Any Dream Will Do
by Debbie Macomber
Basic Info
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publication Date: August 2017
Number of Pages: 310
Geographic Setting: Seattle, WA
Time Period: 21st century
Series: New Beginnings #4
Plot Summary
Shay Benson has never had luck with men, from her abusive father to her violent gangster ex-boyfriend, to her drug addicted little brother who convinces her to steal from her employer to pay off his drug debts. After spending three years in prison for embezzlement, she is released and has nowhere to go and no one to which she can turn. When she steps off the bus in Seattle, she looks for a place to get warm and think, and walks into a church. Emotionally hardened by her years of being vulnerable and hurt, she asks God, “You got anything for me?” The pastor of the church, Drew Douglas, overhears her plea and, though battling his own depression after the loss of his wife, he reaches out to Shay, and the healing process begins for both. Shay and Drew grow close even as manipulative, abusive men from Shay’s past reappear, and some of those in Drew’s church question his relationship with Shea, a woman with a past.
Characteristics of a Romance Novel*
Tone/Mood: Heartwarming. The heartwarming tone of this book appeals to readers' emotions. Readers feel the power of love on all levels and feel as if they are part of the love story.
Characters: Shay encapsulates the typical traits of female romance characters. She is bright, independent, strong, interesting and articulate. While Drew is strong and distant, he doesn't fit the "dangerous" characteristic; however, considering the men of Shay’s past are all dangerous, this
is a welcome change.
Story Line: Character Driven. The focus of the story line is the romantic
relationship between Shay and Drew, and the happy ending. Though Shay and Drew’s relationship is not without its setbacks, they are on
course for love, happiness, and marriage by the end of the story.
Frame/Setting: Readers
of Debbie Macomber’s romance novels will recognize her frequently used Pacific
Northwest setting with this book being set in Seattle, Washington.
Style/Language:
From the beginning, the descriptive language helps the reader
understand that Shay is broken, bitter, lonely and scared and Drew is described as broken, lost and empty. As
the story progresses, Shay’s cynical statements such as, “Right. Like that’s
going to happen” turn to softer, more positive phrases such as, “I’m just so
grateful” indicating that her heart and
frame of mind are changing.
Title Read-alikes (Fiction)
- Unexpected Son by Marisa Carroll – both books feature a widowed clergy member and a convicted felon who, despite ghosts from the past, find love together.
- My Hope Next Door by Tammy L. Gray – similar to the storylines in Macomber’s New Beginnings Series, this story features redemption, second-chances and new love.
Author Read-alike (Fiction)
- Emilie Richards. Richards's books are emotionally-charged, heartwarming stories of romance, family, and friendships between women.
Title Read-alike (Non-Fiction)
- The Magnolia Story by Chip and Joanna Gaines - from childhood memories to the couple meeting on campus, marrying, and building their fixer-upper business, this light-hearted and heartwarming story reveals the romance and the struggles of Chip and Joanna Gaines, as they work and play together in their professional and personal lives.
*Based on Romance Characteristics listed in Joyce Saricks' "The Readers' Advisory Guide to Genre Fiction", Second Edition, Chapter 8.
YES to Magnolia Story. It's such a beautiful modern-day romance! (I may be hard on the Fixer Upper train, though). Good job of noticing when Shay starts to change, because of the language that the author uses. Those subtle differences show character development in ways I think readers process without always understanding what is happening.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad to come across your annotation for Debbie Macomber! Though I'm prepared when it comes to historical romance (it's the only romance I read, really), I'm always at a loss when I'm asked for other kinds or suggestions when people like Macomber. I love that you did title, fiction, and non-fiction readalikes, too! Not all books could tie that well with a non-fiction title, but based on your annotation, The Magnolia Story is perfect!
ReplyDeleteHi Rachel,
DeleteI had never read a single Debbie Macomber book until this one - and I read it because it seems that every time we get a new Macomber book, it flies off the shelf! When I told a co-worker that I was reading this, she said, "Debbie Macomber is sweet." I didn't know what she meant until I read it. It is sweet. Too sweet for me, really, but I'm glad I read it because now I have a mindset as to what a patron is looking for when they ask for her books or something like it.
I think it's a great idea that you included an author read-a-like. Sometimes I think it's more helpful to be able to recommend an author than only a few books, that could give a patron a lot more stories to choose from. Great job on your annotation!
ReplyDeleteExcellent annotation! I love that you have 3 different varieties of readalikes, your summary is great, and your detailed characteristics are wonderful! They help expand the summary even more. Full points!
ReplyDelete