Dream a Little Dream

Middledip #3

by Sue Moorcroft

What would you give to make your dreams come true?

Liza Reece has a dream. Working as a reflexologist for a troubled holistic centre isn’t enough. When the opportunity arises to take over the Centre she jumps at it. Problem is, she needs funds, and fast, as she’s not the only one interested.

Dominic Christy has dreams of his own. Diagnosed as suffering from a rare sleep disorder, dumped by his live-in girlfriend and discharged from the job he adored as an Air Traffic Controller, he’s single-minded in his aims. He has money, and plans for the Centre that don’t include Liza and her team.

But dreams have a way of shifting and changing and Dominic’s growing fascination with Liza threatens to reshape his. And then it’s time to wake up to the truth ...

*

Award winning author Sue delivers her fifth Choc Lit novel which returns to the setting of her first two novels, Starting Over and All That Mullarkey. Dream a Little Dream includes lovable characters from both novels.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Fiction, Contemporary

336 pages, Paperback

First published September 30, 2012

About the author

Sue Moorcroft is a Sunday Times bestselling author and has held the coveted #1 spot in the Amazon Kindle chart. She's won the Goldsboro Books Contemporary Romantic Novel Award, the Readers Best Romantic Read Award and the Katie Fforde Bursary. She writes contemporary fiction of life and love.

She also writes short stories, serials, articles, columns, courses and writing 'how to'.

An army child, Sue was born in Germany then lived in Cyprus, Malta and the UK. She's worked in a bank, as a bookkeeper (probably a mistake), as a copytaker for Motor Cycle News and for a typesetter, but is pleased to have wriggled out of all 'proper jobs'.

Newsletter sign-up: http://bit.ly/SueMoorcroft-Newsletter

Website: www.suemoorcroft.com
Blog: http://suemoorcroft.wordpress.com.
Twitter: @suemoorcroft
Facebook: sue.moorcroft.3
Instagram: suemoorcroftauthor
Facebook author page: www.facebook.com/SueMoorcroftAuthor.

Reviews

[Shaz Goodwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been eagerly awaiting this novel from Sue Moorcroft. She piqued my interest from her research blog posts … one in June 2011 giving her blog readers information about Dominic Christy and narcolepsy and another in August 2011 relating to further research for fish pedicures. I wanted to see how her research translated into a work of fiction.

Dream a Little Dream begins with a Prologue. Liza and her two best friends are at boyfriend Adam’s 30th birthday party (one of those with all the relatives present and hardly any friends). To relieve her boredom she’s inhaled the helium from one of the balloons … when Adam, up on stage, asks the big question. We know Liza’s answer but not what happened afterwards.

Chapter One we meet Dominic Christy. Dominic was diagnosed 10 months ago with Narcolepsy and cousin Miranda has talked him into trying alternative therapies. Waiting in the treatment room at The Stables for his Reflexology treatment with Miranda, he makes a sexist comment, not realising that Liza has come into the room. This is their first meeting. It’s actually quite a humorous scene! The reader finds out that something terrible must have happened after Adam’s 30th party … but we don’t know what could have such a devastating affect on Liza, making her shut herself off the world and not engaging fully with any relationships whether co-workers or personal. This was definitely a hook for me.

Dominic is looking for a new business venture and when he finds out the lease may be available on The Stables, starts making plans for an outdoor adventure centre, not realising that Liza is also interested and has ideas to expand on the therapies. This is obviously a cause for conflict as their attraction deepens.

Dominic’s best and oldest friend Kenny is due back in the UK soon. He’s qualified to coach, fitting in nicely with Dominic’s plans for The Stables. We soon find out that they both have the same taste in women and agreed years ago that all’s fair in love and war. This is another conflict throughout the story … and it’s not until much later that we find out just how much (not just for Dominic but for Liza too). This was a total shock to me! and I felt quite indignant! Kenny is a secondary character that nevertheless, causes many problems.

As one conflict ends in the story it is replaced with another, hooking the reader on and leading them smoothly into the next tension-laden conflict.

