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Holly Would Dream
Holly Ross often wishes she lived in a simpler time, when the clothes were glamorous, the men debonair, and the endings happy. That said, her career as a fashion historian isn't so bad. With both a wedding and a big promotion coming up, her own happily ever after seems assured.
So how, in the space of one day, does it all go wrong? How does she end up homeless, jobless, penniless, and fiancé-less? Why is she cruising the Mediterranean in hot pursuit of real estate tycoon Denis King? And why, for heaven's sake, is she chasing down a suitcase full of stolen Audrey Hepburn gowns?
With the sparkling Mediterranean and the eternal city of Rome as the backdrops, Holly's adventures begin to resemble one of the 1950s Hollywood gems she so adores. Finally she must choose between her long-held fairy tale fantasy and a new, real-life dream with an ending she couldn't possibly imagine.
So how, in the space of one day, does it all go wrong? How does she end up homeless, jobless, penniless, and fiancé-less? Why is she cruising the Mediterranean in hot pursuit of real estate tycoon Denis King? And why, for heaven's sake, is she chasing down a suitcase full of stolen Audrey Hepburn gowns?
With the sparkling Mediterranean and the eternal city of Rome as the backdrops, Holly's adventures begin to resemble one of the 1950s Hollywood gems she so adores. Finally she must choose between her long-held fairy tale fantasy and a new, real-life dream with an ending she couldn't possibly imagine.
419 pages, Paperback
First published May 17, 2008
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
December 31, 2022
3,5 stars - English Ebook
December 3, 2012
I know chic lit is supposed to be honey sweet , light and allowance should be given if the plot is a bit "stretched"; but this one is just over the top
First of all, the story. Holly supposed to.be a working class girl chasing a promotion, had a fiance, met a rich guy , lost her luggage which contain priceless dress from the fashion museum. But then for such
Suspenseful moments, holly doesn't seems to have any urgency .
And there seems to be too much lucky break for holly. Whenever she is in a fix, someone sure to be there to help her.
Another illogical point is would any woman who just bailed her fiance from jail , who was in jail in because soliciting sex from a minor, would let her fiance sleep with her that very night? It would have been a great bonus if the woman had nit already let him rot in jail rather that letting him "screw" her that night.
Secondly, what I don't like is that the book seems to be giving rewards to bad behaviour.Holly"borrowed" dress from the museum without permission. Hey, the dresses are entrusted to the museum. Is breaking a trust alright? And the hypocrisy at the end of the book where she bann everyone from "borrowing" again.
Another part is at page 404 where Holly.thinks it is alright to write a cheque to repay her debts while knowing her account does not have the $$$ to cover it. Claimed "at least now he could see I was an honorable person who paid her debts rather than the despicable schemer je thought I was. Not that giving someone a hot check was honorable. I was doing the best I could with what little I had ". Gosh..I would like to see what happens if someone else give her a hot check. Would she feels the same then.
I felt very frustrated reading this book. It's like reading evil triumph over good.
Well...this is just my personal opinion. Am not an expert here. Saw many gives good rating for this book so there must be something good in it.
First of all, the story. Holly supposed to.be a working class girl chasing a promotion, had a fiance, met a rich guy , lost her luggage which contain priceless dress from the fashion museum. But then for such
Suspenseful moments, holly doesn't seems to have any urgency .
And there seems to be too much lucky break for holly. Whenever she is in a fix, someone sure to be there to help her.
Another illogical point is would any woman who just bailed her fiance from jail , who was in jail in because soliciting sex from a minor, would let her fiance sleep with her that very night? It would have been a great bonus if the woman had nit already let him rot in jail rather that letting him "screw" her that night.
Secondly, what I don't like is that the book seems to be giving rewards to bad behaviour.Holly"borrowed" dress from the museum without permission. Hey, the dresses are entrusted to the museum. Is breaking a trust alright? And the hypocrisy at the end of the book where she bann everyone from "borrowing" again.
Another part is at page 404 where Holly.thinks it is alright to write a cheque to repay her debts while knowing her account does not have the $$$ to cover it. Claimed "at least now he could see I was an honorable person who paid her debts rather than the despicable schemer je thought I was. Not that giving someone a hot check was honorable. I was doing the best I could with what little I had ". Gosh..I would like to see what happens if someone else give her a hot check. Would she feels the same then.
