Wednesday, February 28, 2018

My share in the conversation...These Dreams

Available on Amazon

Have you read These Dreams by Nicole Clarkston? If you have not, I strongly encourage you do so. Even if you are not fond of some angst, you will still find much in this novel to enjoy. Do you like reading a good story with a great Colonel Fitzwilliam? Then this story is for you. Thanks for taking some moments out of your day to stop by and read my review.



These Dreams by Nicole Clarkston

These Dreams is unequivocally, one of the best books I have ever read. It left me thinking about it for days. The author wrote a story that vividly portrays love, heartache, agony, feelings of betrayal, desperation, fear, joy, hope, romance, oh, the romance, and so much more. The narrative moved along at a steady pace, and there was nothing artificial in the solutions to the plot twists. It kept me on the edge of my seat, experiencing a multitude of emotions.

The story begins with Darcy arranging the marriage of Wickham and Lydia. While doing a kindness to an unknown person, he is knocked unconscious, kidnapped, and transported to Portugal. A body, found in the streets and dressed in Darcy’s clothes, leads his family to believe he is dead!  This was such a difficult part, and I could hardly wait for answers. Thankfully, we are quick to learn that he lives, but his family is not as fortunate as the reader.

The one thing that keeps Darcy going is Elizabeth. No matter how horribly he is treated, no matter how alone he feels, he has hope in the darkest of those moments. He sees Elizabeth in his dreams, he hears her in his thoughts, and he feels her touch.

Elizabeth, in despair of all that could have been, grieves for the loss of the best man she has ever known. Her feelings for Darcy had changed but she had not the opportunity to tell him. That alone, increases her anguish thinking he never knew of her love. Life for Lizzy becomes almost unbearable. Lizzy’s only comfort comes in her dreams, asleep or awake. There she hears and sees Darcy. She feels his arms around her. She talks with him. What can this mean? Is she losing her mind?

The deep emotions that both Darcy and Lizzy experience and the unfathomable love they share, connect them in a way that is poignant and thrilling. I shed tears many times as these scenes evoked strong feeling and touched me deeply. They were tormenting and enchanting at the same time.

Colonel Fitzwilliam cannot get past the feeling that Darcy lives. Thankfully, he never gives up his quest for the truth. At Colonel Fitzwilliams’ request, Elizabeth stays with Georgiana at Pemberley, and Lydia tags along. Lydia is a light spot in this tale and totally unpredictable. She was refreshing and fun. In the search for what happened to Darcy, dear Colonel Fitzwilliam meets up with his past. What a thrill it was to have him play such a leading role. At times, he stole the show and it was delightful!

When Darcy makes his way back to England, the author allows Darcy time to heal, to learn to trust again, to regain his strength of character, his physical strength, and once again, to be the Darcy who is ready to fight for those he loves and for what is his. Watching him go from near broken back to confident and strong because of love, was both heart-wrenching and inspirational. The story comes full circle when the author reveals the who and the why of Darcy’s capture and imprisonment, bringing a satisfying conclusion to an awesome novel.

Nicole Clarkston was not afraid to tackle a tough premise, and she did it skillfully, with ease and authenticity. The story flows and never skips a beat. I didn’t want to put it down. If you have yet to read These Dreams, I cannot recommend it highly enough. Get it and read it as soon as you can. It is a book you will not soon forget. Well done, Nicole Clarkston!

*****

If you have read These Dreams, what are some of your thoughts? I would love to know what you think. If you haven't, what are you waiting for? I'm giving away the eBook to help you get started. Giveaway ends at 11:59 PM on the 5th of March! The giveaway is international. Good luck!

Nicole Clarkston is also the author of two North & South variations, No Such Thing as Luck, Northern Rain, and two other Pride and Prejudice variations, Rumours & Recklessness, The Courtship of Edward Gardiner.

The February Author of the Month at From Pemberley to Milton, Rita Deodato's blog, is Nicole Clarkston. Nicole shares an excerpt from each of her works in progress. Stop by and comment for a chance to win No Such Thing as Luck

33 comments:

  1. What a lovely review, Janet! You have me blushing to my toes. I am so glad you loved the book, and it was made even better by that stunning cover! Thank you, my friend.

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    1. Thank you, Nicole. As you know, I do love this book. I also loved working with you to create the cover.

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  2. Ria and BeckyC, I received emails for each of your comments but they are not showing up. I keep watching and hoping they will. I'll enter you, if they do not. Ria, I need your contact info.

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  3. This is for Ria.

    ia
    7:06 PM (3 hours ago)
    to me
    Ria has left a new comment on your post "My share in the conversation...These Dreams":

    I keep reading about the storyline but I have yet to read it. Intriguing premise.



    Posted by Ria to More Agreeably Engaged at February 28, 2018 at 7:06 PM

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    1. I hope you enjoy it, Ria! I know the length is a bit scary, I hope it doesn't carve out too much of your time.

