There's just something about a Kristan Higgins book. It could be her amazing gift of gab which is evident in the catchy dialog. It could be her romantic soul equally evident in her development of flawed, imperfect characters who look for love despite the odds. Hey it could even be her love of animals -- there is just something for everyone in each and every Higgins book I've ever read. Kristan Higgins is often the first name that pops into my mind when someone asks me for a book suggestion. IN YOUR DREAMS is vintage, classic Higgins. Heartwarming, soul touching, laugh out loud funny and relevant.

IN YOUR DREAMS is about belonging and fitting in short and simple. No matter how young or old you are this is a running battle for dare I say most of us mere mortals. Kristan Higgins decides to tackle this age old problem by introducing some new folks, revisiting some old friends and resurrecting some that had great impact in previous stories. IN YOUR DREAMS is number four in the Blue Heron series but is not dependent on having read any of the previous books in this group.

Once again I am reminded why I am such a huge fan of this writer. No one can put down a Kristan Higgins book -- she absolutely grabs your attention from page one and holds on till the very end.

The two main characters in IN YOUR DREAMS are Jack Holland and Emmaline Neal. Both getting over difficult breakups but candidly that is just the tip of the iceberg. Jack is simply perfect. Well in most everyone's eyes except his own. Gorgeous, kind, caring and devoted to his very large multigenerational family. Emmaline is not gorgeous -- well at least not in Jack's league when it comes to looks -- in her eyes. But Emmaline is a really good person and could definitely attract men's eyes if she would work on her feminine traits just a little more.

Jack has every woman in town swooning over him. He's definitely the whole package but even Mr. Perfect has made some errors in judgment -- his now defunct marriage heads up the list. Some problems just don't go away and Jack's ex is one. But Jack is fighting an internal battle over something of more consequence that he sees as a huge failure.

Emmaline's issues go way deeper and when her first love throws her over for someone she just can't begin to compete with she is once again faced with a lifelong battle. Her relationship with Jack stems from an attraction to this wonderful guy but equally touches that nurturing part of her. If love is the answer than it can also shatter a person -- especially when that person manages to destroy whatever trust has developed. When trust is gone -- well is there anything that can save the relationship.

Watch someone reading a Higgins book and you will witness a myriad of emotions ranging from smiles to laugher to frowns and poignant quietness. She makes you think and feel. I would love to sit here and tell you all the best parts of IN YOUR DREAMS but that would just spoil your experience. Suffice it to say IN YOUR DREAMS is a welcome addition to my already long list of Kristan Higgins favorites. And Jack and Emmaline are destined to become longtime friends.

Book Summary

Everyone loves Jack Holland, but Emmaline Neal needs him. Her ex-fiancé is getting married in Malibu and, obviously, she can't go to the wedding alone. In Manningsport, New York, tall, blond and gorgeous Jack Holland is practically a cottage industry when it comes to rescuing desperate women. He knows the drill, Em figures, so he won't get the wrong idea.

What Jack needs is an excuse to leave town. Ever since rescuing four teenagers from a car wreck, he's been hailed as a hero and the attention is making him itchy, especially since his too-pretty ex-wife is back, angling for a reunion. He's always liked Emmaline. She needs a weekend date? No problem.

So when they wind up in bed together, Em chalks it up to red wine and chocolate cake, just one impulsive night not to be repeated. But Jack's pushing for more, and if she lets down her guard, either she'll get her heart crushed again, or discover that Jack's worth more than just dreaming about.