This book is so full of love and hope that you can’t help but be inspired. I loved every second of this book and was extremely disappointed when I all too soon turned that final page. This book is about redemption and forgiveness, both of which we all need a little more of from time to time. It’s easy to hold other’s past mistakes against them, but as children of God, we are suppose to love as God loves, which means looking at the person they are now, not who they were before. I was impressed with how much Shay changed throughout this book and how she inspired people. Way too many people get into trouble when they are young and then feel as though they can’t make anything of themselves because of their path. Shay made no excuses and, with help from some truly amazing people, was able to make a wonderful life for herself.

The homeless population is a huge problem in our country right now and I loved how Debbie Macomber tackled this issue with this book. It is easy for us Christians to look the other way but we need to remember that the Bible tells us to take care of the homeless and poor. There are many times when churches seem to forget this so I was glad that was showed in this book. The way the elders tried to condemn Drew for associating with Shay and Richard was a perfect example of how even Christians forget how to love like Jesus.

I love how these huge issues were called to attention in such a loving, entertaining, and brilliant way. I have loved Debbie Macomber’s books since I picked up the first one, but this one probably got moved up to one of my all time favorite books. This is a book I will reread when I start to feel down about my life. We could all use the reminders that not only could our lives be worse, but God has a plan for our lives and plenty of grace to go around.



*I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher. A positive review was not required. All opinions are my own.*

What drew me to this book was that the main character, Shay, reminded me of an earlier character of Macomber's, named Alix, from her Blossom Street series. Alix having been one of my favorite characters in that series, I was curious to see what would be made of Shay's journey.

Reflecting back on the story and considering what I remember of Macomber's previous character Alix, I do have some doubts about her fleshing out of Shay. There were a few tweaks to backstory, and Shay was not as bristly as Alix, but they share a lot of similarities, including that they both fall in love and end up with men of the church (Alix's is a youth pastor, Shay's a primary one). I think some characterization work could have been done, but Shay wasn't a terrible one, just a slightly bland person since I've read so many of Macomber's books at this point.

I liked that, while I knew where the relationship would go the whole time (there's not much mystery in a Debbie Macomber book), it wasn't as overbearing as some romance books can be. The relationship between Shay, Drew, and even Drew's children Sarah and Mark felt more naturally cultivated than forced for the sake of plot.

The first 15-20% of the book went by very quickly, not just in terms of the writing style, but in terms of the time that passed in the story. There's not one scene in which we see Shay in prison (3 years gone), 4 months go by in a flash after she's released and gets into the Hope program, and then suddenly an entire year is gone since Shay was released. I would have appreciated a bit more time spent on two crucial time periods for our primary character: her stay in prison and people she may have met or communicated with there, and the classes and lessons she learned at the Hope center. We hear tidbits about the Hope center, but these little scraps of information didn't really feel like enough.

The summary is slightly misleading in two ways. First, it says that Caden has only abandons Shay after her release, something he did long before when he left her to face the consequences of taking the money to save him alone. Also, after not hearing from him for three years, she wasn't expecting anything from him, so I wouldn't say it's a fair assessment to have that air of hope there. Second, not once in the entire book is Pastor Drew referred to as Andrew, a little thing from summary to book that irked me.

For frequent readers of Macomber books, this book will feel quite familiar in terms of character (Shay like Alix) and storyline (every Macomber book I've read so far), but in terms of relationship pacing it does have a bit of freshness which in this type of book I appreciated. For a new to Macomber reader, this book is a standalone and therefore wouldn't necessitate any background reading, plus the familiarity wouldn't be there for them. All in all, it was a nice book, if not a very special one.

Sweet, but missing a real connection between reader and characters. The story moved so fast at first that I couldn't connect with either Shay or Drew. Maybe it would have been betterment in one point of view rather than alternating.

I have been reading Debbie Macomber since she first started writing. This was not my favorite book by her. It was slow and it just did not grab me the way most of her books do

Any Dream Will Do is a book that would suggest if you like Debbie Macomber books. It was a bit of a departure for her but well worth the read. Shay and Drew were a couple that was fun to watch grow as they fell in love. My only problem with the book was the way that the bullying story wrapped up. I think that a little more time should have paid to it. I would love a followup in a upcoming novel to how Shay and Drew are doing.

Thank you very much to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for making an ARC available to me.

Another good romantic novel. You can always count on Debbie to take you away!!!

Another heartwarming book from Debbie Macomber which reiterates the need for second chances, believing in change, and love pulling you through. This was a quick read that pulled me right into the story line.

This is an amazing story of trust, love and redemption. I havent been moved to tears by a book in a very limg time but this one did it! This story of Shay and Drew is extraordinary with real life scenarios playing out. This story pulls you in and you cant put the book down...its true love at its finest!

Any Dream Will Do by Debbie Macomber is a feel good, rose colored glasses tale of redemption. Shay is a young woman who is both physically and verbally abused and taken advantage of for most of her life. She ultimately ends up in jail. Having completed her sentence, she is released with almost no resources. Having nowhere to go, she tucks into the back pew at the church closest to the bus stop. This is where she meets Pastor Drew. He recognizes her need for a support system and puts her in touch with friends who run a program that offers a safe place to reestablish oneself over the course of a year. As long as Shay keeps her nose clean and works hard, she will be given the opportunity and skills for a fresh start.

During that year, Shay makes amazing progress. Although she hits many stumbling blocks, thanks to her new support system she maturely works through each and every situation. She develops strong personal relationships and turns to God for support, something she had never done in her past.

While well written, this story is not really my cup of tea. It glosses over the bad elements in Shay’s life and focuses on every tiny good thing that happens making it too unrealistic for me. I’ve personally seen the struggles people have when trying to recover from the things that Shay has gone through and in real life, things rarely go from rock bottom to flying high with such ease.

