Cover Image: A Million Dreams

A Million Dreams

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Member Reviews

Dani Atkins never fails to deliver and A Million Dreams is a serious, heart string puller of a read, that had me gripped from the very first chapter, I was totally absorbed and lost in the lives of Izzy and Pete and Beth, tragically widowed when she and husband Tim were to have been embarking on the road to parenthood - three strangers thrown together on their rocky road to parenthood.

A Million Dreams is a breath taking, beautiful book with so many strands interwoven and stitched together to form a read that is in equal measures heart warming and heart breaking. For the most part of reading A Million Dreams I had tears rolling down my face so was very grateful to be reading in the privacy of my caravan and not anywhere public.

Dani Atkins has not shied away from the difficult questions and dilemma's faced by thousands of would be parents - nurture or nature, there is no stronger love than that of a mother and child and parenthood is a tricky road to navigate without the added complications faced by Beth, Izzy and Pete.

I can't recommend this book highly enough, it's difficult to say too much without 'spoilers' other than this book will break you into a Million Pieces as you walk in their footsteps only to turn the page and lift you back up again. It's emotional, heartfelt and uplifting at the same time and will leave you thinking about the story long after the final page has been turned. Dani Atkins does not shy away from the difficult subjects in life and always creates characters that are totally relatable and life-like, I felt their pain and joy like close friends as they and I traversed Million Dreams. Huge thanks Dani for another exceptional read.

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Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book in return for an honest review.

Great book. I loved reading it. Very interesting and covers alot of information

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I don’t know why it’s taken me so long to get to this book. It certainly is a book that you won’t want to put down. I loved all the characters and where this book took me. A lovely read.

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Wow!!! I didn’t want to start my review with just a simple word but wow this book was full of such raw emotion. I do have a few of Dani’s books but this is the first I’ve devoured and it sure as hell won’t be the last. If you have any recommendations send them my way.

A Million Dreams… is a story of two ladies Beth and Izzy who are strangers yet intertwined by an extreme circumstance, I feel like throughout reading this there were a number of gasps and ohs from me when I could see the drama unfolding. I’m not a mother myself but I can wholeheartedly sympathise with both ladies. The situation they found themselves in was beyond heartbreaking and I imagine this could happen in real life although you wouldn’t wish this on your worst enemy.

I truly loved both Izzy and Beth deep down they are both strong independent women whose love for being a mother outweighs everything else in their lives. I was rooting for them both and found myself torn at multiple pages. Life really is a rollercoaster and seeing them both overcome so much had me tearful with a smile on my face.

Dani Atkins is quite simply a genius at weaving a heartbreaking tale, that keeps you guessing until the last page. I saw a few things coming but it was written well with lots of intrigue and hope. The way she writes about grief was spot on – I truly miss my grandparents to this day and both Liam and Beth really made me think. Dani has shown the true aspects of grief and the different stages of moving on.

Everything about this book gave me all the feels and reignited my hope in love and second chances…

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‘A Million Dreams’ is the latest book by Dani Atkins.

Beth Brandon always dreamed of owning a florist, but today the bouquets of peonies and bright spring flowers are failing to calm her nerves. Because today, Beth has a life-changing decision to share with her husband. Izzy Vaughan thought she and her husband would stay together forever, but sometime last year, their love began to fade. They both find such joy in their young son Noah – but is he enough to keep them together? Eight years ago, something happened to these two women. Something that is about to bring them together in a way no-one thought possible…

Dani Atkins is renowned for writing books that really pull at the readers hearts and this book is no different.

In this book we meet two women who want the same thing, to have a family. Izzy and Beth froze their embryos with the hope of a family but unfortunately Izzy is the only woman who has a little boy that she loves whilst Beth is alone having lost her husband to cancer and the thought of having a family seems far away, until one day she’s decides to go it alone and reveals something she never knew was possible.

It’s hard to go into a lot of details without giving a lot of away, but this is a book that battles with morals and issues that bring the reader on an empathy emotional rollercoaster.

Dani’s books really touch on sensitive and controversial topics that make the reader step back and take stock, delving into their thoughts and how they would act if put into the same position.

Written honestly and with care, ‘A Million Dreams’ is Dani at her very finest, a heartbreaking and compelling story about a mother’s love and questions, what is right and wrong, this book is a story of resilience and hope and is a tearjerker from the first page.

You can pre-order ‘A Million Dreams’ from Amazon and will be available to buy from good bookshops from 14th November 2019.

