What do you think?
Rate this book
When Dreams Come True: A Love Story Only God Could Write
This daringly real, intensely moving love story gives vision and hope to everyone in search of a love worth waiting for. In their bestseller When God Writes Your Love Story, Eric and Leslie Ludy described the breathtaking perfection of God's plans for each young person and offered fresh guidelines for being Christlike in relationships with the opposite sex. When Dreams Come True shares the Ludys' personal story, illustrating how they lived out the principles of the first book in their own romance and marriage. Includes an all-new chapter from Eric Ludy, "What Happened Next?"
I had a God who knew my every desire. He also knew how I would fall. And yet He was waiting on the other side of my failure and my shattered dreams with some dreams of His own...
Here’s hope for anyone in search of a love worth waiting for.
I had a God who knew my every desire. He also knew how I would fall. And yet He was waiting on the other side of my failure and my shattered dreams with some dreams of His own...
Here’s hope for anyone in search of a love worth waiting for.
272 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2000
33 people are currently reading
1348 people want to read
About the author
Eric Ludy
30 books234 followersEric is a bestselling author, internationally-recognized speaker and president of Ellerslie Mission Society. He is also the senior pastor at the Church at Ellerslie and the lead instructor at Ellerslie Leadership Training in Windsor, Colorado. Ludy is the author of more than a dozen books, many of which were co-authored by his wife, Leslie Ludy. The Ludy's books have sold well over a million copies in the United States and have been translated into over a dozen different languages and circulated widely throughout the world.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
June 26, 2016
Wow. I don't even know what to say. When Dreams Come True: A Love Story Only God Could Write was intensely beautiful. I cried. And cried again. I giggled a lot. I felt wonder touch my soul. And hope grow in my heart. And joy filled me. Reading this amazing love story, I kept getting glimpses of how great God's love for me, personally, is ... and that brings so much joy! Makes my soul sigh with longing to know Him more.
Such an incredible book. Interesting, humorous, poignant, gentle, deep, adventurous ... It was easy to read and keep me turning pages. I got so into it!
The beginning part is about not-so-good high school years; and a lot of it was quite disturbing and made my heart sorrowful to hear that such immorality was happening. (I was homeschooled, so I didn't experience a lot of those kind of things). So a bit of a warning there. It can feel depressing and such. But, Eric and Leslie do not use graphic language or explicit scenes, or anything.
So, ultimately, it's this amazing tale from beginning to end. I was surprised how much it encouraged me! Ladies, you must read this book! I know your heart is filled with dreams of prince charming and "happily ever afters", but God is longing to whisper to you, I have a dream for you that is so much more beautiful than you can imagine. At certain parts of this book, I felt I like I could be a princess. God's beloved princess.
I think this book could really benefit men too! Specifically, guys who want to get married. So, people, just pick up this book! I don't think you will regret it. ^_^
This is Eric and Leslie Ludy's story. And it is truly a love story only God could write.
Such an incredible book. Interesting, humorous, poignant, gentle, deep, adventurous ... It was easy to read and keep me turning pages. I got so into it!
The beginning part is about not-so-good high school years; and a lot of it was quite disturbing and made my heart sorrowful to hear that such immorality was happening. (I was homeschooled, so I didn't experience a lot of those kind of things). So a bit of a warning there. It can feel depressing and such. But, Eric and Leslie do not use graphic language or explicit scenes, or anything.
So, ultimately, it's this amazing tale from beginning to end. I was surprised how much it encouraged me! Ladies, you must read this book! I know your heart is filled with dreams of prince charming and "happily ever afters", but God is longing to whisper to you, I have a dream for you that is so much more beautiful than you can imagine. At certain parts of this book, I felt I like I could be a princess. God's beloved princess.
I think this book could really benefit men too! Specifically, guys who want to get married. So, people, just pick up this book! I don't think you will regret it. ^_^
This is Eric and Leslie Ludy's story. And it is truly a love story only God could write.
February 26, 2012
Before I read this book, I read their first one, "When God Writes Your Love Story," and while I found it interesting and drew some helpful points from it, I felt a bit detached as I've never been in a dating relationship and didn't feel like I could relate.
Taking that into consideration, I was surprised how encouraged and inspired I was by this beautifully written tale. Even though I still couldn't relate to Leslie's or Eric's backgrounds, the story of God knitting their story together in His absolute perfection was SO encouraging, for 3 reasons:
1. It made me desire a beautiful relationship and godly love like theirs- and to trust that I can have one.
2. It helped me realize that it's perfectly okay to be 19 and single, because as long as I'm trusting in God for His unique and perfect timing, there's no need to worry about who "the one" is right now.
