Reviews

Any Dream Will Do by Debbie Macomber

a_brand's review against another edition

4.0

Great book, cannot wait to read more from the author.

debstubb's review against another edition

emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

sek73's review against another edition

4.0

I'm a huge DM fan and recently saw her speak. I know her faith is important to her but this was over the top compared to what else she's written and it was a bit bothersome. The premise was totally DM, second chances and redemption. I'm used to her chaste scenes and I did enjoy the love story but there were too many righteous characters that just muddied the story for me. I didn't buy the book so it's going back to the library for another DM fan who will most likely love it.

sharonsm_28's review against another edition

5.0

This was a fantastic read. This is a story about second chances, love, trust, and redemption. Shay and Drew's love story was beautifully written. Shay is a felon after she takes money from the bank that she worked at for her brother, only to find out that her brother left and she went to prison for 3 years. Drew is a widowed pastor and the father of two kids: Mark and Sarah. I loved the Douglas family, and they were sweet and lovable. The characters were incredible. The romance was sweet, and the chemistry between Drew and Shay was special and beautiful. The theme of redemption really struck me, and it showed the journey that Shay took to get to who she is now. The ending was perfect. I cannot wait to read more Debbie Macomber. Overall, an amazing read.

aliciawalton's review

3.0

I am a huge fan of Debbie Macomber. I am trying to read all her work. That being said, this is not my favorite book. I am all for second chances but I was not a fan of the pastor. I loved Shay. She was lost and really working to change her life and get away from the past. I loved when she stood up to Drew and was not going to let him use her. That honestly was my favorite part of the book and I was really hoping the book would be more intriguing. It did not, if anything Drew really got on my nerves. Lets start with the understanding of Drew and his loss of his wife. I felt for him and the kids, but his approach with Shay was not for me. I understood he did not want to jump into any thing with Shay, but I was not a fan of him testing the waters and going on multiple dates with his congregation. I feel the characters where more on Shay's past then their pastor dating multiple women. I will say I did enjoy the scene with Shooter and it made Drew realize his feelings. It did not shock me when the money went missing and everyone looked to Shay but again I feel Drew left her out to dry in the beginning until his daughter made a big deal. In the end, I think Shay deserved better. All in All, I am a huge fan of Debbie Macomber and I know every book hits everyone different, this one was not a hit for me but as always I know it will be a hit for others and they will love it. So, as always, I recommend all Debbie Macomber's books as she is a fantastic author!

laplatts's review against another edition

4.0

As a newcomer to the romance novel genre I wasn't expecting a lot. I typically stay away from the genre as I find the plots too cliché, and the characters either too perfect or not at all relatable.

"Any Dream Will Do" changed my perspective on romance novels. Both main characters, Shay and Drew, were well-rounded and likeable, and I was able to stay engaged in the text as Macomber provided just enough twists to keep me interested.

I found this book to be a beautiful tale of love, hardship, tragedy, redemption and faith. I will definitely give Macomber, and maybe the whole romance genre, another try!

kle105's review

4.0

I almost didn't recognize this as a Debbie Macomber book. It was deeply faith based which is not something I would normally read. I was glad I continued to read it though.

Shay made a mistake in order to help her brother and wound up in prison. When she gets out, she is lost as to what to do next. She walks into a church to steal a few moments to think of her next steps, and she is approached by the Pastor Drew Douglas. He himself is struggling with finding his passion again after losing his wife. He doesn't know how to keep his family and his church from falling apart. When he finds Shay looking so broken he feels like helping her, helps himself.

Shay enters a program that will help give the skills and resources needed to start her life over. While Drew checks in on her periodically it isn't until she finishes the program where they begin to be friends. His kids take to Shay immediately and they find themselves connecting as well. Shay's past tries to destroy her second chance but she is stronger this time around.

I received a free copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

theavidreaderandbibliophile's review

4.0

Any Dream Will Do is the latest novel by Debbie Macomber. Shay Benson is trying to turn her life around. She is clean (no drugs), working as a teller at a local bank, and taking accounting classes. Then Caden, her brother (and only family), shows up needing help. Caden states he needs $5,000 right away or he will be killed. Promises to get the money back to her within days if she will obtain it from the bank (not through legal means). Caden gets the money and disappears. Shay is sentenced to three years. Three years later, a bus drops Shay off in front of Seattle Calvary. She walks inside and feels a sense of peace. Pastor Drew Douglas has been having a crisis of faith since the loss of his wife three years prior. It has been a struggle managing his children and his flock. Drew is in the church when he hears a noise and encounters Shay Benson. Shay needs assistance (a new start, a place to live), and Drew takes her to Hope Center. Drew keeps track of Shay’s progress in the year long program and they develop a friendship. As time passes, Shay gets to know Drew’s children, finds a job, a place to live, and a church family. Life is good for Shay and romance is blossoming, but then her past comes back to haunt her. Shay’s dreams for her future are threatened. Shay will need to stay strong and hold onto her faith to get through this trial. Will Shay and Drew get their happily ever after?

Any Dream Will Do is nicely written, has a good steady pace, and is set Seattle, Washington (I have always wanted to go there). This book is different from Debbie Macomber’s other novels. She always writes clean, wholesome books, but Any Dream Will Do has a Christian theme. The values of faith, trust, hope, second chances, redemption and love are prevalent throughout the story. Shay is given a second chance, but no one ever said it would be easy (life is full of struggles/obstacles to happiness). Life is fraught with hills and valleys (shadow and light). We get to see Shay and Drew go through good times and bad. I am rating Any Dream Will Do 4 out of 5 stars. The romance takes a backseat in this novel. It places out softly and slowly which I liked. Any Dream Will Do is an uplifting and inspiring novel. The story touches on the plight of the homeless, how people struggle with addiction, and dealing with prejudice (assuming that Shay is bad because she was in prison). Any Dream Will Do does have the expected ending, but it is touching. Any Dream Will Do is a good novel to enjoy on a Saturday afternoon while lying about in a hammock with a cool drink nearby.

professorsid's review against another edition

emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced

• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

judithdcollins's review against another edition

4.0

Review to follow. .