by Karen White
Genres: Women's Fiction
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
New York Times bestselling author Karen White crafts evocative relationships in this new contemporary women's fiction novel about best friends who share a devastating secret, set in the Lowcountry of South Carolina.
It's been nine years since Larkin fled Georgetown, South Carolina, vowing never to go back. But when she finds out that her mother has disappeared, she knows she has no choice but to return to the place that she both loves and dreads--and to the family and friends who never stopped wishing for her to come home. Ivy, Larkin's mother, is discovered in the burned out wreckage of her family's ancestral rice plantation, badly injured and unconscious. No one knows why Ivy was there, but as Larkin digs for answers, she uncovers secrets kept for nearly 50 years. Secrets that lead back to the past, to the friendship between three girls on the brink of womanhood who swore that they would be friends forever, but who found that vow tested in heartbreaking ways.
Dreams of Falling by Karen White shares the story of three women, their friendships and the men who love them. Told with multiple perspectives both past and present, Dreams of Falling, offered a mystery, family secrets, love, and romance.
Last year I tried White for the first time when I listened to The Night The Lights Went Out. White was a new-to-me author, and the novel ended up on my top ten list. I planned to wait for the audio, but temptation hit my Inbox and I couldn’t resist. I was delighted that I did as the tale that unfolded was rich, captivating and filled with southern charm.
White shares the story of two generations. Larkin’s mother goes missing and is later discovered injured in their burned out ancestral home. Our tale takes place in Georgetown, South Carolina, spanning two timelines over a fifty-year period.
- Past: Margaret, Ceecee, and Bitty are best friends. Margaret comes from privilege, Ceecee’s father is a minister and Bitty is just Bitty. The flashbacks share what happened the summer of graduation when they spent two weeks in Myrtle Beach and the consequences. I loved getting to know each of these women and while I didn’t always love them, White fleshed them out, shared their emotions, strengths, and weakness allowing them to live and breathe within the pages of this tale.
- Present Day: We meet Larkin first, who has moved away and lives in the big city. She hasn’t been back to Georgetown in over nine years. Her childhood friends, Mabry and Bennett still reside in Georgetown. White shares their friendship and the events that drove Larkin to leave and never look back. The present-day story shares healing, rekindling of friendships and the possibility for love.
These threads were woven together and wrapped around the mystery surrounding Larkin’s mom and their ancestral home and of what she had discovered. It brings the past into the present as it pulls the reader in emotionally. The author did this while adding a layer of suspense to their stories.
I devoured this in a single afternoon, and love when an author can pull me into the story. I laughed, cried and went through a slew of emotions and opinions based on their actions. I genuinely cared about these characters and thought about them long after I closed the novel.
Dreams of Falling is the perfect read to toss into your beach tote this summer.
Told with multiple perspectives both past and present, Dreams of Falling by Karen White, offered a mystery, family secrets, love, and romance. #NewRelease #Mustread Share on X
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Ann Marie
Great review, Kim, I haven’t read this author but I know she has a very loyal fan base and it seems there’s good reason for that!
Kimberly
This is only my second book and must say I understand why.
Barbara Strickland
so many books so little time
Kimberly
Always. They are laundry in a lot of ways.
Mary @StackingMyBookShelves!
I love a book you can’t put down. Makes me excited for another. That’s why I hate when I loose my mojo after reading a bad book. Great review and have added this to my growing list!
Mary
Kimberly
Happy Reading Mary. A few years ago I mastered the art of DNF and it really helped me avoid slumps and maintaining my mojo.
Tyler Jolley
This sounds great, I’ll have to share it with my wife.
Kimberly
I hope she enjoys it Tyler.
Nise'
I love this author too and know when I pick up one of her books I won’t be putting it down anytime soon. So glad it was a great read for you.
Kimberly
I am excited to read more of her work.
Katherine @ I Wish I Lived in a Library
This was my first Karen White and I really loved it. I thought she did a wonderful job bringing the characters to life.
Kimberly
Yay. Welcome to the White fan club. You have to listen or read The Night The Lights Went Out. It was fantastic!
RO
This sounds pretty good! hugs…RO
Kimberly
It was. Have you tried any of her books Ro?
Stefanie
I haven’t read any of her original works; I need to move her up then. I read the book where she did a collaboration w/a few other, female authors. That book was okay as it was like a Kate Morton kind of plot.
Kimberly
I hope you do. The last two..my first two..were stellar.
Angela Adams
Karen White is one awesome author! Can’t wait to tackle this book. Thanks for the post.
Kimberly
Happy reading!
Lily
going to have to see if I can get it on audio, been meaning to try her books for a while now
Kimberly
Sweet. I look forward to your thoughts Lily.
blodeuedd
I can not remember if I have tried her books, or if I am thinking of someone else…must investigate
Kimberly
Happy hunting!
Heidi
Happy to hear you enjoyed this one. I just got the audio today. I have read two other books by White and liked them both, so hoping this will be a win for me as well.
Kimberly
I hope its wonderful on audio Heidi.
Debbie Haupt - The Reading Frenzy
I loved this one too Kim and Karen is one of my all time favorite authors. I’ll be sharing my review later this week!
Kimberly
She is quickly becoming one of mine too Debbie!
Angie @ Ba_BAMB
Surprise – I have never read this author. LOL But her book covers are always so simple but stunning.
This one sounds a bit like The Divine Secrets of the Ya-ya Sisterhood. I always love the premise of going home again, especially when there’s a mystery involved.
Great review!
Kimberly
I think this has more mystery, but I loved that book too
Laurel-Rain Snow
I have loved Karen White’s books since I first read her Tradd Street series. I try to grab every book she writes. I downloaded Dreams of Falling today…and can’t wait to immerse myself in this story. Great review. Thanks for sharing.
Kimberly
I wish I had discovered her sooner. Enjoy!
Nadene
I have added this to my list. I love that it is told from multiple perspectives and the whole idea of mystery, family and love blended together has me intrigued
Kimberly
Enjoy Nadene. I plan to try and read more of her works
Vanessa
Multiple perspective both past and present?! Now that’s my kind of story. Adding this to my list 🙂
Kimberly
Hahaha…me too!
Ethan
I also just finished a book where the alternating past and present threads come together. Great review!
Kimberly
I enjoy them when they are well done, Ethan.
ShootingStarsMag
I’m glad to hear the characters were done well, even if you didn’t always love them. That’s great that the dual timeline worked well too, as that doesn’t always happen. Thanks for sharing!!
-Lauren
Kimberly
She masterfully handled it.
Suzanne @ The Bookish Libra
I didn’t realize this was a dual timeline story. I love those! I haven’t read anything by Karen White but I think I’m going to try to read this one over the summer. That gorgeous cover just keeps calling me and now your review has given me the final push I needed to pick up a copy.
Kimberly
I do too. White is on my radar now 🙂
Jenea’s Book Obsession
This certainly sounds like a fantastic read. I do have a copy, I should get reading this and soon.
Kimberly
Yay. Enjoy. I am curious to see what you think.
Kathryn Trask
High recommendation indeed. I can’t imagine sitting down and reading a book in one afternoon but when a book calls – it calls. I am in line for this book at the library, when they have purchased it, that is!
Kimberly
Exactly, I just slipped in and never resurfaced until the end.