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When Dreams Come True: A Gothic Cornwall Romance of an Earl's Passionate Rescue and a Secret That Could Shatter Everything
Everyone knew the Earl of Penhollow needed a wife, so one thunderous night the villagers gathered together to ask the ocean to deliver a bride to the bachelor lord . . . When Pierce Kirrier rescues a mysterious beauty from the billowing ocean waves, he has no idea who she is or where she came from. But at first sight of this enchanting maiden, he knows he must claim her for his own. Taking her back to Penhollow Hall, he pampers her like a princess, determined to win her trust and her heart. For Eden, awakening in an elegant bedchamber in a remote corner of Cornwall is like a perfect dream. In Pierces arms she has discovered true love, true joy, and a passion she never imagined could exist. Yet she knows in her heart that, once her secret past catches up with her, her dreams could be shattered . . . forever.
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 1, 1998
33 people are currently reading
461 people want to read
About the author
Cathy Maxwell
72 books2,205 followersCATHY MAXWELL spends hours in front of her computer pondering the question, "Why do people fall in love?" It remains for her the mystery of life and the secret to happiness.
She lives in the Austin, TX area where she is having the time of her life.
Visit her on Instagram, Twitter, FB, and TikTok at maxwellcathy (Yes, some other Cathy Maxwell nabbed the handle. However, she does own www.cathymaxwell.com and she'd love for you to swing by.)
She lives in the Austin, TX area where she is having the time of her life.
Visit her on Instagram, Twitter, FB, and TikTok at maxwellcathy (Yes, some other Cathy Maxwell nabbed the handle. However, she does own www.cathymaxwell.com and she'd love for you to swing by.)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
March 20, 2014
Now published on my blog, Buried Under Romance
Widow Haskell and the people of Hobbles Moor gathered around to cast a love spell that will bring the perfect woman for their wonderful Cornish earl, Pierce Kirrier. And it did. In the form of Eden, a young woman rescued by Pierce after being shipwrecked on route to a harem.
Eden is a brave heroine who grew up in a brothel after being rescued from the London rookries by Madame Indrani, and taught the sensual arts to pleasure her future buyer. This was the fate she was made for, yet she wanted a better one, and in courage she escaped the ship carrying her to her buyer, and found herself in the arms of a handsome, caring man.
Pierce, the Earl of Penhallow, has avoided marriage thus far. But he did because he didn't want a miserable marriage like his mother's, nor did he want only the partial affections of his future bride. It was love he sought, and love he found.
Both characters are graced with good looks, but even when the physical attraction is between the two, Pierce nonetheless sought to do the honorable thing by Eden and never went beyond irreparable boundaries. Their love grew in each interaction, and it wasn't just infatuated beauty, but a caring that went into the heart, and an understanding of what they each sought for in a soul mate.
The first 3/4 of the book was very breezy and light hearted, filled with humorous interactions as the servants keep pushing Pierce and Eden together (as they believe Eden was given by the spell) and even the mean sentiments expressed by Lady Penhallow became sympathized when her fears were told. The rest of the book was really a test of their love, once Eden's past was revealed. The hurdle the two must face together brought out realistic emotions, and deeply felt ones until the story reaches the final and true HEA, for every marriage must have challenges.
This book is indeed a page turner, as the pages bloomed with happiness when Pierce and Eden slowly fell in love, and became more turmoiled later on. The resolution of the crisis was simple, and almost a little unbelievable, but it proved the theme of needing a marriage be a true union of souls. The secondary characters proved to be comic reliefs - especially the Willises - and added to the overall gentleness and calmness of the story.
After reading this, I bear a huge smile on my face, and I highly recommend this as an evening read by a cozy fire.
Widow Haskell and the people of Hobbles Moor gathered around to cast a love spell that will bring the perfect woman for their wonderful Cornish earl, Pierce Kirrier. And it did. In the form of Eden, a young woman rescued by Pierce after being shipwrecked on route to a harem.
Eden is a brave heroine who grew up in a brothel after being rescued from the London rookries by Madame Indrani, and taught the sensual arts to pleasure her future buyer. This was the fate she was made for, yet she wanted a better one, and in courage she escaped the ship carrying her to her buyer, and found herself in the arms of a handsome, caring man.
Pierce, the Earl of Penhallow, has avoided marriage thus far. But he did because he didn't want a miserable marriage like his mother's, nor did he want only the partial affections of his future bride. It was love he sought, and love he found.
Both characters are graced with good looks, but even when the physical attraction is between the two, Pierce nonetheless sought to do the honorable thing by Eden and never went beyond irreparable boundaries. Their love grew in each interaction, and it wasn't just infatuated beauty, but a caring that went into the heart, and an understanding of what they each sought for in a soul mate.
The first 3/4 of the book was very breezy and light hearted, filled with humorous interactions as the servants keep pushing Pierce and Eden together (as they believe Eden was given by the spell) and even the mean sentiments expressed by Lady Penhallow became sympathized when her fears were told. The rest of the book was really a test of their love, once Eden's past was revealed. The hurdle the two must face together brought out realistic emotions, and deeply felt ones until the story reaches the final and true HEA, for every marriage must have challenges.
This book is indeed a page turner, as the pages bloomed with happiness when Pierce and Eden slowly fell in love, and became more turmoiled later on. The resolution of the crisis was simple, and almost a little unbelievable, but it proved the theme of needing a marriage be a true union of souls. The secondary characters proved to be comic reliefs - especially the Willises - and added to the overall gentleness and calmness of the story.
After reading this, I bear a huge smile on my face, and I highly recommend this as an evening read by a cozy fire.
September 8, 2019
Hayaller Gerçek Olunca
"Herkesin hayatında küçücük de olsa sihir barındırdığına inanmaya ihtiyacı vardır. Eğer inanmasaydık hayata yaşamaya değer olmazdı."
"Evlilik iki ruhun birliğidir. Biri serbest kalmak isterse diğeri için de umut yoktur."
Bu aralar historical'a takmış durumdayım. Elim, hep bu tarz romanları okumaya gidiyor. Kitabı bookstagram sayfalarının birinde gördüm ve orda baya okuyucuyu güldüreceği yazıyordu. Ve ben komik historical kitaplara bayılan birisi olarak, hemen kitaba başladım. Açıkçası kitaba beklentiyle yaklaşmak, benim kitaba olan bakış açımı değiştirdi. Kitaba gülmek için başladığımdan ve fazla gülemediğimden, kitap benim için biraz hayal kırıklığı oldu desem yalan olmaz. Ama kitap kurgusuyla güzeldi her ne kadar güldürmese de.
