Dreams of Falling

Although somewhat predictable this was a solid read. I like Karen White and have read every book she has written. While some plot lines have a similar feeling she still writes a nice and easy to read book.

I have bathed in the delight of reading another Karen White!! This book pulls you in for an endless embrace into a world of sacrifice, love, devoted friends, secrets and heartbreak. And at its last few pages , peace and a promise of finally finding home. Please read yourself this amazing gift of words from an amazing author who weaves us yet another captivating story.

Larkin needed to come home from New York because her mother was missing.

What she found was that over the years a lot of things were missing and quite a few things were kept secret.

Larkin found secrets about her mother and her family at every turn.

When she asked why she wasn’t told, the answer was ignored or she was told to wait until her mother, Ivy, wakes up and to ask her.

Larkin wondered how long she would have to wait for her mother to wake up. She also wondered how long until she found out everything.

Ivy had been found near death at the old homestead, Carrowmore, underneath a rotting staircase.

Carrowmore had been a favorite childhood place of her mother and her friends where they put "wishes on ribbons" into the opening of a tree.

As the book continued, the plot thickened, and Larkin kept finding out more and more about what had been kept from her and how some close family members were not as they appeared.

DREAMS OF FALLING was a bit confusing at first in the character department. It took me a while to figure out who belonged to who and what their connections were. The connections became more tricky and quite intriguing as things were revealed.

We learn of the secrets kept and of the lives of the main characters by going back to 1951 and then returning to 2010. I really enjoyed seeing the three friends in their youth. Their current lives didn’t seem as exciting, but their youth and family history as with all of us had a major influence on their lives now and the paths they had chosen.

DREAMS OF FALLING started out not feeling like Karen White’s usual books because of the confusing character problem, but once the book got going, the familiar writing, the marvelous story line, the Southern charm, and warm characters made its appearance and made the story line completely wonderful and enjoyable as always.

DREAMS OF FALLING is another marvelous treat.

Despite the confusion with the characters at the beginning, DREAMS OF FALLING is another Karen White masterpiece that pulls you in and keeps you loving each turn of the page.

I hope you enjoy it too. 5/5

I received an Advanced Reader of this book. All opinions are my own.

IMG_3714My Review of “Dreams of Falling” by Karen White Berkley June, 2018

I loved everything about “Dreams of Falling” by Karen White. Karen White has an amazing way of telling a story and describing her characters and landscape. I especially appreciate the colorful cast of characters and their relationships. “Dreams of Falling” is a novel about friendship, sisterhood, and family. The Genres for this story are Fiction and Women’s Fiction. The timeline of the story is the author’s present and goes to the past when it pertains to the characters or events in the story. The story mostly takes place in the low country of South Carolina.

The author describes her characters as complex and complicated. Larkin returns to South Carolina after an absence of nine years, when her mother Ivy has a devastating fall. Larkin has strong feelings about her return to South Carolina. When she returns home she realizes that there are betrayals, dark secrets going back fifty years.

Fifty years earlier there were three close friends, who would write what their dreams and wishes would be and put them in an oak tree. One of those young girls is Larkin’s grandmother. They had promised each other “Friends forever come what may”, not realizing what the future would hold.

Larkin seems to be in touch with the meaning of dreams at times. The author discusses family, friendship, betrayals, loyalty, hope , love and forgiveness. This is a wonderful, engaging novel that I would highly recommend to readers that like Historical Fiction. I received an ARC from NetGalley for my honest review.

Weaving back and forth in time, Dreams of Falling by Karen White is a novel that is filled with drama, family secrets, enduring friendships and puzzling mysteries.

In 1951, best friends Margaret Darlington, Sessalee “Ceecee” Purnell and Martha “Bitty” William’s two week vacation alters their lives forever. Ceecee is smitten with Boyd Madsen who is on the verge of launching his career as a doctor. Margaret is immediately charmed by Boyd’s much young brother, Reggie, who has big plans for his future, but also wants to serve his country during the Korean war. Bitty is hoping to meet the man of her dreams, but this forward thinking feminist who is ahead of her time finds her prospects severely lacking. Upon their return to Georgetown, Ceecee discovers the bonds of friendship can be pushed to the limit and still survive.

In 2010, Larkin Lanier must face her past when her mother Ivy goes missing. Planning to return to New York as soon as Ivy is found, her plans go awry when Ivy is rescued but remains in a coma from her accident. Larkin tries to avoid her childhood friends, Mabry who is now married with a young son and her twin brother Bennett who has unexpected business with Larkin and her father. She is also delighted when her high school crush Jackson Porter finally wants to date her. Larkin is also shocked to discover information about her grandmother and the home that has been in their family for generations. Will Larkin unravel the mystery surrounding her grandmother Margaret’s death? What other hidden truths will be unearthed as everyone anxiously awaits Ivy recovery?

With a plethora of characters, it is initially a bit confusing trying to keep everyone straight and understand their roles in the unfolding storylines. Margaret is spoiled, self-centered and gives little thought to the consequences of her actions. A preacher’s daughter, Ceecee is straitlaced and always takes convincing when it comes to Margaret’s schemes. She is also selfless and loyal to a fault. Bitty lives life on her own terms and she has an uncanny ability to see her friends’ flaws as well as their strengths. Larkin runs away and avoids her problems and despite extensive counseling and a better understanding of herself, she is quick to fall into old patterns when she returns to Georgetown. Mabry is a loyal friend who is outspoken and willing to let bygones be bygones. Bennett is one of the good guys, utterly charming and laidback but will he let the person who holds his heart get away again? Jackson is a smarmy womanizer but Larkin views him through the lens of her teenage crush so she is thrilled to be noticed by him. Readers will most likely find this part of the storyline incredibly frustrating especially considering the past events that precipitated Larkin’s longstanding estrangement with Mabry and Bennett.

The dual storylines are fascinating although the story arc taking place in 1951 is more compelling. Some of the events culminate with somewhat predictable outcomes but there are quite a few unexpected revelations. In the past, there is quite a bit of intrigue surrounding the fire that destroyed the Darlington home. In the present, everyone is desperate to figure out why Ivy went to the dilapidated estate the day she disappeared. Will Ivy awaken from her coma and satisfy everyone’s curiosity? Or will the many secrets coming to light provide the answers to everyone’s questions?

