Dreamland by Nicholas Sparks – a Review

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Description:
Colby Mills once felt destined for a musical career, until tragedy grounded his aspirations. Now the head of a small family farm in North Carolina, he spontaneously takes a gig playing at a bar in St. Pete’s Beach, Florida, seeking a rare break from his duties at home.

But when he meets Morgan Lee, his world is turned upside-down, making him wonder if the responsibilities he has shouldered need dictate his life forever. The daughter of affluent Chicago doctors, Morgan has graduated from a prestigious college music program with the ambition to move to Nashville and become a star. Romantically and musically, she and Colby complete each other in a way that neither has ever known.

While they are falling headlong in love, Beverly is on a heart-pounding journey of another kind. Fleeing an abusive husband with her six-year-old son, she is trying to piece together a life for them in a small town far off the beaten track. With money running out and danger seemingly around every corner, she makes a desperate decision that will rewrite everything she knows to be true.

In the course of a single unforgettable week, two young people will navigate the exhilarating heights and heartbreak of first love. Hundreds of miles away, Beverly will put her love for her young son to the test. And fate will draw all three people together in a web of life-altering connections . . . forcing each to wonder whether the dream of a better life can ever survive the weight of the past.

Review:

Dreamland by Nicholas Sparks is another one of his excellent standalone novels. Dreamland has two POV’s that focus on Colby, and a different one focusing on Beverly.   We meet Colby, our hero, who runs a farm in North Carolina, with his sister, Paige and Aunt; he loves writing songs, but gave it up to assume his responsibility to be the head of the family and restore the farm.  While things seem to be working good, Colby, accepts a three-week gig at bar in St. Pete’s Beach, Florida with his sister and aunt, encouraging him to take a break.

While performing his music, he meets Morgan Lee, who also loves music, and plans to move to Nashville.  Colby finds himself falling hard for Morgan, who knows what she wants, coming from a wealthy family, musical education and a wonderful voice. Morgan and Colby begin to spend more time together, romantically and musically.  It was nice to see them write songs, with each helping each other with the words.  Colby thinks Morgan can become a big star, with her voice, and as they fall in love, she tries to convince him to join her in Nashville.   But an unexpected crisis will change everything.  Will Colby and Morgan find a way to be together?

The other POV, deals with Beverly, who is on the run with her six-year-old son, fleeing her abusive husband.  She begins a new life in a small town; living in a house, and finances are low.  Beverly knows she needs to get a job, and while Tommy is in school, she looks around for a cash paying job, since she left without her id.  Beverly knows her husband has contacts, and works for Homeland; she continues to be alert. Then she discovers unusual things in the house, as well as a truck that keeps stopping by the house; she panics and makes plans to run again.

Reading through the first half of the book, I was sort of confused, as to how these POV’s fit in the story.  But when we get closer to the last quarter, there is a major twist that throws us for a loop. 

Dreamland is a wonderful story of responsibility, family, tragedy, music and love.  I loved Colby and Morgan together, as they made a wonderful couple, and their songwriting was terrific.  Beverly’s story was scary and tense, with a surprising twist. Dreamland was so very well written by Nicholas Sparks, which kept me unable to put the book down.  I suggest you read Dreamland.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher