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Where Dreams Merge

(Jasmine Cottage #2)

Maureen Driscoll (Goodreads Author)

4.21 · Rating details · 538 ratings · 44 reviews

The second book in the Jasmine Cottage Victorian Romance series follows Grace Moore as she matches wits with writer Carter Beckett, the Earl of Wainwright.

Grace Moore has avidly followed the career of Carter Beckett, who pens pieces for a London newspaper. Never shy to contradict him, she has sent him several letters about his work. What she didn't expect was for the man ...more

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Kindle Edition, 284 pages

Published July 20th 2017

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Aug 30, 2017 Minx rated it really liked it

Shelves: historical-fiction, read-in-2017, romance-historical

Where Dreams Merge is the second book in the Jasmine Cottage series. In this series, the Moore sisters had always lived out in the country but when their mother and father left for the Orient the sisters rented a small cottage to live in. This cottage, which they nicknamed the Jasmine cottage, was rented from their childhood friend Lord Audsley.

The sisters soon faced reduced circumstances as their grandfather died under rather scandalous conditions and had failed to provide for the women in his Where Dreams Merge is the second book in the Jasmine Cottage series. In this series, the Moore sisters had always lived out in the country but when their mother and father left for the Orient the sisters rented a small cottage to live in. This cottage, which they nicknamed the Jasmine cottage, was rented from their childhood friend Lord Audsley.

The sisters soon faced reduced circumstances as their grandfather died under rather scandalous conditions and had failed to provide for the women in his will. Although the sisters, Emma and Grace, did not have much, they never failed to help those in need. It was because of these generous hearts that the Moore sisters had taken in a few other women that also had troubling circumstances. They had become the best of friends and one of their friends had just recently become a bride.

It was at the wedding of Arabella and Jonathan Graves that Carter Beckett, the Earl of Wainwright, was properly introduced to Grace Moore. Carter had been wanting an introduction to Grace because he writes for the London newspaper and she was his greatest critic. For this reason, when he learned of her attendance, he wanted to meet her. Carter was fascinated with Grace because she was a lady who not only read his articles on politics but also dissected them in a manner that showed intelligence and understanding of the subject matter. Her criticisms also grated a bit on Carter and he wanted to understand her better.

Grace Moore was considered a bluestocking and that was quite unusual for that time. She did rather enjoy reading Carter’s articles and was most surprised when she learned that he wanted to meet with her. Grace was attracted to Lord Wainwright from the start but was not going to let a pretty face stop her from voicing her opinions on his work and his spelling habits. In fact, Carter soon realized that Grace’s objections and criticisms were most stimulating and he was more productive when he was able to get her input on his work. It was this revelation that led to Carter asking Grace to assist him in is writing efforts.

Grace and Carter soon worked out an arrangement that suited them well. She would help him with his project and he, in return, would help Grace on her secret writing project. Grace was writing her own story but she lacked a certain finesse with the romance aspect and there is where Carter would help her. Carter took it upon himself to write some scenes with the intention of showing Grace what her characters could be doing. What he did not expect was that Grace would accept his challenge and write some of her own scenes.

What started out as writing between alter egos quickly became expressions of love between two characters whose worlds could not be more different. Unfortunately, there is a rather large impediment to these two having a life together. When Grace and Emma were given an opportunity to go to London and try and sort out the issues with their Grandfathers will, it becomes clear that something foul is going on and that things quickly become dangerous for Grace and Carter.

I adored Where Dreams Merge. I thoroughly enjoyed the idea of alter egos and passionate claims through the written word. So very swoony indeed. As always, the Author expertly wove in humor, romance, danger and intrigue. I found this story to be a fun read that moved swiftly and the ending was most satisfactory. The Jasmine Cottage series is quickly becoming one of my favorite historical romance series and I am eager awaiting the next installment!

This review is based on a complimentary book I received from Author, Maureen Driscoll. It is an honest and voluntary review. The complimentary receipt of it in no way affected my review or rating.