Dreams of Falling is an intriguing novel of redemption for many of the characters. The pacing of the story is a little slow but it is easy to become invested in the final outcome of both story arcs. Karen White brings the various settings and time periods vibrantly to life through her expressive descriptions. The novel comes to bittersweet but heartwarming conclusion that is guaranteed to delight readers.

I received a complimentary copy for review.

I have found another author that will keep me reading for quite awhile. Karen White writes about relationships, and the two books I have read of hers are told in dual timelines. In this story we meet Larkin Lanier, She is living a rather simple, independent life in New York City when she is notified that her mother, Ivy, is missing. She heads home to Georgetown, South Carolina, assuming that her mother will have been located by the time she arrives and that she will head home after a short visit. She has not been back to her hometown since she graduated from high school and the trip home will probably be uncomfortable, since she has had little contact with her family and friends. She is greeted by her grandmother's lifelong friends, CeeCee, and Bitty. These two women played a big role in raising Ivy after her grandmother's untimely death. When Larkin finds Ivy unconscious and injured at the family’s plantation home which has been burned out, abandoned and rather dilapidated, Larkin is full of questions. She did not know about the house, the trust, what happened to her grandmother or anything about her mother's past. As Ivy remains in a coma for several weeks, Larkin starts to ask questions about her mother and grandmother. What slowly unfolds is a tragic past that has made both Ivy and Larkin the women they became.

Dreams Of Falling is a slow moving drama which explores complex relationships between lifelong friends. It is told in two time frames and by several narrators. I was never confused by the story, but I did prefer the past story more than Larkin's. The various friendships, both past and present all suffered betrayals, protection and conflicting viewpoints. I was not sure if I liked Larkin at the beginning of the story, but she grew on me as she began to understand everything that everyone had done for her over the years. The ending was both sad and happy as we learned more about the characters. The two friendships come together in this story and reveal many secrets to the reader. Bitty, Ceecee and Margaret were best friends forever in the 1950's and Larkin, Mabry and Bennett were best friends during their high school years. There was so much pain between these women; loss, heartbreak, and betrayal, but I loved how they stood by each other and any mistakes they made were done with only the purest of intentions. Can they find each other again and finally put the secrets to rest?

There were parts of this book that I loved, and parts that moved a bit too slowly for me. I will continue to read Karen White's books because there is more that I loved than not, and she makes you think about your own life and reflect on what you have.

After being introduced to the author's books through a few well-articulated reviews, I saw my chance to give her work a try while enjoying the work of not one, but three new to me audio narrators bringing the story to life.

The two-generational storyline, the focus on past and present friendships and family in the southern low country was a huge draw. The author's way of laying out a story and peeling back the layers of secrets in a gently paced style was a good fit. I didn't have the desire to devour the book in one listen so much as savor it over several days (which was good because it took me a long while to finish). I even found it was one I would put aside for others and come back to it. I struggle when I don't entirely care for a character or characters and that was the case in this one. But, though I didn't necessarily like some of these women with their flaws and weaknesses or self-absorption, I was not willing to let go of the story because the author wrote them well and I was tangled in their drama and mystery. I wanted Larkin to discover the truth of the past as she returned home when her mother was discovered in an old house where she shouldn't have been and now lay in a coma. Someone wants the past to stay buried while Larkin needs the answers so she can get on with a real life instead of just marking time. I wasn't particularly drawn to Larkin, but I loved seeing her face up to things and start setting things straight with her own childhood friends. And, the dark past was well worth it. That and Ivy's earlier generation was what ultimately held. It loomed like a shadowy character just waiting to be revealed- though, truthfully, it wasn't a big mystery, really. I was drawn in emotionally and vested in the outcome without even realizing it happened.

In the end, this one took me a while and I struggled a little, but it was worth it. I will definitely be going back for more.

The narration team were stellar. Their accents, age ranges, and portrayals gave this an added layer- a distinct flavor- and pulled me in even more with their separate styles that worked well together. I felt the additional voices to the story helped emphasize the larger cast of main characters and narrators better.

Dreams of Falling by Karen White is a 2018 Berkley publication.

So far, my summer reading experience has been second to none. I’ve enjoyed some great romances, thrillers, mysteries, and even touched base with my favorite series, and beach reads. So, Karen White faced some pretty stiff competition by the time I got around to reading this book. But, hands down this is my favorite book of summer.

Larkin is called home, from New York, to South Carolina, after a lengthy absence because her mother, Ivy, suffered a horrible, life threatening fall, under mysterious circumstances, which opens up a Pandora’s box of old family secrets. Meanwhile, Larkin must confront her painful past, and come to terms with the complicated relationship she has with Ivy and her father, and the horrible embarrassment she suffered back in high school.

Along the way, she will embark on a journey of self-discovery as she begins to decipher a decades old mystery surrounding her late grandmother.

Southern lit is a lot like indulging in good southern food. It always feels a little more succulent, a little more decadent, a lot more sinful, and much heavier and meatier. It’s also very comforting and always leaves me feeling peacefully gratified. Karen White’s southern dramas have the same effect on me as having consumed a huge southern style meal, a nice bottle of red wine, a rich dessert, and a lovely cup of strong coffee to sip on, while I kick back and savor the feeling of satisfaction, absorbing and digesting all the various angles of the story, the characterizations, and the big emotions her stories often bring to the surface.

This book is no exception- but, this time, Ms. White has taken it to a whole new level. I have often lamented the death of those fabulous family sagas, wishing that someday, someone would come along and refresh the genre to fit into our busy lives, where huge ‘doorstopper’ tomes don’t quite fit anymore.

Karen White pulls that off with a novel that covers several generations, but manages to wrap everything up in one book in just a little over four hundred pages.

Only a veteran, seasoned author could pull off this type of prose, using a variety of narrative options, going back and forth in time. Again- White stitched together an intricate web that kept me transfixed from beginning to end. There was never even the tiniest blip. If I had to make a complaint, I have to say I wish I had gotten a clearer picture of Bitty, and I wish Ivy’s past had been a bit more fleshed out, with a deeper analysis regarding her flightiness.

Other than that, this is a near perfect representation of southern lit. Long buried family secrets, a mystery, a small paranormal tint, eccentric characters, a wide range of voices and moods, lots of high drama and waves of emotions, strong familial ties and equally strong bonds of friendship, with a tender and sweet romance to cap it all off.

Naturally, one doesn’t want to overindulge in large, heavy meals and rich desserts too often, because too much of a good thing can be bad. However, the opposite is true with good southern dramas. Over indulgence is good for you. It nourishes the mind, spirit and soul- so, in this case- you can never have too much of good thing.

5 stars

Nestled comfortably into the perfectly manicured grounds of the prestigious Carrowmore Estate is a legend of epic proportions. The country estate is home to a tree; a vessel especially made for wishing. The sacred oak is known for its prophetic and giving nature; it is a tree that has withstood the age of time, countless hurricanes, and surrounding expansion. Inside the gaping mouth of this famous tree, wishes are buried and dreams are fervently made with hushed whispers and bated breaths.

One stormy afternoon, three young girls write their innermost secrets and greatest hopes on ribbons. Margaret, Bitty, and CeeCee are best friends on a quest for adventure and glory, and are sure that the tree will deliver. Placing their carefully constructed ribbons inside the tree for safekeeping, they make a pact to always be there for one another. Little do they know just how taut the ties that bind them will stretch as the following weeks, months, and years play out.

A couple of lifetimes later, a girl who had once flown the veritable coop returns home. Larkin fled South Carolina almost a decade earlier, with hardly a word or goodbye to anyone. She’d ridden off like the bird she was named after, on the back of the wind coming in off the water, all the while desperate and eager to put everything that was her life in the quaint small town of Georgetown firmly behind her. The only thing that could have brought her back home is Ivy, her mother.

As far as healthy mother/daughter relationships go, Ivy and Larkin were the definition of failure. They were more friendly acquaintances than family, both women looking in on the other’s life with a quiet smile and a nod of the head and never anything deeper. Larkin spent the majority of her childhood doing her best to get her mama’s attention by acting out or behaving just like her, but all it got the child in the end was a wider gap forged between the two. Ivy never knew how to raise a daughter like Larkin – the fire inside the little girl always intimidated her, and Ivy’s mind never was quite right after the love of her life suddenly passed away, leaving a lifetime of promises melting away in front of her.

But it was all a situation that resolved itself in the form of CeeCee, a woman who was best friends with Ivy’s mother and one who’d vowed that Ivy (nor her offspring) would ever want for anything. CeeCee raised Ivy after her mother died and then raised Larkin when it was apparent Ivy couldn’t mentally or emotionally handle the burden. She’d muscled in with her quiet but exacting way and solved problems with lots of fried chicken and buttery mashed potatoes . . . and plenty of pecan pie.

Never having had children of her own, Ceecee took the Darlington heirs in as her own flesh and blood, doing her best to honor the promise she’d made with Margaret and Bitty all those years ago when they were freshly made adults; three girls straight out of high school and ready for a last summer spent on the beach. It was her duty to raise Ivy and Larkin. Especially considering the part she’d played in Margaret’s death. CeeCee has been busy burying those secrets for years, albeit out of love, and she has no plans to start unearthing it all now. But as the truths of Ivy’s disappearance begins creeping towards the light, CeeCee realizes she may not have any choice in the matter but to come clean.

South Carolina is a place that Larkin loves and hates in equal measure. It holds the skeletons in the closet of her childhood and teenage years. Endless hours spent with her best friends Mabry and Bennett, the days spent trying to eat enough pie to bury her feelings, and heartache in the form of the ultimate rejection from the most popular guy in school. The news of Ivy’s disappearance was about the only thing that could have gotten Larkin out of New York and back down south, but that still doesn’t mean she’s in any mood to face demons of days past. Unfortunately for Larkin, it seems like there are memories and familiar faces at every turn, each ready and willing to dredge up the events that led her to run away in the first place. She is beginning to feel like she can’t escape, and she wonders why she hasn’t been able to transform her insides as completely as she’s transformed her outsides in the years since she’s been away. As she lets the walls fall down and allows herself to feel those intense emotions from her teenage years, Larkin opens up a can of worms she can’t close back up again. Merging her present with Ivy’s past, Larkin digs down deep into the history of her family to try and solve the mysteries she’s facing in the present. Why did CeeCee raise her mother? Why did Ivy find it so difficult to be a mother, herself? And what happened all those years ago, when Carrowmore nearly burned to the ground in the middle of a hurricane?

Dreams of Falling is written by the New York Times bestselling author of over twenty novels, Karen White. No stranger to the penning of dramatic and romantic tomes sent within the stoic trees and overflowing bayous of the South, White has checked a lot of boxes with her newest novel:

Decades-old mystery – Check.

Sentimental friendship(s) – Check.

Budding romance – Check.

Good ole’ Southern roots – Check.

Lots of pecan pie and sweet tea – Check. Check. Check.

The feel of this book was as overpowering as the thick humidity that hits you every time you step out of doors anywhere beneath the Mason-Dixon Line. The love that CeeCee felt for the Darlington women (regardless of the generational gap) was that of a mother to a child. I was especially fond of the backstory involving her, Bitty, and Margaret, and of course the love of her life. The three women could not have been more different but the sense of innate loyalty that bonded them together like glue was remarkable.

Larkin was less interesting than CeeCee, but she had her merits. I felt for her in so many of the cringe-worthy moments that she relived once she came home and was confronted with all she’d left behind. Bennett was exceptional and attractive, but I think I preferred this novel to not be so focused on romance and was glad that it wasn’t. Things seemed to fall into place a little more organically that way. There were Southern nuances that I appreciated, as well.

All in all, this was a novel that I enjoyed and would read again. It has been categorized as a stand-alone novel but I read in a few other reviews that is is connected loosely to another White book. I’m going to have to do some due diligence here and find out which one(s) because I am a fan of the little Southern town cast as the setting here.

Giving Dreams of Falling 4 out of 5 stars, I recommend it to those who enjoy close-knit friendships, are fans of books like Chanel Cleeton’s Next Year in Havana, or who keep their stilettos firmly planted on Southern soil.

Dreams of Falling is a multi-generational novel about how secrets tend to come out even if they’ve been hidden for decades. Each of these women has their own skeletons and issues to deal with but everything is done out of love. We have CeCe, Ivy, Bitty who are all holding something back from Larkin and have been for years. Not only are they holding back from her but they have been keeping things from each other for decades. Now with Ivy's accident, Larkin finds herself back in the place she didn't ever want to return to for a long period of time, home. Larkin was doused with love as a kid but because she wasn’t allowed to fail or to see herself as other did; reality comes crashing down on her and she isn't equipt to handle it.

Larkin also carries around tremendous guilt about an incident that happened which caused her to flee. She's not quite sure when her BFF from childhood, Mabry reenters her life. She sees how easy it would be to fall back into step with her. Not to mention Mabry's twin brother Bennett, who she really is not looking forward to seeing.

What Ms. White does well is tell the story in flashbacks and present day. You start to understand the choices each of them made and why they made the decision she made. You start to see Larkin come out of her shell and fully appreciate the person she is and reconcile herself with the kid who fled home 9 years ago. Of course she realizes that sometimes you can go home again. There were of course a few things I saw coming but it didn't lessen my enjoyment of it at all.

If you enjoy books about family with a southern setting, then you won't want to miss Ms. White's latest novel.

I received this book from the publisher.

Larkin Lanier has lived in New York City for almost a decade. She vowed never to return to her hometown of Georgetown, South Carolina, but when she learns that her mother, Ivy, is missing and it forces her to return home for the first time since high school. Since she has had little contact with her family and friends from her hometown, the trip home is a bit awkward. 

Ivy is found at the family’s abandoned plantation home where she is unconscious and injured.  She had fallen through the rotten floor boards and her arm was at an odd angle.  Larkin doesn't understand why her mother would be at the plantation home, and tries to determine what caused her mother to go there.  Larkin believes her mother is trying to tell her something - about the past, their ancestral home, and Larkin's grandmother, Ceecee.  In the process of getting answers, Larkin begins to uncover many secrets about her family, some that are decades old.

The chapters of this story alternate between Ivy, Larkin and Ceecee, with Ceecee’s chapters splitting time between 1951 and 2010.  I admired the strength of their friendship and the friendships of Larkin, Mabry, and Bennett.  There was so much pain between these women - heartbreak, loss and betrayal.  This book showed readers exactly what lengths people are willing to go to for love and how decisions made - regardless of their intentions - often have lasting consequences.  

Dreams of Falling was a very moving story, I found the storyline both charming and captivating at the same time. If you have never read anything written by Karen White, don't wait any longer - get this book.  You'll instantly become a fan! I became a fan with her book, The Sound of Glass, and I look forward to reading many more of her books!

Family bonds and secrets are at the heart of Dreams of Falling. Set in Georgetown, South Carolina, the story begins as Larkin returns home to help locate her missing mother, Ivy. As the search for Ivy progresses, Dreams of Falling moves back and forth in time slowly unveiling secrets that have been kept hidden for 50 years. As always, Karen White writes a beautiful, cautionary tale full of love, loyalty, and loss. I received this book to read and review; all opinions are my own.

White shares the story of two generations. Larkin’s mother goes missing and is later discovered injured in their burned out ancestral home. Our tale takes place in Georgetown, South Carolina, spanning two timelines over a fifty-year period.

Past: Margaret, Ceecee, and Bitty are best friends. Margaret comes from privilege, Ceecee’s father is a minister and Bitty is just Bitty. The flashbacks share what happened the summer of graduation when they spent two weeks in Myrtle Beach and the consequences. I loved getting to know each of these women and while I didn’t always love them, White fleshed them out, shared their emotions, strengths, and weakness allowing them to live and breathe within the pages of this tale.
Present Day: We meet Larkin first, who has moved away and lives in the big city. She hasn’t been back to Georgetown in over nine years. Her childhood friends, Mabry and Bennett still reside in Georgetown. White shares their friendship and the events that drove Larkin to leave and never look back. The present-day story shares healing, rekindling of friendships and the possibility for love.
These threads were woven together and wrapped around the mystery surrounding Larkin’s mom and their ancestral home and of what she had discovered. It brings the past into the present as it pulls the reader in emotionally. The author did this while adding a layer of suspense to their stories.

I devoured this in a single afternoon, and love when an author can pull me into the story. I laughed, cried and went through a slew of emotions and opinions based on their actions.

I love how this author, in her own unique southern fiction style, weaves together what happened to best friends Ceecee, Margaret, and Bitty during the early 50s and how it relates to Ivy and Larkin’s lives in 2010. In fact, all of the characters have some influence on each other’s life. Twenty-seven-year-old Larkin left her Georgetown, South Carolina home when she was 18 without looking back. She went to school, took a job and lived in New York, becoming a blank slate without wanting to make friends or be known to anyone else except professionally. When she is forced to return home for her mother, Ivy, she must not only face her own past with her best friends, Mabry and Bennett, and her parents, Ivy and Mack, but also in finding out her mother’s past during her own years of growing up. Secrets have affected all of the characters. Instead of suffering from memories of them, they must now face them. I always slow down my reading speed when reading a book by this author. There is a lot to absorb, and because I love her writing, I am able to immerse myself into a beautifully told, well thought out story. I especially love how the older generations have their own history, and how their actions affect those in the present. Every section of every chapter is told by each of the main character’s own point of view, making it more personal, heartwarming, heartbreaking, and wonderful. I was able to feel what they felt, and understand every sacrifice, betrayal, and secret and the reasons behind them. I loved it.

There is something utterly enchanting about the manner in which White weaves a tale, there’s always a little something for every type of reader and Dreams of Falling is no exception. There is family drama, secrets between friends, good old fashioned southern charm, romance and even a historical feel as some chapters flip back to the fifties.

