What Dreams May Lie

Sweet Dreams #2

by Alana Terry

They say that love can heal all wounds, but she’s pretty sure they’re wrong. Jillian doesn’t hate God. She just can’t get over the way her church wounded her and her family so many years ago. Ricky Fields has just met the girl of his dreams. The only problem is she’s been shunned by so many Christians she can’t seem to trust anyone anymore. Especially him. Oh, yeah. There’s one more problem. This one might be even harder to overcome ... His mother hates her. Buy your copy and fall in love today.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Romance, Christian, Spirituality

546 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 19, 2018

About the author

When Alana isn't writing, it's likely that she's on the floor wrestling with her kids. Or playing outside with her kids. Or chauffeuring her kids. Or trying some random science experiment with her kids. But she's probably not cooking or cleaning.

Alana is a homeschooling mother of three who loves to write, hates to cook, and enjoys reading a good book almost as much as she enjoys writing one.

Alana won the Women of Faith writing contest for "The Beloved Daughter," her debut inspirational novel. "What, No Sushi?" is Alana's first book in a chapter-book series for kids published by Do Life Right, Inc.

Reviews

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

What Dreams May Lie - I don't understand the name and the cover doesn't seem to fit the story based on how I see Jillian and Ricky; however this is definitely a Sweet Dreams Christian Romance - clean, interesting, thought-provoking, emotional and Wow - are Christian women really like the women in this story? I honestly don't know what to say. I really liked the story, but I found it very disturbing in many ways - the way Mrs. Fields treated her son, the way her husband responded and acted, the gossipy church women who were vicious in their 'so-called concerns' and in the name of Christianity, Jillian's lack of researching into pregnancy and adoption, Dr. Morrison telling her that she was miscarrying her baby in the second trimester and not doing an ultrasound or hearing the twin baby's heart beat - she did go back to the hospital with severe cramps, wouldn't that have been a good time for an ultrasound or further checking. The story seemed to indicate a urine test was what Dr. Morrison was going by, which didn't make a lot of sense to me because she hadn't miscarried yet, so wouldn't she still show as pregnant, even if she wasn't pregnant with twins? I did go through two miscarriages myself so I do know the routine, even years ago and I would think doctors would be even more thorough now. Having said that, it was still a riveting story and a great read.

This is Book 2 in the Sweet Dreams Romance, and I have read 3 related to these families. Susannah and Scott's story (Book 1 - What Dreams May Come) was beautiful and the Prequel or Book 0 - Gloria and Derek's story where Susannah and Ricky were single (Dare to Dream Again) also fun, and this one -Jillian and Ricky's story (What Dreams May Lie - Book 2) has some very unexpected happenings. I look forward to reading 'What Dreams May Die' (Book 3) soon. Thanks to Alana Terry for keeping us thinking and reading.

[Debbie Waltz · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second book of Alana Terry's sweet Christian romance novels. It kind of picks up where the other one left off- with Ricky Fields feeling envious of Susanna and her new husband. On the other hand, we meet Jillian's grandma Lucy's granddaughter who recently came to down to controversy in her own city. Thanks to Ricky being in the right place at the right time, Jillian is able to escape an unbelievable blind date and from there the two become unlikely friends. Still, Jillian is unable to believe there are good Christians in today's society because of her past circumstances. Can Ricky change her mind? Also can Jillian change Ricky's mind and can Ricky believe that there is someone out there for him as well?. I did not like this one as much as the other one because it didn't focus on the spiritual change of Jillian as much as the other one. It also kind of related her physical and mental change as to the fact that she has a boyfriend now. Any kind of change comes from Jesus, not a guy.

[Diane Higgins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this sweet romance! I don't usually read romance. My genre is usually suspense, but I have loved everyone of Alana Terry's books, whether they are suspense or romance. Alana is such a talented writer that she makes you feel as if you are one of the characters in her book. I really don't know how she does this, but she does!

This book is about Jillian and Ricky. Jillian is a preacher's kids who has had some tough things happening to her. She has also endured persecution and judgement from the church. She is trying to find her way. Ricky is an extreme mama's boy who is one of the sweetest guys you would ever meet. It's so neat to see how things happen in their lives individually and together.

I would definitely recommend this book. It is an easy read and very enjoyable. If you haven't tried any of Alana Terry's books, you're missing out. It will definitely be worth your while to read one today!

I received this book from the author for my honest opinion.

[Lillie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a romance, but we don't see a lot of the development of the romance. Instead, in true Alana Terry style, we see Jillian's spiritual development. I love seeing Ricky, who appeared in What Dreams May Come, find love. He is such a kind, thoughtful, and caring young man--albeit socially awkward. And it's always a treat to encounter Grandma Lucy again.