Find this review and more at The Genre Minx Book Reviews ...more

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Sep 20, 2017 Chessela Helm rated it it was amazing

Loved this story of two novelists (I'm a writer, of course I love reading about writers!) finding each other and love. The characters are great, and it was nice to get to know the characters of Jasmine Cottage a little better. The second half of the story has external conflict going on that keeps you excited and very interested in learning more about the hero's brother. I just don't know whether I want the next book to be his or Emma's (Just kidding, I totally want the next book to be Emma's). T ...more

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Apr 28, 2020 Coco.V marked it as to-read · review of another edition

Shelves: freebie

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (4/28/2020)! 🎁

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Jul 22, 2017 Tracy DeNeal rated it it was amazing

Writers writing together take us on a wondrous journey to HEA.

Miss Grace Moore is a fusty, yet fanciful, soon-to-be country spinster who loves to peruse the broadsheets and has set up an adversarial relationship via correspondence with the rakish Earl of Wainwright. She lectures and cajoles him about his writing, his views and his abominable spelling skills or lack thereof. Carter Beckett, the earl, has a decidedly different response than expected once he meets Miss Grace in person. The attracti ...more

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Jul 25, 2017 Shoshanna Ford rated it it was amazing

This book, much like all of Maureen’s work, was an automatic buy for me. I read the whole thing in just a few hours with nearly no breaks. It’s just impossible to put down once you’ve started.

Once again we find ourselves in the welcoming, cozy “spinster house”, (as the gossipy matrons call it) Jasmine Cottage. This time it is Grace who we focus on. I just adore Grace. She is a sweet heroine who knows how to stick up for herself. Some may call her a blue stocking, but why should that be a bad th ...more

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Jun 18, 2020 Judi Easley rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

First Thoughts: Maybe a 4.5 even. This was really fun. The use of the writing between the two MCs was really good. It totally made their relationship unique and added the needed spice. The twist of the promised at birth engagement was definitely a great tool, especially with its attendant issues. Emma and Audsley were interesting as well. There is just so much in this storyline of interest that I am definitely inclined toward the 4.5 Stars. Recommended. Well done, Ms. Driscoll.

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Aug 01, 2018 Anna rated it really liked it

3,5 Stars.
It wasn't so good as first book for me. But it was ok
Safe read. No cheating. No OP scenes. Suspense.
One crazy woman almost killed our heroine. ...more

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Feb 01, 2018 Marlene rated it it was amazing

Shelves: owned-books, kindle, 2019-digital-inventory

I absolutely loved this story of Carter Becket, Lord Wainwright and Emma Moore. The plot device of writing letters to each other in the guise of fictional characters was genious. The ending was also satisfying but a few loose ends with the Bavarian diplomat and sister Emma and Lord Audsley misunderstanding. I know there will be a book about this but its still mystifying.

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Aug 29, 2019 Letschat1974 rated it liked it · review of another edition

Stars 3/4 (Kate Pearce, Maureen Driscoll, Elisa Braden)

Hey fellow readers I don’t summarize the books (as there are always great full summaries written that I read myself).

I only give it my personal, general, summary of 5 stars to 1 star.

3 stars: This book is worth a read but didn’t really have me excited about interacting with the book where I could not put it down. It lacks the excitement and well roundness of my personal markers for a great read throughout the book.

Development and interest ...more

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Jul 28, 2017 Tracy Emro rated it it was amazing

Shelves: for-review

Grace Moore and Carter Beckett, Earl of Wainwright meet for the first time at Arabella and Jonathan's wedding (Where Hearts Meet), but the two are known to each other because Carter writes political articles for a London paper and Grace delights in writing to him to comment on his work and to correct his spelling errors. When Carter finally meets her, he realizes he has met his muse.

Carter has been staying with Christopher Aston, Lord Audsley trying desperately to write his novel, but the words Grace Moore and Carter Beckett, Earl of Wainwright meet for the first time at Arabella and Jonathan's wedding (Where Hearts Meet), but the two are known to each other because Carter writes political articles for a London paper and Grace delights in writing to him to comment on his work and to correct his spelling errors. When Carter finally meets her, he realizes he has met his muse.

Carter has been staying with Christopher Aston, Lord Audsley trying desperately to write his novel, but the words will not come - that is until he meets Grace. He convinces her to work with him as his editor and the two form a friendship and exchange some very amusing letters. Carter is attracted to Grace, but a long standing family agreement prevents him from declaring himself to her. He hopes that he will be able to work things out so he might be able to offer for Grace, but until he does, he cannot make her any promises.