This follows a family of women and the Darlington’s and Margaret Darlington’s two best friends, Ceecee and Bitty. Those two were my favorite, they share a long history and not much of it is happy, but theirs is a friendship based on true loyalty and love which is something you don’t see much of nowadays. They snipe and snark at each other as only old, true friends can and as more of their story was revealed I found myself liking them that much more.

I was never exactly sure what old secrets were trying to come to light, I had some ideas but never had things totally figured out. There was so much pain between these women, loss heartbreak and betrayal, but I loved how they stood by each other and any mistakes they made were done with only the purest of intentions. I think this will be a popular book club choice because it will satisfy so many different readers, if you’re a fan of White I think you’ll enjoy this immensely.

Dreams of Falling in three words: Captivating, Moving and Charming.

When Ivy is found unconscious in an old plantation home and taken to the hospital, her daughter, Larkin, returns to her hometown of Georgetown, South Carolina. Larkin begins searching for answers as to why her mother was at the home which leads to discovering decades old secrets. This is a story of friendship, love, heartbreak, family, and figuring out where you truly belong.

Karen White's books fit the definition of comfort reading to me. While there might be some elements of predictability, I know that when I start the book, I'm going to be in for an enjoyable read. And as always the Southern setting plays an important role in the story, almost like an actual character in the book. I loved the alternating timelines and the different characters' point of view. This book really showed what lengths people are willing to go to for love and how decisions made with the best intentions might have lasting consequences. Overall, this book hit all the right notes for me and I definitely recommend especially if you are a fan of Karen White's other books.

Thank you to First to Read for the opportunity to read an advance digital copy! All views expressed are my honest opinion.

DREAMS OF FALLING is a story where the reader can so easily be swept up in the lives of the women. Their emotions, histories, and most importantly, relationships define who they are. While reading White’s latest, it has made me realize just how much I enjoy reading family sagas. The stories crossing decades, the characters, and the secrets hidden pull me in.

What I loved about this book is how well crafted and eloquent the prose was. It flows seamlessly from past to present as each work together in unraveling the mystery of Larkin’s Grandmother’s death. Also, the dynamics of the mother and daughter relationship are explored as both Larkin and her mother Ivy have more than one mother figure in their lives. The women in this book are strong and willful, but love fiercely more than anything else. They are where this story shines.

From beginning to end, DREAMS OF FALLING captivated me as it sent me down to South Carolina with these amazingly diverse, smart, and at times humorous ladies. I came to think of Larkin, Ivy, Ellis, Ceecee, and Bitty more as long lost friends than characters in a novel. It is truly a wonderful read.

This novel has all the wonderful qualities of a Kate Morton novel: sisters/girlfriends with secrets, a long-ago mystery, a large old house that may have the answers, and a story that goes back and forth in time. The main characters are well-developed, believable, and different enough from each other to avoid confusion. As I was reading, it seemed that the author was slowly revealing the story's secrets to the characters (like peeling the layers of an onion). My only complaint is I was able to discover the secrets before the characters. There were no surprises, just confirmations. I like the way the theme of dreams (note the title) is subtlety woven throughout the novel and how the author brings the small town of Georgetown, South Carolina to life with many descriptions of the area - the climate, the sounds and smells, the vegetation and the wildlife.

This is the first of Karen White's books I've read. I received an advance reader's copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Only a skillful storyteller could use 3 points of view and separate the tale by 2 decades. Yet the story was brought together so you had only one view. Since I don't handle this arrangement very well, I had trouble reading it. It took me longer to read than usual. I felt it was predictable at times with a minor twist at the end.
Larkin has exiled herself to New York and she received a call that her Mother, Ivy was missing. At her arrival, she learns her Mother was found trap at Carrowmore and is in a coma at the local hospital. In 1950, 3 young friends Ceecee, Margaret and Bitty pledged to be friends forever. The travel to Myrtle Beach and two of them, Ceecee and Margaret meet brothers and fall in love with the brothers. The story is told from Larkin, Ceecee and Ivy points of view. It switches between 1950's and 2010.
Larkin didn't know when she turned 35 Carrowmore was held trust for her. What happened in the 1950's to test the girl's friendship and why was it keep a secret? I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book.

Disclosure: Many thanks to Berkley for a review copy. The options expressed are my own.

Thanks to Berkley and NetGalley for a review eGalley.
Dreams of Falling is told via dual timelines moving from the 1950s to 2010. Karen White’s story is one of friendship and love that changed the lives of all involved – including future generations. The novel has a sultry setting replete with the humid, salty air of coastal Carolina, a town where everyone “knew you when…”, and secrets. Lots of secrets. It’s a time of transition for the three friends who are ready to burst forth on the world having just graduated from high school. They (and the future generations) will discover how strong they can be. They’ll find that in order to survive their mistakes they’ll “have to learn to live with their choices”. Falling isn’t necessarily bad if there’s someone there to catch you. And that someone might not be who you’d expect. I enjoyed this novel but there were times when I was confused about the generational relationships. That took me out of the story at times – but I’m not sure it would for other readers. So I’ll recommend it – especially to fans of southern fiction and Karen White.

Larkin leaves her childhood behind in Georgetown, South Carolina for New York City after graduating from high school, but can you ever really leave your hometown in the past? Nine years later, Larkin is forced to return when her mother, Ivy, goes missing. While discovering the reasons why her mother was at the ruins of their family home, secrets of the past are slowly revealed.

This is the first book I’ve read from author, Karen White, but it won’t be the last! I recommend this book for fans of southern fiction, family drama, and discovering secrets of the past that may well be better off left in the past. I loved the idea of the Tree of Dreams!

I received an advanced copy of this book; all opinions are my own.

“I had no idea…” “I stopped, not wanting to be reminded again of how absent I’d made myself from not only my old life, but from my family who’d continued on without me. It was the ultimate conceit, to believe that everything would stand still in my absence.”

Set in Georgetown, South Carolina, this latest by Karen White, (author of over 20 novels) is a multi-generational tale of three women and promises they made in the 1950s. A sweeping epic covering 5 decades, it is a blend of historical fiction, women’s literature and love story.

