Where Dreams Meet by Moore, Mackley, Frank, Kelly

Where Dreams Meet
by Jennifer Moore,
Renae Weight Mackley,
Carolyn Twede Frank,
Carla Kelly

ISBN-13: 9781524421526
Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Covenant Communications
Released: July 1st 2022

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
"To Love a Spy" by Jennifer Moore
New York, 1781. Despite her family's betrayal of the Crown, Susannah Partridge remains loyal to the king. But when she becomes embroiled in the treasonous activities of her charming neighbor, Eli Matthews, Susannah must determine where her allegiance truly lies

"Southern Belle, Yankee Heart" by Renae Weight Mackley
Richmond, 1861. The Union is splintering, and Northern dressmaker Rebecca Steed finds herself stuck in the South with little money and even less hope. But being stranded in Virginia comes with an unexpected silver lining in the form of Nathan Hill, a man whose opposition to slavery and determination to do what is right quickly win her affection. But how can she give her heart to a Confederate soldier?

"Where Dreams Meet" by Carolyn Twede Frank
New York, 1892. When Jane O'Shea arrives at Ellis Island from Ireland, she has nothing but a desire to make her way in the world. With help from Peter Dockery, a gentle stranger, Jane embarks on her new life. As the couple faces seemingly insurmountable odds, they discover that adversity is better faced alongside the one you love.

"The Sun, Moon, Stars, and You" by Carla Kelly
Washington, DC, 1905. Nothing could have prepared Lieutenant Hank Thornton for his new post in Washington, DC. As a military aide to President Teddy Roosevelt in the White House, Hank is to be nothing more than a dashing dance partner at various political events. It isn't until he meets Minnie Gallagher, an intrepid copy corrector at a local paper, that he begins to see the possibilities of this odd assignment.


My Review:
Where Dreams Meet is a collection of 4 short historical romance stories. There's no sex or bad language.

"To Love a Spy" is set in New York, 1781. Rebecca's a loyalist and works in an inn housing British officers. Their neighbor, Eli, is friends with everyone, and she's drawn to his caring personality. Then she realizes that he's spying on their British friends for the rebels. She saves him from discovery but demands to know why he's spying. The characters were likable and had some complexity. There was some suspense. 3.5 stars.

"Southern Belle, Yankee Heart" is set in Richmond, 1861. Rebecca travels to Virginia and buys cotton dress fabric only to be stuck there when a new law prevents cotton fabric from going north. She stays long enough to make dresses from the fabric. After initially avoiding the handsome traveler who stays at the boarding house on the weekends, she agrees to make him a fine shirt. She's immediately infatuated. He explains that he doesn't support slavery but feels he should support his state by joining the Confederate army. She returns north and decides she just doesn't belong with her loving family or friends anymore because she thinks constantly about this man she hardly knows. She returns to Virginia and learns that she can see him for a few minutes every week. She feels this confirms that God wills for her to move there and sew shirts for the Confederates. Um, seriously? Infatuated girl abandons her family, goes into danger against her father's advice, and even puts her father in danger (as he works for the US government and she could be used as hostage against him)? Very shallow story. 1 star.

"Where Dreams Meet" is set in New York, 1892. Immigrant Jane has an ugly birthmark on her neck that she keeps hidden. When a strange man helps her get to her aunt, she's kind in return despite the ugly purple birthmark across his face. She learns that he's shunned in their community, but they become friends. Her own family doesn't treat her well, but Peter won't propose until he can find the deed proving he's the rightful owner of his property, which his greedy neighbors plan to take from him. Likable, complex characters. Personality quirks cause some naturally-occurring tension between Jane and Peter, but they realize and admit when they're wrong and learn to work together as a team. Nice. 4 stars.

"The Sun, Moon, Stars, and You" is set in Washington, DC, 1905. Lieutenant Hank is selected to escort ambassador's daughter's at balls and social events. Only Hank's not a good dancer and too blunt to be diplomatic. He's stuck escorting Alice, the president's daughter, who's well known to be outspoken and difficult. At his boarding house, he falls for the kind, strong Minnie who wishes to be a reporter, but the paper she works at only allows men to write articles. She writes an article about a suffragette meeting, which Alice wants to read. It ends up in unexpected hands, and Minnie must decide what she really wants in her future. Enjoyable characters who had some complexity. Interesting historical setting (with Alice's upcoming wedding). 4 stars.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.