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Journey to her Dreams
Would you travel around the world to uncover the reason for your dreams?
Hollie Anderson, a young woman from Tasmania, lives on a farm outside Launceston, Australia. She has good looks, likes her job, and loves to hang out with her friends. But it's a recurrent dream that throws her daily life into chaos and takes her on a journey to Ireland.
Sam Shaughnessy enjoys the success as Head of Advertising for a popular magazine in the Irish capital Dublin. Married to Padraic, she thinks she loves her husband, but when she meets Hollie under unusual circumstances, she needs to face the truth, and not just about her marriage.
When both women, so different in many ways, find out they have one thing in common, it changes their lives forever.
Hollie Anderson, a young woman from Tasmania, lives on a farm outside Launceston, Australia. She has good looks, likes her job, and loves to hang out with her friends. But it's a recurrent dream that throws her daily life into chaos and takes her on a journey to Ireland.
Sam Shaughnessy enjoys the success as Head of Advertising for a popular magazine in the Irish capital Dublin. Married to Padraic, she thinks she loves her husband, but when she meets Hollie under unusual circumstances, she needs to face the truth, and not just about her marriage.
When both women, so different in many ways, find out they have one thing in common, it changes their lives forever.
332 pages, Paperback
First published November 9, 2011
8 people are currently reading
143 people want to read
About the author
Iris Blobel
25 books259 followersFor a FREE book from Iris Blobel, join her Newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/b-U0G5 and do follow her on Bookbub for the latest book releases https://www.bookbub.com/profile/iris-...
Iris Blobel writes warm, sexy, and sometimes witty Australian Contemporary Romance books for readers who, like herself, still strongly believe in love and Happily Ever Afters. And she knows HEAs. Her couples are hungry for life, done with the past, passionate about family, and emotionally hopeful for a future. The stories are mainly set in Australia but also in New Zealand and even the US, depending on where her travels take her. She loves nothing more than for her readers to join her on her journeys.
Iris Blobel writes warm, sexy, and sometimes witty Australian Contemporary Romance books for readers who, like herself, still strongly believe in love and Happily Ever Afters. And she knows HEAs. Her couples are hungry for life, done with the past, passionate about family, and emotionally hopeful for a future. The stories are mainly set in Australia but also in New Zealand and even the US, depending on where her travels take her. She loves nothing more than for her readers to join her on her journeys.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
June 15, 2019
Hollie Anderson, living with her dad, Murray, on their farm near Launceston in Tasmania, was being tormented night after night by shocking dreams. She wasn’t sleeping and was distressed – she had no idea how to resolve the issue. When she left for a three week holiday in Dublin, Ireland, she had no idea what was in store for her.
Sam Shaughnessy was a highflyer who loved her job in Dublin. Married to Padraic, their marriage was a happy one – until Padraic had a few drinks. Confused, tormented, embarrassed – her random meeting with Hollie sparked a strange phenomenon. What would be the outcome for these two young women who lived worlds apart?
Journey to Her Dreams by Aussie author Iris Blobel is a fascinating and enjoyable read which encompasses friendship, love and coincidences. I suspected what the ending would be, but it wasn’t quite the twist I was expecting. A thoroughly enjoyable novel, which I’ve had languishing on my kindle since 2012! Recommended.
Sam Shaughnessy was a highflyer who loved her job in Dublin. Married to Padraic, their marriage was a happy one – until Padraic had a few drinks. Confused, tormented, embarrassed – her random meeting with Hollie sparked a strange phenomenon. What would be the outcome for these two young women who lived worlds apart?
Journey to Her Dreams by Aussie author Iris Blobel is a fascinating and enjoyable read which encompasses friendship, love and coincidences. I suspected what the ending would be, but it wasn’t quite the twist I was expecting. A thoroughly enjoyable novel, which I’ve had languishing on my kindle since 2012! Recommended.
April 26, 2017
Journey to her Dreams by Iris Blobel is in a word: breathtaking. Beautifully told through vivid imagery, the characters come to life and stick with you long after reading it. Highly recommend!