Grace is aware of Carter's prior understanding and wishes with all her heart that they could be together, but she also concedes that she is not of his world and they will probably never be anything more than friends. When Carter tells Grace he must return to London for the Holidays, she believes that will be the end of their relationship - but Carter insists that she and Emma come to London, he promises to help the sisters contact their grandfather's solicitor and try to help them contact their parents. He makes arrangements for them to stay with Audsley and has Audsley's widowed cousin, Lady Endicott chaperone them.

In anticipation of Grace's arrival, Carter meets with Lady Cecile - the woman his parents hoped he would marry, though no formal betrothal was ever made, there has always been an understanding between the families. Carter believed that when Lady Cecile became linked to another Lord, that their "understanding" had ended, but he is dismayed to find that Cecile has been jilted and expects Carter to marry her. He tells her in no uncertain terms that he will not marry her and that he has met another woman, he asks Cecile to release him from the "understanding". Cecile agrees, but begs Carter to pretend to court her for a few weeks to help ease her back into society after being jilted. Carter is reluctant, but feels he owes her that much and decides to recruit his brother Jeremy to escort Grace while he attends Cecile.

Enter Jeremy Beckett, the younger brother, dashing, handsome and a former spy - the man has hero material written all over him! Jeremy and Grace become fast friends - which leads to a lot of hilarious scenes with Carter becoming jealous and imagining all the ways he could beat his brother to a pulp. But when Jeremy's life is threatened and by extension Grace - Carter will stop at nothing to save them both.

I really loved this book, it is well written, it flowed well, it has some laugh out loud moments, a little bit of angst, some nail biting moments, a couple of plot twists that change everything for the sisters, a bit of steam and finally a beautiful soulmate type of love.

While this is the second book in the series, it could easily be read as a stand alone title. I highly recommend this book and am looking forward to reading the next installment! ...more

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Sep 05, 2017 Stephanielaurenwilling rated it it was amazing

Shelves: regency-romance

Thoroughly enjoyed this next book in the series. Again, super fun, feminist, sexy, funny, and engaging. I didn't enjoy this one quite as much as the first, possibly because Where Dreams Merge felt like two different books in one--the first half is a sexy, intelligent comedy where two brilliant writers play off of each other, and the second half is a Jane Austen/spy mash up. Now, an Austen/Spy romance novel is also right up my alley, but I was enjoying the first half very much until it became a v ...more

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May 08, 2020 Rebecca rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I absolutely loved this book.

I loved it was a continued series without relying too much on the first book so you were able to follow along easily. Maureen Driscoll is fast becoming one of my favorite writers.

This story really captures me from the beginning. I so enjoyed CArters and Grace's first meeting. I liked she didn't back down to him or simper as if she did n't have a mind.

When they started working together I instantly loved how carter became protective of her and really enjoyed their b ...more

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Aug 18, 2018 Margo rated it really liked it

Grace is the youngest of the two sisters presently residing at Jasmine cottage. She has been sending letters to a columnist who writes in one of the London papers. She critiques him. Carter, the writer, expects her to be an older bossy woman and is presently surprised when he meets a beautiful woman. Since he is in the area to write a novel he uses her for his muse. However he quickly falls for the woman but can not ask for hand because he has been promised at birth to another woman. After a rom ...more

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Dec 06, 2018 Patty Soto rated it really liked it

Plot twister

Love reading love stories. This one in particular had me going nonstop. It shows a lady who speaks her mind without being rude, and lives with others who do so as well. That is refreshing. Then the author compels a drama of spyes and danger from a past in Jeremys world that is so believable that when you find out where the real danger is, it turns everything around. Loved it. Unexpected is best.

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Jan 04, 2019 Rachel Smart rated it it was amazing

Wonderful!

