Any Dream Will Do by Debbie Macomber – a Review

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Description:
Shay Benson adored her younger brother, Caden, and that got her into trouble. When he owed money, Shay realized she would do anything to help him avoid the men who were threatening him, and she crossed lines she never should have crossed. Now, determined to start fresh, she finds herself in search of a place to stay and wanders into a church to escape from the cold.

Pastor Drew Douglas adored his wife. But when he lost her, it was all he could do to focus on his two beautiful kids, and his flock came in a distant third. Now, as he too is thinking about a fresh start, he walks through his sanctuary and finds Shay sitting in a pew.

The pair strike up a friendship—Drew helps Shay get back on her feet, and she reignites his sense of purpose—that, over time, turns into something deeper, something soulful, spiritual, and possibly romantic. Even Drew’s two children are taken with this woman who has brought light back into their lives. Perhaps most important, Shay learns to trust again as she, in turn, proves herself trustworthy to her adopted community.

But Caden’s return to town and a disastrous secret threaten to undo the life Shay has tried so hard to rebuild. It will take the utmost courage and faith if she and Drew hope to find healing and open their hearts to a brighter future

Review:

Any Dream Will Do by Debbie Macomber is a wonderful heartwarming story about second chances and finding love.  Any Dream Will Do begins with Shay Benson, our heroine, making a grave mistake in helping her brother; after serving three years in prison for embezzlement, which during that time, she never heard from her brother again. When Shay is released from prison, she has no money, and has no one to help her; she gets on a bus to nowhere, and ends up in a local church in a small town and desperately prays for some guidance. 

Drew Douglas, is the pastor of his church, and when he hears a noise, he realizes that someone has entered the church.  Drew himself was deep in prayer, trying to find a way to get past his depression, since the loss of his wife 4 years before.  Drew has two children, and he knows he needs to find a way to step out of his mourning for them, as well as he is losing members of  his church.  When Drew goes to find out who entered, he meets Shay, and he will try to bring her to one of the town’s clinics that help those in need. Shay openly explains that she just got out of prison, but Drew is determined to help the young lady.  Shay at first is not too sure she will qualify to be in this program, but she will persevere and slowly change her perspective at having a chance for a new life.  She meets many people who will become her friends along the way, which also includes Drew, who will become her friend, as will his two children. 

Drew finds himself having a new purpose, and begins to return to the living, winning back his parishioners, his friends, and spending quality time with his daughter and son.  Drew also finds himself enjoying spending time with Shay, and how she is with his children.  Both know theirs is just a friendship, which has some townspeople not happy, as Shay’s past has them determined to force Drew not to become romantically involved.  Those who know Shay, have seen all the good she does helping others, with volunteer work, and the homeless, not to mention how Drew’s children have grown to love her.  Shay’s brother and her ex will come back to haunt her, causing more problems, but she is now strong enough to fight them

Even though this was an unlikely pair, their growing romance was so well written and beautiful to see.  I loved how Shay was so loving to the children, and to Drew, even though she felt she was not worthy of him. I loved how they both got second chances in life to rise above the trauma of their past; as each needed to learn to trust their hearts, and have faith and hope again.

Debbie Macomber gives us wonderful story about love, second chances, friendship, issues, and forgiveness.   This was a sweet and inspiring story, with a great couple, wonderful children and secondary characters.  I strongly suggest you read Any Dream Will Do.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher