Originally published in 1988, this romance enjoys a look at the West of Ireland where life is slower and people have time to talk. Ginny Groves works in a small hotel preparing for the Easter trade, but she prefers caring for the horses than the social aspect. This year there is a new brash young manager, Guy Rothwell, and Ginny suspects that he's let another staff member go because she was over forty. Guy's a workaholic, intent on modernising, and he seems to be intent on getting to know Ginny better too.

WHEN DREAMS COME TRUE introduces us to all the local characters, from young lads to elderly gossipers, and to the horses as well. Chestnut Thoroughbred Colleen is full of beans after a winter at grass, while placid Christmas is suitable for new or nervous riders. Local roads wind around headlands and mountains, with small stone-walled fields and windblown Atlantic landscapes. Bird-watching, art, golf, pony racing on the strand... there's plenty to lure tourists even at this time of year. However Ginny finds herself pressed into service not just at the reception desk but as Guy's social hostess. She's not used to four-course dinners, banquets or male attention. So it's completely unexpected when Guy's past girlfriend throws a drink over her. But worse is to come, as Guy announces that the horses are not part of his long-term plans.

This story gets us on Ginny's side from the start and we worry about her being seduced by the smooth-talking businessman. She knows it's a risk but part of her just wants to be loved and treated well. Personally I'm not going to be comfortable around a man who says "You know you want me to make love to you," as a way of ending an argument. The girl learns a hard lesson and has to decide how she will react, and if there is a future for her either at the hotel or in Guy's immediate proximity. At the same time, it is completely plausible that Guy might realise that he's found a keeper in Ginny, he just is so used to controlling everything that he isn't handling the situation the way he should. The tension mounts and we can't predict how the situation will turn out.

With a thrilling beach race and lots of local colour, Janie Summers has given us a very readable romance in WHEN DREAMS COME TRUE, which should whet your appetite for an Irish holiday.