Brady Collins is juggling full-time fatherhood with the booming auto repair business he runs out of his barn. His ex-wife’s sudden death has shaken him, but the devastating news that follows leaves him reeling: Sam is not his biological son. When Sam’s wealthy maternal grandparents decide they want custody of the child, Brady knows he’s in for the fight of his life. Brady’s attorney tips him off … tips him off that one major life change would virtually assure him of winning guardianship of baby Sam at the final hearing: the stability of an impending marriage. And his friend Hope is willing to step in as the loving and devoted fiancée.
Local radio celebrity Hope Daniels has been driven by a solitary goal her entire life, and she’s finally been offered her dream job–in Atlanta. Unfortunately, her arrangement with Brady requires her presence in Copper Creek, and she is faced with missing the chance of a lifetime or standing in the way of a dear friend’s dreams.
Both Hope and Brady would give their lives for beautiful Sam. But can they give their trust to one another? With this new novel in the Blue Ridge Romance series, Honeysuckle Dreams shines light on the complicated and beautiful angles of love.
more
Brady Collins made a mistake. That mistake left him married with a baby son, then divorced. Now his ex-wife is dead, and he’s learning to navigate life as a solo parent. But then his in-laws sue for custody, saying Brady isn’t Sam’s father. Oops.
Hope Daniels is happy to help. She loves little Sam as if he was her own. And he might be: Brady’s lawyer mistakenly thinks Hope and Brady are engaged. He points out that being engaged might help Brady in the upcoming custody battle, but not as much as them being married would. So Hope proposes a solution: getting married to make sure Brady gets to keep his son.
The marriage of convenience trope is relatively common in historical romance, but not so common in contemporary. I suspect this is because it can be hard to find a scenario where the circumstances behind the marriage of convenience makes sense. It often reads like a contrived way of getting the characters where the author wants them: married. Sure, the fake engagement and marriage is contrived, but it works for these characters.
My one issue with Honeysuckle Dreams was that Brady was too perfect. Sure, he had problems: his son, his ex-wife’s family, his mother. But they were all external problems. Fixing them relied on other people, not on Brady and his own character journey.
Hope was a much more interesting character. She’s been in love before, in high school. That relationship ended badly. Her boyfriend collapsed and died in right in front of her at a high school basketball game. It took Hope years to recover and she’s still not sure she’s ready to risk her heart again. And that’s not a good way to begin a marriage, even a marriage of convenience.
Honeysuckle Dreams is the second book in Denise Hunter’s Blue Ridge Romance series, following Blue Ridge Sunrise. She’s also written Sweetbriar Cottage. It isn’t officially part of the Blue Ridge Romance series, but is set in the same town before the events of Blue Ridge Sunrise, and features some of the same characters.
Overall, Honeysuckle Dreams was an excellent contemporary romance, although I didn’t think it measured up to the outstanding Sweetbriar Cottage. Mind you, that’s a hard act for any author to follow.
Thanks to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.
A mistake made real. Brady Collins is a full time dad to his baby son Sam since his ex wife died suddenly, Hope Daniels is a loyal friend and a great support in his time of need. Just as Brady is getting a handle on single parenting he discovers that the son that he loves is not biologically his and the baby’s grandparents are suing for custody. After his lawyer makes a misconception about their relationship, Brady and Hope decide to go along with it to strengthen Brady’s case.
This is something that is tricky to handle in Christian circles, marriage of convenience, while it was not perfect I could live with it since this is fiction.
Besides the custody battle, Brady and Hope navigate their own personal struggles as they grow as a couple. I love how the author is not afraid to tackle tough topics in real ways. As this unconventional couple falls in love they must decide if their love is worth fighting.
Bonus we get a sneak look at the couple for the next book.
“Sammy was his son. Brady knew how it felt to have a parent give up on you. No way was he doing that to Sammy. He’d lay down his life for the kid.”
As well intended as this sentiment was meant to be, it turned out that Brady’s deceased ex-wife had ultimately deceived him even after death; Sammy was not Brady Collins’ biological son. Now it was up to Brady and his attorney to convince a judge that he, not Sammy’s grandparents, was the best option for Sammy’s future. Ironically it seems that having a fiance, and ultimately a wife, would score huge points in Brady’s favor. The trouble was, he wasn’t even dating . . .. .he and his son’s baby-sitter, Hope Daniels, were just best friends. Or were they?
Hope Daniels would do practically anything to secure Sammy’s future with Brady; she certainly loved them both. But marry Brady, when her dream job in Atlanta was finally within reach? As long as their relationship could just bypass the word “love”, she might actually be able to do it. The last time love got in the middle of her plans, the results had been traumatic.
“The fear was just too overwhelming, and she didn’t have the courage to go through this again.” Where is the happily-ever-after when panic takes over . . . . .”you think there’s still hope”? A wonderful story filled with the tragedies and triumphs that all of us call life.
Brady is tricked into marriage. Only after his ex-wife died and the child is six months old, does he discover the deception when his ex-inlaws file for full custody.
Hope, a long time family friend (and best friend to Brady’s sister) has been helping him out babysitting and dearly loves little Sam.
Brady’s attorney, mistakenly believed Brady and Hope to be engaged and told Brady he would have a much stronger custody case if he were married prior to the case going being tried. So…Brady and Hope marry. After all, they have been friends forever and Hope wants a husband and children. And, here is where my disappointment began with this story. Brady and Hope are professing Christians and yet they lie about this. On the stand and under oath, Brady is asked if he hastened his marriage due to the court case and he lied and said he did not. What?!!! There was never any mention of guilt over the lie or repentance.
Their marriage wasn’t smooth sailing and there were problems almost from the beginning. Neither wants to admit they love the other. As Hope realizes she does love her husband, old haunts surface and she runs from her husband and Sammy.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Fear. If there was ever a thing that robs your emotional & spiritual freedom, this is it. When we are so consumed by fear – there is no room to breathe. Both Hope & Brady have plenty to fear. Much of this story focuses on Brady’s battle for his son. It is well written and clearly researched. I appreciate when an author puts in the time to cover all the details accurately. In the beginning you believe that Brady is the one shouldering the majority of the conflict. Hope is a convenient aide, a best friend who comes to his rescue. But as the story progresses, so does our insight into Hope’s past. We get a look inside her memories. Painful, heartbreaking and everything becomes clear. The reasons for her anxiety. The nightmares.
It’s so easy to say, that faith overcomes the fear. There is truth in that, but for the one who has actually ‘experienced it’ and not just watched it as a bystander (as Denise Hunter states) it can seem overwhelmingly impossible to achieve. Allowing that trust and faith in God, to take the place of fear is the resolution we all want to see with Hope. However, as those of us who have experienced it, such a mountain to climb.
Beautiful cover, great location. I’m enjoying this series set in the Georgia countryside. Can’t wait for the next book!!
Thank you to Netgalley & Thomas Nelson for the eARC. I also received a complimentary paper copy from the publisher. This is my honest review.
Honeysuckle Dreams is beautiful book that had me engaged from the first chapter. I truly enjoy every book that Denise Hunter writes. This a sweet love story of a marriage of convenience. Both of the main characters, Brady and Hope, have experienced tremendous heartache and aren’t looking for a love affair, friendship suits them just fine. Until feelings grow and the relationship changes. My favorite quote from the book is “When you truly trust God with your future, there’s no room for fear. You know He’s got your back. You know He’s going to get you through, no matter what happens.” For this quote alone, I am thankful I read this book. It was a great reminder for me to cling to my faith in difficult times and trust God.
I received a copy of this book from Thomas Nelson publisher through NetGalley. The opinions are my own.
A story of faith, tested by multiple circumstances. From a married gentleman to being a single father, who finds he is not a biological father; who had to fight for the child he so dearly loves. With an unforgettable leap of faith from a woman who knowingly enters a partnership based on keeping a father and his son together.
Honeysuckle Dreams is a story of faith, unconditional love, a chance at second opportunities and facing ones fears from the past.
Honeysuckle Dreams can be read as a stand alone. Having read the first novel of the series, Sweetbriar Cottage, readers will enjoy the character crossover in this novel.
All opinions are of my own. The publisher provided an advanced read and review only copy. Read the novel, you will not be disappointed.
The author has given us a story of two longtime friends, broken from past relationships and yet trying to be there for one sweet baby, a catalyst to bringing them together, or not.
Can these two forge a convincing union to make a home for a precocious infant, who desperately needs them. Will they be able to let go of the past, and move on with a picture-perfect marriage, at least in the eyes of others, or will their worlds come tumbling down?
Answers are here and you will be quickly page turning as we follow the outcome of the lives of these involved, and hoping for the baby’s sake all the right decisions will be made.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Thomas Nelson, and was not required to give a positive review.
Honeysuckle Dreams reminds me of Denise’s earlier books, and that’s an entirely good thing. The last couple of books didn’t pull me in like they used to, but this one had me hooked right away!
Brady and Hope’s modern marriage of convenience seemed realistic and not at all contrived which was very refreshing! Neither of them had the easiest childhood, and both were still working through the scars of their pasts. Because of this, both of them entered their marriage with their eyes wide open but still unsure where everything would lead. Both of them loved Brady’s son Sam, and they were willing to do whatever was necessary to give him the happy childhood that he deserved. As Brady slowly romanced Hope and their relationship became all too real, he had to decide if he was willing to risk opening up to someone else after his first failed marriage.
Hope’s previous relationship ended more tragically, and she dealt with a lot of anxiety from that. Her inner turmoil caused a lot of the issues in her marriage, but she was still a likable character, and she’s very relatable in her inability to face her own issues. I appreciate that Denise didn’t shy away from showing how anxiety and PTSD can manifest itself at the most unexpected times. It’s a very real issue that many people deal with every day, and the subject is given the weight and respect that it deserved.
As is the case with a lot of romance novels, Brady’s and Hope’s differences could’ve been handled with one honest conversation, but then we wouldn’t have all of the wonderful tension and drama that led up to such a sweet ending! It was definitely worth the wait, and the conclusion is very satisfying. I, for one, appreciate a good epilogue too!
I highly recommend Honeysuckle Dreams for both those that already love Denise and those who are just discovering her beautiful stories! I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I loved Hope and Brady’s story.
Honeysuckle Dreams is book 2 in Denise Hunter’s Blue Ridge Romance series. While it technically could be read as a standalone, I highly recommend reading both the prequel (Sweetbriar Cottage) and book 1 (Blue Ridge Sunrise) so you are familiar with secondary characters in the book.
Brady has suddenly become a single father of a son that’s, shockingly, not biologically his. Long term friend, Hope, steps in to be Sam’s primary caretaker as Brady runs his busy auto-repair business. As a friend who will do anything to help, Hope decides to marry Brady to help build his custody case. Hope and Brady have to work through some very real problems to discover whether or not they can really make this marriage of convenience work.
I, for the most part, loved the characters. Hunter always creates realistic characters with realistic problems, which to me, makes them lovable. Brady and Hope both struggle with fear, their pasts, and insecurity, which at times can be crushing. I enjoyed how faith was woven into the resolution of their problems.
While I understand the structure of a book, and understand that conflict is necessary, I thought Hope’s behavior near the end of the book was quite dramatic and out of character. I understand why Hunter wrote it as she did, but Hope got on my nerves for a few chapters. I still loved her overall though.
I was ecstatic to be chosen as a recipient of an ARC in exchange for an honest review, which I have provided here. Thanks to Denise for another great book, and to Thomas Nelson Publishers!
Denise Hunter’s newest novel, Honeysuckle Dreams, is a story where you become totally absorbed in the fate of the characters. Brady and Hope are compelling and complex characters that are so easy to fall in love with! As I read the story, I found myself completely absorbed in Honeysuckle Dreams, much to the dismay of those around me. I felt as if I was right there in Copper Creek watching this story unfold, and that’s because of the well-written plot and the depth of her characters. The room around me virtually disappeared as I was transported to Copper Creek, engrossed in the fate of Baby Sam. Denise’s descriptions are so vivid that as I write this review I am there – in Copper Creek – once again with Brady and Hope and Baby Sam. I loved it! Well done Denise, this one is the best yet!
Denise Hunter has once again created a community you want to visit and characters you want to be friends with. In the second Blue Ridge Romance, Hunter combines a friends-to-more story with a marriage of convenience story and it’s one I could not put down.
Brady and Hope respect each other, help each other out, and share their joys and struggles with each other. So, when an assumption is made that could help Brady keep his son, Hope willingly agrees to marry Brady. After all, he was a good-looking, stable guy. She couldn’t do much better without giving away her heart.
As the two learn to live with each other and spend time in each other’s space, they find a rhythm to married life despite several outside forces intent on pulling them apart.
Just when it looks like the marriage is going to become more than a mutual commitment, the past sneaks its tendrils in and challenges both Hope and Brady more than they expect.
With the adorable addition of baby Sam and some swoony kisses, Hunter explores the role of friendship in marriage. How mutual respect and communication (or lack thereof) is a solid and firm foundation for more. And how facing the past, no matter how difficult it is, can create a better future.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
“He was so tired of trying to convince other people he was worthy of their love. Tired of being forced on people who didn’t even want him.”
I have been a fan of Denise Hunter’s a very long time and I’ve read all her books. She never disappoints. This second in her Blue Ridge Romance series is sure to please all her loyal readers and earn her new ones.
Brady Collins is a full time dad to his baby son Sam since his ex wife died suddenly. He is also running a full time booming specialty car auto repair business. Then he gets news that sends him into a tailspin. Sam is not his biological son. Then he learns that Sam’s maternal grandparents want custody of the baby. Brady’s lawyer tells him that things will definitely look better for him if he had a wife to help him raise the baby.
Enter local radio talk show celebrity Hope Daniels. She and Brady have known each other forever and like one another, so they make a deal. Marriage to help Brady get custody of Sam. After all, she loves Sam, too, and she and Brady have always gotten along. What could go wrong?
Then Hope gets offered her dream job…..a radio talk show position in Atlanta. But she can commute. It will be just fine. Or will it? They marry and things seem to be working out great until some old fears Hope had seemingly buried rear their ugly head. The job in Atlanta now seems to be an escape route for her. She and Brady have now both realized the love each other, but do they really trust? This one is complicated, but with God’s help, will they work it out and allow peace and happiness to rule?
Denise Hunter always has a knack for creating characters that just get down in your heart, staying long after the last page is turned in the book. The reader feels their heartbreak and their happiness, going along with them as they journey through the difficulties of life, because sometimes love is complicated and sometimes it hurts.
Loved this one and now ready for book #3. Keeper shelf is where it will now reside. Highly recommended.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers through Net Galley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
It’s no secret I’m a huge fan of Denise Hunter’s books. Her style of writing is relevant, engaging, and uplifting. But what impresses me most is that her novels get better and better. Seriously, after thirty stories, this author continues to pen unsurpassed work.
As much as I loved the vivid plot of the story, what sealed the deal for this being one of my favorite reads of 2018 was the romance! The romance, y’all! Branded with her signature writing flair, Denise Hunter brings to life one of my favorite love tropes—best friends to soul mates.
I sensed Brady and Hope’s chemistry in Blue Ridge Sunrise and couldn’t wait to discover how their relationship would evolve. When Brady’s custody of his son, Sam, is threatened, these two characters don’t just cautiously toe over the “friend zone” line but take an intense leap across it. The amazingly awkward moments, the witty banter coupled with bonding conversations, and the zing of attraction between these two dynamic characters kept me turning the pages.
I also love the way the author isn’t afraid to tackle real issues in the character’s lives such as insecurity and fear. Rather than sidestepping these sensitive topics, the author approaches them with hope wrapped in grace, creating a story not to be forgotten.
*I received a copy from the author. All opinions are my own.
Reading this book was a shear pleasure! I have yet to meet a Denise Hunter book that I didn’t thoroughly enjoy but I think this one was her best one yet. The characters were well written, very real, very human. My heart went out to Brady. He had so many sad things that happened to him in his life. But so did Hope….two hurting people with pasts that affected their future. Hope lived with a fear from her high school days. She had lost a fiancé that died right in front of her. Where was her faith to allow herself to love again? And Brady had been abandoned by not only his biological mother, but his first wife. What was wrong with him, he wondered, that those that should be supportive left him in the dust?
How will they ever be able to trust and love again?
A combination of a paternity test, courtroom drama, and a “marriage of convenience” come together to make this a “must stay up late reading” novel to see what happens next!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher/author but was not required to write a review.
Brady, Brady, Brady. It’s fair to say I’ve never met a fictional character with this man’s loyalty, honor, honesty, and responsible nature. I was curious after reading the previous book, as to where Denise Hunter would take us with Brady and Hope’s story, and she didn’t disappoint. Both characters faced the same issue with getting beyond past relationships, but each was cleverly twisted to be different from the other in a way that reached to my heart. I’m super excited for the next book in this series!
*I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Honeysuckle Dreams is a beautiful book, both inside and out. The story is so sweet and natural, and the perfect read for this “hopeless romantic”! It is a modern day marriage of convenience story, based on a custody situation. The path that leads Brady and Hope to consider marriage is one that makes sense in this storyline and is entered into with much prayer and consideration.
Brady and Hope are truly likable characters. Each one carries burdens from their pasts that affects them in specific ways, but they have a true “friendship love” for each other. It is so beautiful to watch that bloom into more as the novel progresses.
There is plenty of tension and conflict regarding the legal battle for custody of baby Sam, as well as romantic tension and some very serious emotional struggles to overcome if Brady and Hope are to truly find a happily ever after together.
This entire book left me with a big smile and the knowledge that I will be re-reading this one for sure many times! What a great addition to the series!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I am really loving this new series by Denise Hunter! The series is A Blue Ridge Romance and I just finished the second book of this series titled, Honeysuckle Dreams. It is filled with characters that touch your heart and circumstances that pull you into their lives. Brady and Hope have both been hurt in the past and have both trust and fear of loss issues. When Brady needs help with a custody issue concerning his son, Sam, Hope steps up as a friend. Little did either of them know that love would come to them in an unexpected marriage. As they both search their hearts for the answers they need to go forward, sweet little Sam brings them closer to all they ever dreamed of. Strongly recommend this book. Also, the first book of this series is Blue Ridge Sunrise and is also strongly recommended.
Honeysuckle Dreams is absolutely delightful. Brady Collins, the hero, isn’t perfect, but he’s good, generous, and has a heart full of love. Can you say book boyfriend? Yep, he makes my growing list of characters I wish really existed. The heroine, Hope Daniels, has a generous heart and is willing to go the extra mile to help Brady keep his son when the evil grandparents sue Brady for custody. Their love story develops quickly, but doesn’t feel contrived. The crisis that threatens to ruin the couple’s relationship is very realistic, and Brady’s response as he fights for Hope will melt your heart. Honeysuckle Dreams is the second book in the Blue Ridge Romance series, but, even though characters from the first book make appearances, Hunter does a good job of giving you just enough details so you won’t be lost if you read this first. It’s sweet, clean, and re-readable.
WOW! Denise Hunter writes another one I can’t stop reading! Honeysuckle Dreams leaves you wanting more on every page. There were a few twists I didn’t see coming but they also made the book. The characters are so well defined you feel like they are close friends. I highly recommend this book for anyone wanting a easy to read, page turner, romance!