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I have read previous books by Dani Atkins and looked forward to reading her newest works. A Million Dreams is an emotional rollercoaster that I struggled to put down. It deals with a very tough subject matter in a very raw and heartfelt manner. I look forward to reading more work from Atkins in the future.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC

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This is the first book I have ever read by Dani Atkins, and I really enjoyed it. I thought it was beautifully written and I did get choked up in places. I felt for both Beth and Izzy but I did find it a bit predictable in places and I found the ending quite odd which is my reason for the 4 stars.

Thank you netgalley and the publishers for an ARC copy of this book.

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I've spent the past 24 hours extremely resentful of real life separating my from reading at times, regretful that I didn't read this while I was on holiday and would have been able to read it in one sitting, and regularly on the verge of tears, due to the sheer emotion and power behind the words of this book.

It has really got to me, and is easily one of the best books of the year so far for me.

A lot of the power and emotion I feel has come because I had no idea what to expect. The blurb gives very little away, and even the first thing to be revealed, not too far into the story, I think I appreciated all the more because I had no idea it was coming. (OK, I had an inkling perhaps a chapter before but wasn't convinced, and I had the same realisations at couple of times in the book, but never more than a chapter before it happened). And even if I did think i knew what was about to happen, nothing could have prepared me for the way it was written and the impact it had on me.

I was completely immersed in this powerful story, and its one that will hopefully stay with me for a long time. It covers something that would be completely and utter worst nightmare scenarios for the two families involved, and really does take you on a roller coaster of emotions.

I suspect I would have been crying for most of the book if I had my own children, instead I just had a massive feeling of empathy regardless and really did love all the main characters.

For this is an epic love story - but not romantic love, but of a mother's love for their child. It is written from two perspectives and from that you great insight into how both Beth and Izzy cope with a situation that I've never read about before anywhere.

A uniquely wonderful story from an author who always writes powerful stories that grab your heart and don't let go.

Or in short, it left me speechless, I have no idea how anything else I read for a few days will compare to this and just wow!!! If you are a fan of anything with an emotional kick to it, you need to read this book.

Thank you to Head of Zeus and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

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I enjoy stories with a hefty bit of emotion and a moral dilemma, so 'A Million Dreams' by Dani Atkins did not disappoint!
The story is based around two couples. Pete and Izzy are separated, but remain the doting parents of Noah, a much-wanted child conceived using IVF. Beth and Tim had just a few short years together and several failed attempts at IVF before Tim died of cancer; there is one frozen embryo remaining, Beth's final link with Tim, and Beth wants to try and conceive Tim's baby one last time - even if Tim is gone.
BUT, here's the dilemma; due to a mix up at the fertility clinic, Beth's last remaining embryo has been used and her dream of being a mother now belongs to someone else!
A very believable story in the modern day world of IVF, embryos in storage and designer babies. Inevitably human's err - but this human error comes at enormous cost to Beth.
The first half of the book was the most enjoyable in my opinion; it lost a little of its emotional weight as the story progressed which due to the very nature of the content would be difficult to sustain over hundreds of pages. Otherwise, a very good read.

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I was given a copy of A Million Dreams by Dani Akins in exchange for an honest review. I have read other books by Dani before and this one definitely didn't, in fact I would say it's her best book yet. I can't say too much about it or it will give away the story. Its based around two women Beth lost her husband 5 years ago and Izzy would has recently split from her husband. Both were very likable characters and had their own problems to deal. This is a brilliant book, definitely worth a read!

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One heck of a book!
Having been a fan of all of Dani's previous books I was prepared for this to be another amazing read, however I wasn't prepared for the emotions it would evoke in me and the intensity of the story.
I was drawn into Beth's and Izzy's stories immediately and didn't foresee the way their lives would come crashing together. Both of the characters were amazing and became even stronger as the book went on and you could really empathise with both of them.
This book certainly packs a punch and the author isn't afraid of a tough storyline and more than once had me sitting there with tears running down my face!
I totally loved it and the storyline will stay with me for a long time. Amazing!
Thank you to NetGalley and Head of Zeus for allowing me to read this in exchange for a totally unbiased review.

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I've been in a bit of a reading slump the last few weeks but this book has well and truly brought me out of it.
I have loved every one of Dani Atkins' books so I was excited to read this book.
I loved all the characters and was very torn at times. I could empathise with both Izzy and Beth and felt for them given the circumstances.
This book was a pleasure to read and I can't wait for her next book.

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From the time Dani Atkins had me reeling when I finished Fractured, she has managed to impress me with each novel she writes. So I was excited to hear about the publication of A Million Dreams. The synopsis sounded interesting and I couldn't wait to check it out. What I found inside was not what I expected and it kept me guessing the entire time.

At first, I worried the story would be predictable based on the initial build-up to the conflict. However, it went in directions I wasn't expecting. There was a Jodi Picoult feel to part of the story and I didn't know which woman to root for. Both were sympathetic characters who had compelling cases in their favor. I love how Dani brought about the Christmas mood at one point in the novel.

Overall, it was a sweet story about motherhood and love that was enjoyable throughout and carried a strong emotional appeal. The only downside, if I can even call it that, was that I kept getting a song from The Greatest Showman in my head. Quite the ear worm...

I believe I still have some other books of Dani's on my shelf that need attention and now I am even more eager to add them to my TBR!

Movie casting ideas:
Beth: Felicity Jones
Izzy: Laura Haddock
Pete: Gwilym Lee
Liam: Luke Evans

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Dani Atkins has done it again. What can I say about this fantastic book. I just couldn't put it down and read long into the night as I couldn't wait to see how it would end. So powerfully written, emotional, poignant but heartwarming, this book pulled at my heartstrings - as all of Dani's books do.
Superb characterisation, I felt as if I know the characters personally. This book made me cry but also smile too.

I did not want this novel to end and can't wait for the next novel by Dani Atkins. Dani has become one of my favourite authors. I can't recommend this book highly enough. Fabulous.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review

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Dreams. We all have them. Moving to a different country. Getting a mortgage with a killer rate. Become a pirate. Meet Taylor Swift. Be a mother. Find love. Win the lottery. Open a bakery. Feel free to add yours!

Beth and Izzy have led different lives. One is a florist, the other works at a vet’s. Their personalities shine and their voices are clear and poignant throughout the book. I could not help but fall for both of them, each tugging at my heartstrings in separate ways. I hate assumptions about women, that generalization which make us sound as if we are all the same. Dani Atkins did a perfect job creating two faces of a golden coin sitting on its fence.

Beth lives surrounded by the smell of flowers and the memories of a life stolen from her. Izzy is fighting for her broken marriage and wrapping her son Noah in a blanket of love as best as she can.

They have never met but their fates are intertwined. I swore at the unfairness of life. I found myself clutching at my Kindle in disbelief. I am pretty sure I walked through all steps of grief along with Beth, and felt a constant fear gnaw at me. How? Why? I am not lifting the secret veil to let you in on that!

What does it mean to be a woman? What does it mean to be a wife? What does it mean to be a mother? The author doesn’t give you computerized answers. She subtly gives life to days and weeks filled with hardships no one should have to go through. The aim of A Million Dreams is not to shout loud about how to obtain what you want or tell its readers that only one way is the right way. Dani Atkins is not pointing fingers, looking for people to blame, or giving lessons. Through the emotional journey that is this novel, she reminded me how strong women are. She also nudged me and said it’s okay not to be strong every minute of every day. She whispered in my ear that we are dealt cards and it is up to us to make the best of our hand. Sometimes it hurts, often it is confusing, but it also brings warmth and joy, days when things don’t look gloomy but blindingly shiny and hopeful. We learn from every day that passes. Our steps lead us to places we thought we wouldn’t visit.

I couldn’t let go of those characters. I was absorbed in lives that taught me so much. I felt safe, I felt outraged, I felt… everything so vividly thanks to an intelligent writing that pierced through my defenses.

A Million Dreams is a beautiful contemporary novel about the price we pay, the losses we carry, the smaller and bigger pictures of life. It is a novel about the importance to listen to your feelings, your instinct, and the power of love in all its disguises. I was left with a smile on my face, and the feeling those characters have made me grow in a way I didn’t know was possible.

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I really didn’t know what to expect with this one, but it sure as hell wasn’t this!! Oh my goodness me!

Two different women, both connected by one devastating move.

Two strangers, both connected by the loss of their beloved partners.

One story, connected by the journeys of multiple people, all with conflicting and powerful emotions. Nevermind a million dreams, a million THOUGHTS went through my head reading this, with the main one being ‘what would I have done in that situation?’. Looking back now, i can’t help but think that that was a very stupid question of me to ask myself, because how on earth would anyone know what they would do about a situation they may never find themselves in? We can only surmise about situations, but can any of us really put ourselves in a particular position when our lives are completely different?

