I love finding new to me romance authors and then devouring their works. Melinda Curtis has caught my attention with her Sunshine Valley series. It’s a fun replacement for the Haven Point series by RaeAnne Thayne and just so refreshing. Dream A Little Dream is the third book in the series and was a good reminder that I need to go back and read the first book. You see, I started with A Very Merry Match which is book two but have yet to go back to book one. It is a big priority now, though. You see, this series has a matchmaking Widow’s Club, dogs, and women who aren’t perfect who have real problems. So you know, I am basically obsessed at this point.

Dream A Little Dream is about Darcy Jones Harper — who is friends with Mary Margaret from A Very Merry Match. Darcy’s husband, Judge George Harper has recently died. George was many years Darcy’s senior and honestly they didn’t do the horizontal tango or anything. They just got married because the Harper name means a lot in the town of Sunshine Valley whereas the Jones name is synonymous with crook. As it turns out, aside from leaving Darcy with his name, George also left her with his house, his dog Stogey, all his money, and his judgeship. This puts Darcy at odds with George’s two sons and his old flame, Pearl.

As you can guess, Darcy is having a tough go of it! Complicating matters even more is that her ex, Jason, world champion bull rider is back in town. And Jason is SET on winning Darcy’s heart again. Granted, he had previously broken it, but not on purpose. The Sunshine Valley Widows club sees this as an opportunity to matchmake and they have their sights set on Darcy and Jason. Meanwhile, one member of the Widows Club, Bitsy, is feeling the twinge or the itch again. It’s been two years since her last husband passed and she wants a man again. She lands upon Rupert, who is a couple years younger than her, oh and also, he’s one of George Harper’s sons.

I really find the Sunshine Valley series quite comforting, even though I have only read two books from it. The Widows Club is zany and honestly a delight to read about. IDK, I love old women with a bit of moxie and those gals really bring so much life to the page. I also really enjoyed the relationship between Darcy and Jason and how hard he fights to win her back. The man has some work to do and he does it! And then we got to see Darcy finding her confidence and her own footing and that was just so empowering. These books are great because there’s actual tension and drama for the characters. They aren’t always the popular well liked town queen bees. I like a little trouble and a little drama, which is what Dream A Little Dream by Melinda Curtis brings.

This was a sweet, second chance romance. Darcy and Jason have history, but she married George Harper, an older gentleman, to help out him in his dying years. Darcy completely changed her personality after marrying George, since he was a respected small town judge, and she had a bit of a reputation in that same small town.

After George's death, the Sunshine Valley Widow's Club has set its sights on reconnecting Darcy and Jason. But Darcy gets appointed to fulfill the judgeship her husband's death left vacant, and now she is torn between continuing to live the live of Darcy Harper, widow of and current judge, or giving into her heart and seeing if she and Jason can make it work.

This was the first book in the Sunshine Valley series that I read, and so was a bit lost on how some of the characters and backstories fit together. Once past that, though, the book was good. Well written and well-edited.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.

First off I want to let you know that I did not read the other 2 books of this trilogy but I felt like it read as a stand alone.
Darcy Jones Harper has lost her husband and he was a judge and her mentor. When he died then he made sure she was appointed as the new judge and he left her everything. Nothing to his sons or his ex girlfriend. Darcy grew up with parents and a brother who are criminals and spending time in jail. Because of that she has no respect and needs to earn it.
Jason Petrie is a rodeo star and recuperating from an injury, one that he is still hiding from. He is also Darcy's ex boyfriend, who they had a relationship with for years. He wants her back.
There is a dog in this book who seems to have seperation anxiety and stomach issues which had me laughing throughout the book.
Then there is the widows club who like to be matchmakers and they are quite meddlesome and funny.
Thank you to Forever and NetGalley for the ARC.

Thank you to Netgalley and Forever Pub for an early copy of Dream a Little Dream in exchange for my honest review. Dream a Little Dream is available February 23, 2021.