My Rating: 5 stars
My Rating: 5 stars
July 18, 2012
Half romance, half women's fiction. Totally absorbing.
Journey to her Dreams has two main characters, Hollie and Sam (Samantha), who live half a world apart, in Tasmania and Ireland, respectively. They don't know each other. They've never met, never heard of each other. But they dream about each other. When something awful happens, the other sees the occurrence in her dreams. (Good plotting, by the way, putting them on opposite sides of the globe. One's asleep when the other's awake, see.)
Sam's marriage is coming apart, no matter how desperately she pretends otherwise, and so her life is currently pretty awful. Her quiet despair comes through Hollie's dreams, invading Hollie's life and preventing her from sleeping. Finally desperate herself, Hollie journeys to Ireland to find the truth of her dreams. What happens on both islands changes everyone's lives.
The story is moving and haunting. While it could have been trimmed (it's over 300 pages long), the characters and plotline easily carry it along. The ending's not a huge surprise, and if one accepts the dream premise, it's all believable, the characters especially so.
Four and a half stars.
Journey to her Dreams has two main characters, Hollie and Sam (Samantha), who live half a world apart, in Tasmania and Ireland, respectively. They don't know each other. They've never met, never heard of each other. But they dream about each other. When something awful happens, the other sees the occurrence in her dreams. (Good plotting, by the way, putting them on opposite sides of the globe. One's asleep when the other's awake, see.)
Sam's marriage is coming apart, no matter how desperately she pretends otherwise, and so her life is currently pretty awful. Her quiet despair comes through Hollie's dreams, invading Hollie's life and preventing her from sleeping. Finally desperate herself, Hollie journeys to Ireland to find the truth of her dreams. What happens on both islands changes everyone's lives.
The story is moving and haunting. While it could have been trimmed (it's over 300 pages long), the characters and plotline easily carry it along. The ending's not a huge surprise, and if one accepts the dream premise, it's all believable, the characters especially so.
Four and a half stars.
August 16, 2012
“Journey to Her Dreams” started out slow but once it picked up the suspense didn’t end. I would say this book is part romance, part suspense. This is the first Aussie romance I’ve ever read. The vivid descriptions of Australia and Ireland kept me coming back for more. The characters were well developed and I was rooting for Hollie and Jeremy together the entire time.
The storyline kept me reading. I needed, no wanted, to know why Hollie was dreaming of Sam. Boy was I surprised! But I’m not telling why. You will have to read it for yourself.
The storyline kept me reading. I needed, no wanted, to know why Hollie was dreaming of Sam. Boy was I surprised! But I’m not telling why. You will have to read it for yourself.
December 29, 2018
What a beautiful book! A delicate romance woven into the story about the strength of family ties. Absolute page turner, light yet not shallow, full of humour yet touching very deeply. Amazing!!!!
March 31, 2012
3.5 stars
Awhile back I was approached by Iris to review her book and I was so excited to read it because it fits in with my Around the World challenge because much of it takes place in Australia, and I love supporting new writers.
First off I enjoyed the book quite a bit. I thought the premise was good and it was a quick read. The beginning really caught my eye and before I knew it I was halfway through the book in the first night! The fact that it was told from alternating characters really appealed to me because while it isn't my favourite style of writing I do enjoy it a lot and for this novel it really worked. In fact without it I don't think it could have been as successful as it was. I also enjoyed the fact that while the majority of the novel focused on Hollie in Tasmania it was broken up by Sam's side of the story taking place in Dublin. I also like how each of the girl's stories fit together so well. Hollie while being a bit naive for my tastes was my favourite character and I liked her far more than Sam who I found to be obnoxious, rude and self centered.
I did have some dislikes for the book though, I thought that the ending was pieced together a little too fast but that could be because I was enjoying the pace of the book and it suddenly sped up and was over all of a sudden. I also wish I knew exactly how old Hollie and Sam were (if it was mentioned in the book I must have missed it). I like knowing how old characters are because it helps me create a better mental picture of them.
