AUTHOR: JoAnn Durgin
DATE: October 2015
STARS: *****
Ellie Franklin has known Ryan Sullivan her entire life. As their Christmas wedding approaches, Ryan is expected home from his second deployment to Afghanistan. Excitement is in the air as Ellie prepares for his homecoming, and the citizens of Cade’s Corner, Ohio, anxiously await the wedding of their hometown sweethearts.
When an unforeseen event occurs, will Ellie’s plans be postponed or will they come to a screeching halt? With her faith and family to sustain her, as well as the support of an entire town, will this bride’s prayers for a holiday miracle be answered?
A heartwarming novel of unfailing love, family, never giving up hope, and claiming the precious promises of God. And, through it all, discovering a true Christmas miracle.
Ms. Durgin is a wonderful storyteller, and in Perchance to Dream, she unwraps a tale of life-long love as told by the heroine. The first-person point of view is perfect for this story, as Ellie shares with a comatose friend—and those care home workers listening in—the story of her romance with neighbor boy/hero Ryan. It’s her way of surviving the wait for Ryan to return home from Afghanistan in time for their Christmas wedding.
With sensitivity, humor, and pathos, Ms. Durgin brings Ellie and Ryan’s romance to glowing life. I loved the small-town warmth, each character introduced (even the stunned driver who hit Ryan), and the clear explanation of faith and salvation through Jesus Christ. And I especially loved the cameo appearance from TeamWork! That made me smile, like an unexpected meeting far from home.
When I closed this book, I sat back and basked for a few minutes in the love glow of Ellie and Ryan’s story. I was given a copy of Perchance to Dream as a gif, and I believe this story deserves five stars. Highly recommended.