Tough one to answer. I couldn’t even begin to imagine what went through the minds of the individuals involved, even though as readers, we had more of an insight to personal thoughts than the other characters. One wrong move caused so much devastation, not just for one person, but many. A decision made by people who have a lot of faith invested in them by communities.

Dani Atkins is incredible. Her attention to detail in this book is second to none and her empathetic tone shone through her words like a beacon. Not only that, the way she described such a rare, yet life changing situation, was both gutsy and very poignant. Atkins didn’t seem to sugar coat the frustration, the motherly instinct, nor the fear of wanting to flee to protect who you love. Her honesty was outstanding, which just goes to show just how much research was done to get the storyline bang on.

As a reader, I felt as though I was intruding on such a personal moment, yet on the other hand I couldnt tear my eyes away from what was unravelling before me.

‘A Million Dreams’ is a story that will have you invested in its poignancy in no time. A story that will test your emotions, whilst also questioning your own choices. A story that puts grief in the spotlight in a way that rendered me speechless, and even THAT is no mean feat.

Beautiful beyond belief, and probably the best book that Dani Atkins has written to date – outstanding and life changing, I loved it. This is a book that is going to stay with me for a very, very long time to come.

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Oh my word! Let me tell you.. This is one of the best books I have ever read!
It is extremely emotional and will have you in tears so many times but my goodness it is so heartwarming and just a beautiful read.
Absolutely loved these characters especially Beth, she is one strong woman!
This book will stay with me for life, a story I will not forget!
Stunning!

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I loved Fractured so was so happy to be sent a copy of Dani Atkins’ latest novel, A Million Dreams.

The plot focuses on Beth and Izzy. Beth is a widow and longs to be a mother. Izzy is separated from her husband and they have young son called Noah. There are secrets in this book and the 2 women in particular are hurt by particular events.

I was gripped by the synopsis and loved the beautiful cover straight away. I KNEW I had to download it. I was sucked in by Dani’s powerful storytelling which was so emotive I found it hard to fight back tears at times.

The characters are real and the settings are so realistic I could actually imagine myself there with the characters.

I don’t want to give too much away as there are so many sensitive and meaty issues here that are dealt with sensitively and with empathy yet the pace was quick but never rushed and I was just hooked from beginning to end.

I did not want this novel to end and am looking forward to the next novel by Dani Atkins. Dani has become one of my favourite authors.

Huge thanks to Dani Atkins and Head of Zeus for my ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.

5 sparkling stars.

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A Million Dreams is absolutely gorgeous. The story is narrated by two women: Beth and Izzy and at the beginning it is not clear how their stories are going to relate to each other. Thanks to this dual narrative, I got to really know these two characters and I felt really connected to them, I understood what they were going through and how it affected them. So when I discovered how they were linked, it shocked me to the core. Their story really brought up so many emotions!

I think the plot for this story was really original and surprising. It made me wonder a lot what I would do in their situations and question what is right and what is wrong. Definitely a very thought-provoking story. I really didn't know how the story was going to unfold but I think the author made a magnificent job with it. I closed the last page with tears in my eyes but a huge smile in my face. A highly recommended read from me.

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It’s a delight to be taking part in the blog tour for A Million Dreams, the latest book by Dani Atkins. My thanks to Vicky of Head of Zeus for the tour invitation and for the Netgalley copy to review.

There are two things that can be guaranteed with a book by Dani Atkins. One is the need for tissues. The other is that the reader is in for a heartrending read. Having sobbed my way through a previous book (Our Song), I was in no doubt what I was letting myself in when I was offered the chance to review A Million Dreams.

You need to go into this unprepared and as the blurb gives the minimum of details, it would be unforgiveable of me to reveal any more of the plot. What I can say is that yet again Dani Atkins has created an emotional and sensitively written powerful story which has at its heart a dilemma of epic proportions.

All the characters are so well written they made a long lasting impression on me and my heart ached for all of them – especially the two women – Beth, who has finally realised her dream of having her own florist shop, but at huge personal cost and Izzy whose over protectiveness of her son Noah has shut out those around her. Both women find themselves in an extraordinary situation and my sympathies were with both of them but for different reasons.

Characterisation and pace is faultless, Atkins certainly puts all her characters through the mill and no-one gets an easy ride. This may be a poignant and emotional read but there is a little touch of humour throughout together with a strand involving two characters that kept me captivated wondering how it would end up!

I did ❤️ this and I really want to say more but I daren’t because I don’t want to reveal something that could be a spoiler. A Million Dreams is currently only 99p to download on Amazon UK – this would be a wonderful read at any price but for 99p, come on, you can’t pass this one by!

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