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    2. I hope you get to read it soon, Ria. It is such a good book.

      Leave me your contact info sometime. I have no way of reaching you, should you be the winner.

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  4. This comment was posted by BeckyC

    BeckyC via blogger.bounces.google.com
    9:44 PM (53 minutes ago)
    to me
    BeckyC has left a new comment on your post "My share in the conversation...These Dreams":

    Wonderful review. These Dreams was already on my radar, but now, even more so! Colonel Fitzwilliam is a favorite of mine. This is a must read for me. Thank you for the giveaway!



    Posted by BeckyC to More Agreeably Engaged at February 28, 2018 at 9:44 PM

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    1. Thank you, Becky! I love me some good Colonel F. Bingley is sweet, but the colonel has that extra bit of mystery, and he is so much fun to play with. Good luck in the giveaway!

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    2. Hi Becky. So glad you stopped by. I'm glad you enjoyed the review. I do hope you read the book soon. It is awesome! I love the Colonel, too, and he is even more lovable in this book.

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  5. What a great review. I totally agree with it all. I so so loved this book. I cried my way through it and couldn't sleep until I finished it. Absolutely beautifully romantic. I really really loved the connection between Darcy and Elizabeth.
    Obviously I do have this wonderful book so please don't enter me in the giveaway.

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    1. Thank you so much, Glynis. I did a bit of crying myself over this book, so I am so touched when others enjoyed it too.

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    2. Thank you, Glynis. I'm so happy to hear you agree totally. I cried often and sighed at the same time. It was "absolutely beautifully romantic" as you so aptly stated.

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  6. I was privileged to beta "These Dreams," and I knew from the early chapters that Nicole had a marvelous story. The manner in which she wove the inner dialogue of the characters together left me spellbound. Yes, there was romance...but she created a wonderful "quest" novel. I rated it 5 Stars in my own review...and will repeat my exhalation from my review of "The Courtship of Edward Gardiner"... "I wish I had written that."

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    1. Don, I so appreciate your friendship through this writing life!

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    2. I had the privilege of reading along as Nicole wrote. I, like you, knew early on this one was a winner. She created something special.

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  7. "The author wrote a story that vividly portrays love, heartache, agony, feelings of betrayal, desperation, fear, joy, hope, romance, oh, the romance, and so much more." This statement from you says it all! As soon as I saw her book go up for pre-order, I bought it! What a saga this was! As I said in my review " I was completely enthralled from beginning to end and hated being interrupted!" Since then, I have bought the paperback and what a beautiful cover (back/front) that completely compliments the beauty within.

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    1. The cover may be the best part of the whole book! And it really is a pity that ebooks don't have a back cover, because this one is sigh-worthy (Shout out to Janet!)

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    2. It's great to read someone else feels the same about a book. Thank you for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. I was enthralled from beginning to end too. Glad to hear you love the cover too! :)

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  8. I've enjoyed a couple of her books and loved her writing style. She draws in the reader emotionally. I generally shy away from lots of angst, but I have a feeling I will love this one. I like how you made a point about Darcy's recovery after his ordeal and what kept him going. Always love a little more Colonel Fitz!

    Loved getting your thoughts, Janet!

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    1. Thank you for sharing, Sophia! I'd marry the colonel.

      Seems like I've said that before....

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    2. Thanks, Sophia. I'm glad you enjoyed my thoughts on this one. I hope you get to read it soon. The angst is well balanced with the other aspects of the story. I think you will love it! Awww, the good Colonel. He is wonderful in this story! sigh

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  9. I haven't read it, but it sounds wonderful in a deeply poignant way.

    denise

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    1. I hope you enjoy it when you get a chance!

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    2. Oh, Denise, I do hope you get to read it soon. It is so good!

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  10. Perfectly wonderful review, Janet. Wow. What to say about this book. No comments about content from me because what has been mentioned in your review and comments is sufficient to let others know enough to go for it. But yes, I do so love the Colonel in the story. But those dreams...that spiritual connection is what it's all about.

    I too thought it was the best book I've read, in a long long while. I haven't read anything like it before or since. I love all of Nicole's books, her writing is such an amazing gift to lovers of JAFF. She's an absolute treasure.

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    1. Michelle, thank you so very much for your kind words. It makes all the hours at the keyboard (or my phone) worthwhile when people enjoy it :-)

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    2. Awww, thanks, Michelle. Weren't those dreams wonderful! Wow! It's great to read your thoughts and know you felt similar to me about this book. Thanks you for stopping by and sharing with us. I agree 100%, Nicole is an "absolute treasure" and "her writing an amazing gift".

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  11. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this book.

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  12. A well written review, Janet. And a beautifully designed cover too.

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    1. Luthien, Janet is one busy and talented lady. You should see what she is working on right now! I can't wait to show the world. :-D

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    2. Thank you on both accounts, Sylvia. I appreciate your comment.

      Thanks to you, too, Nicole. I can't wait for your next two books to be released. :)

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