Where Dreams Begin

I love reading historical romances, but often get irritated at the self-absorbed and often boring lives of wealthy aristocratic characters. So Where Dreams Begin was the best romance I've read in ages, both because of the great characters and believable love story/conflict AND because the book offers a glimpse into progressive changes in British society. And it was fun to learn about upper class social rules. Well, at least for me. I love anthropological stuff. I especially enjoyed Holly's transformation through the book as she discovers inner strength and the world outside of the aristocracy. It was great having characters who actually do something to change the world they're living in. Great story!

Even though the premise of the story line, a young widow moving into a nouveau rich mans home to teach his family manners isn't the best, this book was enjoyable. The two lead characters where very likable, and the building relationship fun to read. There was no silly subplot with any villains which usually happens in romance books, the other man is her husband who has passed on. There is another man whom she has promised her husband on his deathbed to marry, but he is a decent man. I enjoyed this book and would read a sequel with any of the secondary characters

I loved this book. The development of the main characters was brilliant. I am so jealous of Holly to have found such a raw, complete love from a man so physically and mentally strong, yet gentle and good. I loved Zachary's interaction with Rose, Paula and Elizabeth. He is completely surrounded by women and yet is so capable of loving each unconditionally and so strongly in completely different ways. Loved Zachary. Lisa Kleypas has given us so many great heroes that It is becoming almost impossible to pick a favorite, but Zachary is up there on my list.

I used to love Lisa Kleypas' romance novels. Many of them were perfect 5 star books such as "Dreaming Of You", "Then Came You" and "Because You're Mine". The heroes in these books were unbelievably wonderful and not necessarily titled lords. One hero was a gambling hall owner and another the lead actor of his day. I wouldn't part with these books for the world. However, her last three books, including this one, have been below the high marks she earned for these other works. This novel stars a hero who is an imitation of Derek, her gambling hall owner. This time he is an incredibly wealthy, ostentatious business entrepreneur. He is not nearly as well developed as Derek was in "Dreaming Of You," however.

The heroine is almost too good to be true, a widow still in love with her dead husband who comes to give the hero and his family lessons in manners. The other problem is that her novel reminds me of others' novels as far as the basic idea. Judith Ivory's "The Proposition" (derived from "My Fair Lady"), for one, and, even more so, Megan McKinney's "Lions and Lace". If you haven't read Kleypas' earlier work, it is possible you may like this novel a lot better than I did. I think Kleypas needs to do something really radical to her writing though to turn this drift downwards around. Perhaps she should write in another period of time, and/or another country and/or another genre to regain her freshness and originality. They used to be her stock in trade. I believe these earlier books, referred to above, are still in print if you want to try one of them out first. I'd recommend it.

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I loved this book by Lisa Klepas who never ceases to disappoint. Holly was the perfect heroine, written with exquisite detail right down to her prudeness, generosity, mothering instincts, and constant use of "darling"-- which I could truly envision her saying. Sometimes the dialogue is too far fetched with historical romance, but here it all seemed right which was why I read the book in 24 hours.

I really couldn't put it down, enjoying the chemistry between Holly and Zach (who reminded me of Simon Hunt from the Wallflowers series albeit even more vulnerable and dreamy) but more importantly the whole cast of characters were flawless and believable. I truly wish they'd re-appear again at some point...maybe with Rose, who I can envision having a wonderful romance at some point!

Audiobook- 5 star narration
A young widow broken and still deeply in live with her husband must learn to live again after three years of mourning. She braves society's judgment to take a chance that will give her daughter a better future in life and may give her one as well.
A beautiful story of looking beyond what others expect of you-Taking a chance even if the outcome looks grim. What a roller-coaster ride.

I randomly picked up this book at the public library, browsing to find a new author. I've pretty much exhausted Nora Roberts, Judith McNaught, and the other usual suspects. I loved this book, and it was so exciting to find a new author! The writing is excellent, much higher in quality than some romances. Some wonderful, vivid sentences and excellent pacing make it a lovely read. However, the character development is even better. And finally, the sex scenes are amazing! The tension and lovemaking are wonderul, and it's obvious that romances are continuing to change for the better as Kleypas gets away from tired stereotypes. Sex aside, this love story was wonderful, and I am looking forward to reading more of Kleypas' novels.

"Where Dreams Begin" is certainly not my favorite Kleypas, but the hero, Zachary Bronson, is truly one of her best. I was so taken with him from page one that even though the story didnt grip me as much as I wished, I wasnt disappointed. I will admit that Lady Holly's reluctance to love him was maddening and I felt that the ending was dragged out a bit. All in all, this wasnt my favorite, but Zachary's heady mix of pride, strength, gentleness, and pure sex appeal elevated this book to much more than mediocre.

I love almost everything Lisa Kleypas writes and this book did not dissapoint. I initally was put off by the premise of a widow falling in love again, but this book managed to avoid the typical cliches. I think Kleypas managed to treat her first marriage with respect, yet you do believe that Zach is Holly's true soulmate. While the plot was fairly predictable, their were some surprises in the end and the end result is very satisfying.

From the very first sentence the pages roll very smoothly. The writing is excellent. Holly, a wonderful sweet loving woman. Zachery Bronson-Strong man with emotional compassion ,who does not need to ever apologize for his beginnings. Rose-the sweetest little girl with a most unique collection of buttons. What a genious idea ! I do believe Ms. Kleypas has written enough books on this line (but glad she wrote this one). She needs to go forward with her great imagination and give us some other wonderful stories to discuss and keep in our minds forever. I will keep this book in my collection and will look forward to read her future books. Marylin F. Graham

Compared to other books, this book is really 5 stars. But compared to Lisa's other books it's 4. Lisa Kleypas is an amazing writer and in a class all her own. Just look at the ratings of all her books. This book was such a good read. I laughed and cried and sat tense in my seat while reading it. In fact, I just read it again for the second time and enjoyed it just a much as the first time.

This is one of my favorite Kleypas novels simply because the romance seems pure and true; Holly and Zachary are characters that readers can relate to and want to see succeed, in this case, in falling in love. Zachary is the type of hero that I love to love; deep and brooding and ultimately vulnerable to love. I would recommend this novel to anyone who loves romance and is looking to be introduced to Lisa Kleypas!

Holly Taylor is the epitome of an upper class British lady of limited means. Her world revolves around her young daughter, Rose, and memories of her late husband, George(the ideal British gentleman)until she accidentally shares a kiss with financier Zachary Bronson. Bronson is scorned by polite society due to his lower class origins and Machiavellian business methods, yet he is determined to win respect by the ton, as well as the body and heart of Holly. He hires Holly to teach etiquette to his family, with predictable, but highly entertaining results. A good read if you like the genre.

This book was a ok until the end. Everything after the wedding (the last 70 pages or so) felt like a quick add-on to the rest of the story, complete with bad writing and everything. If that last part hadn't been there and the story stopped at the wedding, I might have given this book 3 stars.

Lisa Kleypas can write a story!!! We are rooting for Zack and Holly right from the start but still wonder if they will overcome all the obsticles. This didn't get a 5 star rating from me only because I had trouble believeing that Holly would work for Zachary. But the story sizzled with suspence and romance.

I haven't read anything by Lisa Kleypas that didn't make it to my "keeper" list. I never lend out her books a) because I am afraid I won't get them back and b) she is sooo good at what she does, everyone should pay her to read her stories :)

This was a fantastic book and I would definately recommend it.

Wealthy but poorly bred rake hires titled widow to teach him how to behave. She agrees only because it will provide her with enough money to see her infant daughter properly raised and dowried. Extreme opposites; naturally sparks fly and they fall in love! Memorable! Denoument too long, though ...

Zachary was probably the best written heros that I have come across in a very very long time. I kind of thought that Holly's prim and properness got a little old at times, but that was her character. Still absolutely loved this novel.

This story is beautifully written. Nowhere does the story line become long or drawn out. Zachary is a great hero and strongly appealling if you are able to draw any breath at all! The ending is so touching I actually fought back tears, which no other novel has ever done to me before.

Relax and take the scenic route with this superb historical fiction.

I just finished this book and I laughed , cryed and fanned myself from all the heat. Another great book from Lisa Kleypas. In this novel Lady Holly is a widow who starts working for poor boy/rich man who wants to learn the ways of the ton. Great book!

I was very surprised by the spelling errors. The use of auto correct is fine but you still need someone to actually read the story to catch the no when it should have been know. There were quite a lot of errors like that. It also seemed that the author got lost because she would have the character having breakfast in the dining room then bang on his desk with no mention of him going to his office. But I really liked the story.

If you are addicted to "bodice rippers", this is one good read. I enjoyed it immensely. Of course its not necessarily true to life, its fiction and fantasy for crying out loud, and I thoroughly enjoyed the sensation of being caught up in another world. Good stuff, if my opinion means anything.

If you are addicted to "bodice rippers", this is one good read. I enjoyed it immensely. Of course its not necessarily true to life, its fiction and fantasy for crying out loud, and I thoroughly enjoyed the sensation of being caught up in another world. Good stuff, if my opinion means anything.

I thought this book was absolutely wonderful. I liked both Zachary and Holly. They were truly made for each other. I like books with humor in it and this book has a lot of humor and wit in it. I've always wonder why authors end books so abruptly. Once the hero and heroine realize that they are in love, the books usually end pretty quickly. I enjoyed very much the last chapter and the epilogue in this book. Lisa Kleypas is a great author and in this book, I was able to picture that Zach and Lisa where going together forever.

Zachary Bronson was definitely uncouth. Ms. Kleypas created a hero that was imperfect but not immune to the affairs of the heart. It was a sweet and touching story of two people coming from two different worlds.

I love all things Lisa Kleypas. I recommend every book she writes. She's always got really well developed characters and witty dialogue. Almost all romance novels are predictable, but at least with these you enjoy the journey!

I love Lisa Kleypas. She is a very descriptive and creative writer. Her stories feel authentic. I enjoy her stories and this was one of my favorites. I usually favor Johanna Lindsay and Nora Roberts. I ran out of those stories and was searching for a new author. Lisa Kleypas's ability ranges between those two authors.

This book will keep you enthralled. I enjoyed this book so much I will put it on my KEEPER SHELF to read again and again. Holly and Zachery truely belong together. And her daughter Rose you will just fall in love with. I recommend you buy this book.