Moorcroft’s research into narcolepsy has been created into something real and tangible. It doesn’t dominate the plot but is an integral part of it – an integral part of who Dominic is. Dominic … an amazing character. So solid and logical but also with such a depth to his feelings and always there when Liza needs him most. I definitely lost my balance at the Halloween fancy dress party (fab descriptions of his costume and what was underneath!) and later, back at Liza’s home! I can’t mention Dominic without also mentioning his sidekick, Crosswind – a dog with plenty of character of his own! Such an entertaining mutt.

Some chapters are led in by messages on the PWN/sleep message boards (People With Narcolepsy). These messages are relevant to the content of the chapter, however, there is another significance to these messages which I have to admit I hadn’t worked out. What a surprise! Loved that I hadn’t worked this out.

Not only have I been entertained by the tension, conflict and romance but I’ve also really enjoyed Moorcroft’s humour and style of writing. For example, when Liza has braved going into town with her friends for the first time in ages, we know something is about to happen …

“What?” Like a child left alone with bedroom monsters, Liza didn’t want to turn and look.”

How brilliant!

And how beautiful is this personification …

“Through the window, he watched the trees in the garden stretching their black arms to the clouds, summer’s green-leaf clothes turned to brown autumn rags.”

Dream a Little Dream is a novel that has engaged all my emotions, hooked me in with the conflict and tension, entertained me with all the characters and kept me on the edge of my seat with the simmering romance. For these reasons, it’s a keeper for me!

Thanks to Choc Lit for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review.

[BestChickLit.com · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know you’ve got a good book when you can no longer control your facial expressions whilst reading it! Dream a Little Dream dips into the worlds of Dominic and Liza as they learn to make their own and each other’s dreams come true, despite their complex personal issues. Dominic is a determined businessman who has recently been diagnosed with narcolepsy and Liza is a reflexologist with a traumatic past, but Moorcroft goes far beyond a simple character portrait and uses a complex mix of personality traits, background issues and character progression to create believable people that you gradually learn to empathise with before you even realise it.

Creating a new world, never experienced before is what writers do, but when they take the time to do the research like Moorcroft has done it really shows. At no point do you feel like you are being taught about a condition, instead you are learning about narcolepsy as if you had a friend who was suffering from it. The online narcolepsy message boards are the perfect way to gain an insight to the vulnerable side of Dominic without any awkward soliloquies. There is something classical about the character descriptions as somehow you not only see them in your mind’s eye, but are also inspired by their beauty. Moorcroft has a powerful control of her narrative and the doggy skateboard show was so captivating that you can imagine what the raunchier scenes are like! Dream a Little Dream is beautifully written, a heart-warming love story and a true demonstration that dreams can become reality if you put in the hard work.

Reviewed by Elizabeth Wright on behalf of BestChickLit.com

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

A welcome addition to Moorcroft’s Middledip set series of novels, this focuses on Liza Reece, a holistic therapist at The Stables. Blighted by her reaction to a marriage proposal, which in turn led to more serious repercussions, Liza leads a buttoned-up, work orientated life. Enter Dominic Christy, ex-air traffic controller, who is dashing and obnoxious, clearly smitten with her and suffering from narcolepsy - they fit well together but, as always, the path to true love never runs smoothly. There are a lot of things to praise with this novel, from the expert characterisation (we know very little about Edward, who runs The Stables, but Sue paints us a vivid picture with one or two sentence and it never leaves us), the locations and the use of narcolepsy, where its clear she’s done a lot of research, but it never appears stiff or educational. Liza is a typical Moorcroft heroine, tough but with a tender side and she’s the sister of Cleo (from “All That Mullarkey” and still one of my all-time favourite female characters ever), revelling in her role as Auntie (Cleo now has a young son and it’s nice to get a snapshot of her life, later on from her own novel) and we want her to do well and move on from the traumas of her life. With a nice jealous/vicious angle from a secondary character, this is never less than readable, moves at a good pace and is full of life. Very much recommended.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

