One of PureWow’s “Best Beach Reads of Summer 2018”New York Times bestselling author Karen White crafts evocative relationships in this contemporary women’s fiction novel, set in the Lowcountry of South Carolina, about lifelong friends who share a devastating secret.On the banks of the North Santee River stands a moss-draped oak that was once entrusted with the dreams of three young girls. Into … dreams of three young girls. Into the tree’s trunk, they placed their greatest hopes, written on ribbons, for safekeeping—including the most important one: Friends forever, come what may.
But life can waylay the best of intentions….
Nine years ago, a humiliated Larkin Lanier fled Georgetown, South Carolina, knowing she could never go back. But when she finds out that her mother has disappeared, she realizes she has no choice but to return to the place she both loves and dreads—and to the family and friends who never stopped wishing for her to come home.
Ivy, Larkin’s mother, is discovered badly injured and unconscious in the burned-out wreckage of her ancestral plantation home. No one knows why Ivy was there, but as Larkin digs for answers, she uncovers secrets kept for nearly fifty years—whispers of love, sacrifice, and betrayal—that lead back to three girls on the brink of womanhood who found their friendship tested in the most heartbreaking ways.
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I’ve never missed a Karen White book. This is one of my favorites.
As usual, another fantastic read by Karen White. I believe Karen White writes like no other. Her writing is so lyrical and potent. She really can transport you into another time and place. I love that Karen’s stories are always intertwined with stories from the past. Family connections and mysteries go hand in hand in Karen’s stories and this one did not disappoint.
I was ashamed of myself that it took me this long to read Dreams of Falling since I normally gobble up Karen’s stories as soon as they are published. Fortunately and unfortunately, I was so busy with reading ARC’s around the time Dreams of Falling came out, I had to wait (I’m never complaining about ARC’s).
Her lyrical writing interspersed with the Southern setting and charm made me fall in love. This was a book that made you cry, laugh, and really think about your own life. I love books like this. Always a 5 star read by Karen White.
I have read several books by Karen White, this time last year, I don’t think I even knew who she was. But from the very first, I was hooked.
She tells tales of family, with a bit of mystery that captures all of your attention. Usually written in present and past, we get part of the story from today and another part in the memories of yesteryear.
Karen White is a master at telling an amazing story. Dreams of Falling has deep emotion, surprising twists, its intense, touching, and sweet. This is the story about love on many different levels and true friendship that lasts the test of time.
If you have not read a story by Karen White, do yourself a favor and read this book.
Lanier Larkin is a copywriter for a major marketing firm in New York having fled her roots in Georgetown, South Carolina nine years before. She’s also slightly estranged from her family, limiting her visits to annually at Christmas. But when she receives a desperate call from her grandmother, CeeCee, saying that her mother, Ivy, is missing, Larkin drops everything and returns home to the place that has so many wonderful—and hurtful—memories.
There are three narratives telling this lushly designed story of family, friendships and secrets and how they shape the people in its web. CeeCee is the woman who raised her best friend’s daughter, Ivy, after her death and was Larkin’s greatest influence. Ivy, who was seriously injured in a devastating fall, tells her story while in a coma. And, of course, Larkin, the daughter and granddaughter who is searching for answers and holds the key to unlocking secrets spanning over fifty years, as well as revelations of her own.
I loved how this story was presented with an homage to place, family and roots that are so important in Southern traditions. The three narrators were just excellent, handling transitions from 1951 to 2010 (present day) seamlessly. I always knew who was handling the story and where we were. There were a LOT of secrets and my one criticism is how long it takes for any of them to be revealed. The audiobook is much longer than the printed version because of the dramatic license taken by the narrators (it works).
This was my first book by the author and I loved her style of storytelling. I highly recommend the audio version because it takes the time to put emphasis on the relevant elements that underpin the meat of the story. It was a long journey (16 hours but I sped it up) but one that I was saddened to see end. And, it was worth the wait to learn those secrets in a most powerful ending.
(I received an advance copy from the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review)
I love karen white. The stories are always different
Great book!!!
Great read. I like almost anything that Karen White writes!
Great book. Loved it!
Karen White is one of my favorite authors. I love all the research she does for her novels. After finishing Beach Trees, I knew I would have to go there one day to see the trees for myself. I made it to Biloxi last month. This new book was a great read. I couldn’t put the book down.
I read everything Karen White and this book was a treat.The story was sweet and twisting, the characters well developed and I just loved this book!
Dreams of Falling by Karen White
Karen White is a masterful writer, interlacing multiple generations of friendships, family history, love, and loss. Her stories merge the past into the present unleashing secrets and opening hearts. Each novel I read becomes my new favorite and is unique with just the right amount of southern wisdom and a dash of humor. Grab a glass of sweet tea, step out onto the front porch and settle into your favorite rocking chair because you will not want to put this one down!
It’s a little of love story it goes from pashytk to present it’s got mystery how far would you go to protect the ones you love and tones of secrets clues family histories This this story would make a great read for the beach or for a book club book Yes this is a chic flick book I bet it will be made into a movie I think I will read more of her books she
I loved this book. Karen White always does a wonderful job developing her characters.
If I could rate this book higher than a 5, I would! I loved everything about this book…the characters, story line, the writing. I may have found a new favorite author. So many beautifully written sentences and so true.
This a story of family, the one we are born into, and the ones we choose. Three little girls become friends, and are friends all their lives. Each bring different dynamics to the mix. Each make choices that affect the other, and secrets are kept. Keep tissues handy, this isn’t a sobbing cry book, but one that gives you a lump in your throat and tears falling quietly.
Thanks to Great Thoughts Reading Ninja Team and NetGalley for this ARC. All opinions are my own.
Loved this book!
Great writer. This was just a wonderful book. I did not want it to end!
This is a new author for me and one that I’ll be reading a lot more of. I loved this book!