Dreams: A paranormal sapphic romance (Dreams Trilogy Book 1)

There are good books, great books, and then books like this one. Ones that move you, pull you in, make you feel for the characters, and want the best for them. And have an intriguing premise. Dreams was all of these, and more. I really, really loved the story, and it was one that I couldn't put down. The relationship between Leela and Aurora, the dreams, and then all of the complications once it became apparent that there really was something going on. There were wonderful moments, touching moments, and so much to enjoy. This is a beautiful story, soulmates esk really, that is told beautifully, woven well, and had me hooked from start to finish.

Full disclosure, because I think it's pertinent to this review: I am a white Christian cisgender hetero woman, and this book needs to be read by people like me! Author Bishop does an incredible job at introducing ideologies and belief systems in the context of a caring and tender love story between two women of color. In this age of harsh divisiveness, climbing inside the mind of a compassionate woman with a different worldview than my own was enlightening. Couched in the framework of a devoted love story, the women's happy relationship became the goal for the reader, and provided a backdrop for outlining so many people's concerns in society today. From ecoconsciousness to indigenous people's histories, every current touchpoint was addressed from the perspective of a kind-hearted woman who just wants to make the world a better place. I've recently read some articles about how important representation is in art, and I feel like this work offers worthy role models for all humans who seek greater understanding and compassion. If all of us could open our minds and hearts to the human experience and truly understand that love conquers all, maybe we could cross the great divide and bridge humanity in bonds of kindness and empathy. Why not dream it is possible, when Dreams could really come true?

Leela is a goat farmer with a few secrets. She ends up in a coma after being hit by a truck while saving a little boy. Aurora is a financial analyst with a job she hates. She ran away from her home town after her ex-girlfriend spread lies about her. Aurora begins having dreams about a woman. She starts to develop real feelings for this dream woman, and then finds out, she might actually be real. This was the first time I have read anything by Serena J. Bishop. I was extremely impressed. The writing was fantastic. I love how she handled the diversity of the characters. I don’t think I have ever encountered a book with an interracial relationship what did not include a white character, so this was refreshing. The story was interesting and kept me engaged through the entire book. Aurora and Leela are so good together. Even with everything they went through, their chemistry was there through it all, both in the dreams and in real life. They really are soulmates. There were two things I would have changed about this book. First, the conflict at the end of the book, I feel like it should have occurred at around the 75% mark. They resolved the conflict too quickly. The second issue, I really, really would have liked an epilogue. Overall a great book and if it were allowed I would have given it 4.5 stars.