One of my favorite movies is While You Were Sleeping. Imagine the wonderful surprise of reading this book and finding that it is a fabulous retelling of that movie but set in a regency era England. I loved Lucy. She is so sweet, kind, a bit sassy and an all around good person. Simon used to be a fun, happy and good man. While he is still a good man, he is too stressed with filling his deceased father's shoes to be fun and happy anymore. The Calloway family, Nick Forester and Lucy's maid Rebecca are all fabulous side characters. I loved how the movie was reimagined into a book in this time period.
I absolutely adored this book and would highly recommend it.

So this was a cute retelling of the movie While You Were Sleeping. I really love that movie so I thought this book sounded good, especially since it had a Regency setting. However, I almost wish I hadn't ever seen the movie because there were so many similarities. I also wasn't a huge fan of the FMC's inner dialogue a lot of the time as she was constantly struggling with her decisions and second guessing herself. I did enjoy the dual POVs and that the villain character was more intense. Overall, it was a cute read and I would definitely be interested in a second book with Nick as the main character!

If you like a good regency romance, you’ll enjoy What Dreams May Come, by Dana LeCheminant. It has a confused hero, Simon, who falls in love with a woman, Lucy, he thinks is his brother’s fiance. There are twists and turns that occur while William, the brother, is unconscious fighting a fever. In trying to help Lucy, William has caused a web of lies to be told that may destroy a relationship and endanger Lucy.

This was a delightful light romance. I was able to read an ARC on #NetGalley.

Read it for the:
- While you were sleeping retelling
- found family themes
- meddling friends and family
- Dual POV

Steam/Romance: Clean - kissing only
Content: Unwanted advances
Final rating: 3.5 / 5

I love Dana LeCheminant’s writing and While you were sleeping is one of my favorite movies. Pair these two together and add a regency twist, and you have a solid read!

I enjoyed this book and the could see the influence of the film on the plot. I appreciated that the author added enough of her own twists to keep the story entertaining and fresh. While the first half of the book built up the plot, the second half really held my attention. The main romance between Simon and Lucy was sweet, with just enough angst to add emotion. The book differed from the movie in that there are not many humorous situations, which I think made sense for the overall tone. I loved the secondary characters, especially the complex character, Nick. I also understood and respected the author's choice in the way the famous “fiance” lie progressed. The regency setting posed a challenge, but I found the situation in the novel believable.

I was very conflicted about the rating because it was an overall enjoyable story but the only thing I had difficulty with was Lucy’s character. She was very sensitive, and a slight pushover, despite the claims of being strong-willed by others. I would have liked to see her fight or stand up for herself more in certain situations.

Other than this, it was a solid read!

This was reminiscent of While You Were Sleeping, but in regency time, with a much worse stalker than Joey!

Lucy is trying to start a new life, but gets caught in a bad storm, has the person she is trying to avoid show up, and gets herself in a bind. As she ends up at a home full of people who welcome her in their lives she fells loved for the first time in a long time. As time goes on, the deception gets harder to keep and things become more complicated.

This is a fun story, with a true dastardly guy, an awesome hero, with a happy ending. I loved the comparison to the movie.

What a fun regency twist on the movie While You Were Sleeping. I really enjoyed the similarities and differences as well as how the climax peaked. It was a page Turner till the very end for sure!

What a fun escape into a book that reminded me of the movie by Sandra Bullock titled While You Were Sleeping. It’s a heart-felt movie, and this is a delightful story that will make you smile, and tug-at your heart strings. I enjoyed this story just as much as the movie (maybe a little more) as it takes place in the Regency time, which I adored.)

The main character Lucy gets trapped in a situation because she was trying to outrun a dangerous man. A man she’s been running from for five years.

William Calloway comes to the rescue, but things don’t go as planned. William gets very sick and needs immediate medical attention. The innkeeper knows William Calloway, she gets his carriage and tells the driver to take Mr. Calloway and his betrothed to William’s home. Lucy and her companion go with William. She is greeted warmly with open arms. Lucy hadn’t known that kind of love and acceptance for many years. (Since her parent’s passing) William’s little sister, Olivia, and her mother are overjoyed at the prospect of helping Lucy plan a wedding. They were thrilled at the prospect of William settling down and being around more. They had hoped for this day. Lord Simon Calloway, can’t believe his brother is engaged. Where did he meet this lovely Lucy? What had William done? He is not sure about Lucy and her intentions. This was so unlike his brother.