Lordumuz, biraz yabni bir tip. Lord, Londra sosyetesine pek düşkün değil hatta onlardan nefret ediyor. Bir lord için bu durum, fazlasıyla trajikomik duruyor. Lordumuz, halkıyla iç içe yaşayan ve halk tarafından büyütülmüş. Ve halk tarafından seçilmiş bir halk kahramanı diyebiliriz. Ve artık bu halk kahramanın varis verme vakti geldi geçiyor. Huysuz lordumuz evlenmek istemeyince halk büyüye başvururak, göklere konteslerini getirmesi için hep bir ağızdan el ele bu büyüye tutunuyor. Bu sahneler hafif gülümsetti beni ve kitaba mistik bir hava katıp beni meraklandırdı.
Şimdi ise gelelim asıl kızımız Eden'e. Kızımızın ilk nerden geldiğini anladığımda biraz şoka girmiş olabilirim. Dedim bu iş nasıl olcak falan derken olaylar başladı. Kızımız hiç beklemediğimiz bir yerden geliyor ve tamamiyle masum. Bu durum aslında her ne kadar beklenmedik de olsa da yazar o durumu güzel açıklamıştı.
Ve harem konusuna gelecek olursak, bizim televizyonlarda haremi hep güzel bir yer olarak gösteriyorlar ama haremin diğer gerçek yüzü bu. Sandığımız gibi herkes sultan olmuyor herkes oraya isteyerek ya da bu durumu bir lütuf olarak görerek o hareme girmiyor. Bazı genç kızlar, sırf bir heves uğruna o saray duvarlarında solup ölüyor. Neyse ki kızımız, şans eseri hayatının rotasını değiştirirek Kont Pierce ile karşılaşıyor. Ucuz atlattın Eden, özellikle o sultan tehlikesinden sonra😂
Eden ve Pierce arasında sanki bir şeyler eksikti ve hala ne olduğunu çözemiyorum ama bir şey eksikti. Mesela kadın aşırı güzeldi ve Pierce zaten onu görünce vuruldu ne bileyim ben daha meşakkatli aşık olma olaylarını sevdiğim için bu durum pek samimi gelmedi.
Pierce bazı yerlerde o kadar düşünceli o kadar insacıldı ki... Ama sonlara doğru Pierce'in saçını başını yolmamak için zor durdum. Kızımız da ayrı uyuz etti beni. Sen anlatsana adama sen de rahatla adam da rahatlasın. Hoş anlatsa da endişelendiği gibi adam onla birlikteliğini resmileştirir miydi bu da büyük bir soru. Pierce, bence Eden'ı çok kırdı. Eden onu hemen affetmemeliydi ve süründürmeliydi birkaç yıl.
Özellikle çözüm bu kadar burunlarının dibindeyken onların salakça didişmeleri beni çıldırttı. Buldukları çözümü, para sorunu ortaya çıktığı ilk anda bulmuştum. Hatta Eden'ın da hemen bunu akıl edip parayı önüne koyacağını ve onu pişmanlığıyla yalnız bırakacağını umdum. Çünkü kadın ondan sır saklıyordu ve Lord da buna razı olmuştu bunu bilerek evlendi. Hem kıza emrivakiyle evlenme teklif etti. Biraz daha anlayışlı olması gerekirdi ama yazar tam bir gerçek erkek profili çizdiği için benim istediğim anlayış absürt olurdu. Sadece tek diyeceğim Eden onu süründürseydi ama olmadı😪
Bazı laflar ve davranışlar ne olursa olsun yapılmamalı ancak Pierce bunu yaptı. O yüzden ona kızgınım. Şükret Pierce ben bu kitabı yazmış olsam sen varisleri rüyanda görürdün.
Kitabı hem sevip hem sevmemek arasında kaldığımdan üç puanla kapatıyorum yorumu.
"Herkesin hayatında küçücük de olsa sihir barındırdığına inanmaya ihtiyacı vardır. Eğer inanmasaydık hayata yaşamaya değer olmazdı."
"Evlilik iki ruhun birliğidir. Biri serbest kalmak isterse diğeri için de umut yoktur."
Bu aralar historical'a takmış durumdayım. Elim, hep bu tarz romanları okumaya gidiyor. Kitabı bookstagram sayfalarının birinde gördüm ve orda baya okuyucuyu güldüreceği yazıyordu. Ve ben komik historical kitaplara bayılan birisi olarak, hemen kitaba başladım. Açıkçası kitaba beklentiyle yaklaşmak, benim kitaba olan bakış açımı değiştirdi. Kitaba gülmek için başladığımdan ve fazla gülemediğimden, kitap benim için biraz hayal kırıklığı oldu desem yalan olmaz. Ama kitap kurgusuyla güzeldi her ne kadar güldürmese de.
Lordumuz, biraz yabni bir tip. Lord, Londra sosyetesine pek düşkün değil hatta onlardan nefret ediyor. Bir lord için bu durum, fazlasıyla trajikomik duruyor. Lordumuz, halkıyla iç içe yaşayan ve halk tarafından büyütülmüş. Ve halk tarafından seçilmiş bir halk kahramanı diyebiliriz. Ve artık bu halk kahramanın varis verme vakti geldi geçiyor. Huysuz lordumuz evlenmek istemeyince halk büyüye başvururak, göklere konteslerini getirmesi için hep bir ağızdan el ele bu büyüye tutunuyor. Bu sahneler hafif gülümsetti beni ve kitaba mistik bir hava katıp beni meraklandırdı.
Şimdi ise gelelim asıl kızımız Eden'e. Kızımızın ilk nerden geldiğini anladığımda biraz şoka girmiş olabilirim. Dedim bu iş nasıl olcak falan derken olaylar başladı. Kızımız hiç beklemediğimiz bir yerden geliyor ve tamamiyle masum. Bu durum aslında her ne kadar beklenmedik de olsa da yazar o durumu güzel açıklamıştı.
