Wednesday, February 24, 2021

Review & Giveaway - - Dream a Little Dream

Dream a Little Dream
by Melinda Curtis
Sunshine Valley - Book 3
Publisher: Forever
Release Date: February 23, 2021
Reviewed by PJ
 


Darcy Jones Harper is thrilled to have finally shed her reputation as the girl from the wrong side of the tracks. The people of Sunshine Valley have to respect her now that she’s the new town judge. But when the bad boy who broke her heart back in high school shows up in her courtroom, she realizes maybe things haven’t changed so much after all . . . because her pulse still races at the sight of him.


Jason Petrie wants to make amends for the mistakes of his youth—starting with the woman he never stopped loving. Darcy may not believe that he really intends to quit the bull riding circuit and stick around this time but Jason vows—with the help of the matchmaking Widows Club—to pull out all the stops to convince her that they both deserve a second chance.

PJ's Thoughts:

Using a perfectly balanced blend of humor and emotion, Melinda Curtis has created another sweet, witty, and heart-tugging journey to love that had me eagerly turning pages from beginning to end. I love this quirky community of characters that Curtis has created with a wacky band of matchmaking widows at its core. You just never know which couple will land in their sights next.

Second-chance romances are one of my favorite tropes and Jason's and Darcy's romance came with some unexpected twists that I did not expect but that gave their story, and their characters, extra depth. I appreciated Darcy's complexity and her struggle with self-acceptance and forgiveness. I enjoyed her relationship with the gassy, digestive-challenged dog she inherited and the role he played in her journey. I flat-out loved that dog. Jason was no less complex as he struggled with his own life decisions while doing his level best to win Darcy back. I loved how supportive he was, how he accepted responsibility for his part in what led to their parting ways, and how determined he was to do right by the woman he loved the second time around. 

As is typically the case in Sunshine Valley, the main couple aren't the only characters in the spotlight in this book. There's an unlikely mature couple in the making, peeks into relationships that were center stage in the first two books, dysfunctional family dynamics to sort through, stages of grief to navigate for Darcy's late (much older) husband's girlfriend (trust me, it will all make sense), and (frequently unwanted) advice from Judge George Harper (the late husband) who seems to be living in both Darcy's and Jason's minds. Apparently, the Judge, who guided them both through their teens, doesn't see any need to stop imparting wisdom simply because he's beyond the veil.

Once again, a trip to Sunshine Valley had me laughing out loud, sniffling a bit, smiling a lot, and eager for future visits. There are many more intriguing characters ripe and ready for matchmaking and I am here for them all. 


What do you enjoy (or not enjoy) about a series set within a small community?

Have you read any of Melinda Curtis's books?

Are you reading the Sunshine Valley books? Any thoughts on who you'd like to see matched up next?

Forever Romance has graciously offered a terrific giveaway today. Two randomly chosen people who post a comment before 11:00 PM (EST), February 25 will each receive a set of the first three books in the Sunshine Valley series: Can't Hurry Love, A Very Merry Match, and Dream a Little Dream.

*Must be 18
*U.S. and Canada




20 comments:

  1. Great prize. I have not read any of Melinda's books. I love the small town books because everyone looks out for everyone else.

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    1. Her books have a wonderful, feel-good vibe about them. Lots of humor but with a good depth of emotion as well.

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  2. Melinda's books give me warmth and are captivating. I enjoy the old fashioned warmth and comfort from reading books set in a small community. The setting and the characters remind me of what my life was like many years ago and bring me happiness.

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    1. I also enjoy her small communities, warts and all. ;-)

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  3. I am going to read Melinda's books. Small town books are unforgettable and special since they depict a time and place that is important and rare in this day and age. The nostalgia they evoke is wonderful.

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    1. She certainly nails the vibe of the small-town I grew up in, especially the part where everybody knows everybody else's business.

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  4. I was born in a small town and still live in a small town, so I enjoy them a lot! Everybody knows every body's business, but they are willing to help out. This one sounds great, thanks for the chance to win!

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  5. She's a new Author for me I have not read her books yet. I love series set in small towns one of my favorites
    Penney

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  6. Ms Curtis, is new to me. I love small towns where people are all involved in the lives of others. And the matchmakers in this series sound terrific. You have made this book and the 2 previous ones sound lovely. I like the idea of second chances as well as people who are seeking the warmth and comfort of a love from yesterday.

    Thanks so much for this review. It is a series which is right up my alley.

    I hope everyone is taking care and staying well.

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  7. Haven't read any of Melinda's books yet - I do enjoy small town stories - I like the connection between the characters.

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  8. I have not read any of Melinda's books. I love humor and emotion in my reads. Would love to try these books. Thanks for the chance.
    Karen T. Natty's Mama

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  9. I may have read an Harlequin by Ms. Curtis but not the Sunshine Valley series which is on my need to read list. Thanks PJ.

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  10. love the community and friendliness of small town romance.

    I have read Melinda's books.

    denise

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  11. I haven't read any of these books, but they have been on my radar for a while. A Very Merry Match sounds especially cute.

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  12. I have read several of Melinda's books but have yet to start this series. I know once I start, I won't be able to stop.

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  13. It's been awhile since I've read any of Melissa's books, but I've always enjoyed them. I do love small town romances since most of the time the characters help each other out. Also, everyone knowing each other and growing up together makes for a lot of great storylines.

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  14. I have not read these books yet. I am from a small town so I enjoy reading small town romances!

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  15. I have her Return Of The Blackwell Brothers series, but have not finished it yet.
    I enjoy series set in small communities. The communities themselves are a characters in the stories. They shape the tone and atmosphere. The smallish number of people in the community give you an opportunity to meet many of them and follow interactions. It gives a rich pool of characters to draw from and interactions to use. It is nice to be able to "visit" with favorite characters from other books and see how their lives are progressing.

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  16. What I enjoy about a series set in a small town is the recurring characters that become familiar and like old friends.

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  17. I don't think I have read this author. Small town books - love the humor and closeness of characters. And if a series, like seeing them again.

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