Sometimes dreams change…and sometimes it takes a dream reader to make it happen. When Jaden Wilde’s girlfriend turns down his marriage proposal just months before he receives his master’s in counseling, he’s convinced that it’s cold feet. Until he learns that her no came at the advice of a new age “dream reader.” But Arsula’s hardly the woo-woo hippie his scholarly mind imagined. She’s charming, smart, and uncannily perceptive. And before long, he’s drawn to her—despite his ongoing skepticism for how her practice works. Arsula’s intuitions led her to Birch Bay not to guide Jaden’s girlfriend—but to guide him to his best life possible. As the odd one out in an unsupportive family, Arsula can relate to the struggle to find one’s path, and she wants to see Jaden with the woman of his dreams. Although she’s cautious of being the rebound girl, what she’s starting to feel for him is too real to ignore. When Jaden’s own volatile family issues come to a head and his doubts are made resoundingly clear, Arsula worries she’s misread the signs. Maybe they’re all wrong for each other. Maybe he should be with his ex. She’s supported him, but if he can’t believe in her, how will they ever find out if they’re truly meant to be?
This story starts with a bang and then throws the book at you (literally)! I might have guessed how the ending would fall into place, but who can pass up the gossip and drama that must happen as their story unfolds. When the person who encouraged the breakup ends up falling in love with the man, its just too juicy to look away from. There were so many train wrecks waiting to happen, it was fun to watch them unfold. I loved the father element to this story as well, but really both fathers and the entire dynamic of the family's involvement pulls at your heartstrings. Everyone wants to be loved and accepted, yes of course by a significant other, but first and full most by your family. I still secretly strive as an adult for the respect of my parents. If they are proud of what I'm doing, then I know I've fully succeeded. It might not be the most healthy, but this story showcases that journey of striving for your parents approval and how to be confident in your dreams no matter what.
I received a free, advance copy of this book from the publisher. This is my unbiased and voluntary review.