Ceecee, Margaret and Bitty grew up best friends in a small southern town and spent much of their time on Margaret’s family-owned rice plantation. In one of the many live oaks on the property is a tree with a crevice: They call it the wishing tree. Upon graduating high school, brimming with optimism and dreams for the future, they each write their most fervent wishes on a ribbon and place them in the tree. “Forever friends” was their mantra and their promise to each other.

Over 50 years later, Margaret’s granddaughter, Larkin, returns to the family’s long-abandoned plantation when she receives word of her mother’s disappearance. Beginning with the search for her mother and ending with the discovery and reading of a letter written by her grandfather, Larkin discovers secrets that reverberate in her life today and learns just how strong the bonds between life-long friends can be.

The mystery of what happened to Margaret and why the plantation is in ruins will keep you turning the pages as well as the likeable characters drawn by the author. The romantic aspects are both heartwarming and heartbreaking. The Lowcountry setting descriptions are authentic and compelling and will make you want to visit if you are not lucky enough to be living there.

This novel comes a year after Karen White’s “The Night the Lights Went Out” published in 2017 to great reviews. Both of these books make perfect summer reads and are highly recommended. Also check out her Tradd Street Series comprised of five novels set in Charleston with supernatural elements, history, romance and humor masterfully rolled up into a fun and easy read.

Published by Penguin Random House, Dreams of Falling is available June 5, 2018 from Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million and the store in hard back, e-book or audiobook.

Larkin fled South Carolina as soon as she graduated high school. Her friends and family never thought she would stay away for 9 years. She returns because her mother is missing. Her aunts and friends rally around her and she's found at the old family property that is burned and in terrible condition. Ivy is found unconscious having fallen through the rotting floors and Larkin is obsessed with finding why her mother went to the old plantation. Family secrets from previous generations have some in her family dreading what she will uncover and her friends work on healing their friendship from high school. There are multiple time lines which I like and the chapters are well labeled so you can follow each of the story lines easily. A nice read with a mystery and love intermixed along with friendship and maturity. I like Karen White and enjoy many of her books. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Larkin is called back home to South Carolina after her estranged mother suffered an accident. She is hesitant to go back to her roots and confront her past.

Along the way, secrets are revealed. Relationships are tested and questioned. Jealousy surfaces.

If I’m being honest, the start of this book didn’t draw me in. The writing itself was a little too simple for me. A weird thing to say, but I’m not used to reading lowcountry fiction. For several chapters I kept wondering if this book was for me. But once Larkin started learning some family secrets, I was sucked in.

I think I judged the novel too quickly. Karen White has written SO many books; since this is my first, I’m not familiar with her style.

The characters remind me of those in Steel Magnolias. (More specifically, Bitty reminds me of Weezer!).

I ended up loving this novel, and I can’t wait to read more Karen White!

I believe in dreams. I believe that some dreams have significance. When I finished reading Karen White’s latest novel, Dreams of Falling, I think I felt like the dream was reaching a closing state, but it’s one of those books, you don’t want to end.
When Larkin Darlington is pulled away from her copywriter job in New York to assist with finding her missing mother, Ivy, her life begins to unravel. Ivy has a history with dreams. Her mother died in a fire when Ivy was two and decades later, her daughter, Larkin, will still attempt to interpret her mother’s dreams. But her mother has disappeared and Larkin has many unanswered questions.
In addition, Larkin is coming home to face or ignore her own experiences that have haunted her since high school. Larkin left Georgetown, SC nine years ago to escape her past and the person her therapist has worked to erase. Too many young women ‘self-judge’ to the point of never accepting themselves for the woman they grow into; Larkin fits this mold. Returning home brings back all the naivety that went with growing up in a small town. Unbeknownst to Larkin her two best friends have always accepted her for herself and never judge. But getting Larkin over that hump will require she defeat her own fears and question family who made her the self-conscious, misguided, naïve woman she has become. And the main person responsible for that is her mother, Ivy and Bitty and Ceecee – the two women who practically raised Larkin.
Secrets will be discovered that could break the family, but working through them and learning not to run away can only bring healing.
Once again Karen White has written a brilliant book on family. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

I really enjoyed Dreams of Falling. It's the story of three women who were friends growing up in South Carolina and of one of the women's daughter and granddaughter. The narration switches among three of the women - Ceecee, Ivy, and Larkin - and two different time periods, the 1950's and 2010. I loved reading about the three friends in the '50's and their life after graduation. Larkin's life in the 2000's is also interesting. The style of writing is perfect for this novel of the South because their stories are doled out languidly like the movements of the waterways that surround their hometown in the Low Country. The plot has many twists and turns, some inevitable and some surprising. All of the long-kept secrets are revealed by the story's end in a satisfying conclusion. I would definitely recommend this book to all of the women I know.
I received an Advanced Review Copy of this book. (less)

“Friends forever, come what may”

Karen White has done it again with her stunning Southern charm storytelling. Her detailed and attentive descriptions are so accurate, you’ll feel like you’re sitting on a dock, reading a story about your friends and family. She uses strong female bonds, a touch of romance and a background of history to weave together a captivating story of secrets and family drama.

Between chapters, White turns back time to the 50’s and the sister-like friendship between 3 young women on the cusp of adulthood. Margaret, CeeCee and Bitty are 18 and have one big trip together before the responsibilities of growing up are thrust into their laps. Two weeks in Myrtle Beach bring life altering events that none of the girls were prepared for. There was such loyalty and sadness in this story that it brought tears to my eyes. I definitely enjoyed these parts of the book more so than the chapters in the present.

In the current time, only two of these young women are present. What has happened in the years between has changed not only their lives, but the lives of the generations that follow. Secrets planned to be taken to the grave have worked their way out into the open and have caused an upheaval in the lives of Margaret’s daughter and grand-daughter. Ivy, Margaret’s daughter, is unconscious in the hospital, but we still have a few insights from her throughout the book. Larkin, Ivy’s daughter, has returned to South Carolina after an embarrassing event caused her to run to New York and never look back. She has tried very hard to change into someone who makes very little impact on those around her, but returning to her roots threatens to force Larkin to mend her broken bridges.