I loved this story. It has some intrigue and lots of romance. There are some sexy scenes and it has a HEA!! The creative story line of an author and an author was charming. It could be read as a standalone but the supporting characters from the first are in this as well which I love. This is a series about 5 ladies who met in a small village. Now that Arabella and Grace have found there soul mates who is next? Can't wait to read the next book in this series!! ...more

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Jan 18, 2021 Julie rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: on-kindle

This book was such a pleasant surprise! When I first started reading it, I wasn't sure if I loved Carter & Grace together, but once things moved to London, the story really started to pick up for me. I loved the addition of Carter's brother Jeremy, and the mystery that was presented in the 2nd half was an interesting story line. Plus the Moore sisters are both fiercely independent, which we love to see in a heroine! I will definitely look into reading the other books in this series. ...more

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Feb 06, 2021 Marilyn rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Another enjoyable tale from Maureen Driscoll. It was enjoyable and heartening. These are such lovely romantic reading at a time when one cannot even hug their families. The interesting thing for me is that this series, as the first one that I read, introduces the reader to an inner circle of families (related or not) that might be driven by the mores of the time, but they care and have close relationships. They are strong people who can see beyond the superficial and its all about love.

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Jul 27, 2017 Ann Gonzalez rated it it was amazing

Everything

This book has everything a great book needs. Wonderful characters that were so easy to love, a challenging situation with no easy solution, and each page being better than the last. I look forward to reading more of this series. Maureen has a unique writing style that I enjoy. I highly recommend this series and her others.

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Apr 30, 2020 Pauline rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Great reading

Jasmine Cottage book 2.Great light reading.With a bit of mystery thrown in.The Moore sisters where left alone and penny less when there grandfather died.And parents went away to do there own thing.This book I loved the story line.And the happy ever after couple where well suited as they both were writing a novel.

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Aug 22, 2020 Donna Reed rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Perfect

I love a good historical romance and this was superb!
The writing was excellent and mature( my last read was so cringeworthy I cried)
Someone complained about the love scenes... pleaseee we are grown ups and this was tame in comparison.
I thoroughly enjoyed Grace and Carter. I hope to read about Emma and Audsley next!

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Nov 28, 2018 Carol rated it really liked it

Enjoyed reading

This had romance, mystery and a happy ending along with colorful characters. I liked how nicely she hinted at things in the epilogue to give a taste of what lies ahead

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May 07, 2020 Sandra Casile rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Enjoyed this story very much.

This is one of the best historical novel I have read in a while. The characters are funny and witty. You also have mystery and definitely a who done it.

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Nov 17, 2020 Sandra Tomas rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Beautiful

I loved this story, I would give it a 💯% 5star it is that good. I loved the wittiness of the characters and the
True love and family ties between the characters. And love and happiness between Grace and Carter they we're the perfect couple.
Thank you ❤ ...more

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May 17, 2018 Gloria Hawkins rated it it was amazing

I love the entire Jasmine Cottage series. Wonderful characters.

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Dec 28, 2018 Jennifer rated it really liked it

Shelves: own-kindle

Good read

I enjoyed the first book more than this one. However I did like this one and am looking forward to the next story.

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Jan 03, 2019 Lynda rated it it was amazing

Couldn't stop reading it

I loved the love story and that Carter was so possessive of Grace. But the best of this book was solving the mystery. ...more

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Jan 04, 2019 Lita Acevedo rated it really liked it

Lovely story with a HEA for not one, but two couples. I thoroughly enjoyed this second story in the Jasmine Cottage series. I can't wait to read the next one! ...more

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Jan 17, 2019 SynergyQuest rated it it was amazing

Wonderful!

I enjoyed this one even more than the previous book. I hope that Emma and Audsley’s story is up next.

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May 15, 2020 Kate rated it did not like it · review of another edition

Absolutely Horrible

Please, do not buy this book. Do not even take it as a gift. I have never read anything this bad.

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May 21, 2020 Leyka Rosario rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Loveddddd it

Wonderful..I'm moving to the 3rd book of the series. So enjoyable, not tiring and easy read. I fully recommend it. ...more

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About Maureen Driscoll

Maureen Driscoll

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Maureen Driscoll is an Emmy-nominated writer/producer in Hollywood. She is the author of Regency romance novels about the Kellington and Emerson families, as well as the residents of Jasmine Cottage.

She released THE TYCOON MURDERER, the first in a series of cozy mystery/time travel romances. And she looks forward to meeting her very own Mr. Darcy.