I felt very frustrated reading this book. It's like reading evil triumph over good.
Well...this is just my personal opinion. Am not an expert here. Saw many gives good rating for this book so there must be something good in it.
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February 7, 2017I... I can't even begin to explain the bizarre and wonkiness this book contains.
I picked this book up second-hand because I generally enjoy bubblegum "ChickLit" (hate that moniker) because it's fun and silly and supposed to be a little ridiculous but this book, this "book" -- It wasn't worth the 70 cents I spent on it.
Sure, the novel is all about Holly the Fashion Historian, so naturally it's going to have lots of pop culture references, and, because there's a Holly Golightly-esque graphic on the cover, classic Hollywood movies. But there's is a limit. There is a limit, okay, and I do not need to see a cheesy reference every two pages.
Every couple of pages BOOM! Unnecessary reference! You also need to know exactly what Holly has stolen from her work's collection -- when most pieces in a collection are there to be kept in mint condition to preserve it for future generations. Oh, have you forgotten that Holly is totally obsessed with Audrey Hepburn? Have another reference! Yawn.
Which brings me onto a further point: the characterisation is bizarre. Even though she's meant to be this Cinderella character, Holly is two-dimensional and unsympathetic. It's hard to be sympathetic to someone who is, frankly, a horrible person. I won't quote anything with risk of spoiling but I did not feel an ounce of anything for her as a character -- or for any of the other characters.
Each "character" feels like some sort of television trope -- more than what is usual for this style of novel. There's no dimension to them and nothing that makes them distinct; I kept forgetting who was who the further I got into the book to the point I forgot who the Romance Hero was and had to flick back to an earlier chapter to remember. Sure, characters are vehicles -- but all these characters were like badly animated mannequins meant to aide and abet Holly in her Horrible Adventures in her boring-and-stereotypical woes. Yawn.
It's a tacky book that relies too heavily on pop culture, the writing is mediocre and wonky, all the characters are executed poorly, and the plot is drag-drag-what's-the-climax again?
2/10 only recommend when you're trapped in a waiting room and know the doctor's going to call you in about twenty minutes -- enough time to get through the first three chapters and put it down again. It's a YAWN .
I picked this book up second-hand because I generally enjoy bubblegum "ChickLit" (hate that moniker) because it's fun and silly and supposed to be a little ridiculous but this book, this "book" -- It wasn't worth the 70 cents I spent on it.
Sure, the novel is all about Holly the Fashion Historian, so naturally it's going to have lots of pop culture references, and, because there's a Holly Golightly-esque graphic on the cover, classic Hollywood movies. But there's is a limit. There is a limit, okay, and I do not need to see a cheesy reference every two pages.
Every couple of pages BOOM! Unnecessary reference! You also need to know exactly what Holly has stolen from her work's collection -- when most pieces in a collection are there to be kept in mint condition to preserve it for future generations. Oh, have you forgotten that Holly is totally obsessed with Audrey Hepburn? Have another reference! Yawn.
Which brings me onto a further point: the characterisation is bizarre. Even though she's meant to be this Cinderella character, Holly is two-dimensional and unsympathetic. It's hard to be sympathetic to someone who is, frankly, a horrible person. I won't quote anything with risk of spoiling but I did not feel an ounce of anything for her as a character -- or for any of the other characters.
Each "character" feels like some sort of television trope -- more than what is usual for this style of novel. There's no dimension to them and nothing that makes them distinct; I kept forgetting who was who the further I got into the book to the point I forgot who the Romance Hero was and had to flick back to an earlier chapter to remember. Sure, characters are vehicles -- but all these characters were like badly animated mannequins meant to aide and abet Holly in her Horrible Adventures in her boring-and-stereotypical woes. Yawn.
It's a tacky book that relies too heavily on pop culture, the writing is mediocre and wonky, all the characters are executed poorly, and the plot is drag-drag-what's-the-climax again?
2/10 only recommend when you're trapped in a waiting room and know the doctor's going to call you in about twenty minutes -- enough time to get through the first three chapters and put it down again. It's a YAWN .
