Title: Dreams of Forever: Book 1
Author: Linda Ballard
Published in March 2007 by Lavender Isis Press
Genre: Contemporary
ISBN: 0-9789935-8-6
Related Books: Moments in Forever, Book 2 Coming Soon
While enjoying a quiet game of gin with Peter, his assistant and younger brother, Daniel watches a stunning redhead get out of the limo that just pulled in front of the hotel. He forgets to breathe as the noise from the diners around him ceased to exist. Daniel’s world solely focuses on the petite woman with the golden red curls and angelic face.
Daniel Hunter, a seasoned though reputable leading actor, began his career right after graduating high school, to his father’s dismay. In an industry where trust is just a four-letter word, he has experienced the deceit of friends and those hired to protect him from frivolous follies. Daniel’s days as a spoiled movie star end when his father dumps a bucket of ice over his head, telling him to grow up. Not until a female fan slits her wrists does he clearly hear his father’s message. A humble man now, Daniel embraces those polite manners and respectable traits taught by his father, again. Hiring his younger brother, Peter as his assistant keeps him grounded and happier too.
A loner by nature, Rachel West grew up in a heartless home where her father’s “tough-love” practices molded various phobia’s; a fear of water, spiders, and worse, a fear of another person’s touch. Yet, his merciless behavior prepares her for the self-absorbed business of filmmaking. Although, her youthful appearance belies Rachel’s capabilities as a solid, productive director, not helped by her baggy clothes that makes her look more like a teenager. Her petite frame hides a tough woman whose fair minded, intelligent, and articulate when dealing with the “suits” of the motion picture industry; as well as egotistical actors.
Before on-location filming starts, the original director, Roger Scott suffers a heart attack, why Rachel West flies in taking over the production. Settling into her hotel room, she convenes the first production meeting since Roger’s absence. Meeting Daniel on her way into the dining room, she is lost in the bluest eyes, delighting in his warm smile. After asking about Roger’s health, Daniel’s genuine concern for the director touches Rachel. For Daniel, her flawless, unadorned beauty has him struggling to remain centered and savoring her comforting touch. It is an odd feeling for Daniel, his instant attraction towards Rachel. In a private conversation with Lucas and Sam, Daniel understands that Rachel dislikes being touched, yet he remembers her ease in shaking his hand earlier, even lingering a bit. As the shooting commences, Daniel watches her every move behind and in front of the camera; giving instructions, resolving disagreements, and refereeing disputes between the staff. Still, he thinks of her first thing in the morning and then casting him that shy smile the day just gets…brighter. He considers how other women just want to seduce him, seeing only a body, a face and a bank account, whereas Rachel’s friendship is fresh, real. That evening, watching Rachel enter the church to pray, she reminds him of an angel. Daniel walks Rachel back to the hotel where they share their mutual pleasure of coffee, before a warming fire. His mounting attraction for Rachel makes him clumsy and forgetting his lines. Even his long time friend and leading lady, Jackie Turner notices how distracted Daniel seems. After spending a day sight seeing, Daniel invites Rachel to visit Vermont with him, declaring his need to spend the rest of his life with her. She refuses at first, without explanation. After much badgering Rachel confesses to being married.
Since first meeting him, Rachel experiences a comfort in his presence and touch. She knows only cruelty by those her professing to care. Daniel’s eyes issue kindness and his easy-going demeanor guarantees safety. Rachel’s attraction to Daniel amazes her, since having worked with many handsome men in her career. He makes her do things that are unnatural like when he smiles at her, she cannot help but smile back. Then, during an ocean scene, he fails to emerge from the water after the dive. Panicked, Rachel enters the rough water, forgetting her phobia. The tranquil acceptance of Daniel’s soothing touch after Jackie Turner’s brush-off, consoles instead of making her recoil in fear. Enjoying their evening coffee together, Rachel revisits the love scene from the afternoon shooting. She shows Daniel how she wants it performed. When Daniel practices the scene, Rachel, again, relishes his contact, wanting it. His kiss, at first gentle, slowly deepens as she hopes it never ends. After the first week of shooting, everyone settles into a routine of early mornings and working late. Their evening routine of church and coffee has Rachel and Daniel growing more at ease with each other. She discovers how polite he is, walking her back to the hotel each night after church. Endearing to Rachel, Daniel promises to not divulging her spider phobia, after witnessing her genuine fear and vulnerability, shows his command and loyalty to trust. Telling Daniel about her marriage leaves Rachel anxious in the wake of his emotional pain.
Ms. Ballard writes a sweet romance, with an engrossing contemporary plot, about one man’s love for a woman he cannot have. The characters are fresh and alive, but true. Rachel is a private woman who is decisive when commanding her film team to action, or managing the tempers and concerns of the production studio honchos. She loves Daniel but honors her strict religious faith in remaining married until death. For Rachel, divorce is not an option even though clearly unhappy in her marriage. Daniel is an honorable man having overcome the trappings of Hollywood success. A gentleman first and an actor second, he treats everyone with respect while displaying manners uncommon for the jet set, self-centered lifestyle. He defends a woman’s virtue, while defusing a hostile situation – chivalry is not dead with Daniel. He highly respects his father after a disagreement; Daniel jeopardizes his career when returning into his father’s good graces. Plenty of secondary characters to spice up the read, like Lucas Greene, assistant to the director and very married, entertains lusty ideas about Rachel though quickly squashed by Daniel. Jackie Turner’s diva complex suitably expresses the familiar image of the Hollywood elite; spoiled, cranky, and overbearing. Both books published by Lavender Isis Press, Dreams of Forever continue Daniel and Rachel’s romance in Moments in Forever, Book 2; coming out the summer of 2007. Cannot wait!
A dedicated reader,
Pamela Jenewein
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