Daring Dreamer (Inspiration in Cologne, #1)

by Deborah King

• ASIN: B07NQPDZQ4
• Publish Date: 2019
• Publish Status: Unknown
• Format: eBook (Kindle)
• Pages: 222
• Language: English

Reviews

[zooloo1983]

Daring Dreamer is set in an idyllic town called Cologne and after reading this boy do I want to go and visit it! For me, the town, the people and comradery are characters in their own right. It was wonderfully done.

This story focuses on the friendship of Janna and Shelby, leaving Kansas City for this quaint little town. Heading up as co-managers of a grocery store and exceeding all expectations. Both leaving behind failed marriages to some unsuitable men! You never quite find out the root of their departure and I do hope it is something that is explored in the upcoming books! What you do know is these two women have been burned in the worse way and are not trusting at all!

Whilst I did enjoy the book, I did feel at times that you were told what to think and feel instead of being shown and I was not a fan of Melinda. However, the storyline is one which is realistic, and I could see this being made into a Hallmark film, it had that cute and happy feel to it.

Janna, Shelby and Melinda are flawed, but they are likeable, and the friendship they have is rather cute. They all have their dreams and I loved watching how hard Janna in particular works hard for her and Shelby’s dream. Janna is a strong woman and a force to be reckoned with, and Richard the new guy in town will discover this too!

I love the staff party and the volleyball match, I would love to work with them in the supermarket, it just felt like one big family. A family who know how to gel with minimal friction. It did leave with me a smile on my face, and I look forward to taking a trip back into the gorgeous Cologne.

[Lynn]

The overwhelming theme of this novel is the power of friendship. The trails and tribulations of two friends who bonded over similar life experiences. Who leave their past lives in Kansas City to restart and build a new life in a new small town in the US Midwest.

Those who love cosy sagas based in small towns will enjoy the community spirit of Cologne and its inhabitants. The author writes a colourful portrayal of the places and people who live there and it isn't difficult to imagine how such a place would be. The plot-lines are realistic and not all are happy ones as the author explores the realities faced by many families with elderly relatives. However, there's a happy ending so all's well that ends well and I anticipate we'll see the protagonists in future books in this series.

The writing style took some getting used to due to how the author set up the narrative. In parts, it's told from two points of view which occasionally changes mid-chapter. For my own personal preference, I'd have liked there to be stronger plotlines and less descriptive scene setting to keep the narrative flowing. However, I know many readers like the little details I prefer to skim over.

To sum up, Daring Dreamer is a delightful, quick read and the first instalment in the Inspiration in Cologne series.

***Review copy received courtesy of the publisher via Rachel's Random Resources***