January 18, 2009
Utter rubbish. It should have been published as a Harlequin romance because it was nothing more. The Audrey Hepburn movie references were only mildly amusing. A direct quote from the book..."Talking about sex in the same breath as Audrey Hepburn. That's sacrilege. It insults her memory. The woman was a saint." And yet, here is the book's heroine jumping in bed with any man that glances her way. The point of the book is supposed to be that you shouldn't expect movie endings, but what does she get?...a movie ending. This was basically the same point as "Austenland", but done a lot less tastefully and with fewer surprises. The author borrowed quite a bit of the plot from "The Devil Wears Prada" and then goes as far as even mentioning that book. Shameless.
August 19, 2017
Chick lit isn't really my genre, except Kathy Lette and Helen Fielding so although this book was at least 100 pages too long for my taste it was quite well written and I'm sure there are plenty of people who will take enormous pleasure from this book. Set against a background of fashion history there were some quite interesting parts that referred to the conservation and repair of historic garments otherwise it was fairly standard life goes wrong for heroine, gets worse until the situation resolved itself and they all live happily ever after or said heroine emerges wiser but stronger for the experience - or possibly both.
April 7, 2019
A nice, quick fluff read. The writing was not the best, and I think the author layed it on pretty thick with the references and cliches, but it was still a fun little book. Lots of plot twists and turns that ended up with a pretty happy ending for most parties involved. I can’t say that I’ll be reading this again or picking up anything else by this author, but I can’t say no to Audrey.
April 22, 2021
I bought this book in year 2017 but never got around to reading it. Finally I picked it up and I really enjoyed the story. It's very funny, with short chapters. And interesting places and food being described. Luxurious and yummy at some parts of the story 😹😁😅. For me this book is a page turner.
October 2, 2017
Pretty juvenile - I mostly skimmed the last half.
February 10, 2018
This book has been the best book I have read in some time. A tale of rags to riches and the fight and determination to follow holly Ross and her dreams. Defiantly a keeper for my personal collection
March 31, 2021
Laugh out load rom com that had me in stitches.
July 21, 2021
Love it so good to read during summer
November 7, 2022
Each character was more idiotic then the next.
And there was always something terrible happening to Holly and it was ALWAYS her fault. Insufferable
And there was always something terrible happening to Holly and it was ALWAYS her fault. Insufferable
May 20, 2023
I understand that this is a work of fiction, but everything that happened in this book was over the top.
December 12, 2025
Such a fun book. Thoroughly enjoyed it
December 7, 2020
Very unrealistic but witty and light comfort novel with Audrey Hepburn references in the background.
March 8, 2017
Very light beach read or good transition book after you've read something heavy. Take it for what it is, suspend disbelief and you'll be entertained.
September 20, 2015
Holly Would Dream was just about the best book an Audrey Hepburn fan could read! The author created a perfect chick lit read using several of my favorite things: classic Hollywood, fashion, jewelry, and a Mediterranean cruise. As is the case in chick lit, the heroine, Holly, quickly met with disaster when she was fired, dumped by her fiance, kicked out of her apartment, and lost her cat. With no other options, Holly made a million dollar wager, chased after a new crush, and sailed to Greece! It was a perfect read for me.
The delightful references to Audrey Hepburn and Cary grant gave this an old Hollywood feel and appealed to my love of the golden age of Hollywood. I loved that Holly knew random Oscar trivia just like me! Holly was a fantastic heroine because she was snarky but kind, fair but determined. She bemoaned her lost job and fiance just enough to make her situation seem real without making her a whinny character. The details of the attire worn and exhibited at the fashion institute where Holly worked would appeal to any fashionista.
The story moved so well that nothing seemed forced, which is saying a lot for a chick lit novel. There were several subplots that all took center stage for just the right amount of time. They blended together to create a perfectly timed story. This was infused with solid jokes, quirky thoughts, and funny moments. Something else that made the book fun to read was that Holly's cruise landed in the same ports I had travelled to on a similar cruise. It was fun to relive a visit to Kusadasi Turkey, Santorini Greece and of course Roma, Itlay!
There were moments while I read this I could barely help but squeal to my husband how much I loved it! What a fun book!
Please read more of my reviews on my blog: http://fastpageturner.wordpress.com
or follow me on twitter at @dana_heyde
The delightful references to Audrey Hepburn and Cary grant gave this an old Hollywood feel and appealed to my love of the golden age of Hollywood. I loved that Holly knew random Oscar trivia just like me! Holly was a fantastic heroine because she was snarky but kind, fair but determined. She bemoaned her lost job and fiance just enough to make her situation seem real without making her a whinny character. The details of the attire worn and exhibited at the fashion institute where Holly worked would appeal to any fashionista.
The story moved so well that nothing seemed forced, which is saying a lot for a chick lit novel. There were several subplots that all took center stage for just the right amount of time. They blended together to create a perfectly timed story. This was infused with solid jokes, quirky thoughts, and funny moments. Something else that made the book fun to read was that Holly's cruise landed in the same ports I had travelled to on a similar cruise. It was fun to relive a visit to Kusadasi Turkey, Santorini Greece and of course Roma, Itlay!
There were moments while I read this I could barely help but squeal to my husband how much I loved it! What a fun book!
Please read more of my reviews on my blog: http://fastpageturner.wordpress.com
or follow me on twitter at @dana_heyde
July 8, 2012
A Sweet, Funny, Callback to Classic RomCom
Want to read a classic Hollywood movie while at the beach (or anywhere else)? This book's for you.
It's kind of a mash-up of classic 50's RomComs - a bit like Sabrina, a bit like Breakfast at Tiffany's, a bit like all the wonderful Audrey Hepburn and Cary Grant movies. Light. Funny. We get to sample the world of high-fashion and Serious Money the way Holly does, as a poor girl with her nose pressed against the Tiffany's window, looking wistfully in. Couture. Cruising. Crime.
Gotta love Holly's father, Pops, panhandler by day, dogsitter by night, who cleans up to be quite the ladies' man. I even learned things, like in the post 9-11 times, going into the bathroom of an airplane in flight with a partner to join the Mile High Club will get the Department of Homeland Security to take a close and personal interest in your horny self. How vintage couture clothing is maintained to preserve its value. That cruise ships have their own morgues.
Holly's orthodontic headgear, and meeting the man destined to be Very Important, while wearing it, coke bottle glasses, and garbage bags on her feet. Penis King. The three-legged cat. Magda the big butted bride and the wedding in the funeral parlor. I think I laughed on almost every page of this book, it was so much fun.
Want to read a classic Hollywood movie while at the beach (or anywhere else)? This book's for you.
It's kind of a mash-up of classic 50's RomComs - a bit like Sabrina, a bit like Breakfast at Tiffany's, a bit like all the wonderful Audrey Hepburn and Cary Grant movies. Light. Funny. We get to sample the world of high-fashion and Serious Money the way Holly does, as a poor girl with her nose pressed against the Tiffany's window, looking wistfully in. Couture. Cruising. Crime.
Gotta love Holly's father, Pops, panhandler by day, dogsitter by night, who cleans up to be quite the ladies' man. I even learned things, like in the post 9-11 times, going into the bathroom of an airplane in flight with a partner to join the Mile High Club will get the Department of Homeland Security to take a close and personal interest in your horny self. How vintage couture clothing is maintained to preserve its value. That cruise ships have their own morgues.
Holly's orthodontic headgear, and meeting the man destined to be Very Important, while wearing it, coke bottle glasses, and garbage bags on her feet. Penis King. The three-legged cat. Magda the big butted bride and the wedding in the funeral parlor. I think I laughed on almost every page of this book, it was so much fun.
February 12, 2011
Holly Would Dream tells the story of Holly Ross, who after a series of fiascos, ends up homeless and potentially jobless. To regain her good standing with her boss she ends up on a cruise to solicit a donation to get a promotion at the fashion museum where she works. Along the way she meets an eccentric group of characters, including the handsome Denis King whom she wants to get the donation from. While this is an enjoyable read, its hard to really get into the book because of the tone. It feels like Holly never really takes her plight seriously. She's about to lose her job and is on the run from the law, yet most of the time she just seems mildly annoyed that she can't fully enjoy her cruise "vacation." I was surprised at this because I read another book by Quinn, The Ivy Chronicles, which I felt, for lack of a better word, was more mature. Another complaint is that it seems that Quinn tries too hard to create eccentric characters. Holly wears her headgear around on the streets of New York City? Denis' fiancee is always pumping blinged out pink dumbbells? Its just not believable. All this being said, the book is well-paced with an entertaining, if predictable ending. I give it a C-.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 18, 2012
Originally Reviewed at Novel Escapes
Rated 3.5 Star
Holly Would Dream had an interesting story once I got into it, which admittedly took a little while. It was an easy read, chalk full of cheesiness, but Karen Quinn does a good job of making the impossible seem possible in this novel right through to the end and keeps the pace moving quickly.
