Oh, Debbie Macomber.
 
I actually forgot that this was a Debbie Macomber book, having read it on my Kindle app without a cover, and then I got to the end and read an acknowledgement and started laughing because everything about it made so much sense knowing that it was one of hers. I think I've read a previous book in the series, because all of a sudden I recognized characters back and forth, and was very amused.
 
That being said, I think this is one of her better books of the last few--I hadn't been terribly impressed by the last two she's published, but I felt like this one had morals that were far less in-your-face and a really interesting premise.
 
Of course, the characters are overly goody-goody and the actions too picturesque--this IS a Macomber book, after all--but I LOVED that Shay was dealing with coming out of jail and presenting a whole new set of struggles. This was a very uplifting book that I'd quickly recommend to someone needing a dose of hope, and Shay's determination is lovely.
 
There is very little suspense and conflict, and Shay's brother doesn't really drive the plot, but I happily recommend this to Macomber fans!
 
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
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I recently found this book and although the story line sounded familiar, Debbie Macomber again managed to make her story original as she tells of a widower, his children and a young woman who started life with so many strikes against her, she was close to losing all hope, but because her heart was good, she eventually found her dream.

Shay Benson adored her younger brother, Caden, and that got her into trouble. When he owed money, Shay realized she would do anything to help him avoid the men who were threatening him, and she crossed lines she never should have crossed. Now, determined to start fresh, she finds herself in search of a place to stay and wanders into a church to escape from the cold.

Pastor Drew Douglas adored his wife. But when he lost her, it was all he could do to focus on his two beautiful kids, and his flock came in a distant third. Now, as he too is thinking about a fresh start, he walks through his sanctuary and finds Shay sitting in a pew.

The pair strike up a friendship—Drew helps Shay get back on her feet, and she reignites his sense of purpose—that, over time, turns into something deeper, something soulful, spiritual, and possibly romantic. Even Drew’s two children are taken with this woman who has brought light back into their lives. Perhaps most important, Shay learns to trust again as she, in turn, proves herself trustworthy to her adopted community.

But Caden’s return to town and a disastrous secret threaten to undo the life Shay has tried so hard to rebuild. It will take the utmost courage and faith if she and Drew hope to find healing and open their hearts to a brighter future. ( )

Love the message of this book. It’s a story where we see our heroine Shay Benson go through a journey of spiritual growth, acceptance, forgiveness, and letting go of the past. Shay is a very relatable character and I like how she is portrayed, and her character development is not rushed. When she meets our hero Pastor Drew Douglas, they are both at a point in their life where they are looking for direction. Drew lost his wife to cancer and has been struggling ever since to take care of his two children and his church. Shay has just been released from prison after spending 3 years for thief. She’s angry at her brother because he’s the reason she went to prison and she’s worried about where her life is headed fresh out of prison.
I liked the interactions between Shay and drew as they develop a friendship and then become more. Drew struggles with the demands of being a single parent, a pastor, and the criticism that he’s getting from his church members as he gets closer to Shay. This story also showed how judgmental people can be sometimes and we see how these church members learn from their mistakes and come to know Shay as the person that she is and not based on her past mistakes. Drew and Shay’s journey is an uplifting and inspirational one, I highly recommend this book, Debbie Macomber is fast becoming one of my favorite authors.
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Debbie Macomber writes a beautiful story touching on second chances, finding faith, discovering love and, keeping ones word. A very different story about an ex-con and Pastor. It's a love story that will grow on you.

Thank you to Net Galley for the ebook in return for an honest review. ( )

4.5 stars.

Any Dream Will Do by Debbie Macomber is an uplifting novel of redemption, second chances and love. This substantive story also includes an element of faith that is not just spiritual since a major part of the storyline centers around the belief that people can and will prevail as they attempt to turn their lives around after making disastrous life choices.

Drew Douglas is the pastor of a Seattle Church but after the death of his beloved wife Katie three years earlier, he is still struggling with lingering grief and a loss of faith. His surprise meeting with Shay Benson changes his life, but initially, not in a romantic sense. In helping her, he finds his way back to the friends and mentors he gradually allowed to slip out of his life after Katie's death. As he becomes more engaged in life, Drew finally recognizes that he is battling more than just grief and a crisis of faith. Once he begins to emerge from the darkness that has shrouded him, Drew finds a renewed purpose and joy in his ministry. He occasionally sees Shay during this year of recovery and once both of their lives are back on track, the two form a surprising friendship that gradually deepens into love.

A dysfunctional and abusive childhood set Shay on a self-destructive path at a young age. Her poor choices also affected her brother Caden after she introduces him to her drug dealing and addicted boyfriend. On the brink of leaving er past behind, Shay's loyalty to Caden and her guilt over involving him in her ill-fated choices results in a terrible decision that culminates with severe consequences for her. Three years later, Shay is once again presented with an opportunity to make a better life for herself, but can she bring herself to believe she is worthy of this second chance?

The friendship between Shay and Drew is quite sweet but there are quite a few obstacles they both must overcome before exploring the unexpected romance that springs up between them. Shay is constantly striving to quiet the little voice in her head that tries to convince her she does not deserve a better life.She is incredibly kindhearted and never hesitates to welcome those less fortunate into her life and her heart. While she is at first skeptical of letting God into her life, a newfound faith finally becomes an integral part of Shay's life.

Drew is initially somewhat hesitant to bring Shay into both his and his children's lives but he cannot deny he is drawn to her. Several people in his congregation question his judgment and he draws upon Scripture to gently, yet pointedly, make his case for welcoming her into their fold. A few issues crop up along the way that seem to indicate he might have made a precipitous decision to trust Shay but Drew's faith in her does not waver. However, when a situation spirals out of control, will Drew be forced to decide between his church and Shay?

Any Dream Will Do is a truly inspiring novel that will resonate with anyone who has ever struggled to turn their life around. The romance between Shay and Drew is quite touching, but their relationship is secondary to the growth of the characters. &Shay's journey is compelling and her emotions, regrets and doubts are realistically depicted. Drew's struggle to regain his lost faith and overcome the loss of his wife are portrayed with stark honesty. The storyline also touches on social problems such as homelessness and addiction in a forthright and sensitive manner. This newest release by Debbie Macomber is a captivating story of hope, love and faith that will linger in readers' hearts and minds long after the last page is turned.
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