We are back in Sunshine Valley for this second chance romance. Rodeo star Jason Petrie is recovering from leg surgery and pining for his love, Darcy Jones Harper. Jason ruined his relationship with Darcy and is looking for a way to get back into her graces. After having her hear broken, Darcy Jones married George Harper. George was Darcy's former mentor who asked her to marry him following his own hearbreak and medical illness. A year later, Darcy is newly widowed so the Widows Club make it their mission to get Darcy and Jason back together because who knows how to get couples together quite like the Widows Club.

This is my second book in the Sunshine Valley series. I'm loving this series so far. Dream a Little Dream is a closed-door romance which I'm honestly not always in the mood for. I love myself some open-door steamy romances. I will say the closed-door concept worked well with this story. Darcy is newly appointed as a judge in Sunshine Valley following the death of her husband who was the previous judge. Because of her new position she's afraid to let loose and get too wild like she did in the past, especially when it comes to Jason. The closed-door nature of this romance made sense with that knowledge. I found myself rooting for Jason and Darcy from the beginning. I was introduced to their romance in A Very Merry Match, the previous book in this series, so it came as no surprised they'd be the focus of this novel. Although the romance takes centerstage, this novel is also about forgiveness, grief, and learning to move on after heartbreak. As a side character, Stogey does steal the show a little bit. As a dog lover you can't help but fall in love with Stogey too.

I hope this isn't the last of this series because I need to have more. I can already foresee some future characters' romances that could be explored and I really hope we'll get to see them.

"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.

I received an e-galley of Dream a Little Dream by Melinda Curtis from Forever Publishing in exchange for an honest review..

Dream a Little Dream is the third book in the Sunshine Valley series by Melinda Curtis. I was first introduced to this charming town of characters in the second book of the series, A Very Merry Match, and knew that I would want to return to the town of Sunshine. In this instalment of the romance series, we are acquainted with Darcy, the recently widowed judge’s wife who is still trying to live down her family’s name and reputation. Despite having worked hard to becoming a lawyer, it seems that no one will look past the name of Jones, and this has only worsened since she’d married her former mentor, the Honourable Judge George Harper. As George’s plan becomes to become evident in his passing - including recommending Darcy for his judgeship, Darcy is now dealing with having the town watching her with even closer eyes as her former boyfriend also stays in town with every intention of winning her back after their abrupt end.

There is a lot that is charming about Sunshine that makes readers, including this one, want to return to get acquainted with the cast. I think what’s so great about this series is that while you are still invested in the main characters and their progress of their relationship, Melinda Curtis keeps all the rest of the characters interesting and also gives them space and depth to carry out their own storylines. Which is why you know that you’d come back to Sunshine Valley, because once the new book is announced and you know who is up next for The Widows Club to nudge in the romance department, you are already familiar with the names and want to know how their story continues. All the while, you get a brief continuation from of all the previous characters and their stories. It sees that everyone is connected within a small town and community.

With all that said, I’ve really enjoyed Melinda Curtis’ writing now with what I have gotten a chance to read and I, like many other readers, will be eagerly awaiting who is up next for the Sunshine Valley series.

Darcy is from the wrong side of the tracks. Jason has been her friend since childhood. They always gravitated to each other until he misses a woman in national tv as part of his celebrity endorsement.

She married an older man who'd been her friend and mentor, to the dismay of residents in their small town. After an injury , Jason returns home to recuperate. Darcy takes over as judge after the death of her husband.

These two have to accept life's imperfections and the realization that life can be everything that they imagine if they open their hearts.

I received a free ARC eBook from Net Galley and the publisher in exchange for my honest opinions.

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**

I have read all the books in this series, and loved all of them. I think this one is my favorite! I laughed so much while reading it and during this time of living in a stressed filled Covid virus world, I need laughter. Melinda Curtis has fast become one of my favorite authors since I discovered her a few years ago. She has the perfect blend of (clean) romance, humor and compassion in her books.

This book deals with many topics, but the main one is forgiving yourself before you can move forward in life. That is sometimes a difficult thing to do. Luckily, the Sunshine Valley Widows Club is very willing to help resolve difficult situations. The women of the widow’s group definitely have a place in my heart. I have went along with them on several quests in this series and I hope that the series will continue with more of their charm, wit and crazy plans.