It was an amusing single girl read but I found it often tried a bit too hard with it’s snappy quips and Holly’s thoughts sometimes didn’t seem to fit with my impression of the character (but that could have just been me, Kathryn didn’t seem to notice this).
The Audrey Hepburn references didn’t overwhelm or confuse me as I’m not a huge fan and have only seen a few of her movies, so this was a nice surprise because I thought I might get bogged down in a lot of detail.
Overall, this was a pretty good read. It not one of my favourites though and it probably didn’t help that I read it after Twenties Girls so my opinion might be slightly skewed.
Rated 3.5 Star
Holly Would Dream had an interesting story once I got into it, which admittedly took a little while. It was an easy read, chalk full of cheesiness, but Karen Quinn does a good job of making the impossible seem possible in this novel right through to the end and keeps the pace moving quickly.
It was an amusing single girl read but I found it often tried a bit too hard with it’s snappy quips and Holly’s thoughts sometimes didn’t seem to fit with my impression of the character (but that could have just been me, Kathryn didn’t seem to notice this).
The Audrey Hepburn references didn’t overwhelm or confuse me as I’m not a huge fan and have only seen a few of her movies, so this was a nice surprise because I thought I might get bogged down in a lot of detail.
Overall, this was a pretty good read. It not one of my favourites though and it probably didn’t help that I read it after Twenties Girls so my opinion might be slightly skewed.
July 4, 2023
A real chick lit book with a totally dysfunctional perspective about women hoping for love and happiness. The heroine Holly is a working class gal trying to survive in one of the most expensive towns on earth. It doesn’t help that every single step of her workdays goes wrong and she’s in crisis management mode at every instant. She lives in chaos. It helps that she’s awesomely accepting and tolerant of everyone else’s unbearable foibles and peccadilloes. Then there’s women’s wear as Art, when every single stitch ever sewn to make a dress is accounted for and dress repairs require exactly the same spool 🧵 of thread and same sewing needle, because both were also conserved, as were used like fifty years previously in the original fabrication of the dress. I learned a lot about fashion shows too. And about high society. And fund-raising. If you ever cared about Audrey Hepburn, Deborah Kerr, Gregory Peck or Cary Grant movies, which I greatly did, this book’s for you.
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September 28, 2013Dreams do come true. At least, it does in fiction. I mean I dont think that much good fortune can happen to anyone (well maybe for some people, but I certainly haven't met anyone who was exceptionally lucky yet). I enjoyed the book. It was thoroughly entertaining and fast paced. I especially loved the setting. I mean, who could not love Rome? The cruise that Holly was on was like rekindling the fire I have for the RMS Titanic.
I found no fault in the book actually. It was properly organized, the character developments were evident, and the romantic setting was absolutely fabulous (although it can make a girl wish they had their own Denis King). Plus, the book had so much Audrey Hepburn references, I lost count! I haven't seen any Audrey movies yet, and I sure am gonna watch them now. I think Audrey Hepburn is just my type of girl. I guess we'll just find out.
I found no fault in the book actually. It was properly organized, the character developments were evident, and the romantic setting was absolutely fabulous (although it can make a girl wish they had their own Denis King). Plus, the book had so much Audrey Hepburn references, I lost count! I haven't seen any Audrey movies yet, and I sure am gonna watch them now. I think Audrey Hepburn is just my type of girl. I guess we'll just find out.
May 23, 2011
I really liked the way `Holly Would Dream' flowed. Pacing was extra nice, and I always love big doses of pleasant humor. I will say however, the story was a little predictable. Well, somewhat... in a Devil Wears Prada exhibitionist, adventurous sort of way, which I am borrowed to add, Prada was my all-time favorite movie... minus the adventure no less! In total, there are only two other comments I have left to say.