Ve harem konusuna gelecek olursak, bizim televizyonlarda haremi hep güzel bir yer olarak gösteriyorlar ama haremin diğer gerçek yüzü bu. Sandığımız gibi herkes sultan olmuyor herkes oraya isteyerek ya da bu durumu bir lütuf olarak görerek o hareme girmiyor. Bazı genç kızlar, sırf bir heves uğruna o saray duvarlarında solup ölüyor. Neyse ki kızımız, şans eseri hayatının rotasını değiştirirek Kont Pierce ile karşılaşıyor. Ucuz atlattın Eden, özellikle o sultan tehlikesinden sonra😂
Eden ve Pierce arasında sanki bir şeyler eksikti ve hala ne olduğunu çözemiyorum ama bir şey eksikti. Mesela kadın aşırı güzeldi ve Pierce zaten onu görünce vuruldu ne bileyim ben daha meşakkatli aşık olma olaylarını sevdiğim için bu durum pek samimi gelmedi.
Pierce bazı yerlerde o kadar düşünceli o kadar insacıldı ki... Ama sonlara doğru Pierce'in saçını başını yolmamak için zor durdum. Kızımız da ayrı uyuz etti beni. Sen anlatsana adama sen de rahatla adam da rahatlasın. Hoş anlatsa da endişelendiği gibi adam onla birlikteliğini resmileştirir miydi bu da büyük bir soru. Pierce, bence Eden'ı çok kırdı. Eden onu hemen affetmemeliydi ve süründürmeliydi birkaç yıl.
Özellikle çözüm bu kadar burunlarının dibindeyken onların salakça didişmeleri beni çıldırttı. Buldukları çözümü, para sorunu ortaya çıktığı ilk anda bulmuştum. Hatta Eden'ın da hemen bunu akıl edip parayı önüne koyacağını ve onu pişmanlığıyla yalnız bırakacağını umdum. Çünkü kadın ondan sır saklıyordu ve Lord da buna razı olmuştu bunu bilerek evlendi. Hem kıza emrivakiyle evlenme teklif etti. Biraz daha anlayışlı olması gerekirdi ama yazar tam bir gerçek erkek profili çizdiği için benim istediğim anlayış absürt olurdu. Sadece tek diyeceğim Eden onu süründürseydi ama olmadı😪
Bazı laflar ve davranışlar ne olursa olsun yapılmamalı ancak Pierce bunu yaptı. O yüzden ona kızgınım. Şükret Pierce ben bu kitabı yazmış olsam sen varisleri rüyanda görürdün.
Kitabı hem sevip hem sevmemek arasında kaldığımdan üç puanla kapatıyorum yorumu.
April 11, 2012
"When Dreams Come True" was such a sweet historical romance. This edition is a reprint of an older novel (also available as an ebook).
Eden was a young child living in the gutter in a terrible part of London when she is rescued by Madame Indrani who took her in, sheltered her, educated her, and trained her to be an exclusive mistress for a Sultan in the future. Eden is beautiful and smart, but was still an innocent. Her brief respite from life was her chats with the vicar's wife in a beautiful little garden. Eden learns that she is sold to a Sultan to become part of his harem and believes she has no choice. The vicar's wife told her she could take a chance and safe herself and make her destiny basically her own. Eden takes her opportunity aboard a ship that is to take her away once a storm hits.
She ends up in Cornwall, rescued by the Earl of Penhollow, Pierce Kirrier. Pierce is a self made man. Saving his family and title from ruin from a father who was a drunk, and ruined the family fortunes. The servants and townspeople are such a nice cast of secondary characters who helped raise Pierce become the man who he is. And in turn, Pierce takes care of these people. The town believes in a bit of magic and a Widow who does charms. They convince her to make a charm and ask for a wife for Pierce. Once Eden is shipwrecked everyone is convinced that she is the wife they have asked for. Whether a charm or just a gift of hope Eden and Pierce eventually fall in love.
This is just a sweet story with sweet characters and is enjoyable. Even though not everyone is rooting for this couple to get together. Pierce's mother, bitter from her failed marriage and being stuck in the country, decides because they don't know anything about Eden that she isn't good enough for her son. She enlists the help of the fickle, judgmental gentry to thwart any blooming love. But guess what, love does prevail and Pierce's mother does come around.
When Eden first stayed in Pierce's house she took on the guise that she lost part of her memory to not have to explain her past. Something that should have been explained because it wasn't such a big deal. But Eden was too terrified to tell the truth and afraid that Eden would eventually be found and carried away. Once she fell in love and got married she still couldn't be honest with her husband and reveal her past.
The truth comes to light and makes things much more difficult to resolve. Pierce, who is such a good loving man, must decide if Eden is who he wants. There were more twists and turns to this, but I don't want to reveal too much. In the end the HEA is realized to make this book one very enjoyable read. Eden gets what she always wanted, a home, a name, and a loving mann. I recommend this to any historical romance fan that is looking for a good, light story.
Eden was a young child living in the gutter in a terrible part of London when she is rescued by Madame Indrani who took her in, sheltered her, educated her, and trained her to be an exclusive mistress for a Sultan in the future. Eden is beautiful and smart, but was still an innocent. Her brief respite from life was her chats with the vicar's wife in a beautiful little garden. Eden learns that she is sold to a Sultan to become part of his harem and believes she has no choice. The vicar's wife told her she could take a chance and safe herself and make her destiny basically her own. Eden takes her opportunity aboard a ship that is to take her away once a storm hits.
She ends up in Cornwall, rescued by the Earl of Penhollow, Pierce Kirrier. Pierce is a self made man. Saving his family and title from ruin from a father who was a drunk, and ruined the family fortunes. The servants and townspeople are such a nice cast of secondary characters who helped raise Pierce become the man who he is. And in turn, Pierce takes care of these people. The town believes in a bit of magic and a Widow who does charms. They convince her to make a charm and ask for a wife for Pierce. Once Eden is shipwrecked everyone is convinced that she is the wife they have asked for. Whether a charm or just a gift of hope Eden and Pierce eventually fall in love.
This is just a sweet story with sweet characters and is enjoyable. Even though not everyone is rooting for this couple to get together. Pierce's mother, bitter from her failed marriage and being stuck in the country, decides because they don't know anything about Eden that she isn't good enough for her son. She enlists the help of the fickle, judgmental gentry to thwart any blooming love. But guess what, love does prevail and Pierce's mother does come around.