I like how Alana's books are stand-alones, but you usually meet old friends from other books. I especially appreciate that she always tells a great story that entertains but also enlightens. Her books are true Christian books--not because the characters go to church or pray or live a moral life, but because they encounter challenges to faith or perhaps have lost their faith and they grow spiritually. Their experiences and lessons can enrich our own faith.

I received a copy of the book from the author, but this voluntary review reflects my honest opinion.

[Andrea Byers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jillian is back in Orchard Grove staying with her grandmother Lucy and Aunt Connie, and it’s the last place she wants to be. Orchard Grove treated her, along with her family, badly years ago and she wants nothing to do with the small community. Ricky Fields remembers her, though doesn’t know exactly why her family was treated so harshly. He determines to be her friend in a hostile attitude town, though she doesn’t even seem to welcome that. That fact that he’s gets tongue tied doesn’t help. Events do throw them together a bit and Jillian does accept a basic friendship grudgingly, but is determined to leave town as soon as possible and not look back. We see a lot of heartache and healing needed in Jillian, as well as growth and learning to lean on God for Ricky whose experience thus far has been rules to follow, not the Spirit of the heart. Easy to like characters, and our favorite Grandma is back in this story set in Eastern Washington.

[Barbara Campbell · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasn’t sure I was going to like this one. From the start the parents are awful to their adult kids. I mean really awful! Treating them like preschoolers and talking harshly and putting them down. And the adult kids took it. That was the craziest part.

I would never talk to my kids this way, but trust me they would let me if I tried!

And poor Ricky was the most socially awkward guy. They mentioned he was homeschooled several times and that bothered be because some might assume his parents attitude and his issues are due to that. Homeschooled kids, as a rule, are quite normal and social.

But despite all that, I finished the book. I just couldn’t not find out how everything resolved itself.

An unplanned pregnancy & adoption are part of the story. I do think the author did a good job portraying the affect it had on the biological mother.

[Abby · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read, but I wanted more spiritual growth and reconciliation. Both Ricky and Jillian struggle (in their own ways) with church judgement presenting oneself perfectly in church. These are fairly common issues and are good ones to be dealt with in a novel, but I wanted reconciliation. I wanted Ricky and Jillian to reconcile with their parents and with their churches. Ricky grew in his faith but I wanted to see more of that from Jillian.

Also, I’m a little confused by the title; not sure how it relates to the romance between Jillian and Ricky?

[Robbi Bourne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story deals with the heartbreak so many single girls face alone - that of pregnancy because of rape. Jillian, bitter from so many things in her past as well as her present, keeps herself sealed off from anyone who tries to help her; however, Ricky, not confident in himself, but full of compassion and Christ's love, never gives up on her.

As a reader, I was gripped by the emotional turmoil both characters endured so that I couldn't put the book down. The author made this story come alive and placed Jillian and Ricky in my neighborhood!

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unfortunately, this story portrays what is happens far too much within the Christian community. We don't follow the Bible on how to treat other people, are critical before getting the facts, & hurt God's name in the whole process. So this story is a wake-up call to all of us to remember how we treat others can lead to how we will be treated & not always in a good way. A very emotionally stirring story that is well written. I was given a free copy. This is my voluntary review.

[Rachel L. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick easy read. Don’t really see the connection between the title/cover and story...but anyway. Some good stuff but there’s so much material and possibility here that the book felt too short to develop it all. It’s obvious that Alana Terry has much experience with the good sides and the ugly sides of the church and that definitely comes out here.

[Linda Rainey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful Love Story

This a beautiful love story that shows God's love and forgiveness.
I liked the story line,loved most of the characters especially Grandma Lucy.
I still have a problem with church members being so judgemental and not acting Christ like
If you like Christian fiction with a strong spiritual message then this the book for you.

[Pastor McKeiver · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful book. I've never read a book by Alana Terry that had me laughing. The story was still inspirational and poignant in prayer but I really had some good laughs. I loved Ricky, Jillian and their story. I'm gonna have to purchase book #1. I read book #0 but I didn't realize I'd missed one.

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story. Ricky is loveable, awkward at times,despite his parents, he has such a big heart. Jillian grows on you, the more you read. Enjoyable read. Highly recommend. It really does touch your heart.

[Mercedes · Rating 5 out of 5]

What’s next?

Can’t wait to read the next one! It’s so nice to read Christian based stories. What’s next? Waiting with baited breath.