed at the transformation this makes in him.

Zoey had always depended on herself and God to raise her family, with Dane being gone so much. After his "death" she returned home where she would have the support of her family and old friends. But she's grown so used to Dane not being around that when he returns, she has a hard time trusting him to be there for them. I do admit Zoey is a strong woman who has been through way more than any one person should have to experience, but I wasn't overly fond of her. To me, she was just being stubborn and hung on way too long to her belief Dane would abandon them again. She is always upset with Dane for not opening up to her more yet every time there is a chance of a breakthrough and he's fighting his fear to talk to her, she turns and runs before he has a chance to say anything.

The supporting cast adds so much to this story that I'd be remiss if I didn't mention them. Zoey's circle of friends has been through so much in each of their respective lives yet nothing is too much when one of them is in need or hurting. These women band together and will make everyone think about their own circle of friends who are always there when the going gets tough. Blake, Zoey and Dane's son, is battling his own internal demons and my heart cried out for him when I learned why he acted the way he did. Then there is Eddy, the young local teen crying out for help, who touches that part of Dane he likes to keep hidden. If not for him, I don't think Dane ever would have been able to leave his past behind and become the man God wanted him to be.

If readers are looking for a sweet and moving story with a strong message of faith in God and hope for the future, then When Dreams Come True is exactly what they need.

© Kelley A. Hartsell, March 2007. All rights reserved.