Book Spotlight: Dream Again by Ann Marie Bryan

Which five words best describe Dream Again?

I would use the words—emotional, inspirational, fluid, compelling, romantic—to describe Dream Again.

Can you share one highlight from the book?

The heroine is Gianna Barrett. She is a successful book editor at a major publishing company. After experiencing heartbreak, she has given up on finding the love of her life.

Here is what happened when Gianna meets the hero, Carter McIntosh, for the second time:

Time slowed to a crawl, and for a moment, neither of them moved. Then they both started laughing.

She stole a glance—more than a glance—at him. He cut an imposing figure—fitted navy-blue suit and baby blue shirt that opened at the top to reveal his strong neck. His fade faux hawk haircut was on fleek.

Slowly and with precision, he made his way toward her. She held her breath. Held back a smile, too.

What is the purpose of this book?

Last year, my mom passed, so it was a year of grieving and adjusting for me and my siblings. For me, writing tends to be therapeutic, so I wanted to write a story about someone who suffered the loss of a parent. I wrapped that experience in a beautiful love story, “Dream Again,” which gives hope while showing the awesome power of God in the lives of two hurting people.

Are there themes that you find turn up again and again in your work? A common thread?

My stories bring together love, faith, forgiveness, restoration, and new beginnings, while illustrating God’s desire to free people from life-altering events that haunt them. In Dream Again, readers will witness the incredible transformative power of love in the lives of Carter McIntosh and Gianna Barrett as they lift their faith and develop the courage and tenacity to leave the past behind.

Which character or part of the book was the most fun to write? Which part was the hardest?

I enjoyed writing the hero, Carter McIntosh. He’s a physically appealing, intelligent, sensitive soul. I admire his relationship with the Lord. Carter has been through murky waters but by the grace of God, he came out on top and continues to flourish.

It was difficult to write the scenes where one of the characters spoke about losing a loved one and coping with the loss. I was all over the place. I just cried as I wrote those scenes.

Can you tell us something that even your most loyal fans may not know about you?

My readers might be surprised that I have a passion for the performing arts. However, while I enjoy all categories of the performing arts, I have a special love for dance. I believe that the art of dance can be used effectively for worship, evangelism, and discipleship.

Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?

Let’s stay connected. Please feel free to reach out to me on social media or by email.

BLURB

One random day. One burst of laughter. One perfect moment. That’s all it takes for Gianna Barrett to capture Carter McIntosh’s attention—and his heart. His whole life has been a series of miracles, so this falls right in line. If only it were that simple. The object of his desire refuses to give him the time of day. Not deterred, Carter is sure he’s ready to put his heart on the line for love. Big mistake. He isn’t quite prepared and finds himself wrestling a soul-deep hurt into submission.

“There has been an accident….”

That devastating revelation shattered Gianna’s life, and in that one chaotic moment, everything she had was taken away. She has spent years carefully crafting her new normal, so there is no way Carter can just insert himself into her life. The fight is on but not for long. Their attraction is instant, and before she knows it, all her cynicism goes out the door.

When Gianna learns more about Carter’s life, she gets a better understanding of her beginning. As she starts her journey to healing, she uncovers Carter’s startling secret. In the days that follow, she struggles with feelings of regret, fueling her natural tendency to retreat. But the flames of desire burn hot and it’s not easy to break their unexpected connection. As the past reaches for them, they soon realize that to move forward, they must look back. Will they allow God to be the anchor they so desperately need—before it’s too late? For all they ever wanted was to be loved.

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08D3GR6HG

BIO

Ann Marie Bryan is a Christian Fiction author who writes to inspire and empower others. She desires to tell great stories with fascinating characters to show the awesome power of God. Her greatest passion is to empower others to succeed by tapping into their God-given potential.