Lucy planned to tell the truth about her situation, but William was so sick, the fever was raging. And William slept. Olivia and her mother wanted to take her to town to start planning a wedding. Lucy saw that they were happy, she didn’t want to diminish their joy. Lucy was conflicted.

I loved the twist at the end of this story. And the fact the book could go deeper than the movie. This is the first novel I’ve read by this author; it won’t be the last. I think this would make for a good read and book club pick.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I requested and received a copy of this book by the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog https://psalm516.blogspot.com/

If I could have imagined a “while you were sleeping” regency retelling this one was it. LeCheminant did a great job making the story her own while staying true to the storyline.
That being said. This story does drag in the middle. Loved the beginning and end. But there was a bit too much inner dialogue of guilt and debating telling the truth. However, I felt it was more realistic that way. It just doesn’t help the reader get through it. I would have liked more action and less internal dialogue and conversation. Definitely worth it for the satisfying ending. I wish Mr. Granger was more terrifying. But I guess he came across and a creepy weirdo which matches the Jo Jr. character from the original. I laughed when a nose punching of Simon from Lucy was included.
I liked Nicks character and look forward to reading his story.

If you've seen the Sandra Bullock movie, while you were sleeping, this is a clean regency version of that. This took a while to get through, while I appreciate the concept, the internal battle of Lucy constantly wanting to admit the truth and then not, was a lot. I feel like her guilt over her lie was 75% of the narrative. I found it enormously frustrating, I wanted to like the book, but that element felt like it held the book back from any forward momentum. I really liked Nick as a character though and would happily read a future story about him. I received an ARC from the publisher and Netgalley for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley, Covenant Communications, and author Dana LeCheminant for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review. Bitches in Bonnets comes out May 2, 2023!

As a historical lover, I was so excited to try a new to me author - Dana LeCheminant. I loved this mistaken identity troupe as the circumstances were very understandable and the characters all reacted sensibly. I loved Lucy's sense and spunk! Simon was a little too vague - the author brings up interesting problems of lordship versus businessman identity but doesn't resolve Simon's desires.

I really enjoyed this Regency romance that is based on While You Were Sleeping! It was a great premise for the story.

Lucy is stuck in an impossible situation, and the solution that presents itself is to pretend to be betrothed to William, who is sick with a fever and unconscious. She plans on just a few days, but quickly comes to love the family and the safety she feels in the estate.

The mistaken identity and miscommunication is the basis of the story, but it did get frustrating at times. I love the Calloways and how they opened their home and their hearts to Lucy!

I recommend this one to anyone who loves a clean romance story, and who loves While You Were Sleeping!

Thank you to NetGalley, Covenant Communications, and Dana LeCheminant for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest personal opinions!

It took me a little longer to get into this book, but once I really started reading it I was hooked. I have loved LeCheminant’s books from the beginning so I try to get my hands on all of her books. What Dreams May Come is Dana LeCheminant’s second historical fiction book and it is even better than the first.
The characters were engaging. I had a harder time starting it because Lucy was pretending and lying to the Calloways. However, I do think that this was a more believable lie than other books that I had read and it made sense in the context.
Lucy was a refreshing character, she was kind and considerate but she was also strong. I love how Lucy tried to stay true to herself even while her life felt crazy. Although I was frustrated at Lucy at times because of her situation, I understood her.
I felt so bad for Simon. He was a complicated character and I adored learning more about him. Simon wanted to make his father proud but things were not going the way he had hoped. Simon needed a break and I felt for him as he tried to care for his family and his responsibilities.
I really liked both Lucy and Simon. They were both struggling to find themselves and figure out their place in the world. It was interesting to read about them interacting because they were trying to keep the walls up between them. I think that LeCheminant wrote the characters and their situation really well. It did not feel forced or awkward and yet it fit the book. The plot was engaging and I didn’t know how this book was going to end.
I enjoyed the story and the characters. I am hopeful that there will be more books. There are definitely some side characters who need their own happy ending. What Dreams May Come is a clean historical romance.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, a positive review was not required.

A solid 3 1/2.

Lucy is on her way to a new governess position to flee unwanted attentions and accepts a plan to pretend she's engaged to a stranger. But she stranger falls sick and Lucy and her maid end up in his home with his family where she meets his older brother.

There's a lot of back and forth and at times Lucy is frustrating. The family was great and I liked them a lot.

It's a sweet story of found family and the ending is cute.

I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.

