Devon's Dream

by Anne Ashby

Time reveals all secrets. Single mum Devon fled Auckland as a pregnant teenager and made a life for herself and her daughter, Trix, in Australia. With her musical career blossoming their future is set. But a car accident while visiting Auckland puts Devon in intensive care and she awakens to learn she has sent Trix to her father. Ignorant of Trix's existence, widowed Rick is bewildered and angry at losing twelve years of his daughter's life. He will not be denied another day with Trix. Trix loves being part of an extended family. To her mother's consternation she tricks Devon into accepting an invitation to stay at Rick's house after release from hospital but will her plan work? Could her scheming bring her parents together?

Nook

First published September 1, 2010

About the author

Anne Ashby grew up in a very small coastal town in Southland, New Zealand. An eagerness to see the world led her to join the Royal NZ Navy where she enjoyed a very satisfying career. She has travelled extensively and lived in Singapore and Maryland, USA. When not reading or writing, Anne enjoys hanging out with her family and old Navy friends. She promises herself that one day she’ll catalogue all her genealogy research. She and her husband live in Auckland with children and grandchildren close by.
http:// www.anneashby.com

Reviews

[Lynette Sofras · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won’t attempt to summarise the story because other reviewers have already done this so well. What I will say is how much I enjoyed it. There are no sinister twists and turns, no nasty characters trying to throw a spanner in the works for Rick and Devon, but it is, nevertheless, a tightly woven, and very complex love story all about second chances…and dreams.
It’s so interesting to see what powerful obstacles we place in our own destinies, and both Devon and Rick are guilty of this. Watching the pair overcome these obstacles, in the form of preconceived ideas, mistaken assumptions etc, is what makes this story so delightful. Well, that and the fact that the characters are so beautifully drawn that it’s impossible not to become involved from the very beginning, when Rick’s life is turned upside down by the re-appearance of an old flame… and the feisty 12 year old daughter he never knew he had.
This is a lovely, cosy read; a clean romance, yet the chemistry between the estranged lovers keeps the sexual tension soaring. You have to keep reading to see who will drop his or her guard first and put the other one out of their misery. It’s a really nice story that kept me engrossed for several days. I looked forward to my nightly read, and now I’ve finished it, I know I’ll miss those colourful characters who invited me into their lives and made me feel like a part of their very real family.

[Jenny Twist · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devon Smith is badly-injured in a car crash and whilst still befuddled by pain-killers asks for Rick Lawton to look after her daughter, Trix. But she hasn't seen Rick for thirteen years – not since she discovered she was pregnant with his child – and Rick has no idea that he has a twelve-year-old daughter.
This is a heartwarming tale of love lost and regained. You can pretty well guess from the start how it is all going to turn out, but there are some surprises, mainly provided by the sub-plots.
In the years since their love affair, Rick has married and fathered another child, the delightful Davey, but he is now a widower, bringing up his son with the help of his equally lovable parents.
Devon, on the other hand, has gone on to become a famous singer and musician and is now having to come to terms with the possibility that her badly-damaged hands may never allow her to perform again.

I was very taken with this story. Ms Ashby writes well and fluently. The plot is interesting and different and her characters are all likeable. The only villain in the piece is already dead. I rather liked it that way. I loved all the characters and I was willing Devon and Rick to stop agonising over their feelings for each other and get back together. What did surprise me was how moving I found the final scenes.
A very satisfying read.

Jenny Twist, author

[LynnMarie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clare's Review

Devon’s career doesn’t leave time for men, especially not Rick, her best friend’s brother that she fell in love with when she was thirteen. As far as she knows he’s married and happy and way out of reach. One tie to him is enough and its best he knows nothing about that. Until a car accident changes everything.

One phone call is all it takes to change Rick's life for ever. At first he thinks it’s a mistake, that the Rick the critically injured Devon is calling for isn’t him. Then the truth sinks in. The young girl she is asking him to take care of could be his daughter. The result of a weekend they spent together several years ago.

Devon’s Dream is a lovely story of second chances, of learning to trust again and to put the past behind you. It brilliantly tackles the subject of a child finding family she’d never realised and trying to find her place in it, without it being trite or forced, and without pushing the main characters to one side.

This is one story you’ll want to read again.


4 Tea Cups!

[Tifferz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was completely captivated with the story and characters in Devon's Dream. Ms. Ashby has weaved an emotional love story with unforgettable people. It is amazing what one phone call can do. It can change your whole life and it does for Rick. I think that Trix and Davey characters were perfect. Trix is so feisty and Davey in need and awe. Devon and Rick are more complex and Ricks parents are so fun. They all seemed to come to life and I felt a connection with them. I like to feel a connection to the people I read about. Ms. Ashby totally delivers. One of my favorite parts of the book was the mess that Davey gets himself into and how Devon helps him out! I honestly think this is a must read story! I can't wait till Ms. Ashby's next book! I know it will be awesome!

Just FYI~ This does contain a few swear words.

[Crystal (Books Are Sanity!!!) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel was great and it pulled me into a roller coaster ride of emotions right away! Rick, Trix and Devon's story is one worth reading. Trix was a wonderful character and so full of spunk! I enjoyed seeing the dynamics between all of the characters, not just the main ones. The characters seemed real and were likeable even with their flaws. The setting is gorgeous and it makes me want to visit New Zealand one day! This is a great read about lost love and trying to put a family back together amidst physical difficulties. If you enjoy YA and romance novels with great characters, then you will enjoy Devon's Dream! Four stars out of five. (This book contains some sensual scenes)

I received a copy of this book for free. This is my honest review.

[Janet Horrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down. A very tragic story that resolved into a happy ending. Devon found herself in an unenviable position. The answer was there but the choice was taken from her. As I read through and the timeline progressed with the ups and downs of life so familiar to many of us, and identifiable to the reader, it was easy to identify with the characters. As in all stories, one must read through to the end to find the answer.
A highly recommended read and a great book choice for any gift occasions.

[Anne Ashby]

DEVON'S DREAM - I found Ashby's writing style fresh and intriguing...
...I stayed on my toes throughout the entire book. I certainly didn't want the story to end.
...The paths her characters took were distinctive as well as emotional. The sensuality was subtle yet dynamic. The scenery of New Zealand was brought into her story quite ingeniously...
...I will certainly look for other books by Ashby. Great job, Ms. Ashby!"
~Brenda Talley, The Romance Studio

[Karen Jury · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love all of Anne's books. She is great at weaving characters and locations together in an interesting way