I cannot write a review without mentioning the adorable little dog, Stogey, who is a central character and brings a lot of happiness to the story. A little unconditional furry love always is a blessing and he definitely lightens the mood of several scenes.

I preordered this book and also was very fortunate to receive the advance reader’s copy, so I was able to read before the publish date! I want to thank NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for giving me the pleasure of reading the advance reader copy, with no obligation to write a review. My review is written freely as a hobby, and is totally my own opinion, not influenced by receiving the ARC.

What a fun read! It is a well written story that will keep you turning the pages. If you like small town second chance romance you will love this book. Thank you Forever (Grand Central Publishing) via NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

3.5

Darcy Jones Harper has always felt like an imposter. With a family known for swindling, stealing, and cheating, Darcy is the sole member who went in the opposite direction by studying to become a lawyer. Now, as the newly appointed judge in Sunshine, she fears people will see through the visage, especially since she was given the position by her deceased husband, whom she also married on a whim when she caught her long-time boyfriend, Jason, in a compromising position with another woman. As Darcy battles with her own self-worth and town rejection, she'll have to decide if she's willing to give Jason another chance as well as giving herself a chance as happiness.

Jason Petrie is a three time bull-riding champion who, after an injury, is starting to re-evaluate his future. A future, until recently, that he thought included Darcy - until she unexpectedly married her mentor George Harper. Now, Jason has a lot to make up for, and possibly just a little bit more growing up to do if he wants to convince Darcy to give him a second chance along with making sure she realizes how much she's worth it all.

I did not read the first two books in this series. I felt like there were definitely some places where I maybe missed a bit of character setup - at least I hope that was the case because I definitely wanted a bit more from the Darcy and Jason relationship. They have supposedly been together since practically childhood - so a long time - yet in a somewhat rash decision Darcy marries someone else after she sees Jason kiss another woman on television after one of his shows.

When the book opens Darcy is a widow and Jason is trying to get her back. So all the conflict that happens between them has passed already. I don't know if things unfolded more in a previous book or if it all happened off page. If the latter, if kept me from really feeling a connect between the betrayal that Darcy obviously felt enough that lead her to marry a much older man out of the blue. The other reasons behind the marriage are kind of strung along and just felt a bit...odd, I guess. Like we didn't have so long to learn the full reasons for Darcy's marriage or how her appointment to judge really kicked her imposter-syndrome into high-gear. But instead of maybe coming to the point on some of these matters a little more quickly we are strung along, and I felt like that meant there was less focus placed on Jason and Darcy really figuring out their relationship. They both obviously have things to work on individually in order for them to work out together, but I felt like enough focus wasn't placed on getting them to that point. There were too many other things added to the mix, that in the end, to me, didn't really change the story one way or another for better or worse.

I will say the shining point of the book for me focused on Bitsy, a member of the Widow's Club - a group of widows who like to play matchmaker around town - and one of Darcy's nemeses, Rupert. I really don't think that there are enough romances that highlight finding love - or having crushes, or having romantic feelings - for older women - or men. Bitsy has been widowed three times and she's starting to feel the "twitch" to get into a new relationship, but she's also scared because she's lost too many men that she's loved. Plus, there's the "unconventionality" that she's an older women interested in a younger man. I enjoyed so much seeing Bitsy and Rupert kind of dance around each other. I would have gladly had them be the featured pair of the story, but I was so happy they were at least secondary, and I loved every point of view we got from Bitsy.

Despite feeling like the story got bogged down with too much going on, it really had some wonderful moments and when it got it right, boy, did it get it right. I loved seeing both Darcy and Jason grow up - for all intents and purposes. Seeing them really figure out what they wanted their lives to look like, and whether or not their lives could include each other. Working through their misgivings about themselves and their fears. Those were such highlights of the story and when Melinda Curtis hit these topics, she did so with such poignancy. I'm looking forward to going back and reading the other books in the series and acquainting myself more with the characters I met in this book. And I'm very interested to see who will feature next.

I thought this was a very entertaining book (love the widows club!) and so many characters I wasn’t ever bored. I loved how they took the time to find what makes them happy and always appreciate Melinda’s beautiful writing style. Easy weekend read!

Thank you for the widget! This was such a good book, I loved everything about it! I can’t wait to tell everyone about it!

This was a really cute book. The Widows Club characters are an amusing group that never fail to make me smile with their antics. Sunshine is such a great setting with so many interesting secondary characters. Darcy and Jason were well developed characters, and I enjoyed them figuring out what their happily ever after should look like. My favorite character in this book though was Stogey. I laughed many times at Stogey and his issues, he provided a lot of comic relief in this book! Looking forward to more books in this series! This is an honest review of an ARC I received from netgalley.

Great escape from the world today, this cute story made me giggle and smile throughout. Although this is the third book in a series, I never felt lost and will be on the lookout for the first two.

More of a 3.5 stars
We are back in Sunshine Valley and the WIdows Club. A group of matchmaking ladies that whether it’s true or not, credit themselves for bringing together a few of the couples in town.
In this third book in the series, the story belongs Darcy Jones Harper and Jason Petrie .
These two have a long history but when things were looking up, a televised kiss with the wrong woman destroyed the relationship.
After that , Darcy, who grew up on the wrong side of the track with parents that were less than stellar, accepts the marriage proposal of her much older mentor. A man well respected and the town’s judge. Few knew that it was mainly to help the man in his final hours. Now a widow, she is shocked when she is appointed the new judge in town. A town she feels doesn’t respect her.
Nowadays, Jason, a three time world champion bull rider, is back home recovering , expanding his business but mostly trying to get back the woman he loves. Plus he has unexpected news for Darcy. If it’s true, how will this news affect their professional and personal future?
I have to confess that whileI enjoyed the previous books in the series, this one just didn’t work for me. Though at times entertaining, it didn’t grasp my interest as the others did.
For me, the plot was ok, and Jason was I character I enjoyed , but I never warmed up to Darcy.
I was entrusted a copy of this book by Netgalley. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

Thank you to Forever and Netgalley for the ARC to read and review.

Dream a Little Dream by Melinda Curtis.

First Tim author read for me. Part of the Sunshine Valley series. I think I would have benefited in reading more of this series to see where these characters fit in the world. I wasn't sold on their relationship, but was intrigued by the heroine. DNF for me until I can follow the series.

From the Publisher:
Widow Darcy Jones Harper finally has the chance to prove herself when she's appointed to replace her late husband as the town judge. But the last person she was expecting to see in her courtroom is the former rodeo star and Sunshine Valley bad boy. Even though she's always had a thing for his rugged charm, she's a new woman who's left her old desires -- and all the trouble that comes with them -- behind. Right?

Jason Petrie is determined to clean up his act and settle down. But no matter what he does, his past seems to follow him, landing him in the court of the only woman he ever wanted. Thankfully, the town's matchmaking Widow's Club is on the case and they plan to lend Jason a helping hand. With their help, can Jason convince Darcy that maybe they both deserve a second chance?Jason Petrie is determined to clean up his act and settle down. But no matter what he does, his past seems to follow him, landing him in the court of the only woman he ever wanted. Thankfully, the town's matchmaking Widow's Club is on the case and they plan to lend Jason a helping hand. With their help, can Jason convince Darcy that maybe they both deserve a second chance?

Dream A Little Dream by Melinda Curtis is the third book in her Sunshine Valley series. The Sunshine Valley Widows Club board members have a reputation of matchmaking. They have been known to go to some crazy lengths to make their planned match. I'm not so sure the Women's Club board should get the credit with Darcy Jones Harper and Jason Petrie. I'd give them second place since they did help a lot but I feel Jason should take first place. He was determined to win back Darcy. I loved the conflict in this story and the resolution was spot on. The shenanigans of the Widows Club board members were fun to read about. Those women are quite the characters. I liked the way Darcy realized her self-worth which had been an impediment to her relationship with Jason. Jason's determination to win Darcy was sweet. This is a fun series. I look forward to more matchmaking by the Widows Club.

Small town judge meets her match with a rodeo star. I love the small town charm in this book. The group of matchmakers just can’t resist setting up every single person.