3. It inspired me to set myself apart even more than before, both for God and for my future spouse.
I would encourage anyone who desires a real love story to read this book, and see that God's plans and dreams are so much more beautiful than we can imagine!
Taking that into consideration, I was surprised how encouraged and inspired I was by this beautifully written tale. Even though I still couldn't relate to Leslie's or Eric's backgrounds, the story of God knitting their story together in His absolute perfection was SO encouraging, for 3 reasons:
1. It made me desire a beautiful relationship and godly love like theirs- and to trust that I can have one.
2. It helped me realize that it's perfectly okay to be 19 and single, because as long as I'm trusting in God for His unique and perfect timing, there's no need to worry about who "the one" is right now.
3. It inspired me to set myself apart even more than before, both for God and for my future spouse.
I would encourage anyone who desires a real love story to read this book, and see that God's plans and dreams are so much more beautiful than we can imagine!
July 11, 2008
This is not a book with directions on “the way” to do things. It is simply the very honest story of how God worked in the Ludys’ lives to bring them together. Eric and Leslie take turns writing chapters throughout this book. They begin by describing their childhoods, their adolescences, and how they lost their innocence. They tell of different relationships they went through and left them hurt and feeling dirty and defiled. I thought they were rather too descriptive for young people without the same experiences, but then the beauty at the end is more beautiful when compared to the beginning. Also, I think their story would be encouraging for those who have had the same kind of adolescence and disillusionment regarding true love.
They explain how they came to know the Lord and how their relationship with Him changed their life. They finally gave their entire life to Him, including their love life, committing not to date another person except the one they will marry.
Their meeting is described, at the time when Eric was 21 and Leslie, 16. They tell how they struggled with their relationship, trying to keep it at just friends, yet with the Lord drawing them closer. They came to the conclusion that they were meant for each other, but that they weren’t ready yet for marriage, rather like Jim and Elisabeth Elliot. They continue to grow and mature in their spiritual lives, as well as their love for each other. When they decided it was time for them to become engaged and get married, they committed to save their first kiss for their wedding.
The last pages of the book tell of their wedding. Eric tells of his tears as he waits for his bride. Leslie writes of her nervousness before the wedding, and the peace and happiness that came over her as she walked down the aisle to Eric. It was so familiar; I don’t know how many brides feel that way, but I know I did. They told how their first kiss was so special because they had saved it for marriage.
I thought their book was a sweet story of how God can change lives, and how His plan for us is the best and most beautiful. For those who have similar backgrounds, it may be helpful in their own lives. Those who have grown up with and held to a higher standard of purity in relationships will not find much to apply to their lives. The Ludys have seen God do amazing and wonderful things through the surrender in their lives, but those how have kept themselves to their ideals, to physical and emotional purity, and to a relationships with a greater parental involvement, will have a sweeter story to tell.
They explain how they came to know the Lord and how their relationship with Him changed their life. They finally gave their entire life to Him, including their love life, committing not to date another person except the one they will marry.
Their meeting is described, at the time when Eric was 21 and Leslie, 16. They tell how they struggled with their relationship, trying to keep it at just friends, yet with the Lord drawing them closer. They came to the conclusion that they were meant for each other, but that they weren’t ready yet for marriage, rather like Jim and Elisabeth Elliot. They continue to grow and mature in their spiritual lives, as well as their love for each other. When they decided it was time for them to become engaged and get married, they committed to save their first kiss for their wedding.
The last pages of the book tell of their wedding. Eric tells of his tears as he waits for his bride. Leslie writes of her nervousness before the wedding, and the peace and happiness that came over her as she walked down the aisle to Eric. It was so familiar; I don’t know how many brides feel that way, but I know I did. They told how their first kiss was so special because they had saved it for marriage.
I thought their book was a sweet story of how God can change lives, and how His plan for us is the best and most beautiful. For those who have similar backgrounds, it may be helpful in their own lives. Those who have grown up with and held to a higher standard of purity in relationships will not find much to apply to their lives. The Ludys have seen God do amazing and wonderful things through the surrender in their lives, but those how have kept themselves to their ideals, to physical and emotional purity, and to a relationships with a greater parental involvement, will have a sweeter story to tell.
December 15, 2009
This book not only is one of the best love stories i've read its also very educational. It helped me very much with wanting to wiat for the right guy in my life. Not by dating every guy i thought was cute but waiting the timing is right and i was reading for it.