Karen White has created quite a cast of characters and at first, it was a bit hard to keep up with who’s who, but I caught on after a couple of chapters. I have to say I definitely looked forward to the chapters taking place in the 50’s but I’m also a self-proclaimed historical fiction junkie. I think Larkin got on my nerves so that made the present-day chapters a little less enjoyable BUT just goes to show what a great writer White is, it’s not every day a character is created that can actually annoy me ? I can’t place one specific characteristic that annoyed me, I just didn’t connect with Larkin. The other characters I greatly enjoyed.

While there were some eye-roll cheesy “who saw that coming?” moments, there was also enough intrigue to keep me interested and reading the book. I did feel like parts could have been hacked out, it felt a little too long (much like The Night The Lights Went Out) but there WERE two stories being told here. Overall, I would rate Dreams Of Falling 3.5 stars but dang Goodreads and it’s lack of 1/2 star ratings, I rounded up because I enjoy Karen White overall. This book would make a PERFECT vacation read, it isn’t hard to follow and it’s just the right amount of suspense, mystery, romance and charm!

I received a free advanced copy from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest thoughts.

Karen White has a knack for writing stories that bridge the time zones, keep you guessing as to what happened or will happen, and makes you want to read it to the very end on the first day!! Her characters are rich in emotions, with happenings that we can all relate to at some time or another. The books goes between 2010 and 1950's, with characters that are related in a way that you will find amazing. It took me a bit to get used to the switching back and forth but I honestly could not put the book down. I don't want to give anything away, but it is about 3 friends in the 1950's and how the decisions they made at the time affect people all the way to the 2010's. Buy it, you will love it!!

Again, Karen White takes us into the workings of friends. How much would you sacrifice for your best friend(s). Three girls, swear to be best friends always (before BFF was thought of!) no matter what, no matter who, no matter anything. When Ivy is hurt in an accident, why was she in the burned out plantation? Her daughter, Larkin returns home to South Carolina, where she meets people she has been avoiding since she graduated both friends of hers and her own family.

I've become a fan of Karen White, "Sound of Glass" "The Night the Lights Went Out" and now "Dreams of Falling" wonderful books. Thanks to First to Read and Penguin Books for the ARC.

Karen White’s writing is absolutely exquisite. Her characters are so carefully developed until they are jumping out of the pages and into the reader’s head. The story was told from different perspectives and time periods, and that can sometimes be confusing - it wasn’t here. It was flawless. I loved the characters, the story, the writing, all of it.

Karen White's latest release is a good read. However, the first part of the book moves as slow as a meandering southern stream. The buildup was a little ponderous. Midway through the book, I could see where the story was headed, it just had to catch up with my suspicions. My favorite characters were Bennett and Mabry who were steadfastly loyal to the semi self absorbed Larkin. It's a tale of discovery, secrets, selfishness, and revelation.

Since reading The Night the Lights Went Out, I knew Karen White was now a must-read author for me and I was thrilled to get my hands on a copy of Dreams of Falling! Family secrets and drama in the South as well as wealthy people, dual timelines and the love of mothers and daughters makes Dreams of Falling the perfectly orchestrated Southern Fiction I love from KW! Add this one to your list for June for sure!

I received an advance copy. All opinions are my own.

Larkin fled South Carolina as soon as she graduated high school. Her friends and family never thought she would stay away for 9 years. She returns because her mother is missing. Her aunts and friends rally around her and she's found at the old family property that is burned and in terrible condition. Ivy is found unconscious having fallen through the rotting floors and Larkin is obsessed with finding why her mother went to the old plantation. Family secrets from previous generations have some in her family dreading what she will uncover and her friends work on healing their friendship from high school. There are multiple time lines which I like and the chapters are well labeled so you can follow each of the story lines easily. A nice read with a mystery and love intermixed along with friendship and maturity. I like Karen White and enjoy many of her books. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Larkin is called back home to South Carolina after her estranged mother suffered an accident. She is hesitant to go back to her roots and confront her past.

Along the way, secrets are revealed. Relationships are tested and questioned. Jealousy surfaces.

If I’m being honest, the start of this book didn’t draw me in. The writing itself was a little too simple for me. A weird thing to say, but I’m not used to reading lowcountry fiction. For several chapters I kept wondering if this book was for me. But once Larkin started learning some family secrets, I was sucked in.

I think I judged the novel too quickly. Karen White has written SO many books; since this is my first, I’m not familiar with her style.

The characters remind me of those in Steel Magnolias. (More specifically, Bitty reminds me of Weezer!).

I ended up loving this novel, and I can’t wait to read more Karen White!

I believe in dreams. I believe that some dreams have significance. When I finished reading Karen White’s latest novel, Dreams of Falling, I think I felt like the dream was reaching a closing state, but it’s one of those books, you don’t want to end.
When Larkin Darlington is pulled away from her copywriter job in New York to assist with finding her missing mother, Ivy, her life begins to unravel. Ivy has a history with dreams. Her mother died in a fire when Ivy was two and decades later, her daughter, Larkin, will still attempt to interpret her mother’s dreams. But her mother has disappeared and Larkin has many unanswered questions.
In addition, Larkin is coming home to face or ignore her own experiences that have haunted her since high school. Larkin left Georgetown, SC nine years ago to escape her past and the person her therapist has worked to erase. Too many young women ‘self-judge’ to the point of never accepting themselves for the woman they grow into; Larkin fits this mold. Returning home brings back all the naivety that went with growing up in a small town. Unbeknownst to Larkin her two best friends have always accepted her for herself and never judge. But getting Larkin over that hump will require she defeat her own fears and question family who made her the self-conscious, misguided, naïve woman she has become. And the main person responsible for that is her mother, Ivy and Bitty and Ceecee – the two women who practically raised Larkin.
Secrets will be discovered that could break the family, but working through them and learning not to run away can only bring healing.
Once again Karen White has written a brilliant book on family. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

This was an extremely well written book. The characters just stood up and told the story. Ms. White effortlessly transitioned from the past and back to the present. The story is of three childhood friends in South Carolina who vow to always be friends. They never could have predicted what would challenge that vow as they transitioned into adulthood. One of them may have had more social status and comforts than the other two, but she also had more to lose. Now at the age of seventy something, everything that was hidden in the past is being uncovered and examined by the young woman they all have a claim to.
The granddaughter who left years ago, returns home when her mother's whereabouts are unknown. Home is the last place she wants to be, but the mystery of the past is as compelling as the future she just might find back in South Carolina.
I read this book through First to Read.

