A small-town judge meets her match in a rodeo star troublemaker, but soon they may both end up targets of the town’s matchmakers in this delightful and heartwarming tale of romance. Darcy Jones Harper is thrilled to have finally shed her reputation as the girl from the wrong side of the tracks. The people of Sunshine Valley have to respect her now that she’s the new town judge. But when the bad … But when the bad boy who broke her heart back in high school shows up in her courtroom, she realizes maybe things haven’t changed so much after all . . . because her pulse still races at the sight of him.
Jason Petrie wants to make amends for the mistakes of his youth–starting with the woman he never stopped loving. Darcy may not believe that he really intends to quit the bull riding circuit and stick around this time but Jason vows–with the help of the matchmaking Widows Club–to pull out all the stops to convince her that they both deserve a second chance.
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Dream a Little Dream by Melinda Curtis is the 3rd book in her Sunshine Valley Series. Even though this is the third book in the series it can very well be read as a standalone. Ms. Curtis has written a wonderful story which drew me right in, making me forget everything else and did not let me go until I turned the last page. I did not want to put this book down and read well past my bedtime. I have enjoyed this whole series and I think this book is my favorite. This is an emotional and enjoyable story full of second chances, love, friendship and wonderful characters. If you love books with small town settings and second chances this is the one for you.
Dreams a little Dream was a very touching book that Melinda showed how things can change a peoples lives when they follow there Dream.
Darcy Jones was a troubled child because she did things that she was told to do by her parents. She was the girl on the wrong side of the track.
Jason Petrie a boy who caused trouble in his teenage years and was on the wrong side of the track as well.
Darcy and Jason where high school sweethearts planned to be together forever. Then after graduation they went to Vegas. Jason remembers they went to get married and Darcy didn’t remember it.
Well Darcy let Jason follow his Dream and she went and did what she wanted to with help from Judge Harper. Then she married Judge Harper and when he passed away things happened she didn’t know about or liked.
Darcy parents were in jail for things they did so she had no one to support her.
Jason came back to Sunshine to get back the women he loved on the thought that they where married to find out what had happened to her. But she had know to support her but Jason and he always did support her and was always right beside her to support her through anything.
He wanted his wife back and he went to the widows club for help.
This was a very emotional story because of the things that happened to Darcy and Jason.
They where two characters that where meant to be together. This was a very Fabulous book and Fantastically written that I could follow the book and not get lost. I could see myself inside the book following Darcy and Jason around.
Melinda I loved is book if I could give you more starts than 5 I would give you more because I believe you deserve them.
Cosy, uplifting, and sentimental!
Dream a Little Dream sweeps you away to the small town of Sunshine Valley and into the life of Darcy Jones Harper, a young woman struggling to overcome her family’s reputation as well as her own feelings of inadequacy and worthlessness, and Jason Petrie, a professional bull rider who seems to finally be ready to move on and focus on a future that includes settling down and having a family of his own.
The writing is light and sweet. The characters are kind, supportive and endearing. And the plot is an optimistic, humorous tale about life, love, loss, family, friendship, self-reflection, forgiveness, contentment, community, romance, and finding one’s true self.
Overall, Dream a Little Dream is a cute, heartwarming, funny tale with dabs of heartfelt moments that I really enjoyed. It’s the perfect addition to the Sunshine Valley series, and I can’t wait to read more.
Another great book Dream a Little Dream! Is such a great story that when you pick it up you can’t put it down until the end! Darcy Jones Harper is the girl from the wrong side of the tracks growing up! But the people of Sunshine Valley have to respect her now that she is the New Judge in town. And Jason Petrie has always loved her he wants to make amends for all his mistakes he has made since his youth! He is so hoping The matchmaking Widows Club will help him to convince Darcy that they both deserve a second chance! If you haven’t read you should you won’t be disappointed!
Darcy and Jason seemed to be destine to be together until they weren’t due to one picture, then in a whirlwind Darcy is married to the town Judge while Jason wants to make things right between them. We start the book after Judge George Harper has passed away and see things unfold when Darcy is left in the awkward position of being interim Judge, having Georges two sons out for blood after being left nothing along with George’s long term partner who he left and married Darcy a town that thinks she isn’t worthy of anything, one sweet wee dog Stogey that has some minor issues with flatulence and her ex wanting to reconnect. I liked how it also took me a little time to warm up to Darcy but as we got to see everything she had been through as a child and what George had done for her you understand her so much better and rooting for her be the best judge and get the guy. There is loads of laughter, a few tearful times, determination, twists and surprises and a love that could be amazing again if only given the chance and that’s what makes this a fantastic read!
Dream A Little Dream by Melinda Curtis is an engaging, small town romance. I loved the characters, the conflict and the author’s voice.
Melinda Curtis has created a great group of characters—the matchmaking Widows Club. These ladies are awesome and their schemes are filled with so much laughter and love—you can’t put down this book!
The Widows Club have decided to reunite Darcy Jones Harper and Jason Petrie. Darcy Jones Harper is doing her best to put her troubled childhood in the past, coping with widowhood and being named interim county judge. Darcy has very little experience practicing law and faces an uphill battle each time she enters the courtroom. Melinda Curtis conveys Darcy’s feelings perfectly. I could connect with her feelings of self-doubt and loved how she emerged from her cocoon.
Jason Petrie is at a crossroads-he’s recovering from an injury and desperately wants a second chance with Darcy. Jason is determined to win Darcy back and he enlists the Widows Club to help him. Melinda Curtis does a fabulous job fleshing out the secondary characters of Iggy and Ken; Jason’s friend and manager. Loved the well written video scenes with Jason, Iggy and Bitsy—these pages are filled with emotion, witty dialogue and provide insight into the characters.
Melinda Curtis is a new-to-me author. Loved the chemistry between Darcy and Jason, their romantic journey and the small town atmosphere. Dream A Little Dream is well written, the characters are engaging and the story is heartwarming. I am looking forward to the next story in this series!
Melinda Curtis is a new author for me but I am looking forward to reading more by her. This was a clean, inspirational romance about second chances. A second chance at romance and a second chance at life. Darcy is a previous con artist guilty of crimes from petty theft to cattle-rustling. She didn’t set out to be that way – it was the family business. Jason is a world-class bull rider with a wild streak. Darcy and Jason met while in juvenile detention and were a long term item until Darcy saw Jason kiss another woman. So she up and married Judge Harper – a much older rich man who needed a companion. Judge Harper saw potential in Darcy and helped her pass the bar exam. Upon his death he requested she take his seat as acting judge. Darcy’s guilt would not allow her to believe she deserved the position. Jason has learned the error of his ways, wants Darcy back and with the help of the Widow’s Club puts his plan into action to win her back. Throw in Jason’s not too bright partner Iggy and the adorable “tooting” bulldog, Stogey and you have a most enjoyable story.
Thank you to NetGalley and Forever Publishing for this advanced review copy. In return, I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
The widows club strikes again. Curtis’s matchmakers keep you laughing throughout. I really enjoyed seeing Darcy come into her own, even as she falls.
After the passing of her husband, Darcy Jones Harper feels so alone. The people of Sunshine look down on her because of her family’s reputation. Her marriage to the elderly Judge Harper hadn’t helped either. Things get even worse when she’s appointed to her late husband’s judgeship. My heart broke for Darcy. She’s a really good person but her insecurities run deep. Her true love, Jason, wants to win her back. She left him after she saw him in a passionately embrace. Will he be successful? I hoped so. They are perfect together but I wasn’t sure. Everything seems to be such a mess. Melinda Curtis had me worried. I was really concerned about Darcy, but I shouldn’t have been. The Widow’s Club had a plan and Jason won’t give up on Darcy and their HEA. I became emotionally invested in this story. I cared for these characters. The plot is complex and had unexpected surprises. I couldn’t stop reading until I found out what happened. Jason’s agent, Ken, was a smart and savvy man who added charm and humor to the story. He better watch his back. He might find his forever love. You never know what’s going to happen in Sunshine.