Many times in the book i was crying and laughing. It talked from the girls point of view and then the guys also. They got married and then told thier story of how it all came together and how God planned it all out perfectly. It was really inspiring for me to read this book since its a real story and not some fairytell that could never happen.
This book helped me when i was in a crossroad and it always come back to me memory. When things get tough in reminding me that the waits worth it.
Many times in the book i was crying and laughing. It talked from the girls point of view and then the guys also. They got married and then told thier story of how it all came together and how God planned it all out perfectly. It was really inspiring for me to read this book since its a real story and not some fairytell that could never happen.
This book helped me when i was in a crossroad and it always come back to me memory. When things get tough in reminding me that the waits worth it.
January 10, 2017
thanks eric and leslie for have given to me hope.
February 14, 2018
I loved this book so much! I've had this book for a while, but was saving it until close to Valentines's Day. It didn't disappoint! It was hard to put down. I loved their writing styles.
"And amazingly, through it all, there was a God watching me fall, watching me break His heart, and loving me still..." - Leslie
"The next hour passed like a hiccup attack in the middle of a wedding ceremony." - Eric
(Those two sentences are from different parts of the book, by the way.) It pulled me right in. I didn't expect the book to have much conviction in it since it was a love story, but I was pleasantly surprised. Here are just a few:
"Eric, God doesn't care about you accomplishing things, He cares about you obeying. When you obey, it's truly amazing what you can accomplish!" - Eric's mom
"I was in pre-med, and doing what I had always dreamed of," he shared animately, "but I realized that, even though I'd been a Christian since I was five, I had never asked God what He wanted to do with my life." - Eric
And there are also plenty of gems for the single Christian (like me):
"And as I had slowly learned to trust Him completely as the Lord of every area of my life, I had felt His gentle challenge to my heart, I have someone special for you, My precious child. Wait patiently for that man, set yourself aside for him in complete purity and faithfulness. I will bring him into your life in a way more beautiful than anything you can imagine. But wait for My perfect timing. Use this time of your life to focus on Me instead of chasing after foolish, short-term pleasure." - Leslie
This book was such an enjoyable read, and I loved how Eric and Leslie respected their future spouses without even knowing them yet. It was beautiful. It truly is a love story that only God could write.
* Also, if you read the book, it advertises their music in the back. Leslie Ludy allows you to listen and download a few tracks for free on her website, Set Apart Girl, which are AMAZING.
"And amazingly, through it all, there was a God watching me fall, watching me break His heart, and loving me still..." - Leslie
"The next hour passed like a hiccup attack in the middle of a wedding ceremony." - Eric
(Those two sentences are from different parts of the book, by the way.) It pulled me right in. I didn't expect the book to have much conviction in it since it was a love story, but I was pleasantly surprised. Here are just a few:
"Eric, God doesn't care about you accomplishing things, He cares about you obeying. When you obey, it's truly amazing what you can accomplish!" - Eric's mom
"I was in pre-med, and doing what I had always dreamed of," he shared animately, "but I realized that, even though I'd been a Christian since I was five, I had never asked God what He wanted to do with my life." - Eric
And there are also plenty of gems for the single Christian (like me):
"And as I had slowly learned to trust Him completely as the Lord of every area of my life, I had felt His gentle challenge to my heart, I have someone special for you, My precious child. Wait patiently for that man, set yourself aside for him in complete purity and faithfulness. I will bring him into your life in a way more beautiful than anything you can imagine. But wait for My perfect timing. Use this time of your life to focus on Me instead of chasing after foolish, short-term pleasure." - Leslie
This book was such an enjoyable read, and I loved how Eric and Leslie respected their future spouses without even knowing them yet. It was beautiful. It truly is a love story that only God could write.
* Also, if you read the book, it advertises their music in the back. Leslie Ludy allows you to listen and download a few tracks for free on her website, Set Apart Girl, which are AMAZING.
November 1, 2025
This book was amazing. It was so beautiful - the most incredible story of God's kindness and love. I will admit this book made me cry because it was so happy.
I loved reading Eric and Leslie's story and seeing how God brought them together and worked through every step of their relationship. It was uplifting and incredible to read a story of a strong Christian relationship focused on Christ and how waiting and ignoring worldly pressures is 100% worth it.
It was also so cool to get the full story of their relationship since I've been reading their other books. There was so much more to it than I had realized!!
