Last August, bestselling author Hannah Grace released her newest romance novel within The Maple Hills Series, Daydream. It is the third installment in the standalone series, meaning one could read it without reading the first two, however, I would recommend that one definitely should read those as well. While reading this newest addition without knowing the first ones wouldn’t hinder your reading experience, there are plenty of references that would be more fruitful having read the others first.
This particular novel follows college ice hockey team captain, Henry Turner, and aspiring romance author, Halle Jacobs. Henry has just become captain of the team (through the wishes of his teammates, not himself) and is finding it difficult to balance the responsibility for the team’s success with his success as a student in college. Many readers believe him to be undiagnosed neurodivergent – due to his struggles with overstimulation, procrastination, etc. – but the author has stated that she would not be labeling him either way. Despite not being explained, these struggles have profound implications on his life and heighten his fears of failure.
After going to a bookstore with his friend, he meets Halle, who is dealing with problems of her own. On the heels of a breakup with a mediocre boyfriend/childhood family friend, Halle throws herself into her studies and her book club. She is the eldest daughter in her family, meaning she is seen as the “family manager,” and never gets to put herself first, and doesn’t have any real friends. She decides to enter a novel writing competition, but finds herself struggling as she doesn’t have many good romantic experiences to use as inspiration.
When Henry and Halle decide to enter into a mutually beneficial relationship – she helps him pass his classes. He gives her “fake” romantic experiences to write about – they begin as good friends. As time goes on, their friendship develops into something more. However, they continue to face obstacles that get in the way of their happiness, such as Halle’s instinct to fix everything herself rather than asking for help and Henry’s habits of shutting people out when overwhelmed.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who relates to these characters, as representation can help a person feel seen. As an eldest daughter myself, I definitely felt seen and heard. I also recommend this book to people who don’t think they’ll relate, because reading about other people can aid in opening eyes to problems that you might not have thought about before.
Overall, Henry and Halle’s story is relatable to anyone who deals with the problems they do, especially eldest daughters, and offers a beautiful narrative of overcoming adversities as a team rather than changing yourself to fit with another person. The novel features plenty of personal developments alongside the development of the romantic relationship, making it a realistic depiction of growth and finding your person.
Sophomore Emily Myers is a Staff Writer. Her email is emyers3@fandm.edu.