When Eden first stayed in Pierce's house she took on the guise that she lost part of her memory to not have to explain her past. Something that should have been explained because it wasn't such a big deal. But Eden was too terrified to tell the truth and afraid that Eden would eventually be found and carried away. Once she fell in love and got married she still couldn't be honest with her husband and reveal her past.
The truth comes to light and makes things much more difficult to resolve. Pierce, who is such a good loving man, must decide if Eden is who he wants. There were more twists and turns to this, but I don't want to reveal too much. In the end the HEA is realized to make this book one very enjoyable read. Eden gets what she always wanted, a home, a name, and a loving mann. I recommend this to any historical romance fan that is looking for a good, light story.
October 27, 2017
Ben sevemedim bu kitabı...
Öncelikle karakterlerden hoşlanmadım... Hikaye hoşuma gitmedi... Duygu namına bir şey de hissedemedim.
Öncelikle karakterlerden hoşlanmadım... Hikaye hoşuma gitmedi... Duygu namına bir şey de hissedemedim.
March 9, 2017
Maxwell'in iki okumadığım kitabı vardı evde. Birinden umudum yoktu, diğerini beğenirim diye düşündüm ama resmen tersi çıktı.
Konusunu okuduğumda bu kitabı daha çok beğenirim diye düşünmeme rağmen, diğerinden daha az beğendim. Esasen, bunlar tam benlik konular ama işleyiş devreye girdiğinde kitabın kaderini belirliyor.
Hafif bir mistik havadaydı kitap. Kader olgusunu sonuna kadar hissettiriyor. Sadece erkeğimiz fazla haşindi. Gerçi bu kadınlar niye ısrarla yalan söylüyor ya da gerçekleri saklıyor bilmiyorum ama insanın sevdiğine karşı sarf etmemesi gereken cümleler vardı.
Kitabın en iyi -belki de tek- yanı sonuydu. İnci olayı mükemmel düşünülmüştü.
Redaksiyon mu? Valla ben yazmaya yoruldum artık. Bir hatırlatma mı yapsak? Redaksiyonları Türkçe’ye göre yapacaksınız, İngilizceye göre değil tamam mı? Oldu mu? Anladık mıııı?
Konusunu okuduğumda bu kitabı daha çok beğenirim diye düşünmeme rağmen, diğerinden daha az beğendim. Esasen, bunlar tam benlik konular ama işleyiş devreye girdiğinde kitabın kaderini belirliyor.
Hafif bir mistik havadaydı kitap. Kader olgusunu sonuna kadar hissettiriyor. Sadece erkeğimiz fazla haşindi. Gerçi bu kadınlar niye ısrarla yalan söylüyor ya da gerçekleri saklıyor bilmiyorum ama insanın sevdiğine karşı sarf etmemesi gereken cümleler vardı.
Kitabın en iyi -belki de tek- yanı sonuydu. İnci olayı mükemmel düşünülmüştü.
Redaksiyon mu? Valla ben yazmaya yoruldum artık. Bir hatırlatma mı yapsak? Redaksiyonları Türkçe’ye göre yapacaksınız, İngilizceye göre değil tamam mı? Oldu mu? Anladık mıııı?
July 21, 2017
A beautiful fairytale like romance. I thought it was wonderful from the start. Pierce and Eden were meant for each other, even if they didn't know it. A little magical help from the town couldn't possibly hurt. The summertime is the perfect time to read this.
September 3, 2025
Aslında konu güzeldi ama yazar işleyememiş . Bana çok yüzeysel geldi. Duyguları hissedemedim ve yazar asla içini dolduramamış konunun. Özellikle sonu şipşaktı . Bilmiyorum bana geçmedi duygular.
2.5tan 3 veriyorum .
2.5tan 3 veriyorum .
September 30, 2015
This is a pretty good story. The residents of Cornwall use a love spell to call for their lord, Pierce, the Earl of Penhallow's future bride and soon enough Eden washes up on shore. Eden has grown up in a brothel and been trained to please a man by a courtesan and sold (as a virgin) to an Arabian sheik, but manages to jump ship before delivery. She fakes amnesia, worrying at first that Pierce would send her back. After they've started falling in love, she doesn't tell him the truth about her for fear that he would stop loving her. And so, despite the vitriol spewed forth by his mother, despite not knowing anything about her, Pierce asks Eden to marry him.
And here's where things get dicey and angsty. And a bit spoilerish...
Overall, the characters were enjoyable and the romance pretty steamy. I liked the book, but was irritated with the one thing mentioned in the spoiler. It pretty much colored my reaction to the whole book.
And here's where things get dicey and angsty. And a bit spoilerish...
Overall, the characters were enjoyable and the romance pretty steamy. I liked the book, but was irritated with the one thing mentioned in the spoiler. It pretty much colored my reaction to the whole book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 16, 2012
Posted on Romancing the Book's blog
Reviewed by Jen
Review Copy Provided by Joan Schulhafer Publishing and Consulting
As most of those that follow my reviews know, I’m a fan of historical romances. And I love it when authors give us unique characters instead of your stand cookie-cutter members of the ton. In When Dreams Come True, Cathy Maxwell has woven a magical tale with characters I came to love.
Pierce isn’t your typical earl. He cares nothing for society, preferring to stay in the country tending to his estate. And when his mother pressures him to get married and have children, he puts his foot down and states again and again that he will only marry for love. See, his parents had a loveless marriage and he doesn’t want to go down that same path. So imagine his surprise when the mysterious Eden is in need of rescuing and it’s pretty much love at first sight.
Now, within the first couple chapters the reader learns that Eden isn’t your typical heroine either. She’s not ton. She’s a girl who was taken off the mean streets of London and raised in a high-class brothel, trained in all the social arts only to be sold to the highest bidder. But she takes matters into her own hands by running away… which is why she’s in need of a rescue. She dreams of a life filled with love, children and security, but feels that her past is going to hold her back.
Both Eden and Pierce are dreaming of finding love and as it is with all romances, we follow them achieving that dream. Ms Maxwell has created a memorable tale with a great set of supporting characters and the plot tension needed as Eden’s past catches up to her. I laughed, I cried, and I wanted to smack a few characters upside the head — all marks of a good book. I can’t wait to read more of Ms Maxwell’s books and I wonder why she’s not been on my radar longer.
Reviewed by Jen
Review Copy Provided by Joan Schulhafer Publishing and Consulting
As most of those that follow my reviews know, I’m a fan of historical romances. And I love it when authors give us unique characters instead of your stand cookie-cutter members of the ton. In When Dreams Come True, Cathy Maxwell has woven a magical tale with characters I came to love.
Pierce isn’t your typical earl. He cares nothing for society, preferring to stay in the country tending to his estate. And when his mother pressures him to get married and have children, he puts his foot down and states again and again that he will only marry for love. See, his parents had a loveless marriage and he doesn’t want to go down that same path. So imagine his surprise when the mysterious Eden is in need of rescuing and it’s pretty much love at first sight.
Now, within the first couple chapters the reader learns that Eden isn’t your typical heroine either. She’s not ton. She’s a girl who was taken off the mean streets of London and raised in a high-class brothel, trained in all the social arts only to be sold to the highest bidder. But she takes matters into her own hands by running away… which is why she’s in need of a rescue. She dreams of a life filled with love, children and security, but feels that her past is going to hold her back.
Both Eden and Pierce are dreaming of finding love and as it is with all romances, we follow them achieving that dream. Ms Maxwell has created a memorable tale with a great set of supporting characters and the plot tension needed as Eden’s past catches up to her. I laughed, I cried, and I wanted to smack a few characters upside the head — all marks of a good book. I can’t wait to read more of Ms Maxwell’s books and I wonder why she’s not been on my radar longer.
August 18, 2020
Eden trades one life for another: escaping poverty and starvation for training to be courtesan. When she is sold into a harem, she takes her life into her hands and escapes during a storm. Washing up on the shore in Cornwall, she is rescued by Pierce Kirrier, Earl of Penhollow.
This is a stand-alone book with a little bit of a Little Mermaid twist. I’ve read it multiple times and really enjoy it.
This is a stand-alone book with a little bit of a Little Mermaid twist. I’ve read it multiple times and really enjoy it.
January 19, 2024
Not my favorite historical romance novel. A lot of the vernacular felt inauthentic, and I just wasn't drawn into the story like I am with other similar stories. It's still readable, but I wouldn't read it again or recommend it. Also, there are a couple sex scenes, just FYI.
PLOT
Eden works in a "high-end" brothel in London, after she was saved several years earlier from a life on the streets as a homeless urchin by its female proprieter. The owner, Madame Indrani, was an escaped sex slave herself, and she taught her girls to behave like noble ladies (with the additional education in the "sensual arts"). However, Eden is still a virgin - and the Madame is planning on selling her to the highest bidder. When the sale offer finally comes through from a foreign Arab royal, Eden takes her chances during a storm on the high seas to escape her fate.
At the same time, the local Cornwall villagers have asked their soothsayer to cast a spell to bring a wife to their beloved Lord Pierce. What happens when the old crone's spell seems to have worked, bringing Eden to Cornwall's rocky shores? Will Eden be able to trust the handsome lord with the truth about her past? Or will her past catch up with her and ruin her beloved's livelihood?
PLOT
Eden works in a "high-end" brothel in London, after she was saved several years earlier from a life on the streets as a homeless urchin by its female proprieter. The owner, Madame Indrani, was an escaped sex slave herself, and she taught her girls to behave like noble ladies (with the additional education in the "sensual arts"). However, Eden is still a virgin - and the Madame is planning on selling her to the highest bidder. When the sale offer finally comes through from a foreign Arab royal, Eden takes her chances during a storm on the high seas to escape her fate.
At the same time, the local Cornwall villagers have asked their soothsayer to cast a spell to bring a wife to their beloved Lord Pierce. What happens when the old crone's spell seems to have worked, bringing Eden to Cornwall's rocky shores? Will Eden be able to trust the handsome lord with the truth about her past? Or will her past catch up with her and ruin her beloved's livelihood?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 9, 2020
I wished this book was a bit longer. For some reason, everything seemed to happen very quickly in this book for me. Compared to other typical characters of historical romance books, the hero and the heroine of this book realized that they are in love with each other without at least making me wait too long. I loved Pierce for being always kind and caring toward Eden, well of course except in the one or two final chapters. But, I guess his behavior is forgivable since he realized his feelings quickly and apologized. I also loved Eden for being so caring, loving and most specially for taking such a huge risk. Thank you Eden for not running away from Pierce and wasting a chapter! I also liked that the BIG SECRET didn't cause too many problems and was resolved quite nicely. I very much adored the secondary characters. If you're looking for a hero who isn't a scoundrel graduated from Eton and Cambridge/Oxford, who believes in love and heroine who is from different social class, this is the book for you! Highly recommended!
April 5, 2020
1.5/2
Silly & eye-roll educing, and overall just blah.
I really don't like insta-love in general.. add this book's "magical" element (the Widow Haskell and the whole ceremony by the sea, then Eden coming out the water like a Siren, her nickname at the brothel was Siren, etc. etc. barf), the brothel training, but of course she's still a virgin, don't worry, and the whole town's acceptance (rooting) for her and Pierce, an Earl(!), to get together was just too much for one book. The ending with the Earl's mother getting in on it to help Eden keep Pierce after the reveal, was just the garbage icing on the stale cake.
Silly & eye-roll educing, and overall just blah.
I really don't like insta-love in general.. add this book's "magical" element (the Widow Haskell and the whole ceremony by the sea, then Eden coming out the water like a Siren, her nickname at the brothel was Siren, etc. etc. barf), the brothel training, but of course she's still a virgin, don't worry, and the whole town's acceptance (rooting) for her and Pierce, an Earl(!), to get together was just too much for one book. The ending with the Earl's mother getting in on it to help Eden keep Pierce after the reveal, was just the garbage icing on the stale cake.
July 1, 2023
Cathy Maxwell books are either hit or miss, for me; but this book was a hit. I loved Eden and Pierce's relationship. Pierce got to know Eden before he even kissed her. He was a true gentleman.
Eden was sold to a Prince for his harem; but on the way to her new home the ship she was on was caught up in a big storm. Even with 2 men guarding her, Eden made her escape in a rowboat and ran away. Pierce is fishing, with his friend, when he notices the boat and saves Eden from being crushed on the rocks.
Pierce was charmed by Eden, against his mother's wishes. Eden knew she should run away, buts she fell more in love, with Pierce, with each passing day.
Eden was sold to a Prince for his harem; but on the way to her new home the ship she was on was caught up in a big storm. Even with 2 men guarding her, Eden made her escape in a rowboat and ran away. Pierce is fishing, with his friend, when he notices the boat and saves Eden from being crushed on the rocks.
Pierce was charmed by Eden, against his mother's wishes. Eden knew she should run away, buts she fell more in love, with Pierce, with each passing day.
not-for-me
January 19, 2026No rating, DNF too early into the book.
I only got a few chapters in to this book and once I realized that the MMC was already enamored with his new beautiful rescued lady, I lost all interest.
I love to watch the MCs fall in love slowly, not for it to happen in the blink of an eye. So what was left for me to anticipate were the antics of the nasty mother of the hero, the madam that the heroine was trying to hide from, the secrets that were being withheld to be found out.... and that's not what I was looking for. That's too much angst and not enough romance for me.
I only got a few chapters in to this book and once I realized that the MMC was already enamored with his new beautiful rescued lady, I lost all interest.
I love to watch the MCs fall in love slowly, not for it to happen in the blink of an eye. So what was left for me to anticipate were the antics of the nasty mother of the hero, the madam that the heroine was trying to hide from, the secrets that were being withheld to be found out.... and that's not what I was looking for. That's too much angst and not enough romance for me.
June 24, 2019
A bit far fetched, which always makes me feel silly to say when talking about a romance like this. Very much a romantic fantasy.
August 10, 2022
3.25 ~ 3.5
Read
September 17, 2025A quick fun read... the Beauty groomed to be a sultan's courtisan makes her escape, maybe thanks to conjuring of the local wise woman seeking a suitable bride for the local earl?
April 29, 2012
Originally posted at: http://www.longandshortreviews.blogsp...
Magic, marvelous meddling, a Madame, a man (what a man!) along with storms and charms all manage to play a part in moving Eden toward her destiny and give the reader a romance to remember.
Beautiful Eden, nicknamed “The Siren”, accepts her life for what it is. Taken from the mean streets of London, reared in an upscale brothel, and educated better than most women of her time, she has just been sold to Sultan Ibn Sibah for a phenomenal price. While she accepts her fate, deep inside she fears what lies ahead.
When her only friend, Mary—the vicar’s wife, gives her a special medallion and says, “May you have the courage to free yourself”, Eden struggles to reconcile what she feels she owes Madame Indrani and what she wants from life.
A storm and Eden’s courage to act changes the course of her life. When her strength fails, Lord Pierce is in the right place at the right time to save her from crashing against the rocks along Cornwall’s coast. Thus begins the fulfillment of a wish the Widow Haskell and the people of Penhollow Hall had made for the Earl of Penhollow, Pierce Kirrier.
Lord Pierce, shepherded to adulthood by the people of Penhollow, rebuilt the family fortune his deceased father had wasted. He knows he must marry but has not come to terms with his selfish mother’s demands. She, daughter of a rich tradesman and wife of a nobleman, strives to belong and intends that Pierce marry a biddable girl of noble blood. When he brings home the unconscious Eden, Lady Penhollow sees her beauty and sees the way Pierce looks at her--action must be taken.
Conflicts abound making When Dreams Come True captivating. However, the most compelling element is the remarkable connection between Eden and Pierce. Trying to protect him, Eden cannot bring herself to confide in him, yet she loves him with all her heart and soul. Pierce does not understand what she's about and sends men to try to find out who she really is, but he wants her regardless of her true identity.
The secondary characters meddle freely in Eden’s and Pierce’s lives. Both friends and adversaries do all kinds of manipulations in their efforts to influence. Betsy, Mrs. Meeks, Widow Haskell, and others who helped raise Pierce may not be high in Society, but they do wield power that's amazing. They also create joy, humor, and show loyalty and true friendship that give the story buoyancy. Many of the characters who need to stay in Lord Pierce’s good graces perceive Eden as a threat and plot with malice against her not knowing anything about the horrible threat Madame Indrani and the Sultan’s men are to her.
The climax with the sacrifice Lord Pierce is willing to pay to protect Eden and the resolution that comes from such an awesome source (truly, poetic justice) caps off this exciting, passionate, and magical romance. When Dreams Come True is hard to put down.
Cathy Maxwell’s smooth flowing writing style, her exquisite descriptions, and the sensual, shimmering love she immerses the hero and heroine in is breathtakingly beautiful. Totally satisfying!
Magic, marvelous meddling, a Madame, a man (what a man!) along with storms and charms all manage to play a part in moving Eden toward her destiny and give the reader a romance to remember.
Beautiful Eden, nicknamed “The Siren”, accepts her life for what it is. Taken from the mean streets of London, reared in an upscale brothel, and educated better than most women of her time, she has just been sold to Sultan Ibn Sibah for a phenomenal price. While she accepts her fate, deep inside she fears what lies ahead.
When her only friend, Mary—the vicar’s wife, gives her a special medallion and says, “May you have the courage to free yourself”, Eden struggles to reconcile what she feels she owes Madame Indrani and what she wants from life.
A storm and Eden’s courage to act changes the course of her life. When her strength fails, Lord Pierce is in the right place at the right time to save her from crashing against the rocks along Cornwall’s coast. Thus begins the fulfillment of a wish the Widow Haskell and the people of Penhollow Hall had made for the Earl of Penhollow, Pierce Kirrier.
Lord Pierce, shepherded to adulthood by the people of Penhollow, rebuilt the family fortune his deceased father had wasted. He knows he must marry but has not come to terms with his selfish mother’s demands. She, daughter of a rich tradesman and wife of a nobleman, strives to belong and intends that Pierce marry a biddable girl of noble blood. When he brings home the unconscious Eden, Lady Penhollow sees her beauty and sees the way Pierce looks at her--action must be taken.
Conflicts abound making When Dreams Come True captivating. However, the most compelling element is the remarkable connection between Eden and Pierce. Trying to protect him, Eden cannot bring herself to confide in him, yet she loves him with all her heart and soul. Pierce does not understand what she's about and sends men to try to find out who she really is, but he wants her regardless of her true identity.
The secondary characters meddle freely in Eden’s and Pierce’s lives. Both friends and adversaries do all kinds of manipulations in their efforts to influence. Betsy, Mrs. Meeks, Widow Haskell, and others who helped raise Pierce may not be high in Society, but they do wield power that's amazing. They also create joy, humor, and show loyalty and true friendship that give the story buoyancy. Many of the characters who need to stay in Lord Pierce’s good graces perceive Eden as a threat and plot with malice against her not knowing anything about the horrible threat Madame Indrani and the Sultan’s men are to her.
The climax with the sacrifice Lord Pierce is willing to pay to protect Eden and the resolution that comes from such an awesome source (truly, poetic justice) caps off this exciting, passionate, and magical romance. When Dreams Come True is hard to put down.
Cathy Maxwell’s smooth flowing writing style, her exquisite descriptions, and the sensual, shimmering love she immerses the hero and heroine in is breathtakingly beautiful. Totally satisfying!
April 21, 2012
This is the first historical romance I've read by Cathy Maxwell and it definitely will not be the last! This story sucked me in from page one and didn't let me go until the end.
Eden was really an awesome heroine because even though she was so innocent and loving, she could still be stubborn and stick up for herself when she needed to. I loved the instant attraction between her and Pierce when he rescued her from the ocean when she was running away from being sold as a mistress from the whorehouse she was living in. Her past was so horrible and it was so sad whenever she thought about how she was in no way good enough to be the wife of the magnificent, gorgeous Pierce. She's such a sweet person, even to people who don't even like her, so I was rooting for things to work out for her throughout the entire story.
Pierce was such a good guy (well, most of the time) and I wanted things to work out with him and Eden SO BAD! It was so cute how everyone in the house (i.e. the servants) were working together to push Pierce and Eden together because they all knew they were perfect for each other. Pierce may have been serious when it came to his business and reputation, but he is such a softie and I loved how much emotion he was capable of showing. He was just the perfect person to rescue Eden from her past life.
Of course, there were many trials along the way, including rescuing children from burning buildings, a strange sorceress, and snobby, stuck-up neighbors/mothers. Everything tests Pierce's feelings for Eden and Eden's determination to keep her disgraceful past a secret form Pierce.
The love story of this book was so sweet and so romantic that I hated to see it end! I'm so happy this book is being republished (it was first published in 1998) because now even more people will be able to experience this adorable historical romance! I would definitely recommend checking this book out! I now I'm checking out what else Cathy Maxwell has in store for her readers!
Eden was really an awesome heroine because even though she was so innocent and loving, she could still be stubborn and stick up for herself when she needed to. I loved the instant attraction between her and Pierce when he rescued her from the ocean when she was running away from being sold as a mistress from the whorehouse she was living in. Her past was so horrible and it was so sad whenever she thought about how she was in no way good enough to be the wife of the magnificent, gorgeous Pierce. She's such a sweet person, even to people who don't even like her, so I was rooting for things to work out for her throughout the entire story.
Pierce was such a good guy (well, most of the time) and I wanted things to work out with him and Eden SO BAD! It was so cute how everyone in the house (i.e. the servants) were working together to push Pierce and Eden together because they all knew they were perfect for each other. Pierce may have been serious when it came to his business and reputation, but he is such a softie and I loved how much emotion he was capable of showing. He was just the perfect person to rescue Eden from her past life.
Of course, there were many trials along the way, including rescuing children from burning buildings, a strange sorceress, and snobby, stuck-up neighbors/mothers. Everything tests Pierce's feelings for Eden and Eden's determination to keep her disgraceful past a secret form Pierce.
The love story of this book was so sweet and so romantic that I hated to see it end! I'm so happy this book is being republished (it was first published in 1998) because now even more people will be able to experience this adorable historical romance! I would definitely recommend checking this book out! I now I'm checking out what else Cathy Maxwell has in store for her readers!
April 7, 2012
The Widow, with the help of several village woman, calls forth a spell to bring a future bride for their Cornish earl, a woman who will grant an heir to this noble family on whom everyone in the area depends. None who participate doubt the event will soon bring forth the promised bride!!!
Meanwhile, the "promised one" is in London hearing words meant to give her strength as she has been told she will embark on a trip to the Middle East to be one of many concubines to a rich Sultan. Eden's one and only friend says words that prove to be the core of this story, "I will pray that God gives you the courage to free yourself." So begins a journey for Eden in which she will draw on that courage to start a new life, one the reader is not sure she will initially survive.
Pierce, Lord Penhollow, has more people trying to arrange a wedding for him than he can stand. Yet he also wonders what would it be like to actually marry a woman for love? A friend warns him that's a dream that drastically changes after the "knot is tied," yet Pierce still dreams. Imagine his surprise on finding a shipwrecked woman whose first look at him with magical green eyes turns his life into a whirlwind of desire and dreams! It also inflames quite a few characters who had their own plans lined up for the Lord!
The plot continues with several challenges to Pierce and Eden's love because of the secret Eden holds to herself. But it turns out that there are many secrets waiting to be revealed and resolved in this well-told romance story. Every romance reader loves a passionate love story, but it's so much better when there is a tangible mystery story tied into it. When Dreams Come True is a tale with plenty of conflict, misunderstandings, and passion! Well done, Cathy Maxwell!
Meanwhile, the "promised one" is in London hearing words meant to give her strength as she has been told she will embark on a trip to the Middle East to be one of many concubines to a rich Sultan. Eden's one and only friend says words that prove to be the core of this story, "I will pray that God gives you the courage to free yourself." So begins a journey for Eden in which she will draw on that courage to start a new life, one the reader is not sure she will initially survive.
Pierce, Lord Penhollow, has more people trying to arrange a wedding for him than he can stand. Yet he also wonders what would it be like to actually marry a woman for love? A friend warns him that's a dream that drastically changes after the "knot is tied," yet Pierce still dreams. Imagine his surprise on finding a shipwrecked woman whose first look at him with magical green eyes turns his life into a whirlwind of desire and dreams! It also inflames quite a few characters who had their own plans lined up for the Lord!
The plot continues with several challenges to Pierce and Eden's love because of the secret Eden holds to herself. But it turns out that there are many secrets waiting to be revealed and resolved in this well-told romance story. Every romance reader loves a passionate love story, but it's so much better when there is a tangible mystery story tied into it. When Dreams Come True is a tale with plenty of conflict, misunderstandings, and passion! Well done, Cathy Maxwell!
September 6, 2012
The town's people of Penhollow worried that the pressure to find a wife, would push their loved Earl Pierce to find the wrong wife. They took it upon themselves to ask the town sorcerer to conjure a spell with their specific requirements and plead to the power of the ocean for his perfect wife to be. Eden as a child, was saved from the dangerous streets and raised in a high end brothel. She was taught the arts of lovemaking but kept a virgin, to be sold to the highest bidder. Doubts and questions gives her the courage to jump from the ship and escape from the people taking her to the wealthy sheik that had just bought her. She is found almost dead, on the shores of town by Pierce and a friend who rescues her. He brings her to his home, against his mother's wishes who sees her as a threat to her plans to find him an adequate wife. Eden is forced to pretend to suffer from amnesia to protect herself and escape but the attraction to Pierce is stronger than her will and stays. On the other hand unknowingly of the danger that it will bring, Pierce promises not to stop looking to find her past. They both want the same love and family, but the secrets and her past finally catches up to test their resolve to love each other.
The author takes you on a beautiful tale of sweet and sensual romance with a spark of secrets and challenging situations. The description of the not so typical characters will make you fall in love with them and will keep you rooting for them to the end. It was a very enjoyable and satisfying read.
The author takes you on a beautiful tale of sweet and sensual romance with a spark of secrets and challenging situations. The description of the not so typical characters will make you fall in love with them and will keep you rooting for them to the end. It was a very enjoyable and satisfying read.
October 12, 2015
The book actually made me overwhelmed with emotion. We can almost always read about how the girl who is from wealthy family married to another wealthy family. However in this story for a change we get to read about a woman who lives in poverty and gotten a chance to change her entire lifestyle.
No doubt desperation will make one to take a desprate move. However we can't fully blame one for their misfortunes . It is indeed a good thing to see people can actually fight for something they held dear to them. In this case is Pierce and his love was a dear thing for Eden.
Eden's innocence and love had made Pierce understand why she did something that cant be comprehended at first but slowly in turn of events he understand the depth of their love. At the end it only shows us we have to speak the truth even if it does hurt people because not everyone will be like Pierce forgiving and forgetting. Honesty is always the best policy.
No doubt desperation will make one to take a desprate move. However we can't fully blame one for their misfortunes . It is indeed a good thing to see people can actually fight for something they held dear to them. In this case is Pierce and his love was a dear thing for Eden.
Eden's innocence and love had made Pierce understand why she did something that cant be comprehended at first but slowly in turn of events he understand the depth of their love. At the end it only shows us we have to speak the truth even if it does hurt people because not everyone will be like Pierce forgiving and forgetting. Honesty is always the best policy.
March 30, 2016
I really did enjoy the book and there was alot of relationship growth between Eden and Pierce but I couldn't help but think how fast it was taking place. I am not one against a connection at first sight but this one was too much on the love side for it to be completely believable. On the other hand big things did take place that would both push them together to realize their feelings and to cause problems for them which i do enjoy in a book other wise it would just be too easy. I do wish the big reavel of Eden's upbringing would've been bigger as I thought it made the story more interesting but it was almost absent from their relationship growth. It just needed a little bit more spice in the plot department considering it was all there just for the taking.
Good none the less
Good none the less
October 21, 2012
Loved it! Wonderfully romantic. Eden was saved as young child from the Rookeries by a Madame & is brought up trained to be a courtesan. She and her virginity is sold to an Arab sheikh (I think it was Arab?!) but Eden escapes when a storm hits the ship she is in; whilst on her journey to him. The hero, Pierce saves her when the lifeboat she fled in washes up to the beach where he is out fishing with a friend & therein starts the story.
Loved the H/H & it was so amusing when Pierce's servants all played matchmaker. Pierce & Eden were wonderful characters & the chemistry between them was amazing. There were light moments, intensely romantic ones; everything one could ask for in a romance.
Couldn't put the book down & read it all in one sitting till 2am in the morning.
Loved the H/H & it was so amusing when Pierce's servants all played matchmaker. Pierce & Eden were wonderful characters & the chemistry between them was amazing. There were light moments, intensely romantic ones; everything one could ask for in a romance.
Couldn't put the book down & read it all in one sitting till 2am in the morning.
July 17, 2016
I came from reading To Have and To Hold which is a much more engrossing and deep historical romance novel. This novel felt like it was just skimming the surface...shallow and trying to deliver a predictable, simple, (and for me) boring story. The hero falls for a heroine that he knows nothing about, except for the fact that she is beautiful. The heroine is attracted to the hero because he is handsome and rescued her. Even the main characters are shallow in this book.
May 1, 2012
I like Cathy Maxwell's books. They are well-written and -research, and her characters are always intriguing. In this book, however, I found the "beautiful virgin rescued from the rookeries and raised in a brothel" heroine very hard to believe. While such a girl *might* be accepted by in the middle class (if they did not know her background), It's a huge leap to think she'd be accepted in the upper echelons of society, even if that society is in Cornwall.
January 12, 2011
This is the second Cathy Maxwell book I've read after Falling in love again, and I have to say I'm enjoying her style very much. These books aren't deep or really thought provoking. I guess I would categorize them as sweet, cute, funny, light hearted. So if you're in need of a book like that... this book would be good.
April 15, 2015
When Dreams Come True was surprisingly good! I liked all of the characters and the pacing of the story. The only thing I would change slightly is the tension between the H/h about her past . . . probably could have shortened that a bit (for my custom preference!).
February 5, 2017
Ve günün ikinci kitabı
Nedense beğenmedim duygu eksiği buldum onu vermede yoksun kalmış gibi geldi
Kıza çok acidım ama orada olmak satılmak ve kaçış ve
Aradığı hayallerinin gerçeğini bulmak
Kitapta çoğu şeyi beğenmesemde en güzel yeri yine sonuydu
Yazarın şuana kadar çeviri olmuş kitapları bitti inşallah yeni kitapları çevrilir ve bende okurum seri olması temennim tabi
Nedense beğenmedim duygu eksiği buldum onu vermede yoksun kalmış gibi geldi
Kıza çok acidım ama orada olmak satılmak ve kaçış ve
Aradığı hayallerinin gerçeğini bulmak
Kitapta çoğu şeyi beğenmesemde en güzel yeri yine sonuydu
Yazarın şuana kadar çeviri olmuş kitapları bitti inşallah yeni kitapları çevrilir ve bende okurum seri olması temennim tabi
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