Beyond Dreams, the final book about the Hutton Family, was everything I hoped for and more. The author’s writing is pure poetry as she writes page after page of richly detailed scenery set around their home base in Key West, Florida, as well as when our two lead characters, Harlow Hutton and Collin West, travel the world.
Although Beyond Dreams can be read as a standalone, I strongly encourage you to start at the beginning to learn of this wonderful family’s backstory. They own and operate a resort open to the public affectionately known as the Hut. They have not always had it easy and their pain and triumphs, as well their unwavering support of one another, is evident in every book.
Harlow is the youngest sibling with four older brothers who were raised by a single mom after their alcoholic father left them, then later passed away. Each sibling finds love one at a time and it’s hard to pick a favorite because with no exaggeration, I loved them all!
This is not a cookie cutter series in any way. Each book is so unique, real and honest, and had me laughing, crying, and sighing, as each chapter progressed. Book 1, Beyond Words, featured big brother Lucas, an injured war hero, and Cat. In book 2, Wyatt, who harbored deep secrets, meets his match with Kara in Beyond Love. Book 3 is Caleb and Maisie’s story and when we are first introduced to Collin as she was his manager before resigning to move to Florida to be with her husband. Book 4, Beyond Us, features friends-to-lovers Eli and Hope. Now in book 5, Harlow gets her chance at happiness and I devoured every word, starting from the opening paragraph.
Harlow is a gifted young woman. She loves and appreciates the simple things, and is a talented artist, writer, and musician. But she harbors deep insecurities as she remembers the cruel words of her father growing up and never feels quite good enough to pursue her own dreams. This storyline was personally very moving for me, because I can relate so well. My husband became an alcoholic at the same time he got addicted to pain pills prescribed after a car accident. I am only including this personal note because I truly feel Abby did a wonderful job describing Harlow’s deep-routed pain and how it affected not only her self-esteem but the entire family dynamic. I have three children, and trust me, everything in this story really hit home for me and made me cry more than once.
The beauty of this series is how broken and separated they all were in the beginning and how they all came together in the end. In Harlow’s situation, as soon as she was old enough she moved far away to pursue her passion for the arts, but missed her mom and brothers, and dreamed of what could be. She had maturity and wisdom beyond her years, and such a kind and giving heart that longed to be loved and accepted for who she was.
Harlow first meets Collin and is a bit star-struck at her brother Caleb’s wedding in book 3. Collin recently gained international stardom as a musician, songwriter, and singer, and when he heard Harlow play the guitar and sing, he felt instantly drawn to her. As readers, we knew Abby could never leave our sweet Harlow single, and in Beyond Dreams, she finds true happiness with a man who not only adores her, but one whom she shares a deep emotional and physical connection with, someone who encourages and believes in her.
I so admired and respected both Collin and Harlow. Since Harlow was the youngest of the siblings, her brothers were naturally protective, but when she decided to accept his invitation and go on tour with him, they supported her and respected her judgment. They would all be there for her should she ever need them, and with a last goodbye, she left Florida to tour London, Italy, Greece and other fabulous destinations with Collin whom she was so excited to get to know.
Collin had his own baggage from being raised in foster care, but did have one true friend whom he knew since childhood, Joe, working for him. I loved their dynamic and how they always had each other’s backs, and it showed what a naturally caring and giving person Collin was. It wasn’t easy for Collin and Harper on many occasions, as the world of a famous recording artist had its challenges, namely his current manager who was vindictive, self-centered, and mean. Collin always tried to see the best in people, but when it came to liars and malicious behavior, he let them know in no uncertain terms who was the boss!
They took their time getting to know one another, and I loved their character development, friendship, courage, and devotion. He helped build her confidence and by the end, she was a changed woman. She was pure and genuine, and only had his best interest at heart. She helped him come to terms with his own insecurities, and to slow down and enjoy life. These two complimented each other so well and it was beautiful to read.
My favorite chapters were the last few when all of the Huttons and Collin were reminiscing about the past and celebrating at their outdoor family table. Even their mom finds love, and I had a big smile on my face the entire time. Beyond Dreams once more solidified my passion for Abby’s specific style of storytelling. Her books are always filled with deep emotion, intensity, great chemistry and character development, and of course, sexy times!