I really enjoyed Dreams of Falling. It's the story of three women who were friends growing up in South Carolina and of one of the women's daughter and granddaughter. The narration switches among three of the women - Ceecee, Ivy, and Larkin - and two different time periods, the 1950's and 2010. I loved reading about the three friends in the '50's and their life after graduation. Larkin's life in the 2000's is also interesting. The style of writing is perfect for this novel of the South because their stories are doled out languidly like the movements of the waterways that surround their hometown in the Low Country. The plot has many twists and turns, some inevitable and some surprising. All of the long-kept secrets are revealed by the story's end in a satisfying conclusion. I would definitely recommend this book to all of the women I know.
I received an Advanced Review Copy of this book. (less)

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Dreams of Falling by Karen White
Karen White is a masterful writer, interlacing multiple generations of friendships, family history, love, and loss. Her stories merge the past into the present unleashing secrets and opening hearts. Each novel I read becomes my new favorite and is unique with just the right amount of southern wisdom and a dash of humor. Grab a glass of sweet tea, step out onto the front porch and settle into your favorite rocking chair because you will not want to put this one down!

“Friends forever, come what may”

Karen White has done it again with her stunning Southern charm storytelling. Her detailed and attentive descriptions are so accurate, you’ll feel like you’re sitting on a dock, reading a story about your friends and family. She uses strong female bonds, a touch of romance and a background of history to weave together a captivating story of secrets and family drama.

Between chapters, White turns back time to the 50’s and the sister-like friendship between 3 young women on the cusp of adulthood. Margaret, CeeCee and Bitty are 18 and have one big trip together before the responsibilities of growing up are thrust into their laps. Two weeks in Myrtle Beach bring life altering events that none of the girls were prepared for. There was such loyalty and sadness in this story that it brought tears to my eyes. I definitely enjoyed these parts of the book more so than the chapters in the present.

In the current time, only two of these young women are present. What has happened in the years between has changed not only their lives, but the lives of the generations that follow. Secrets planned to be taken to the grave have worked their way out into the open and have caused an upheaval in the lives of Margaret’s daughter and grand-daughter. Ivy, Margaret’s daughter, is unconscious in the hospital, but we still have a few insights from her throughout the book. Larkin, Ivy’s daughter, has returned to South Carolina after an embarrassing event caused her to run to New York and never look back. She has tried very hard to change into someone who makes very little impact on those around her, but returning to her roots threatens to force Larkin to mend her broken bridges.

Karen White has created quite a cast of characters and at first, it was a bit hard to keep up with who’s who, but I caught on after a couple of chapters. I have to say I definitely looked forward to the chapters taking place in the 50’s but I’m also a self-proclaimed historical fiction junkie. I think Larkin got on my nerves so that made the present-day chapters a little less enjoyable BUT just goes to show what a great writer White is, it’s not every day a character is created that can actually annoy me ? I can’t place one specific characteristic that annoyed me, I just didn’t connect with Larkin. The other characters I greatly enjoyed.

While there were some eye-roll cheesy “who saw that coming?” moments, there was also enough intrigue to keep me interested and reading the book. I did feel like parts could have been hacked out, it felt a little too long (much like The Night The Lights Went Out) but there WERE two stories being told here. Overall, I would rate Dreams Of Falling 3.5 stars but dang Goodreads and it’s lack of 1/2 star ratings, I rounded up because I enjoy Karen White overall. This book would make a PERFECT vacation read, it isn’t hard to follow and it’s just the right amount of suspense, mystery, romance and charm!

I received a free advanced copy from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest thoughts.

Karen White has a knack for writing stories that bridge the time zones, keep you guessing as to what happened or will happen, and makes you want to read it to the very end on the first day!! Her characters are rich in emotions, with happenings that we can all relate to at some time or another. The books goes between 2010 and 1950's, with characters that are related in a way that you will find amazing. It took me a bit to get used to the switching back and forth but I honestly could not put the book down. I don't want to give anything away, but it is about 3 friends in the 1950's and how the decisions they made at the time affect people all the way to the 2010's. Buy it, you will love it!!

Again, Karen White takes us into the workings of friends. How much would you sacrifice for your best friend(s). Three girls, swear to be best friends always (before BFF was thought of!) no matter what, no matter who, no matter anything. When Ivy is hurt in an accident, why was she in the burned out plantation? Her daughter, Larkin returns home to South Carolina, where she meets people she has been avoiding since she graduated both friends of hers and her own family.

I've become a fan of Karen White, "Sound of Glass" "The Night the Lights Went Out" and now "Dreams of Falling" wonderful books. Thanks to First to Read and Penguin Books for the ARC.

This was a beautiful story of family and friends that become family. I loved the strong female characters of the story and I loved the bond they shared with one another. There are many secrets that come to light, both from the past and present. As you read, make sure you have tissues handy! I received an advanced readers copy from NetGalley and Berkley. All opinions are my own.

Karen White’s writing is absolutely exquisite. Her characters are so carefully developed until they are jumping out of the pages and into the reader’s head. The story was told from different perspectives and time periods, and that can sometimes be confusing - it wasn’t here. It was flawless. I loved the characters, the story, the writing, all of it.

Karen White's latest release is a good read. However, the first part of the book moves as slow as a meandering southern stream. The buildup was a little ponderous. Midway through the book, I could see where the story was headed, it just had to catch up with my suspicions. My favorite characters were Bennett and Mabry who were steadfastly loyal to the semi self absorbed Larkin. It's a tale of discovery, secrets, selfishness, and revelation.