In My Wildest Dreams: A Novel

Burke writes clearly and concisely, and is able to capture painful emotions from a series of characters. Written in multiple third-person perspectives, as well as diary entries written in first-person narrative, In My Wildest Dreams is an interesting page-turner with excellent pacing. Burke keeps the reader invested by supplying fun cultural nostalgia, unique characters, a riveting storyline, drama, and lovely romance. She has also provided different storytelling mechanics, such as diary entries, that keep the book compelling. The Booklife Prize "It's such a lovely, emotional story, in parts your heart will be breaking. One to read in a comfortable chair on a winter's day." Netgalley review "I loved this book about an older woman who leaves her abusive husband and retreats to a cottage. She finds a second chance at love." Netgalley review "A great nostalgic book for anyone who grew up in the 70s like I did." Goodreads review " I liked the story because it truly showed who she was, her dreams, what she did when her dreams didn't pan out." Goodreads review This girl would never forget the summer of 1968. She had her friends, her favorite music, and the love of one boy who remained within the depths of her heart. 1968 It was the summer of peace, love, and a new world opening up for Annie Martin. At fifteen, nothing mattered except boys, clothes, and music. But a blind date with Mitch Brandon totally unprepared her for the next fifty years of her life. 2016 Annie Martin Blake has just divorced her successful husband and feels nothing. She is sixty-four and forty-three years of mental and verbal cruelty have taken their toll. Her two children are grown and Annie is trying to live as the wealthy independent divorcee she has become, but she still carries the heavy burden of her alcoholic ex-Paul Blake. When Annie retreats to a 1920s cottage in the suburbs of Birmingham, Alabama, she loses herself in the restoration of the house and gardens. She feels like a social outcast and wants nothing to do with her former country club life, but her matchmaking best friend, Carol Blaine, has other ideas. Annie is plagued with social anxiety and painful insecurity and isn't ready to meet anyone. But when Annie rediscovers her teenage journal from 1968 and the tattered scrapbook from the most memorable summer of her life, she realizes her deep love for Mitch Brandon never stopped - it was just put on hold for fifty years. Their breakup so many years ago was brutal, but she never forgot the shy and handsome boy who captured her heart at first glance. Annie can't help but wonder - does Mitch still live in the area? Is he married? Would she recognize him if she saw him again? But all the questions lead her to a painful reality. Is he still alive? Annie's hopes and dreams are instantly filled with the boy from so long ago, but the chance of reconnecting with Mitch is one in a million - until one morning, she hears a familiar voice from the past. Wonderful for fans of Rachel Hanna, Lauren K. Denton, Karen White, and all believers in second chances. I love to connect with my readers! Contact me at www.jayeburke.com

• | Author: Jaye Burke
• | Publisher: Vintagesouth Books
• | Publication Date: Jan 04, 2022
• | Number of Pages: 329 pages
• | Language: English
• | Binding: Paperback
• | ISBN-10: 0578981378
• | ISBN-13: 9780578981376