All in all I thought this was a good book and definetly worth the read even if the ending could have been a little more drawn out (just my opinion) and the good news is is that it's $2.99 on Kindle right now and it's worth the money spent on it. I hope that Iris keeps writing because despite my minor dislikes for the novel she is a good writer and I can't wait to read the other book she wrote sometime in the near future. Hopefully she'll remember me and let me review her next book whenever she writes it. And who knows maybe I'll make my way to Australia and will meet her one of these days since I have family there.
Awhile back I was approached by Iris to review her book and I was so excited to read it because it fits in with my Around the World challenge because much of it takes place in Australia, and I love supporting new writers.
First off I enjoyed the book quite a bit. I thought the premise was good and it was a quick read. The beginning really caught my eye and before I knew it I was halfway through the book in the first night! The fact that it was told from alternating characters really appealed to me because while it isn't my favourite style of writing I do enjoy it a lot and for this novel it really worked. In fact without it I don't think it could have been as successful as it was. I also enjoyed the fact that while the majority of the novel focused on Hollie in Tasmania it was broken up by Sam's side of the story taking place in Dublin. I also like how each of the girl's stories fit together so well. Hollie while being a bit naive for my tastes was my favourite character and I liked her far more than Sam who I found to be obnoxious, rude and self centered.
I did have some dislikes for the book though, I thought that the ending was pieced together a little too fast but that could be because I was enjoying the pace of the book and it suddenly sped up and was over all of a sudden. I also wish I knew exactly how old Hollie and Sam were (if it was mentioned in the book I must have missed it). I like knowing how old characters are because it helps me create a better mental picture of them.
All in all I thought this was a good book and definetly worth the read even if the ending could have been a little more drawn out (just my opinion) and the good news is is that it's $2.99 on Kindle right now and it's worth the money spent on it. I hope that Iris keeps writing because despite my minor dislikes for the novel she is a good writer and I can't wait to read the other book she wrote sometime in the near future. Hopefully she'll remember me and let me review her next book whenever she writes it. And who knows maybe I'll make my way to Australia and will meet her one of these days since I have family there.
May 21, 2012
3 stars/Fiction; Romance
The setting of this book is in both Tasmania, Australia and Dublin, Ireland. The story alternates between two characters, Hollie and Samantha. (Sam) I appreciated the authenticity of the dilects that were written in to the story, it made for a more interesting read in my opinion.
Hollie is losing sleep due to a reaccuring dream. In it, she senses that someone in Dublin is in trouble. Not knowing how else to find solace-- she heads to Ireland in search of this mystery woman and the reason why the dream haunts her.
The story is well written and engaging though it is not without its flaws. There are a number of characters introduced at the beginning of the story. I found myself having to go back to find out who was who several times. Once I got it straight, the story flowed nicely.
There were also a few things that I didn't care about the plot that took away from my overall enjoyment and thus making me only give it the three star rating. Click here to However, given that this is Blodel's first novel, I must admit that I have high hopes for this author and look forward to reading more of her work in the future as she refines her writing.
The setting of this book is in both Tasmania, Australia and Dublin, Ireland. The story alternates between two characters, Hollie and Samantha. (Sam) I appreciated the authenticity of the dilects that were written in to the story, it made for a more interesting read in my opinion.
Hollie is losing sleep due to a reaccuring dream. In it, she senses that someone in Dublin is in trouble. Not knowing how else to find solace-- she heads to Ireland in search of this mystery woman and the reason why the dream haunts her.
The story is well written and engaging though it is not without its flaws. There are a number of characters introduced at the beginning of the story. I found myself having to go back to find out who was who several times. Once I got it straight, the story flowed nicely.
There were also a few things that I didn't care about the plot that took away from my overall enjoyment and thus making me only give it the three star rating. Click here to However, given that this is Blodel's first novel, I must admit that I have high hopes for this author and look forward to reading more of her work in the future as she refines her writing.
December 30, 2015
SNS Rating: 3.0
~~~~~~~~~~Lillian's ★★★ Review~~~~~~~~~~
What do your dreams mean? Two women on complete opposite sides of the world are dreaming about each other but why?
Hollie lives in Tasmania and she has been dreaming of a woman that is very upset and is been abused by her husband. All she knows is that she has an Irish accent so Hollie goes to Ireland with her best male friend Davo. She is hoping to find this mystery woman but how does she find her?
Sam is unhappy in her marriage she still loves her husband but she knows that she needs to live her life and to be happy. She is also dreaming of someone but she has no idea who she is.
Davo actually meets Sam first and he is struck how much she resembles Hollie. Hollie & Davo have a moment and they both realize that they should be friends as Hollie is in love with someone else.
When Sam & Hollie meet, things don't go according to plan, can they work through this and try understand their dreams?
They are both in for a big surprise and it will explain everything that has happened.
A good read I found it too slow in the beginning and I was lost for awhile there but it did make sense in the end. I liked that we got a feel of Dublin and Tasmania. I found Sam a bit too full of herself but Hollie is down to earth, they are both so different.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review via my reading group.
~~~~~~~~~~Lillian's ★★★ Review~~~~~~~~~~
What do your dreams mean? Two women on complete opposite sides of the world are dreaming about each other but why?
Hollie lives in Tasmania and she has been dreaming of a woman that is very upset and is been abused by her husband. All she knows is that she has an Irish accent so Hollie goes to Ireland with her best male friend Davo. She is hoping to find this mystery woman but how does she find her?
Sam is unhappy in her marriage she still loves her husband but she knows that she needs to live her life and to be happy. She is also dreaming of someone but she has no idea who she is.
Davo actually meets Sam first and he is struck how much she resembles Hollie. Hollie & Davo have a moment and they both realize that they should be friends as Hollie is in love with someone else.
When Sam & Hollie meet, things don't go according to plan, can they work through this and try understand their dreams?
They are both in for a big surprise and it will explain everything that has happened.
A good read I found it too slow in the beginning and I was lost for awhile there but it did make sense in the end. I liked that we got a feel of Dublin and Tasmania. I found Sam a bit too full of herself but Hollie is down to earth, they are both so different.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review via my reading group.
February 27, 2012
Hollie has a great life in Tasmania, Australia living with her father, Murray, on their farm. She has a wonderful and supportive group of friends and has met the man of her dreams. However, her dreams are not all good. She keeps dreaming of a woman presumably in Ireland who is unhappy and being abused by her husband. The dream seems so real that she has to find out if it is true.
Samantha, or Sam, as her friends and family call her, lives in Dublin, Ireland, is a successful business woman and is married to a charming man. Or is he?
Hollie's dreams take her to Ireland on a quest to find the woman who is haunting her, but little does she know that what she finds will change her life forever.
This is a story about family, friends, and finding the truth. I found both the main characters and the supporting characters to be well-rounded and complimentary to the story.
Thank you to Iris Blobel for giving me the opportunity to review her novel. See my author interview with Iris at my blog http://eclecticreview.wordpress.com/2....
Samantha, or Sam, as her friends and family call her, lives in Dublin, Ireland, is a successful business woman and is married to a charming man. Or is he?
Hollie's dreams take her to Ireland on a quest to find the woman who is haunting her, but little does she know that what she finds will change her life forever.
This is a story about family, friends, and finding the truth. I found both the main characters and the supporting characters to be well-rounded and complimentary to the story.
Thank you to Iris Blobel for giving me the opportunity to review her novel. See my author interview with Iris at my blog http://eclecticreview.wordpress.com/2....
February 26, 2012
Journey to her Dreams is an intriguing story set in both Tasmania, Australia and Dublin, Ireland. Hollie and Sam (Samantha) lead completely separate lives. The one thing that draws them together is Hollie's recurrent dream that's making her lose out on sleep. When Hollie travels to Dublin, she meets Sam and they both find the answers they've been looking for.
Ms. Blobel has a great writing style. I could hear each of the characters' accents as I read. I appreciated that while she included words that are common in Ireland and Australia (but not where I live in the US), it wasn't so filled with slang that I couldn't understand what the characters were talking about.
