The Distance Between Dreams is a work of fiction penned by author Emily Paull in the historical romance, interpersonal drama, and suspense subgenres.
Set in Fremantle, Western Australia, in 1939, readers are invited to enjoy a poignant tale between social classes and the tumultuous backdrop of the Second World War. The story spans two timelines and is written in five parts, making it easy to follow.
When Winston Keller meets Sarah Willis by chance at a party, he never thought a budding romance would happen between them. He comes from a lower-class upbringing whilst Sarah comes from wealth due to her father owning a successful cigarette factory.
A dramatic turn is taken when Winston finds out a long-kept family secret, one which may destroy the possibility of any romance between them. Sarah’s parents are determined to find a suitor for her, but she refuses this and they meet in secret.
With WWII emerging, Winston leaves in the hope of a return, yet as the years pass by, Sarah wonders what happened to him. Will they overcome this obstacle, or will their true feelings for each other never see the light?
This is a story of finding love in the most unexpected place and time. The author’s prose is layered with fantastic description, atmosphere, and attitude that transports readers to the wartime era in living colour and gorgeous detail. I found myself hooked from the beginning. The rich storytelling easily pulled me into the plot, and the attention to detail allowed me to feel like I had stepped back in time.
The main characters live and breathe the atmosphere of the time; they are captivating, from the primary players, right down to the smaller, but no less important ones. The character development is exceptional, and Paull does well in depicting the issues between the two families.
Sarah is sassy and fun-loving, and I found myself totally connecting with her and her plight. She was torn between familial obedience and deciding how to live her life, which I believe many of us can empathize with.
Winston is a handsome and charming young man who places Sarah’s happiness above his own, his character is emotionally well-developed, showing strong humanity and courage. His internal struggle with duty and desire forms an integral part of the novel. This attention to detail in the narrative lets us get to know him on a deeper level, where readers can easily connect.
The Distance Between Dreams is a wonderful historical romance that begs to be read in one sitting because the main characters worm their way into your heart and insist that you hear their story. I look forward to reading more from this talented author.
The cover is one you feel rather than see; it is timeless yet contemporary and beautifully captures the essence of sacrifice, love, and the enduring impact of wartime experiences. Readers will be drawn to the emotion on the bookshelf.
I love a good, well-written or well-told historical romance, whether it is a book or a movie. There is something about them that makes them easy to read and leaves me with a feeling of satisfaction. The world can be a terrible place, but romance makes it just a little bit more bearable and makes it just the tiniest bit sweeter. If you are looking for a poignant and memorable read, I highly recommend it.
A selection of our members are reading The Distance Between Dreams by Emily Paull. You can read their comments below, or add your own review.
My love of books started at a very young age. My mum has always been a reader and encouraged me to read, buying me endless book from classic fairy tales advancing to the world of Enid Blyton, CS Lewis, Louisa May Alcott, Kathryn Kenny, Carolyn Keene, Francine Pascal. In my adult years the list of authors is endless and every room in my house is filled with books.
One of my favourite novels is Narnia which has always has a special place in my heart. I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes in 1978 and when I was given this book to read it let me escape to another world where I felt like I was in the book with all the characters, it wasfun and exciting to escape from reality and eased the ups and downs of the disease at such a young age.
In books nothing is impossible and there is endless potential and hundreds of places to explore or being taken to places that are only made up from the authors’ great minds, the past and future to navigate, characters lives you step into taking you on an emotional rollercoaster ride or being scared out of your wits. I can experience things that I can’t in real life because they’re not possible or real. It challenges my perspective and mindset expanding my worldview.
I find joy, comfort and peace with books, many people may not get it, but I know bookworms like me truly understand. Reading makes my heart happy.
Wow this truely is an epic, beautifully written story which you will be swept into from the first page to the last with 380 pages.
The storyline revolves around 3 generations and 2 families that entwine with twists and turns. One side is very rich whereas the other side are on the poorer side. The scenery is set in Fremantle
The main characters we follow are Winston Keller and Sarah Willis. There is also another story of Sarah’s dad and Winston’s dad which was very compelling to read and follow.
It’s not hard to fall in love with Winston who is picked on by a nasty character. It’s an interesting story following his time of growing up. He falls in love with Sarah but life happens and they can’t be together so Winston takes off, leaving his mum and dad alone.
The most intriguing storyline in the book is how Winston is captured and we hear how he lives during the second World War. The author Emily has certainly captured the true readings of when prisoners were captured by the Japanese. It is an eye opener and an awakening of the carry-ons.
There are other characters in the story that you fall in love with and I know when I am reading a fabulous book because I feel like I am watching a movie when I read. I can visualise scenery, houses, people.
This is such a beautiful love story to follow and see if they do end up together. It definitely is a keep reading book and hard to put down.
I believe this is her first debut novel and I am sure it won’t be her last. Definitely a book that is worthy for Book of the Year.
As I said, this book has twists and turns but also secrets, lies, romance, friendships, bullying. It is such a compelling storyline which I highly recommend for others to read and absorb the storyline. You won’t be disappointed.
Thanks again to Beauty & Lace for introducing me to another Australian author and Fremantle Press for sending me this book to read. Thoroughly enjoyed and a book I will definitely read again in the future.
A love story that is beautifully told. It is the story of Sarah and Winston who come from very different families and backgrounds but this doesn’t stop them from falling in love just prior to WWII. Sadly, it is not only the war that pulls the lovers apart but also their families.
We are taken back a generation to learn of the secrets and the feud between the two families.
Can love survive so many hurdles?
A historical story of family secrets, first time love and war time separation. A truly great read.
The Distance between drams is a beautifully written love story about Sarah and Winston, from different social classes there love looks like it might be stronger than the class divide but when a family secret tears them apart, then WWII breaks out, them seem destined to stay apart.
There were quite few charachters that made this story so much richer, they werent leading parts but they all added in there little bit to create the story, with some very confronting war scenes the story was very realistic and made for a page turning read.
If your a fan of historical fiction you will enjoy this one.
Thank you Freemantle Press and Beauty and Lace for the copy to read and review.
Thank you Beauty and Lace for the opportunity to read Emily Paull’s The Distance Between Dreams – what a captivating read about a young couple Winston and Sarah from different walks of life. The story follows Winston and Sarah through the years of the 2nd World War and the backstory of when their fathers were younger during the 1st World War.
This book was a great read and I found it hard to put down – I thoroughly enjoyed it.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you Beauty and Lace for the opportunity to read The Distance Between Dreams by Emily Paull.
I absolutely loved this love story.
Sarah and Winston fell in love at first sight but then the war came between them.
Great characters and easy to read.
Can they find each other again?
Highly recommend ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️