One. How many gaffes do `we' stitch into one story before totally freeing the most troubled person from thinking their life is the worst?
And Two. The ***story*** in summary was just too sweet. No really, it really was. And I loved it!!! High Fashion, the Holly Would Way!
One. How many gaffes do `we' stitch into one story before totally freeing the most troubled person from thinking their life is the worst?
And Two. The ***story*** in summary was just too sweet. No really, it really was. And I loved it!!! High Fashion, the Holly Would Way!
July 21, 2014
I don't expect much when I read Chick Lit. I'm not looking for complex characters or an intricate story line. I'm even okay with a predictable story and a neat and tidy ending. It's why I enjoy chick-lit and why I have my own rating system for chick lit.
Chick-lit criteria. Are there fun likable characters? A fast paced story line? Do I want to keep reading? Is the writing decent? Does the author tell a good story? I can say yes to all of the above with Holly Would Dream. I'm not sure how I came across the book but it was the only book I had with me on a recent trip and I wasn't expecting to enjoy it. I read it in one day which since having kids almost never happens anymore. A solid four stars!
Chick-lit criteria. Are there fun likable characters? A fast paced story line? Do I want to keep reading? Is the writing decent? Does the author tell a good story? I can say yes to all of the above with Holly Would Dream. I'm not sure how I came across the book but it was the only book I had with me on a recent trip and I wasn't expecting to enjoy it. I read it in one day which since having kids almost never happens anymore. A solid four stars!
July 20, 2008
When critics declare a book to be a "fast-paced romp," I imagine this is just the type of story they're talking about. There wasn't really anything surprising in the plot of Holly Would Dream. Holly is a young, down-on-her-luck, fashion historian thrust into a delightful chase after some lost (or possibly stolen) Audrey Hepburn costumes. There's glamourous backdrops, fairy tale men, luxurious bubble baths, and jaw-dropping outfits. And, of course, a happy ending. I doubt I'm giving anything away by telling you that.
January 28, 2010
If you have a flair for 1940s and 1950s fashion icons, movie stars, and singers, this is the book for you. Holly is a down-on-her-luck fashion junkie with an obsession for happily-ever-afters and old Audrey Hepburn films. The novel chronicles her adventures while aboard one of the ritziest cruise lines in the world as she flirts with a business tycoon, lectures guests on vintage fashion, and chases authentic Audrey Hepburn gowns across Europe. It isn't a terribly dense read, but is a fun quick book for the vintage enthusiast.
November 20, 2008
Once again, this is not my typical Christian fiction book so if that is what you are looking for you may not like this one. That being said this book was as funny as the first book I read by this author. I laughed out loud in many, many parts! The story was a bit far fetched but didn't seem out of place for the type of story it was. I would recommend this book and I plan on trying to find another book by this author.
Cauthion: Adult themes, sexual situations
Cauthion: Adult themes, sexual situations
February 3, 2011
Cute book. An easy, chick lit read. If you are really into Audrey Hepburn movies (or similar 50's romantic comedies), you will really enjoy the book. I hadn't seen most of the movies referenced in the book, but I might be inspired to watch them.
This book is not earth shattering, but it is cute and I read it in a day or two. If you are looking for a nice summer beach read, I would recommend it.
This book is not earth shattering, but it is cute and I read it in a day or two. If you are looking for a nice summer beach read, I would recommend it.
April 30, 2011
Holly Ross is a very likeable character. She is never afraid of being who she is, never apologises for being herself. She gets into some pretty unpredictable, outrageous situations - a bit calamity prone. This was a fun read. Sort of holidayish, but not the greatest holiday read ever. If you're into Audrey Hepburn, you'll probably like this - herself and her movies and characters and dresses are mentioned very often.
September 19, 2011
Although super, super predictable and cheesy, the narrator actually made me laugh out loud. The author's knowledge of all things Hepburn was admirable and her characters were lovingly written; I even learned about a bit about the museum world. Holly's experience in Rome left me nostalgic and made me want to revisit the Eternal City. I really enjoyed this light-hearted book--it was just what I needed to pick me up from a heavy novel I'd read beforehand.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews