#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Debbie Macomber returns with a powerful standalone novel about a woman forced to start her life anew, embarking on the most courageous journey of all—to a place where she learns what love and trust really mean. 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 … 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.
Praise for Any Dream Will Do
“Emotional, romantic and inspirational, the latest novel from romance maven Macomber is a must read! . . . Shay’s journey is one of courage, and there’s something in her story for every reader.”—RT Book Reviews
“Any Dream Will Do is . . . so realistic, it’s hard to believe it’s fiction through the end. Even then, it’s hard to say goodbye to these characters. This standalone novel will make you hope it becomes a Hallmark movie, or gets a sequel. It’s an inspiring, hard-to-put-down tale. . . . You need to read it.”—The Free-Lance Star
“Any Dream Will Do by Debbie Macomber is a study in human tolerance and friendship. Macomber masterfully shows how all people have value.”—Fresh Fiction
“Macomber never disappoints. The message is uplifting and inspirational. Fans of Christian fiction or crossover works with a positive message will enjoy this book.”—Library Journal
more
Wow, this was a great book! It was hard to put down. It is different than other books by this author. This one is a bit more dark or depressing. Shay has made some poor choices in her life. This story is how she changed her life around, how she learned to cope and take responsibility. It’s also about judging others (when we do not have that right). It’s also about expectations, how different people make different choices and it’s about redemption. Changing what you can, and doing the your best to be the best person you can be.
another winner by Debbie Macomber! Love finds these two where they least expect it. Both have had their share of challenges that would make them fear the power of love, but in the end they took a leap of faith, believed in each other and began their own dream together.
Enjoyed it thoroughly.
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.
Great story
Every book that I have ever read authored by Debbie Macomber has been terrific. This one offered the theme of having responsibility for a second chance. The characters were diverse, but you cheered on the lady looking for a second chance in life.