The Hambledown Dream

The Hambledown Dream

Synopsis

Australian Denny Banister had it all; a successful career, a passion for the guitar and Sonya - the love of his life. Tragically, Denny is struck down with inoperable cancer. Andy DeVries has almost nothing; alienated from his family, moving through a dangerous Chicago underworld dealing in drugs, battling addiction while keeping a wavering hold on the only thing that matters to him: a place at a prestigious conservatory for classical guitar. As Andy recovers from a near fatal overdose, he is plagued by dreams - memories of a love he has never felt, and a life he's never lived. Driven by the need for redemption and by the love for a woman he's never met, he begins a quest to find her, knowing her only by the memories of a stranger and the dreams of a place called Hambledown...

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• This Love Story Is Haunting

  Reviewed by Casey S. | see all reviews by Casey S.

  07/09/2010

  I digested The Hambledown Dream in two nights, so powerful and moving it was. I simply could not put it down. As the title suggests, it has a dream like quality to it and the story draws you in, holds you in it's grasp and will not let go.
  
  The love story is unique, the journey of it's protagonists are absorbing and very real despite the paranormal edge to the novel.
  
  The story begins in Australia with a brilliant young man - a guitarist - with the world before him but who is struck down by a terminal illness and is destined to die. On the other side of the world, another young man - a troubled soul - very nearly ends his own life through a reckless act. In the aftermath he is salvaged and begins to dream of another life. Something has happened to him and we are taken on a journey to find out.
  
  The description of music was quite stunning and very skillful and it really puts the reader into the middle of the songs - even if you haven't heard them before.
  
  The Hambledown Dream haunted me long after I put it down and I cannot recommend it highly enough.
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• The Hambledown Dream made me a new friend

  Reviewed by Muderboy | see all reviews by Muderboy

  07/09/2010

  My publisher, Michelle Halket, and Dean's recommeded this book to me, and I wasn't disappointed. It's really tough to put this one down. I gobbled it like candy and it was a glorius ride that begins on the seamy side of Chicago and takes us half a world away to the land down under for a truly amazing climax that you simply must smoke a cigarette after.
  
  Dean and I have become pen pals, since and share notes across the sea about writing and media of all types and genre. The Hambldown Dream is a great paranormal love story, and not just for chicks, it has something for everyone...
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• Don't wake me. This Dream has it all!

  Reviewed by Lisa in TO | see all reviews by Lisa in TO

  07/09/2010

  What a fantastic read! I thoroughly enjoyed reading Dean Mayes' The Hambledown Dream. From the start, chapter one grabbed a hold of my emotions and forced them to hold on tight for a gripping ride right through until the very end. From Denny's tragic end to Andy's new beginning and all the believable characters in between, you will not be disappointed with this story. It has love, passion, dirt and grit ... the beauty of Australian beaches and the grime of the Chicago underground ... the deathly pull of drugs and the spiritual power of music ... the rarity of true friendship and the strength of everlasting love ... and to top it off, one amazing dog that will take your breath away. I highly recommend that you pick up a copy and further dare you to try to put it down!
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• Long Live the Dream!

  Reviewed by Maggie-beth R. | see all reviews by Maggie-beth R.

  08/09/2010

  I like everything about The Hambledown Dream. The dialogue is as good as the description. I like the characters. I like that none of the characters are extraneous, and that they are painted so that I can SEE them. I feel as if I know them now. The way the author slowly melded two souls into one body was brilliantly done, and I believed it ALL. It was romantic without being soppy, and there was just enough of a supernatural quality to make the whole book dream-like but possible. I particularly love the scenes in the bar in the U.S. (especially when he's playing his guitar), and the scenes at the concert and in the small seaside town in Australia. The whole concert portion gave me chills - it was beautifully drawn, and I was THERE, in the audience, and on the stage simultaneously. The ending was perfection - Mayes wrapped it all up, and then went that extra mile to give us an idea of what their future would be like together - I appreciated that, because I wanted to know for certain that their lives would work out - at least in terms of being happy together. Whatever life throws at them in the future, it is nice to know that they will face things together, come what may. I am also very pleased that the author allowed the father a chance to get to know his son, and that both father and son were willing. Many authors would have stopped on the beach - I'm SO glad Mayes carried it on and gave the reader closure. I have purposefully been as non-specific as possible when it comes to characters and events in the hope that you will be intrigued enough to get a copy of this book and experience it for yourself, yet rest assured in the knowledge that I have spoiled nothing of the wonderment you will experience.
  I look forward to Maye's next book with great anticipation.
  
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• An emotional read.

  Reviewed by BB | see all reviews by BB

  08/09/2010

  The best book I have read all year. A book I found hard to put down. An exciting and engaging story that evoked all of ones emotions. Didn't want the story to end.
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• Renewed Hope for Love

  Reviewed by Linda P. | see all reviews by Linda P.

  08/09/2010

  Truth be known, I'm not one to read romance novels - but Dean Mayes' The Hambledown Dream was totally different for me. Once I started reading the book, I just couldn't put it down. It deeply moved me to tears, and that rarely happens.
  
  The Hambledown Dream found me at a time in my life when I had all but given up on love. But to vicariously feel the profound soul connection between Andy and Sonya stirred something within me. It gave me hope - it gave me a reason to believe again. And as fate would have it, I met my soul mate shortly after reading The Hambledown Dream.
  
  A fantastic book I cant wait for Dean Mayes' next work of art.
  
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• The Habledown Dream

  Reviewed by stephy kate | see all reviews by stephy kate

  10/09/2010

  I first saw this book at a time when I became interested in past lives, regression and re-incarnation. What I did not expect was such a simple but beautiful treatment of such a subject with this debut novel from Dean Mayes. A simple prose that is fulfilling and rich with every turn of the page. I love the engagement of the characters within the story, and in turn, how the story engages the reader. Beautiful.
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• The Habledown Dream

  Reviewed by stephy kate | see all reviews by stephy kate

  10/09/2010

  I first saw this book at a time when I became interested in past lives, regression and re-incarnation. What I did not expect was such a simple but beautiful treatment of such a subject with this debut novel from Dean Mayes. A simple prose that is fulfilling and rich with every turn of the page. I love the engagement of the characters within the story, and in turn, how the story engages the reader. Beautiful.
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• 'A Handed-Down Dream' in Hambledown

  Reviewed by Sara B. | see all reviews by Sara B.

  11/09/2010

  I honestly cannot remember the last time I read a book that had such a profound affect on me emotionally and spiritually as The Hambledown Dream has. Deans flawless approach to recounting the most tragic and joyous of circumstances saw me sobbing by the first chapter and again through the scores of deeply moving moments in this intriguing tale.
  Deans story takes place across two continents and centres on two very different men; one who really has managed to achieve the elusive everything and knows it could shortly be lost. The other could have everything too, if he could only get out of his own way. What occurs when these two lives fuse becomes a satisfying tale of salvation, second chances and will lead you to question what impact inheriting from others what they no longer use could have on your life.
  Were all familiar with the concept of hand-me-downs, clothing in particular. So what if the same could apply to souls? What remnants of the previous owner would be handed on? What would be the emotional equivalent of pulled threads, a stubborn stain or torn pockets? Dean explores the concept that we could somehow inherit beliefs, perception and even a yearning love for someone completely unknown if opportunity met with a miracle.
  Deans transitions between different times, people and places are seamless, but not one bit of the emotion or intensity of the novel is compromised as a result of the cross over style of writing. I thoroughly enjoyed this debut novel. Dean Mayes is a consummate storyteller who I hope has many more tales up his sleeve.
  
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