I received a copy of this book which I voluntarily read and reviewed. My comments are my honest opinion.
this is a wonderful story, a group of matchmakers cannot resist setting up the single or newly single people of the town. if you like romance and a group of seniors who take their matchmaking skills very seriously you will enjoy reading the story i was given a copy of the book by netgally but this is an honest review
Dream a Little Dream is the third title in the Sunshine Valley series and brings us the story of Darcy and Jason who we’ve been introduced to previously as they made an appearance in A Very Merry Match. If you haven’t read the entire series, don’t let that hold you back from an emotional second chance for two childhood sweethearts who made choices that changed the course of their lives for years.
Darcy is the new, temporarily appointed judge for her small town after her husband’s death who was the previous judge and had set in motion the handing down of the position to his widow. To say that his decision was not well received by several of the townsfolk would be an understatement. Darcy had married George, who was older than she was and had been a mentor to her as she set out to get a life far different than her family’s. They each had their reasons, there was affection between them but not the burning love she’d had for the town bad boy and a future bull rider, Jason. No, Jason lost Darcy when she saw him kiss another woman after a rodeo win – even though it wasn’t a romantic kiss. Darcy believed otherwise and broke off their relationship and built her life in the law, as a lawyer, and eventually as George’s wife.
Now she’s sitting on the bench as judge and Jason is back in town after an injury, re-evaluating what he wants his life to be now. And what he wants most is Darcy back in his life, at his side. Yet, the reality is that both Jason and Darcy still have some growing up to do, some letting go of the past, and seeing each other with new eyes as the different people they are now. But all that is nothing the town’s Widow Club matchmakers cannot handle as they set out to get this couple back together and on their way to happiness. It’s not going to be an easy journey, there are potholes along this road for both Darcy and Jason to face and overcome before their happy ever after has a chance of becoming a reality. Yet, when the love is, and always has been, real and the timing finally is right – love wins every time.
I enjoyed Dream a Little Dream very much. I love a small-town romance, it’s where I grew up so I’m comfortable with the unique situations that living in a small town where everyone knows your business, even if they get the details wrong, is like. So returning to Sunshine Valley is always a trip back home for me in many ways. The writing, as usual, is smooth, the plot detailed, and the romance definitely closed doors. We’ll find another romance brewing in the background, one that I smiled and chuckled at when they were on-page. Jason really has to work to get Darcy to give him a second chance, as she’s deep in impostor syndrome feelings with her appointment to the judge’s position, as well as knowing her family’s reputation in town isn’t anything to be proud of. Add in some tensions from some people in town who believe she shouldn’t be the judge and you’ll find that Darcy is dealing with a lot of plates juggled in her hands. Watching how both Jason and Darcy grew through their story, the re-kindling of a love that never really died, and the hope forming for their future was a delightful, emotional journey. Now, it’s time to wait for the next visit to Sunshine Valley (and I really hope there is another visit soon).
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher, Forever via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
Dream a Little Dream is the third in the Sunshine Valley series but can be read as a stand alone. This is a second chance at first love and finding your worth within yourself. Darcy Jones Harper grew up in a family of criminals and has been trying to overcome the stigma of being a Jones since she was young. Jason, a world champion rodeo star, broke Darcy’s heart when he was photographed kissing another woman while on tour. He is now back home, recovering from an injury, and trying to win back Darcy’s love. Darcy is now the widow of her mentor whom she married to grant his deathbed wish, not knowing that she would take his place as judge of the town. Although the love and sparks are still there, Darcy is trying to fight the attraction but Jason is tenacious. The story that follows is filled with matchmaking older ladies, a gaseous dog and a variety of emotions to entertain until the very last page. This is a wonderfully written story with engaging characters.
I received an advanced reader copy from the publisher but all thoughts and feelings are my own.
I really liked this book, honestly I have really enjoyed this series its been so fun. I really hope this is not the end of the Matchmakers they always seem to be up to no good which will guarantee you laughing alone the way. I feel like this was such a romantic comedy and I wasn’t sure if I was laughing or crying. I loved Darcy even though she faced so much she was a true fighter and ready to be this strong independent women with out her families past hanging over her head. Jason was an outsider looking in but was not willing to stand on the sidelines no matter what. I finished this book in one setting and it was so worth the read. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
It’s interesting how things work out in our lives. Darcy has certainly had an unusual life and has had to deal with situations and circumstances that I hope you have not. It certainly makes for a good story though. What a group of interesting characters who live and visit in Sunshine. Some of the most outstanding folks are in The Widows Club. You just know they are going to be in the thick of things. Come join this lively bunch as they learn about themselves and see just what they are made of. As if all these folks weren’t enough, you can count on George and Stogey keeping you entertained. I can’t wait to go back to Sunshine again. I received this book from NetGalley, but my opinion is my own.
I’ve been really enjoying the #SunshineValley series by Melinda Curtis. She’s done a great job of writing her town and the people who live there. You want to know more about them. Plus let’s admit it the cover really draws you in.
I really liked Darcy in the prior books and couldn’t wait for her story. The shocking part is that I had trouble getting into it. I’m not even sure why. It wasn’t for long maybe a chapter but enough that I kept putting it down.
Really pissed me off since I was looking forward to reading it.
The good news is that after having a bit of a challenge getting throw that chapter it was smooth sailing from there. Thankfully! Once I was able to get into the story I couldn’t put it down. I really enjoyed how Darcy handled her life and what came of it after her husband’s death. She had some going against her before that I’m not even sure how she kept going in this town.
I spent a lot of time being pissed off at people for her. So many treated her badly and really shouldn’t have. She’s a very sweet, good, caring person. I really like her. Now Jason is a different story. I didn’t really have a problem with him per se, it was just I felt he needed to grow up some. I understood why he did what he did. I just don’t think he got it.
Jason wants the best for Darcy and feels that he’s working hard to give her that but I have to wonder if it’s really for him. He wants to give her everything and is working hard to make the money to do so but the only thing she wants and doesn’t have is him.
With time they both working it out with a little help from George. I love how much George helped them. And shouldn’t he have. He wasn’t really fair to Darcy either. Those who are reading this series will really enjoy Dream a Little Dream very much. I kinda think that Iggy is who put me off a bit in the beginning. I’m not sure how I feel about him.
A long time ago Darcy Jones Harper landed herself on the wrong side of the tracks in Sunshine Valley, she was the girl with a reputation. But these days it’s a different story, she is no longer that girl, she is now a judge and respected member of the community.
She is also the woman that Jason Petrie wants back… but first he must find way back into her good graces, and if he has any say in it, her heart too. She is the one that he stupidly let get away, and now that he is back in town he plans to change that once and for all! Question is will she give him a second chance?
Dream a Little Dream is a small town romance brimming with charming characters and a story line that delights from beginning to end. Upon first meeting these two one time lovebirds it was evident that Jason had a tall order in front of him, working his way back into Darcy’s heart was not going to be an easy task. Since the last time she gave him the chance to claim it he broke it, and left her behind. But now he is back in town and determined to show her that he has changed. But what he doesn’t realize is that she has done some changing of her own too. She has morals, rules to live by, and an image to uphold and she can’t be seem around town with the local bad boy. Good thing he has landed the help of the matchmaking Widows Club, cause he is going to need it! I loved returning to Sunshine Valley and seeing old friends and making a few new ones too. Just as my first visit, I was delighted by what I found waiting for me amongst the pages, the story line was unique and entertaining and the words were so easy to fall right into and let them take me away. What a wonderfully penned journey! If you love small town romances then I highly suggest you make a stop in Sunshine Valley, the characters you meet there are bound to make you feel right at home!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.
This romantic comedy was such a fun read! From the little dog that constantly toots (even in a crowded courtroom), to the voice of Darcy’s dead husband putting in his two cents worth, the chuckles in this book just never ended.
What is a judge supposed to do when she discovers that she might be a bigamist? That’s only one of Darcy’s problems. She inherited a judgeship from her husband (the second and dead one!) that she never wanted. She also inherited the love of his life and a tangled mess with his two sons who want the judgeship and as lawyers are determined to give her fits. And by the way–the first husband, Jason the hunky bull rider, wants her back. Could her life be any more of a mess?
Definitely a lighter read in this mess of a time.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.
“Dream a Little Dream” (Sunshine Valley Book 3) by Melinda Curtis is a fabulous read. I loved Darcy and Jason’s story. I enjoyed visiting all these entertaining characters in Sunshine Valley again. This story is a clean romance, packed with humor, entertaining characters, small-town life, cowboys, close friends, and more. I can’t wait to see what happens next in Sunshine Valley. Highly recommend to all fans of clean romance, humor, small-town life, friends, and series.
Sunshine is a great place to be. The characters are great, especially the widows club and Stogey. Jason and Darcy have a long history. Jason is a rodeo star who has had an injury. He is sure he can go back to riding bulls, but first he has to win Darcy back. After she saw him kiss another woman on national TV, she married a much older man. Darcy has always loved the judge, but not in a romantic way. He has helped steer her life for years and she is very grateful. If he hadn’t, she probably would have ended up in prison like the rest of her family. Her husband has died, she is a lawyer and has just been appointed as temporary judge. All thanks to her dead husband. The town has a long memory and they all remember her family. She will always be a Jones, so how can she be a judge. It seems as if no one respects her. She knows how she got to be a judge and she isn’t sure she has what it takes to keep the job. She wants Jason, but she can’t bring shame to him or his reputation. Jason will do anything to get Darcy back. Will they leave town or will they put down roots in a small town where everyone knows them and their history?
Dream a Little Dream is the first book that I’ve read by Melinda Curtis and I enjoyed it very much! I love small-town romances, plus this was a second chance romance, so that was a bonus as well!
Darcy Jones Harper has always felt like she doesn’t fit in. Her family doesn’t have the best reputation in Sunshine to say the least. They are known for breaking the law and ending up behind bars. Darcy didn’t want to be anything like the rest of her family, so she made a concerted effort to make sure she was different from her family. She went on to study law and become a lawyer and now she’s just been appointed the judge of her small hometown. The appointment comes courtesy of her recently deceased husband, who she married after catching her longtime boyfriend, Jason in a compromising position. She still feels like she shouldn’t be where she is and she’s having many thoughts of self doubt. Will she allow herself the happiness she’s always wanted or will she continue to let her thoughts override what she really wants out of life.
Jason Petrie has been a world-class bull rider for many years. He recently was hurt and so he’s back in his hometown recouping, however he’s close to the point where he could rejoin the rodeo circuit. While he’s been home, he wants to win back the one woman he’s always loved and lost, Darcy. Even though she dumped him and married someone else, his love for her hasn’t waned. He’s dealing with issues at the business he owns with one of his friends along with trying to figure out how to win back the love of his life.
Jason and Darcy reconnect, but between Darcy’s insecurities and Jason’s issue of trying to figure out what his future looks like, there are a lot of questions about if this relationship will end up making it. Add in some other potential hurdles and this duo has plenty to overcome to get their happily ever after.
I enjoyed the other players in this story, as they added a lot of texture and the stories were interesting. It was also nice to see how both Darcy and Jason evolved as people over the course of the story. This was definitely and enjoyable read for me.
**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher**