Another homerun for Debbie Macomber! Such a sweet story about love, life, and overcoming life's challenges. Shay and Drew were seeking signs from a higher power to help steer them to the next steps for their lives, and found it all in each other. A very easy flowing quick read.

Any Dream Will Do --- It is so true, when your faith, love and dreams have been crushed, that it is hard to dream again. Why bother?

Debbie Macomber writes a story of hope where hope seems futile. Other reviewers have provided great summaries of this story and the main characters, Shay and Drew. I'd like to focus on the underlying theme: Love wins.

Life is hard; terrible things happen to good people. It's so easy to become bitter, to lose trust in others, to always expect the worst from people, to anticipate disappointment. Why should we bother dreaming about a better future?

That is the heart of "Any Dream Will Do". A seed of hope can flourish and bloom. God presents opportunities when they are least expected. When we keep hope alive and keep our eyes and hearts open, miracles are possible. This story reminded me of those truths, and I needed that reminder.

I am grateful to Random House Publishing- Ballantine and NetGalley for an advance reader's copy in exchange for an honest review. I am grateful to Debbie Macomber for for reminding me that miracles can happen.

Another great read by Debbie Macomber. This book is a story about redemption and starting over. Shay is standing in a church, freshly released from prison with no money, family or plan. One step away from being homeless she is given a chance for recovery. This was a truly warm, fuzzy read as most of Macomber's books are. Yes there is tragedy and bumps along the way, but you feel better about life at the end. I really can't explain it, but her books always make me believe in happily ever after and in this crazy world who doesn't need a little of that.
A perfect escape from life and a great beach read.

Debbie Macomber is known for her stories of overcoming mistakes and regrets. Of people changing and finding new paths. And also connecting with those that are seemingly opposite’s in every way. But this story seems to take that theme to a different level.

I’m not sure what it is that made this book different for me. Two completely opposite people that are struggling to find an answer to what is missing in their lives? To find happiness? Or maybe it’s the fact that it is an unacceptable relationship for many?

The fact of the matter is, and as the author poignantly points out, is that recognizing and feeling a connection between two people is God’s will and not our will. The only thing we have to do is be open and excepting of that relationship, as long as it is healthy.

This story is rich with deep emotion and intense feelings. We get to know these two people on an intimate level. I am not talking physically, but emotionally. Choices can be difficult – right or wrong and everyone involved in the story had something to learn and deal with. It was a powerful read for me.

While I think some of the background on Shay could have been explored more intensely so we could connect with her better, there is only so much an author can pack in without overwhelming the reader. The author chose to focus on the present and not too much from the past. It was enough for me.

Overall, this book is brought to us from a Christian point of view and is a lovely romance for all ages. Another winner with Any Dream Will Do by Debbie Macomber. Don’t miss it!

A wonderful story about love, redemption, forgiveness and starting over. I finished this book in two sittings. Couldn't put it down. A fast paced story with twists and turns. While it is not over the top, it is a faith based book. I believe in second chances and 'Any Dream Will Do" is the ultimate second chance. Debbie Macomber is an awesome author who takes you by the hand and brings you into the story. You feel as you are walking beside the main characters and are rooting them on like they are your friends. Debbie Macomber has paired these two unlikely main characters that in any other world would not have been together. No spoiler alerts here, just a recommendation to read this book!

Such a different perspective of a main female character for Ms. Macomber. I really enjoyed it!

I love this story it was some sadness drama love very good..I love Debbie's books! I finished in one day. couldn't put it down..hope you get your copy August 8th! it's worth it you'll love it.

This is an excellent feel good book.
You never go wrong with a book by Debbie Macomber.

Shay was just released from prison. She takes a bus to Seattle and the bus stops in front of a church. Shay goes into the chapel and sits in the back. She has nowhere to go, no job, no where to spend the night. Her future looks bleak.

Drew lost his wife to cancer and is raising two children. Drew is Pastor and lives a full, but empty life. Depressed and questioning his faith. Drew and Shey meet.

Beautiful story about second chances.

Yes – this is a book about having faith – surely in a higher authority – but also something closer at hand – yourself. Often life hands people truly more than they can deal with normally. But then again who said life is supposed to follow a path deemed normal. It would seem that normal is overrated. What happens when the person no longer sees themselves as valuable. Such is the core of ANY DREAM WILL DO by Debbie Macomber.

When being counselled Shay was asked quite candidly by her counselor Lilly – what was her dream. Dream life, dream job, dream existence – anything large or small. Shay didn’t believe she had the right to dream. But Lilly was firm – and her directive was simple – any dream will do.

What does it mean to have a dream – more important though is how devastating is it to no longer dream. Coming out of jail after serving a three year sentence for embezzling Shay had no expectations much less dreams. Jobless, hopeless, direction less Shay now had to figure out what she could do to prevent becoming a part of the homeless masses. Even small towns had their share.

But hoping for any dream or wish to be answered takes a giant leap of faith. After being truly thrown under the bus by her own brother it is only fair to realize how Shay is reluctant to let anyone close. The loss of her mother, the physical abusive father and now the betrayal of the brother Shay had dutifully protected.

Somehow Shay winds up in sitting in the back of a small church in Seattle Washington. Could be fate or just plain luck – either would be almost impossible for Shay to accept. So now what? The cards have been dealt. Now you have to work with them to make the best possible hand. Hope House is a wonderful start.

Walking into the Pastor Drew’s church was to be a turning point for Shay. Drew’s life had been through major turmoil after his wife’s death which consumed his every thought. He was just going through the motions – doing the best he could with his two children – but his friends and parishioners knew better. Somehow this meeting of Pastor Drew and Shay – two lost souls – would come to be something truly miracle. Time was going to tell just what the future would hold and hopefully the past could find its way to the back of memory allowing new bright memories to explore.

ANY DREAM WILL DO by Debbie Macomber is a study in human tolerance and friendship. It’s also about never judging a book by its cover. The people that surround Shay and become her friends and support are as eclectic as any I’ve ever experienced. Debbie Macomber masterfully shows how all people have value – most just don’t understand or acknowledge theirs. How sad – but in ANY DREAM WILL DO Debbie Macomber doesn’t let you feel badly for these folks. Instead she puts the emphasis on their inner strengths – and their faith – in themselves after much soul searching and in others.

Where will God lead you? In the latest stand alone from Debbie Macomber, Shay Benson finds herself in a mess. To help her beloved younger brother, she ended up embezzling money from the bank she was worked no at. Caden disappeared with the money & let Shay be sentenced to prison. After serving three years, she is released bitter & upset that her future is lost. With no place to go, she rode the bus for several hours. When she got off, she looked up & realized it had left her off in front off a church. Pastor Drew Douglas approached her & found out about her situation. He helped out at an organization called Hope Center that assisted people in turning their lives around & managed to get her foot in the door.

Drew Douglas was failing. He was a pastor, a father of two children & a widow. His young wife died quickly after her diagnosis & Drew was questioning his faith. Both children were struggling in different ways. Then one day, an unexpected light came into his life. He met Shay & was able to help her. A friendship developed over time. Could it develop into something more? When her past comes rushing towards her again, will her newfound friends stick by her?

Ms. Macomber writes the most tender but emotionally heart wrenching stories. They draw you in from the beginning & get your feelings involved. I cried for all Shay could have been, was proud of what she accomplished, laughed at an innocent child's interpretation & sharing of personal topics & fell in love with two homeless men that gave everything they had for a friend. This story has hope, faith & love written into every word. Every book is an emotional journey. At the end, I'm always emotionally exhausted but have learned something new about me & about life. This book is another example of why Ms. Macomber is the #1 author that I always pre-order or one click on new releases.

Shay has had a hard life and knows that something needs to change. Fresh out of prison with no where to stay she winds up in a church pew. The only other person in the church is Pastor Drew who is having trouble getting back on track after the devastating loss of his wife a few years ago. This is a wonderful powerful story of second chances, love, and faith. Excellent!

Debbie Macomber is a favorite author. However, I had reservations when I began this book. The two main subjects are normally genres I don't care to read. As I read on, the story grew on me. It is well written, but I don't think it's one of her stronger books, but it is a decent one.

This is one of the best Debbie Macomber books that I have read in a while. It is a story of the difficult subject of making a wrong decision that affects the rest of one's life. But, it is also a story of redemption and getting a second chance to change our path to a more positive and productive path.

Shay Benson and her brother Caden live in Seattle and are the only family that each other has. Shay has finally gotten her life on course working at a bank when Caden asks her for money. Caden always has a problem with money because of poor choices. Shay doesn't have the money to loan but when Caden said that he would be killed if he doesn't get it, Shay gives in and takes the money from the bank. And she lands in prison. When she is released three years later, she doesn't have anywhere to go. She never heard from Caden after giving him the money and has no idea where he is. After taking a bus to downtown Seattle, Shay wounds up in a church where she sits and tries to get an idea of what she needs to do.

Pastor Drew Douglas lost his wife to cancer and is in a spiritual slump. Life is hard raising their two children while trying to be the leader of his church but yet mourning the loss of his wife. After spending time in prayer at the front of the church, he spots Shay at the back of the church. Shay touches him when he hears her story so he called a minister friend, Kevin, who is involved in street ministry through Hope Center, a place that helps people get back on their feet. Shay is able to get into the program and works hard to turn her life around. God leads people into our life for a reason and this is no exception. When Drew tells Kevin of his feelings of depression and unhappiness, Kevin gets him involved in a group of friends playing basketball and fellowship. This makes a big change in Drew's perspective on life and his sermons back where they need to be.

It is fun to watch Shay turn her life around and grow spiritually against many odds and conflicts. Drew is touched by watching Shay's growth and they develop a friendship that involves Drew's children. Shay even begins attending Drew's church but many church members don't trust an ex-con. We all think of church as a place to be uplifted and welcomed but we all know that churches are made up of people who are normal and imperfect--myself included. This is a feel good book that stayed with me as I thought about the messages that Ms. Macomber brought out in her storytelling. I can't imagine being homeless with no one to turn to. We take our families and blessings for granted sometimes. This is the most spiritual book of hers that I can remember reading and I thought that it was great. I know her faith is very important to her and that came through in this book--a book of second chances, faith, trust, courage and forgiveness.

Thanks to the author and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and give an honest review.

I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for my personal review.

When I first saw the cover of this book, I thought it belonged to an older book by a different women's lit author. Then I saw Mrs. Macomber's name and took a second look at it.

Since I have read at least 80% of this author's book list, I immediately requested it.

While I enjoyed the plot and the characters, I was a little thrown with how much religion was contained in this book. That seemed to stray from Mrs. Macomber's usual writing. While there wasn't any "Bible thumping" per se, it did stop me in my tracks from time to time until I remembered it was a different style than usual.

The self-righteous Christians in the book made me nod (Yep. I know the type. Every church has them.) and relate to the folks in their path of "righteousness". I enjoyed how the preacher was very laid back in the "what will be, will be" mindset. He stood up to the bullies and followed his heart.

I did not care for how the author kept talking about how the shelter helped Shay turn away from her horrible life choices. It seemed to me like Shay was doing that on her own with a new job until her brother came back into the picture. She wasn't doing drugs or anything like that; therefore, I didn't consider her life to be as screwed up as the book made it appear. I also don't think that theft would have sent her to prison. Maybe a short jail time and a fine.

Any Dream Will Do is the best book I have read by Debbie Macomber in a while. It has heart, faith and love. It is a story of overcoming betrayal and hardships. A story of second chances when a tragedy leaves you feeling lost and at loose ends. Learning to trust and build relationships when you think there is no hope left. I enjoyed this book very much.

Shay Benson always tried to protect her younger brother Caden. So when he comes to her when he's in trouble once again Shay does something that will change the course of her life. Now she finds herself trying to start over again. She walks into this church looking for warmth and trying to figure where to go from there.

Pastor Drew Douglas has been trying to make it through life without his wife and concentrate on raising his two children. He finds Shay sitting in a pew at his church and strikes up a conversation with. After learning about her circumstances he offers her some assistance.

As times goes along a friendship ensues that grows into more. This relationship along with Shay's new life are threatened when her past returns.

This is a great story about redemption and forgiveness and how we all should be careful about making assumptions.

Another beautifully written book by this author. I wasn't sure at the beginning of the book if I was going to like it. Started out on the bleak side with the arrest and prison. Then I wondered if it would get preachy. But Macomber wove this story very well. The characters were very relateable...even Shay with her issues. A contemporary love story with old fashioned values. I will definitely buy this book for my Mother.

Debbie Macomber has another hit on her hands! The only thing that I can criticize about this book is the fact that the story had to end. Macomber has managed to bring a rough, gritty situation and somehow shine the love of Christ all around. Shay is a newly released prisoner who was serving time for embezzlement. She managed to get herself into the situation by helping her brother, who always seem to take advantage of her good nature. She learned a hard lesson this time and promises to never go back. Pastor Drew Douglas is trying to recover from the death of his wife and raise his two children the best way he knows how. His congregation has supported him for the three years since his wife's death. However with attendance dropping and the offering getting smaller every week he begins to doubt whether this is actually what the Lord wants him to do. When Shay turns up in the back of his church one day looking for shelter he feels compelled to help her. What follows is a story that will warm the coldest heart on Christmas. And in usual Macomber style the twists and turns are many. Just when you think a situation is going to be perfect something happens to throw that good old monkey wrench in. And sometimes when it's obvious what's going to happen the twist is how God uses the situation to bring about a result. It's like you can't see the forest for the trees! This was a book that I couldn't put down when I picked it up. Be prepared to stay up at night to finish reading it because the characters Won't Let You Go. It was great to get into the Christmas spirit early! I received this book through NetGalley for an unbiased review.

I usually enjoy anything written by Debbie Macomber. This one, however, didn't do it for me. The characters were entirely unrealistic. Shay, who had been involved with a gang and in a relationship with a drug user/dealer, was a goody-two-shoes. The minister was stereotypical.the book was drawn out and pretty boring. I will, however, continue reading everything from this author.

I love Debbie Macomber and really hate giving my honest thoughts on this book. I loved the idea of the book. Even thinking back over it it's a lovely story. It's just missing what I love so much about Macombers other books. I never felt connected to the characters. I missed the picturesque settings that I normally find when falling into Cedar Cove or other stories.
I found I had a really hard time getting into this book. I normally finish a Macomber book in a day or two and this took me over a week. I can't really put my finger on why.