So far I’ve loved all Sue Moorcroft’s novels and had very high expectations for this one – I definitely wasn’t disappointed, it was brilliant! You slide effortlessly into the world she creates and instantly become involved in the lives of her characters, all of them very real and very human. Both the hero and heroine are scarred by past experiences, but from the moment they meet, sparks fly. And what sparks! I loved their banter and even their fights, but I liked the fact that they defended and helped each other even despite their differences. The secondary characters (some of whom we have met before in the author’s other novels) are just as well drawn – I felt tired just reading about being the mother of small children. And the descriptions of the hero’s battle to accept and cope with his newly diagnosed narcolepsy are fascinating – I came away with amazing respect for how someone suffering this sleep disorder has to live their life. Most of all, however, this is a wonderful, heart-warming love story and I thoroughly recommend it!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found the romance between gutsy Liza and handsome narcoleptic Dominic, fascinating, relatable and touching. It is apparent Sue Moorcroft researched the subject of narcolepsy thoroughly, producing an enlightening, intelligent and entertaining book. If you're suffering with the cold on these snowy, winter days, read 'Dream A Little Dream', - the pages generate warmth. A few switch to full power.
It is an uplifting and heart-warming tale, reminding us to never stop dreaming, and I loved it.
What more can I add to the sentence, 'Dream A Little Dream' has been nominated for a RoNA? Except, many congratulations, Sue.
Laura.

[Rosemary Kind · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is one of Sue's best (of the ones I have read so far). The characters are believable and come to life for the reader. There are enough twists and turns to the story line to keep everyone satisfied and an ending that will leave you smiling. I particularly enjoyed a book which actually had a decent role for a dog! That may sound odd but they play such an important role in real life and so rarely get more than a passing reference in fiction. Crosswind (the dog) is a delight.

[Isabella May · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant!

I've read some of the author's newer books so it was time to discover her backlist and this quirky romance had SO much going for it. A truly intriguing plot with some larger than life characters and an epic will-they-won't-they narrative. The Middledip stories are so cosy yet so strong. Moorcroft has unparalleled talent!

[Catherinehaine Haines · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. Good strong characters who have serious baggage to deal with.
I always love a rural setting especially with the young wanting a life that is healthy and uncomplicated.
Another happy ending after a lot of tense moments.

[Sall · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although the last couple of chapters were great I loathed going over and over the issues Liza and Dominic had and the ending irritated me. I am none the wise who got the stables which is why despite normally loving Sue Moorcrofts books I've had to give this one 3 stars.

[harri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Would love to live in middledip

Love the way it brought in people from the other story . Can’t wait to read the next book in the series!!!!!

[Ellyn (Mrs. Darcy in my Dreams) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was boring and the plot that focused on the business arrangements were tedious.

[Claire Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

I struggle with it until half way through. Then it was great!

[S.J. Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet and endearing. A light read with some interesting themes. The hero in particular makes for a memorable character. Highly recommended.

[L · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heart-warming romance full of fascinating premise and contemporary chiqué

Highly acclaimed author of women’s fiction (chick lit) Sue Moorcroft stands alone within this genre, for her novels are unequalled by their unique distinctive flair. These wonderfully readable novels are so beautifully understated that any reader can instantly connect with the author on such a personable level; as though she is reaching out with truth-drawing clarity. It is so refreshing to relax into a good book and feel instant confidence by the assured writing, that the story will be another spectacular sensation and delightful joy. I was not disappointed with ‘Dream a little Dream’ that surpassed all my preceded expectations, by the way in which it effortlessly draws you in to then become entangled in the characters sagas. It is so easy to loose yourself within a book that contains colourful, captivating characters amidst an intensely hypnotic plot. This would make an ideal holiday read, relaxing read with a cup of tea or ‘an escape book’ (where the surrounding world is forgotten for a while). This deliciously dreamy tale is classic contemporary fiction at its very best, by an author who continues to produce outstanding editions for the bookshelf.

Short synopsis ~

What would you give to make your dreams come true?

Liza Reece has a dream. Working as a reflexologist for a troubled holistic centre isn’t enough. When the opportunity arises to take over the Centre she jumps at it. Problem is, she needs funds, and fast, as she’s not the only one interested. Dominic Christy has dreams of his own. Diagnosed as suffering from a rare sleep disorder, dumped by his live-in girlfriend and discharged from the job he adored as an Air Traffic Controller, he’s single-minded in his aims. He has money, and plans for the Centre that don’t include Liza and her team.
But dreams have a way of shifting and changing and Dominic’s growing fascination with Liza threatens to reshape his. And then it’s time to wake up to the truth ...

Award winning author, Sue Moorcroft’s fifth ‘Choc Lit’ novel is an unmissable read. ‘Dream a little Dream’ returns to the setting of her first two novels (Starting Over & All that Mullarkey), complete with characters from past novels included. By cleverly combining dreams and ambitions alongside realistic romance, Sue has created something that appeals to a wide readership. I would highly recommend this wonderful book and thank both the author and Choc Lit publishing for having the opportunity to read this.

*I won a copy of Sue Moorcroft’s novel ‘Dream a little Dream’ through a Goodreads, first-read giveaway*

http://www.choc-lit.co.uk
http://www.choc-lit.co.uk/html/sue_mo... ~ Sue Moorcroft’s published works.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was never into "Chic Lit" books, until I was introduced to this author. I have since read a few authors in this genre, but this one has to be one of my favourites, with every book of Sue Moorcroft's I've read so far hard to put down. This book was no different, in fact I think so far it is definitely my favourite.

Liza is a character that popped up in another of Sue Moorcroft's books "All that Mullarkey" but don't let that put you off, as this is a standalone book and is a brand new story.

Liza and Dominic's chance meeting through an appointment at the Therapy Centre Liza works at, throws up some instant sexual tension, that carries on throughout the book. They are both from failed relationships, that failed for different, yet equally important reasons. Everyone, from friends and family, want them to get together, but they are both very reluctant for this to happen due to being hurt in the past.

I loved the way the author delicately handled the subject of narcolepsy which Dominic suffers from, and it is obvious a lot of research has gone into it the subject matter. It fitted in with the story line extremely well, and added to the interest of the book.

There are some very strong characters in the book, some whom you love and some whom you love to hate. I found them very well written and would love to know if the author has based them on anyone she knows! Maybe I'll ask her for an interview :)

As I thoroughly enjoyed this book, reading it over two sittings, I would love to give you the opportunity to read it. I am therefore offering an e-book version of the book in an International Giveaway. If you've not read this author's books anymore then I really suggest you give them a try!

[CoffeeTimeRomance andMore · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dominic Christy’s life has not been easy lately. He has been diagnosed with Narcolepsy; a rare sleep disorder, and he must give up his career as an air traffic controller, as well as his driver’s license. And to top it all off his fiancé could not handle his disease and had aborted their baby, resulting in a breakup. But he now has a plan, a dream to move forward in his life to be happy again.

Liza Reece is a reflexologist for a troubled Holistic Centre. She too has had a hard time lately. A bad break up with her boyfriend left her feeling guilty when she turned down his proposal and he tried to commit suicide. But an opportunity surfaces to buy the centre and she starts a process of ideas that just may work if she can get the financing.

Liza and Dominic seem to butt heads from the beginning, yet there is such sparking chemistry between them. Too bad they both want the same place for their dreams. Can they work together to make both their dreams come true? In order to do that, both must work on the past in order to move forward.

I must say I did enjoy this book and the storyline is a good one. I loved the tension and conflict between Dominic and Liza. There also were a few twists in the story that added to the likeability factor. However, at times I felt myself getting a bit lost along the way yet soon was able to get back on track. Overall, I say Dream A Little Dream is worth the time to read.

