This is a wonderful Christian romance. I loved the characters and the story. Gloria is a wonderful mother. She takes time to volunteer at the church and care for her two daughters. She is a widow but doing well. She meets a guy while volunteering and must decide if after so many years of being a widow if it is time to let someone else enter her heart. I love how this is all handled. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will. ( )

The author has the ability to write a story that digs down deep into your soul. She is able to compel your sense of emotions and bring them to the surface to feel what each character is feeling. This story is not just about a woman finding love again, but about finding herself. Gloria is one of those rare people who have the gift of compassion. She demonstrates it through the care of her daughter with cerebral palsey with love, patience and devotion. I never once heard her complain or say poor me. I loved Gloria so much that I wanted more of her story. Her love for her husband was undeniable.

I loved reading about VBS and the author displays a very accurate account of what goes on at one. The children are excited to be there and they are hungry for attention. There is a very special young boy who attends that stole my heart. This child wanted to know who Jesus was so bad that he endured the abuse of his father just to be there. I wanted to hug him and shout out to the world that Jesus has his back. I appreciate the openness about abuse in the story. having taught VBS many years I have encountered parents who were offended that we talked about Jesus. I never backed down and I admired how calm Gloria was in a similar situation.

The other main character in the story is Derek. That man is truly amazing. He is humble, giving and has integrity pouring through his veins. I loved how the relationship between him and Gloria was not rushed. One thing that really stuck out to me was the mention that Gloria realized she might have idolized her husband. That revelation changed her outlook on so many things. Has God brought these two together ? Will Gloria be able to let go of her husband's memory and allow a new man into her life?

There are a few things I have to say about the book that may seem picky to others. I don't like that the author rushed the ending . The other thing that really bothered me was the over use of the word crass. After awhile I cringed every time I saw it. There are so many other words that could have been used in place of crass and I wished the author had done that. I will say that this author is one of my favorites and I always come away with a sense of a deeper relationship with God each time I read her books. I am looking forward to the next book that continues the story and hope to get some closure on questions that the story didn't answer.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion. ( )

Dare To Dream Again, by Alana Terry, is an engaging love story. Having had a wonderful, although brief marriage, Gloria is a widow who truly feels no inclination towards another romantic relationship. But her daughter, Susannah, has other ideas in mind. Fun to see how things unfold in the story as reluctance turns to dreams of possibility. The author touches realistically on the subject of disability and the romance of an older couple. I really liked the relationship of Gloria and Susannah. Ms. Terry's books never disappoint and I look forward to reading more of this family's story. I received a complimentary copy via CelebrateLit. A favorable review was not required and opinions are my own. This review is part of a CelebrateLit blog tour. ( )