Darn you Debbie, one of these days I'm going to make it through one of your books without crying. I think you secretly enjoy making us all a little weepy.
This is a story of second chances. Shay has nowhere to turn when Hope comes into her life. Drew has lost Hope and is trying to find the light. Together they find a path that had bumps and turns but brings them to the place they were meant to be.

Another Debbie Macomber book that I read in just a few days. I loved the characters and the plot in Any Dream Will Do. It's such a great, feel good story. This book had me from the start and it was hard to put down. It's a sweet read about second chances, faith, love, letting go, and finding happiness. Basically what we all want (and need) in life.

After reading the synopsis I was sure I knew what type of story I'd be reading, but I was very surprised to find out what a wonderful book Any Dream Will Do is. I honestly think it is my favorite Debbie Macomber novel ever.

This book, in my opinion, is a pretty big departure for Debbie Macomber. Yes, there's a love story, but in this story there is prison, crime, homelessness and much more. Debbie's books are usually uplifting, with a HEA, but this one really dug beneath the surface and explored deeper issues of abandonment, loyalty, standing up for oneself, second chances and redemption.

I couldn't wait to find out what was going to happen to everyone. I kept reading faster and faster, wanting to reach the end, but not wanting to either, because then it would be over.

I cannot recommend this book highly enough. It has everything and yet, just enough. Give it a chance, you'll be happy you did.

Thank you very much to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for making an ARC available to me.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and the author in return for an honest review. Shay and Drew are not your typical couple. Shay starts off by going to jail for embezzling money from the bank she works at in order to help her brother, and Drew is a recent widow with 2 children who happens to be a Pastor.

The two meet on the day Shay gets out of jail, when she stops in Drew's church for a while to figure out where she's going to spend the night. Drew helps get her in a program that helps people turn their lives around, and Shay helps Drew recover from the death of his wife.

The story takes place over several years, and you meet Drew's children, parishioners, and several other characters who all help give the main characters depth.

A most beautifully written, engrossing and inspiring novel about trust, hope, love and about finding one's faith. Debbie Macomber's words are so carefully chosen and written in this most uplifting novel. Bringing laughter and tears, but most of all hope --- it is a book to not only be read, but to be cherished and re-read to remind us all of what we can accomplish with good friends, a strong support network and perseverance. Thank you so much for the opportunity to have read this title before publication ---- it was a definite joy!

I know I can always depend upon a Debbie Macomber book to be uplifting, and a good read. Her characters are real people with real struggles, that you could easily meet standing in line at a grocery store. They are the type of books that I like to curl up with after a long, hard day and unwind.

This book did not disappoint. It is a story about starting over and second chances. One character made a mistake and paid the price, and is trying to start over. Another suffered a huge loss, and is trying to work past the grief and learning to move forward. Just as in life, there are ups and downs, people who need a little help (and those why may not be ready to accept it) but the overall mood of the story is hopeful and it is nice to see things working out for the main characters.

If you are looking for a great book to sink into that has a little romance, and a lot of heart, this is the book for you!

When I started reading this book I was sure I'd already read Any Dream Will do. As the story progressed I realized it was like another story. I did enjoy the read and will always read Debbie Macomber books.

"Any Dream Will Do" by Debbie Macomber... put it on your MUST read list!! Can you guess? I loved this story. Shay and Drew will keep you turning those pages. As you share their fears, heart-breaks, joys, and growth. This is definitely a 5-star worthy must read. I would go on,,, but then I might tell you too much of the story and I spoil the read for you. I loved that I only knew it was a "Debbie" story... and I met everyone for the first time as I read the book.

I have been looking forward to this book since January when I found it was in the works. I read the email from Debbie and began counting the days. Obviously, I was thrilled to read this ARC.

Debbie Macomber is the A#1 Author for me- I have been buying, reading, and loving her for many years. I was able to meet her at a book signing and she was better in person, and I fell more in awe of her. She is incredible. I can use her books to escape my life and live in hers while I am reading. I encourage everybody to read her books. I have even bought her books and given them to strangers to encourage others to read her. I got the Independent Book Store by me to carry her books (he now has an entire section for her books).

This is an amazing story of second chances both at life and love. I enjoyed the Seattle Seahawks talk (we are fans) -especially that they beat the Patriots. The pair both have pain in their past and need help to get past that pain and on to a brighter future. They need to learn to trust their feelings and each other to find redemption.

Another winner for Debbie Macomber- I highly recommend!!

Debbie Macomber creates a delightful story all about second chances, love, friendship and family. Shay has never been good with making the right choices. She has even turned her back on her brother and family which leads her to going to prison. The day she is released from prison, she catches a bus and ends up getting off at a stop that is in front of a church. This is where her life starts to take a drastic change. Shay gets a chance to change her life and ends up falling in love with Drew who has two children. Without given too much of the story away, I will say that their relationship is put to the test. I will say I was completely drawn into this amazing read. I have read many books written by Debbie Macomber and loved them all. I find that this book does not disappoint. ** I received an advanced readers copy in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.**

This is a wonderful story about second chances. Shay has not always made the best decisions, including helping out her brother which left her in prison. The day she is released the bus drops her off in front of a church, and hat is where he life changes. Overtime, Shay is given a lot of opportunity to change her life, including finding love with Drew and his two children. Shay and Drew are put to the ultimate test, but in the end their faith in each other leads to a heartwarming happily ever after. Debbie Macomber has a way of bringing characters to real life. The story line had me from the first opening pages and I loved every moment of the book. This emotional journey is one not to be missed and I highly recommend this book.