July's Dreams

Title: July's Dreams by Stephanie Erickson

Release Date: July, 1st, 2024

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Stars

Dating is hard. Especially when you find yourself smack in the middle of someone else's bad breakup.

July Fourth (yes, that's her real name) owns the magical Dream keeper Inn, where guest’s dreams have a habit of coming true. Things take an unexpected turn when John Adams, a tall, brooding, and heartbroken stranger, has his breakup unfold in the middle of her lobby.

Despite warnings from her best friend, July can’ help but take in this stray. What begins as an act of kindness soon turns into something more as she discovers John's kind heart and willingness to help her through personal tragedies. But can John open his heart again and will the inn gift them a dream worth chasing?

What I Enjoyed:

* Unique Setting: The Dream keeper Inn is a charming, magical setting where dreams reveal the future. It's an enchanting backdrop that adds a whimsical touch to the romance.

* Engaging Characters: July is a delightful protagonist with a big heart, and her chemistry with John is palpable. Their journey from strangers to friends to something more is heartwarming.

* Humour and Sarcasm: The book is filled with laugh-out-loud moments and witty dialogue. July's best friend adds a hilarious dynamic to the story.

* Heartfelt Themes: The story delves into themes of self-worth, healing, and the power of dreams. The subplot involving secondary characters dealing with infertility and miscarriage is handled with sensitivity and depth.

* Romantic Journey: Watching July and John’s relationship evolve is a beautiful experience. Their banter, mutual support, and eventual romance are sure to make readers swoon.

While the magical element adds uniqueness, some aspects of the plot are a bit predictable. However, the charming characters and engaging writing more than make up for it.

July’s Dreams is a wonderful, heartwarming, and magical novel that will leave you smiling. The blend of humour, romance, and enchantment set against the backdrop of a quirky inn makes for a delightful read. Stephanie Erickson’s ability to create lovable, down-to-earth characters and weave in meaningful conversations adds depth to this fun story.

If you love lovable characters, plenty of sarcasm, and friends who become family, you'll adore this hilarious love story. Be prepared to laugh, cry, and fall in love with July, John, and the entire ensemble cast. Can't wait to read more from this author!

Trigger Warning: The book deals with infertility and miscarriage among secondary characters. If this is a sensitive topic for you, please proceed with caution.

Don’t miss out on this enchanting read that’s sure to leave you dreaming of your own magical inn!

Thank you to The Publisher Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op ,The Author Stephanie Erickson & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.

ARC Book Review: *July's Dreams* by Stephanie Erickson

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5 stars)

Stephanie Erickson’s *July's Dreams*, part of the Calendar Girls series, is a delightful rom-com that will have you laughing, swooning, and rooting for love from start to finish. This standalone novel is a charming blend of humor, romance, and a touch of magic, making it a perfect summer read.

Overview:
Dating is hard enough, but when you find yourself in the midst of someone else's messy breakup, it becomes even more complicated. July Forth, the protagonist, runs the Dreamkeeper Inn, a magical place where guests' dreams come true. Things take a turn when John Adams, a heartbroken man, has his breakup unfold in front of everyone in her lobby. Against her better judgment, July takes him in, setting off a series of heartwarming and humorous events.

Themes and Elements:
1. **Magical Realism:** The inn's ability to make dreams come true adds a whimsical and enchanting element to the story. This magical aspect beautifully complements the romantic plot, making the narrative feel fresh and unique.
2. **Romance and Heartbreak:** John Adams’ journey from heartbreak to healing is portrayed with sensitivity and realism. July’s growing affection for him, despite her initial reluctance, adds depth to the romantic arc.
3. **Humor and Sarcasm:** Erickson’s witty writing and the characters’ playful banter keep the tone light and engaging. The humor is spot-on, making the book an enjoyable and laugh-out-loud read.
4. **Friendship and Support:** The novel highlights the importance of friends who become family. July’s interactions with her best friend and the close-knit community at the inn underscore the theme of finding support and love in unexpected places.

Character Development:
- **July Forth:** A relatable and lovable protagonist, July is compassionate, strong-willed, and a bit of a dreamer. Her internal struggles and her journey towards opening her heart are compelling and endearing.
- **John Adams:** Initially portrayed as brooding and heartbroken, John’s character evolves beautifully. His kindness, willingness to help, and gradual healing make him a perfect romantic interest for July.

Writing Style:
Stephanie Erickson’s writing is engaging and humorous, with a knack for creating vivid characters and settings. The dialogue is sharp and witty, and the pacing is just right, ensuring that readers remain hooked throughout the book. The magical elements are seamlessly woven into the plot, adding an extra layer of intrigue and charm.

Final Thoughts:
*July's Dreams* is a heartwarming and hilarious addition to the Calendar Girls series. It’s a story about love, healing, and the magic of second chances. Erickson has crafted a novel that is both entertaining and emotionally resonant, with characters that feel like old friends by the end.

Whether you’re looking for a light-hearted rom-com or a touching story about finding love when you least expect it, *July's Dreams* is a perfect pick. Highly recommended for fans of magical realism and feel-good romances.

Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.