House of Dreams

by Brenda Joyce

Book Overview

"New York Times" bestselling author Brenda Joyce weaves a spellbinding tale of love and danger that will linger long after the last page is turned. In "House of Dreams," two aristocratic families, one English, one Spanish, have been tragically destined to come together time and again over centuries. Cassandra de Warenne spends her days in a quiet English manor, looking after her young niece while her sister Tracey lives the glamorous life of a jet-setter...

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0312977409
• ISBN13: 9780312977405
• Release Date: August 2001
• Publisher: St. Martin's Press
• Length: 416 Pages
• Weight: 0.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.3" x 4.2" x 6.8"

Customer Reviews

WOW! MIND BLOWING

This book was terrific. Unlike most of Brenda Joyce's novel's I have read, and I love all I have read this one was very different. I was ready for different. Cass and her sister Tracy fall for the same man. Tracy is beautiful and Cass thinks she doesn't have a chance. However Antonio is just as strongly pulled towards Cass as she is to him. Cass and Antonio are both historians and discover their family is tied to gather by their ancestors. This story is haunted and it kept me awake at night turning pages trying to find out what happens next. Brenda Joyce did a fantastic job developing these character to the point where I felt like I was watching a tv show. This is one movie you can't miss. It is a sit on the edge of your seat and never a dull moment. What I really loved about it was she brought the historical side of her writing into this as well as the modern day. TERRIFIC!

Not The Third Heiress but...........

I loved this book! This is the second book by Ms. Joyce I have read, the first being The Third Heiress. Heiress was my favorite book of all time so naturally I wasn't expecting this to top it. However, it came pretty close! I had no idea this was scarry when I picked this up at the book store but I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. I don't usually read scary books because I'm constantly looking over my shoulder. This one was no different. I actually felt like I was in the book with the characters. That, to me, is a sign of true talent. I plan on buying more books by Ms. Joyce in the future! So far, she hasn't disappointed me yet!

a book that felt like a movie

I have to disagree with many of the reviewers who did not find this book absolutely thrilling. The characters were wonderfully developed. I actually felt what they were feeling, especially the Isabel of the past. This was a page turner from page one. Cass and Antonio had so much in common it was only right for them to be together. Tracey was just hiding behind a mask waiting to find herself and be herself. I truly believe she loved her daughter, she just did'nt know how to show it. This was my first Brenda Joyce novel and from the effect this book had on me I'm sure I'll be reading a lot more of her work. It was so real, so vivid it felt like I was watching a movie. This is a great book buy the book, new or used if your not sure and judge for yourself.

I do not agree with these reviewers and I'll tell you why...

Cassandra de Warrenne, a woman whose passion is found in the pages of history books, is about to live the nightmare of her life. When her sister, Tracey, brings home her new boyfriend, Antonio de la Barca, Cass never expected the immediate attraction she experiences. Catherine de Warrenne, aunt to Cass and Tracey, never thought she would see another de la Barca in her lifetime, but when she meets Antonio, the horror and memories flood back to her. Isabel de Warrenne, a woman who died 445 years before, is about reek havoc on these two families. But what no one knows is who she is and why she is here? ***** Never in my life did I think I would read a scary book, but this one I could not put down. The character?s and the story flowed together so well, I forgot I was reading a book. I kept on looking over my shoulder making sure Isabel wasn?t there watching me. Look at the reviews on B & N online and you will see everyone thought this book was 4 or 5 stars! Most reviewers here have only theirselves to blame, since they did not seem to read what the book was about. They simply are used to this author writing a different TYPE of book. However, that does not make this type of book bad! It is EXCELLENT for those of us who like GOTHICS! I don't care what others think, this one sent chills down my spine! Recommended reading! *****...Blair

gothic novel

I cannot believe so many people found this book boring ,or bad, or a flop, or Joyce's worst book, etc. I read most of her novels and I thought this was her best. Not only that I could not put it down, but I lost an entire night reading it. It may have something to do with the fact that I love Gothic literature. Adding romance to a Gothic novel made this book one of my all times favorites. For you who think Joyce's career goes down the drain, you are so completely wrong. I think it goes exactly in the opposite direction.