I really connected with Hollie and Sam. I felt Sam's pain and Hollie's confusion right along with them. Well done, Ms. Blobel! I'll definitely be picking up more of your books.
Ms. Blobel has a great writing style. I could hear each of the characters' accents as I read. I appreciated that while she included words that are common in Ireland and Australia (but not where I live in the US), it wasn't so filled with slang that I couldn't understand what the characters were talking about.
I really connected with Hollie and Sam. I felt Sam's pain and Hollie's confusion right along with them. Well done, Ms. Blobel! I'll definitely be picking up more of your books.
April 27, 2012
Journey to Her Dreams starts out with two different women in two different countries. They've never met, and don't even know that much about the other, but end up having dreams that connect the two. The characters in this book are wonderful. You can feel the bonds of friendship and love as you read their stories. Near the end, the books takes a turn I didn't expect, but helps bring together the different cords of the book. I would highly suggest this book for readers who love romance with a little bit of mystery added in.
December 31, 2014
This is a beautifully told story that takes you on an emotional journey from Australia to Ireland. The author puts you into the shoes of these characters as you go through their quest to find love, new beginnings and a few surprises along the way.
November 29, 2012
Journey to Her Dreams is a wonderful page-turner about two women whose lives intersect. The characters are likable, the background is unique, and the story is suspenseful. I really enjoyed it, as I have enjoyed other books by this author.
December 30, 2011
I loved this story. The way Iris was able to take me on a journey, not only to find what her characters were looking for, but what I wanted to find was fantastic.
May 14, 2012
I liked this book.Hollie's dreams were very upsetting to her and she was determined to find out who the girl was and why this girl was so unhappy. I didn't want to put it down until I finished it.
December 30, 2015
What are your dreams telling you? Sam & Hollie are both dreaming about each other but they stay in two different countries so what is the link? A good read
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Teaser -->
Davo almost choked on his pizza when he laughed. “What is it with you and money?”
Sam shrugged. “Makes life easier.”
“Is your life easy?” Hollie rebutted.
Sam sighed, looking into the distance. Placing her fork onto the table, Hollie caught and held Sam’s eyes.
“It’s not the money that makes you rich. It’s the knowledge that the other person loves you and is always there for you, no matter what. That makes you content and therefore rich.”
“Amen,” Davo commented with a big grin, which earned him a slap from Hollie.
Then she turned to Sam again. “Out of all people, you should know money and appearance don’t make you happy.”
“He’s not always like that.”
“Once is twice too often,” Davo said, his eyes narrowed.
Sam stared at him. “You always have to have the last word, don’t you?”
“Yep.” He grinned, then became unusually serious. “Ladies, there are different kinds of happiness and each person needs to figure out what kind of happiness they’re searching for. If money and looks make Sam happy, that’s her choice.” Then he spoke directly to Sam, “I do believe though that you’re currently living a fake kind of happiness and you need to address that situation.”
Teaser -->
Davo almost choked on his pizza when he laughed. “What is it with you and money?”
Sam shrugged. “Makes life easier.”
“Is your life easy?” Hollie rebutted.
Sam sighed, looking into the distance. Placing her fork onto the table, Hollie caught and held Sam’s eyes.
“It’s not the money that makes you rich. It’s the knowledge that the other person loves you and is always there for you, no matter what. That makes you content and therefore rich.”
“Amen,” Davo commented with a big grin, which earned him a slap from Hollie.
Then she turned to Sam again. “Out of all people, you should know money and appearance don’t make you happy.”
“He’s not always like that.”
“Once is twice too often,” Davo said, his eyes narrowed.
Sam stared at him. “You always have to have the last word, don’t you?”
“Yep.” He grinned, then became unusually serious. “Ladies, there are different kinds of happiness and each person needs to figure out what kind of happiness they’re searching for. If money and looks make Sam happy, that’s her choice.” Then he spoke directly to Sam, “I do believe though that you’re currently living a fake kind of happiness and you need to address that situation.”
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews