Gilbert Morris' The Dream ~ Reviewed

The Dream
By Gilbert Morris
Published by Zondervan
ISBN-10: 0-310-25233-4

Lanie Freeman had to grow up fast. Her mother died when she was just fourteen and now her father is in prison. The oldest of five children, seventeen-year-old Lanie has transformed into a surrogate mother … and a beautiful young woman. Not only must she keep her family together, but lately she has drawn the attention of Roger Langley, son of the richest man in town.

Tensions run deep between the Freemans and the Langleys. And on top of it all, Louise Langley accuses Lanie of trying to snatch away her handsome fiancé, Dr. Owen Merrit. Dr. Merrit has long helped out the Freeman children, but Lanie isn't sure he even notices that she's no longer a child.

Then Fairhope is thrown into chaos when the new preacher arrives—wearing blue jeans and riding a motorcycle. In only a month, dashing Brother Colin Ryan shakes the entire town to the core of their beliefs.

With the town embattled over the preacher, her family struggling to survive, and her own heart in turmoil, Lanie seeks solace in her writing. She pours out her heart to God, trusting his promises. But when things fall apart at every turn, will Lanie continue to trust?

Morris is a gifted story-teller and offers up a memorable novel of the coming-of-age of Lanie Freeman. I enjoyed it thoroughly. With rich characterizations, the Freeman's come alive: the quirky Aunt Kezia, zealous Cody, strong-willed Maeva, dependable Davis, sweet Corliss and Lanie, whose attempts to mother them sometimes get rebuffed. It's more than the story of a family, it's the story of a town, of faith and of believing in one another. I recommend The Dream to anyone who loves good literary fiction.

Reviewed by Robin Grant