Be still my heart. Love and the Dream Come True, the culmination of the State of Grace trilogy by Tammy L. Gray, beautifully concludes the 3-book series. Tammy L. Gray is so gifted at creating relatable, flawed characters that ring true to life. I feel like I know these people and miss them long after finishing the last page. As with all of Gray’s novels, I know I’ll enjoy a happily ever after, but the characters will experience their fair share of hurts and heartache along the way. Just like we all do in life.
Love and the Dream Come True returns us to Cameron’s journey more four years after we first met him in Love and a Little White Lie. Over the series, he is fooled by a girlfriend feigning faith, walked away from his role as worship leader, had his heart rejected by his best friend of 20+ years, signed a recording contract, and left town bitter and broken-hearted to chase fame and fortune. Four years later, Cameron is living in a large, cold Nashville home, alone with his Grammy, struck with music block as he waffles over breaking his current contract, unable to even touch his guitar.
Meanwhile, back in Texas, his younger sister’s best friend is hustling through life raising a teenaged daughter and working full-time, while taking on a house-flipping project, consuming Cameron’s music to help her cope. Lexie has crushed on her best friend’s brother for years and used Cam’s music as a crutch during her darkest moments. She is now counting the days until best friend Cassie’s wedding, harboring secret dreams that Cameron will return to his hometown for the big event.
During the previous two books, I was not Cam’s biggest fan. But his growth comes slowly throughout this novel as he deals with panic attacks, unforgiveness, shame, betrayal, and a departure from his faith. He has a guitar case full of past regrets and is drawn to Lexie’s optimism and sunny disposition. She’s encountered her own heartbreak over the years, but refuses to let it steal her joy. Sometimes this leads to a Pollyanna approach to life and comes back to hurt her.
The story is a lovely journey of two imperfect people working to overcome their brokenness. Cam’s maturity grows as he dives deep into his insecurities, anxieties and his vulnerable artist heart’s struggle with perfectionism and worthiness. And Lexie learns that she cannot ignore the trials of life or push down pain. Life is full of challenges and to fully heal and move forward, they must be dealt with.
Lexie’s daughter Morgan was a great character who added so much to the story. I think Gray nailed the teenaged-girl persona: full of sass and bravado, but also raw displays of emotion and vulnerability. And I loved the way Gray brought in major characters from the first two books. It was satisfying to read updates on January and Dillon, Darcy and Bryson, and Mason. I enjoyed the way Gray allowed them to help Cam work through his past.
Overall, this was a fantastic ending to the State of Grace series. Gray’s Acknowledgments at the end of the book brought me to tears even more than some of the most touching moments in the novel. I pray the Lord will continue to use her and her incredible talent to reach readers for him through genuine characters and meaningful stories.
To learn more about Gray and her other novels, visit her website.