Matilda
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More

[Mina Singh · Rating 3 out of 5]

I will preface by saying that I have loved all of the books I have read by Sue Moorcroft so far (Love & Freedom, All That Mullarkey and Starting Over). I was quite anxious to read Dream a Little Dream. While I won't say I was entirely disappointed, I did expect a bit more than what I got. DaLD follows the story of Liza Reece, Cleo from All That Mullarkey's younger sister. Liza is a reflexologist and almost loses her job in the beginning of the book due to her new ideas, which are not supported by her boss. Thus begins her quest to keep her job or find a new one. Dominic Christy, has also just lost his beloved job as a Air Traffic Controller due to a medical conditional called Narcolepsy, a condition which causes him to fall asleep in the daytime. This condition is also the cause of his recent break-up with his girlfriend or is believed to be. Dominic is looking for something to keep him occupied, enters, the Stables and Liza Reece. Most of previous books had they low moments as well, but for the most part I enjoyed the banter of the main characters. In this book, I felt the fun and quirky chemistry of Moorcroft's previous characters was missing. I actually enjoyed Cleo and Justin's development as characters a lot more than Liza and Dominic's. The book delved into shadowing some light on how hard it is for people with narcolepsy, but I though it lacked in the department of romance and chemistry between the main characters.

[Bianca · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 - 4 Non-sleepy stars

I enjoyed this book very much. It was very well written, and I liked the few snippets of conversations from the Narcoleptics forum. Why a Narcoleptics' forum? Because the main character, Dominic Christy is one, and he's coming to turns with managing this sleeping disorder, with losing his beloved job as a traffic controller and also trying to get over a relationship break-up.
He's living in with his cousin and family. Reluctantly, he takes on his counsin's suggestion to try alternative therapies. And so, he comes across the beautiful reflexologist, Liza Reece. He feels an instant attraction, but he's rudely refused when he asks her out to dinner. Their paths will cross again in this small village. And then, they become business competitors. Liza is fierce and stubborn and won't take any shit from men. And given her bad break-up,she swore off men. But she's very attracted to Dominic, who's not only handsome and smart, he seems to be around when she needs help.

It was very interesting to get a greater insight into narcolepsy. I loved both main protagonists and the secondary ones. The story had a good plot, and everything that happened was plausible.

A great contemporary romance read!

Recommended: To people who enjoyed good, straight forward contemporary romance.

Cover: 3.5 stars

[Blodeuedd Finland · Rating 3 out of 5]

Moorcroft has real people with real issues, and I love the settings too. Here we are back in Middledip. I like the quiet small towns

In this we have Liza a reflexologist yes I have never met a heroine who is one before. She used to be fun and out there, but now she is more quiet after something that happened. And with quiet I do not mean quiet, just not out partying all night long. Because she is not afraid to speak her mind.

The hero Dominic has narcolepsy, yes, never met a hero with that before either. And he has it rough, he lost his job cos of it and is not allowed to drive. He is staying with his cousin and he is not happy. I liked him and I liked how it was also portrayed how some just do not get what it's about. Like he could just get over it.

Will these two meet, fall in love and be in lalala land at once, ha, of course not. This is a real romance after all ;) Yes they meet, yes there is an attraction but they will have to work for it, and then work some more. They both have problems and dreams that have to be dealt with first. And in the end this is a couple that will last.

Conclusion:
If you want a little reality with your romance, but still being able to dream yourself away then this is the book for you.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

As usual with Sue Moorcroft’s novels, you really get to know the characters, the hero sizzles from the word go and there is no end of conflict with the heroine but you find yourself really willing them on to sort things out.

I liked the fact that it was set in Middledip where I had ‘visited’ before with ‘Starting Over’ and ‘All That Mullarkey’ and was able to catch up with some of the earlier characters.

Getting to know Liza properly was a real treat. She comes across as a tough cookie, but underneath the bravado she’s just trying to protect herself and deal with the huge guilt trip she’s on. Dominic Christy has problems of his own both medically and personally. It was interesting to find out more about his sleep disorder – how this diagnosis had impacted on his life and how he struggled to come to terms with the physical and emotional effects.

The secondary characters and sub-plots add to the story line and weave in and out of the plot with ease. There are some twists and turns along the way, with a great little surprise at the end. I couldn’t finish without mentioning the fabulous Crosswind – what a great canine character he is!

[Alison · Rating 3 out of 5]

Liza (Cleo's sister) has turned over a new leaf after a disastrous birthday party for her ex Adam has bad consequences.