This book truly was the most amazing story and their wedding sounded incredible. This book makes me long for what Eric and Leslie have and is inspiring to trust God in this area of life.
I would recommend this book to everyone - it is so good! 10/10!!
Favorite Quotes:
"When you wait for something rather than satisfy your craving for it at the genesis of your desire, you appreciate its beauty far more and enjoy its pleasure forever, as opposed to having its appeal fade away."
"A letter represents something far more than a kiss ever could."
"Believe me, true love is worth all the pain that patience and perseverance can inflict."
I loved reading Eric and Leslie's story and seeing how God brought them together and worked through every step of their relationship. It was uplifting and incredible to read a story of a strong Christian relationship focused on Christ and how waiting and ignoring worldly pressures is 100% worth it.
It was also so cool to get the full story of their relationship since I've been reading their other books. There was so much more to it than I had realized!!
This book truly was the most amazing story and their wedding sounded incredible. This book makes me long for what Eric and Leslie have and is inspiring to trust God in this area of life.
I would recommend this book to everyone - it is so good! 10/10!!
Favorite Quotes:
"When you wait for something rather than satisfy your craving for it at the genesis of your desire, you appreciate its beauty far more and enjoy its pleasure forever, as opposed to having its appeal fade away."
"A letter represents something far more than a kiss ever could."
"Believe me, true love is worth all the pain that patience and perseverance can inflict."
January 16, 2025
This is my fourth read by the Ludys, and they’ve inspired me with their story every time! Instead of a relationship how-to, they simply lay out their experience and walk with God in a way that calls the reading mind to a higher quality of life. Let’s not forget their obvious knack with words! I laughed out loud multiple times and had so much fun. You can believe I looked up their black-and-white wedding video from the 90s and maybe cried a little.
January 26, 2018
Such a beautiful story! What an amazing testimony these two have for the next generation of couples. May their story continue to impact others, as it has impacted me!
May 12, 2017
Probably skimmed half of it...did not need to be that long. And maybe I'm just not there yet, but had a hard time buying the reality of their teen spirituality...not so much when I think about it, but just on a cursory read it made me kind of doubt the authenticity of the narrator.
Overall, it goes on the shelf as another one of those Christian books that's maybe worth one read. I suppose it is encouraging that they found each other - but look around you and you'll probably see similar stories.
Overall, it goes on the shelf as another one of those Christian books that's maybe worth one read. I suppose it is encouraging that they found each other - but look around you and you'll probably see similar stories.
April 27, 2010
A very good book. I would recommend that any Christian read it. Whether you are married or single, or 13 or 50 years old this book is for you.
It is a beautiful loves story of which God is the author. First Eric falls in love with God, then Leslie falls in love with God, and finally they fall in love with one another.
It is a beautiful loves story of which God is the author. First Eric falls in love with God, then Leslie falls in love with God, and finally they fall in love with one another.
February 14, 2015
I enjoyed reading the story of these 2 and thinking of how God brought them together and what He is doing through their union in the world and for their kids is wonderful.
The writing might not neccessarily all have been to my taste, but hey, they were telling a love story so it's obvious that it will get a bit mushy over and over.
The writing might not neccessarily all have been to my taste, but hey, they were telling a love story so it's obvious that it will get a bit mushy over and over.
September 27, 2012
The Ludys tell their beautiful love story and showcase God's faithfulness to those who are committed to waiting for His hand crafted love story. A wonderfully encouraging read that provides insight on how the principles in their book 'When God Writes Your Love Story' are put into practice.
September 17, 2012
One of my favorite books of all time! It is a beautiful TRUE story of 2 people who surrendered their love stories to the Lord and God took them to a story only the Heaven can write. It is a MUST READ.
February 17, 2012
Cute I guess. Terribly written.
June 26, 2012
I absolutely love this book!! It's one of my all time favorites!! I challenge everyone to read this book and allow it to change them! Because it will! In a good way of course..
January 20, 2014
I LOVE this book. It's AMAZING to see how God was orchestrating Eric and Leslie's love story, even in the midst of all the mistakes they were making. Truly an encouragement!!!
March 12, 2016
Only read this book because it was given to me as a present. As someone who is agnostic and a feminist this was painful to read.
July 3, 2020
This book was much better than I was expecting! I had already read several of their books and had read a lot about their love story. So I was expecting it to be predictable and maybe even a little cheesy lol But it wasn't!
First of all, I just love their testimonies! They were both raised in Christian homes and in church, yet they explain how shallow their faith really was, and what it was like for a Christian to be in the public school and exposed to so much worldliness every day.