I loved this story. It is While You Were Sleeping, told Regency style. So. Much. Fun. I found myself with a smile on my face through so much of the book. Since I love the movie, it was a no brainer that I would love this story set during my favorite time period. There aren't that many books I reread because my TBR list just keeps getting bigger even though I'm trying to put a dent in it. But I think this book could be one I'd love to reread.
There was more than one time I found myself talking to Lucy out loud, "Just TELL him". It is kind of painful to watch their struggle as they fall for each other believing that they can never be together. And all the drama finally coming to an explosive head makes the resolution all the sweeter.
I loved Simon's family and I loved Nick. I hope he gets to tell his story in another book. The ending of this one was a perfect setup for that. Enjoyable read.

Sex: no
Language: no
Violence: rough handling of woman, brief sexual assault, kidnapping

WHAT DREAMS MAY COME by DANA LE CHEMINANT is a most enjoyable Regency romance novel with interesting characters and a good plot.
I find Lucy Hayes most refreshng, in spite of the lies she gets caught up in in her desperation to escape Jonathan Granger. Orphaned and lonely, she says “Simply having a family would be a dream”, and her loving inclusion into the Calloway family seems too good to be true…..and she knows it cannot last.
Will William Calloway wake up from his fever and tell the truth about their relationship and will her relationship with other family members, especially Simon, Lord Calloway, his mother and sister Olivia, be irreperably damaged when they learn the truth?……
The story is full of suspense, and I am not going to tell you any more for fear of spoiling the read for you.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Covenant Communications. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

Interesting retelling. It was cute and different from the traditional regencies I enjoy. Great for a light read

Dana LeCheminant's "What Dreams May Come" is a charming Regency romance with an uncommon plotline. Readers who have seen the movie "While You Were Sleeping" (I have not) will recognize the parallels.

A series of assumptions, mistaken identity, and a "conveniently" unconscious person drive this story. Lucy Hayes, a truly deserving heroine, nevertheless continues a glaring lie of omission, something I found confusing. Thankfully, the absurd circumstances are humorously resolved at the end.

The Calloway family is a delightful group, from the lighthearted sister Olivia to the serious hero Simon. Family friend Nicholas Forester is an intriguing character, as well. He deserves more storyline, and I hope he gets it. There's a villain, and while it's known what he wants, the actual "why" remains unclear.

This is a sweet story with engaging characters. LeCheminant's writing style is lovely, and this book is clean. For those that have read this author's "The Thief and the Noble" (another diverting read), there's an unexpected reference to its characters at the end.

Thanks to NetGalley and Covenant Communications for an ARC of this enjoyable novel.

I love While You Were Sleeping and when I saw this book compared to that movie I knew I had to read it. It was lovely-reminiscent of the movie but different enough that I was still guessing at how it would end.

Thank you NetGalley for this eARC!

I absolutely loved this story! From the first chapter I was hooked. I loved Simon and watching how the relationship grew over time, brought together by a totally unexpected illness! The plot at times was a little slow and some of the internal dialogue was unnecessary or a little awkward, but generally, this was a terrific read and I’d recommend it once it’s released!

Fleeing the relentless pursuit of a terrifying and powerful man, governess Lucy Hayes finds herself stranded in a storm. Desperate and with events quickly spiraling, she pretends to be engaged to a stranger she only knows as William. When he falls ill, Lucy is not only drawn deeper into the charade but also into the folds of his loving family.

Lucy knows she should tell them the truth, but she’s relishing their warmth and kindness. Pretending for a few more days couldn’t hurt too much and would keep her safe. But she didn’t count on meeting Lord Simon Calloway, William’s brother. The baron doesn’t trust her, but worse yet, Lucy is falling for the man who believes her to be betrothed to his sibling.

A delightful and heartwarming tale, What Dreams May Come captivated me from the opening page and gave me my first top read for 2023. A new-to-me author, Dana LeCheminant’s writing style so thoroughly enchanted me that I promptly rushed to find her other Regency-era novel, The Thief in the Noble.

Inspired by the popular 90’s film While You Were Sleeping, and at the risk of being hunted down by its many fans, I confess I loved this story even more. The characters, the setting, and the author’s voice not only ensured that this will be a definite reread, but that I’ll also be on the lookout for every Regency book LeCheminant writes.

Lucy’s back and forth debate of whether to tell the truth or not felt repetitive on occasion, and a few things about the villain didn’t quite compute. Nonetheless, they didn’t dim the overall enjoyment I experienced.

Fans of While You Were Sleeping and sweet, fun stories won’t want to miss What Dreams May Come.