Dom has been diagnosed with narcolepsy and his sister Miranda persuades him to try reflexology at Liza's treatment centre set in a hotel. Dom is not a fan of new age mumbo-jumbo and starts badly when he suggests the only way the treatment will be enjoyable is if the therapist is young, hot and has breasts like melons!

Soon afterwards Dom and Liza are fighting off their mutual attraction (well Liza is) whilst battling each other for acquiring ownership of the lease of the treatment centre from the current (incompetent) owner.

I didn't enjoy this one as much as the previous two but I'm not sure why as I liked Dom and found his condition to be an unusual twist. Having worked in a firm where a colleague had narcolepsy it was interesting to understand what the condition entailed.

Definitely buying the next one in the series.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was really excited to see that Sue Moorcroft had another novel out set in Middledip. A lot of the contemporaries I read these days are set in the US, so its really nice to read something set in the UK. Middledip is near Peterborough where I have family and have visited before, so that made it a little more enticing to me. After reading this I immediately went and re-read All that Mullarkey and Starting Over again! In searching my Kindle I realised I had another of Sue's books that I was yet to read....an added bonus.

Sue Moorcroft is an author that I'll read anything she puts out because I really enjoy her characters and her stories. I've said it before when I've reviewed Sue's books, her characters feel like real everyday people that deal with the same issues we do. Fantastic read.

[Aunty Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'd describe this book as intelligent chick-lit. It's about dreams..... the type you follow and also what happens when you are asleep.
I was fascinated by the condition which one of the characters lives with: narcolepsy. This condition can be very debilitating as the person living with it can potentially fall asleep at any time, making life very challenging in many areas such as work and driving for example. This character, Dominic, has strategies for dealing with the condition, which I found really interesting and he also has big plans.
Liza has dreams of her own despite rebuilding her life following the catastrophic end of a relationship. A relationship which she ended herself, but in a way she had not initially intended.
Dominic and Liza's dreams may be compatible, or may be conflicting.
Some moments made me laugh out loud, I really enjoyed this book!

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

On the front cover, Katie Fforde says, "I love all of Sue Moorcroft's books." Can I ditto that?

I've read all of Sue's Choc Lit novels and although this may not be quite my favourite - still in love with Ratty in Starting Over - this book doesn't disappoint.

Dominic Christy is a very strong, sexy male, and determined to get what he wants, including Liza Reece.

Liza has a warm heart, but Dominic needs to break through the tough shield she's put around her, a fear that she's not good in relationships.

Don't like to say too much as I don't want to give away spoilers. But if you're looking for a fresh voice, and a bit of romance, I recommend this book. Sue has a great way of making her characters feel very real, giving them plenty of ups and downs to tackle.

[Sianna Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Dream A Little Dream' had the potential to be a book that oozed predictability and to a certain extent the story rounded off in the direction I expected. Nevertheless, the route the storyline took did take me by surprise and there were hiccups and unexpected twists towards the end of the novel that I didn't see coming and found refreshing and exciting.

I suffer with a mild form of narcolepsy and was very interested to see if the author indeed had done her research for Dominic. I was delighted to find many of his experiences, emotions and feelings mirroring my own and discovered Dominic to be a likeable character, as was his growing romance with Liza. An enjoyable, lighthearted read.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everyone needs a dream and this book provided different levels of "dreams". I learned a great deal about narcolepsy and how it affects the person involved and also the people involved in this person's life. I liked all the interwoven mini plots in this book. I will definitely read more from Sue Moorcroft.

[Frances Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

An unusual take on a condition most people don't think about - Narcolepsy. Sue Moorcroft is a skilled writer & certainly did her research on this condition. Her characters came to life & became people I cared about. Enjoyable, feel-good story.

[JOCA]

I picked this up randomly at the library, along with several other books by this author. Unfortunately, the premise and the author's writing style didn't work for me. I also found the hero and heroine in this book unlikable.

[Mrs D J Rugg · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved book 4 too what a brilliant series

really enjoying this series of books glad i discovered them and now just keep looking forward to the next one, great that you meet the main characters in other books as its the town that is the main feature of the books

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book although I felt it was all little bit long winded. Good story line and dreams can come true :-)