Through their sharing of their mistakes, it really makes me appreciate their stand so much. It was awesome seeing how God pursued them both through those years and drew their hearts to Him! So it was more than just a book about a love story. It was a book about God writing the story of our lives and His love and care for His children.
And of course, I really enjoyed their love story. I found myself not wanting to put the book down wait to hear what happened next! It wasn't just sweet and sappy. It was amazing to see how God arranged so many details and to see His faithfulness throughout. And it was so neat to see how God wrote that love story for them despite all of their many past mistakes.
I would definitely recommend this book!
First of all, I just love their testimonies! They were both raised in Christian homes and in church, yet they explain how shallow their faith really was, and what it was like for a Christian to be in the public school and exposed to so much worldliness every day.
Through their sharing of their mistakes, it really makes me appreciate their stand so much. It was awesome seeing how God pursued them both through those years and drew their hearts to Him! So it was more than just a book about a love story. It was a book about God writing the story of our lives and His love and care for His children.
And of course, I really enjoyed their love story. I found myself not wanting to put the book down wait to hear what happened next! It wasn't just sweet and sappy. It was amazing to see how God arranged so many details and to see His faithfulness throughout. And it was so neat to see how God wrote that love story for them despite all of their many past mistakes.
I would definitely recommend this book!
February 23, 2021
Wow….just wow! How beautiful it is to witness the real-life love story that was scripted by the Lord of God😭😲. True love is worth all the pain that patience and perseverance can inflict. I want my God to be the Author of romance in scripting my love story. I invite You, Lord, to write a beautiful one on my behalf. It’s worth the wait!!!
When Jesus gets ahold of your life, one of the first things that happen is that your life no longer blends in with the rest of this world.
God doesn’t care about you accomplishing things, He cares about you obeying. When you obey, it’s truly amazing what you accomplish! While waiting was certainly difficult, the reward was far beyond my wildest imagination.
May the world see that Your ways are perfect! God’s ways are better than ours.
When Jesus gets ahold of your life, one of the first things that happen is that your life no longer blends in with the rest of this world.
God doesn’t care about you accomplishing things, He cares about you obeying. When you obey, it’s truly amazing what you accomplish! While waiting was certainly difficult, the reward was far beyond my wildest imagination.
May the world see that Your ways are perfect! God’s ways are better than ours.
September 7, 2020
Excellent, finished in one day. Got interested in this book after seeing videos from their ministry from today. I wondered about their earlier days based on things they are doing 20 years later. These people are real and alive followers of Jesus; then and now.
Look at the YouTube Videos by Bravehearted Christian Productions; particularly the trilogy on faith; The Anatomy of Faith, The Victory of Faith and The Action of Faith and many more. Excellent too@
Look at the YouTube Videos by Bravehearted Christian Productions; particularly the trilogy on faith; The Anatomy of Faith, The Victory of Faith and The Action of Faith and many more. Excellent too@
March 2, 2025
I left this book feeling inspired, and I’d definitely recommend it to Christian young people, especially if you’re at the age where marriage is a possibility. Although I felt that the writing could have been improved in places, I really enjoyed this book, and as I said, it encouraged me for my own life!
April 19, 2018
This book changed my walk with God. It made me get real with my faith and actually start living it out. Eric and Leslie's story is so sweet and pure and made me rethink what I want in a future spouse.
October 28, 2019
Wonderful story of hope
This was a very powerful yet surreal story of how God guidance can work for marriage. I read this and couldn't put it down and challenge me to continue for God.
This was a very powerful yet surreal story of how God guidance can work for marriage. I read this and couldn't put it down and challenge me to continue for God.
May 22, 2021
It is well structured, from Eric's perspective and also from Leslie's. Love the way the events were described and the lessons learned. I also like that what was written is Christ centered. Would read it again!
September 20, 2018
it's sweet and funny and true and it's like a sort of fairy tale but not... you know? anyway, it's great :)
May 20, 2019
Inspiring, non-fictional love story with God as the center.
April 3, 2020
Impressive Love Story has been destined by higher world...!
Awesome Author and written by Eric Ludy
Reza Wahadj
Awesome Author and written by Eric Ludy
Reza Wahadj
April 13, 2022
please note that the speed with which I read this book does not in any way reflect my enjoyment of it.
July 23, 2022
WOW, una din cele mai găinar cărți citite! Așa fain e să-l descoperi pe Dumnezeu in mijlocul la toate. O încurajare în același timp.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews