Winter Dreams, Christmas Love

I purchased this book in the winter of my 7th grade year. The story made such an impact on me at that time in my life that it quickly became a favorite. I have continued to re-read the book every Christmas, and it has become my own holiday tradition. Now, at the age of 25, my Christmas holiday just doesn't seem complete without my yearly read of this innocent love story. I have read the story over at least 10 times and thoroughly enjoy it each time. It's my guilty pleasure!

For anyone who has gotten this far down, please ignore what the Editorial review of the book is. It's completely off.This book is one that I read as a 12 and 13 year old, but forgot about until now in my mid-twenties. It is a story for the romantics at heart, of any age.Ellen is starting off her freshman year of high school. Her older brother Brad has just graduated and was well liked by the school, however she isn't feeling much pressure to live up to him because she is a star runner and honors student. Three days into the year the school forces her into taking a tour of the school, which she grudgingly does, when low and behold her tour is being led by the schools top swimmers, Michael Tyler. She falls hard for the guy, even though there is no chance of a relationship.The rest of the book follows Ellen through the next two and a half years of her life, with all of the ups and downs that come with having her first love. She grows and changes through the book, especially through her relationships with her friends. She is a strong character with good friends and a good heart. That is why I have always loved this book. I would encourage tyring to find this book and read it, along with Mary Francis Shura's other ones. (The Sunfire books are excellent!)

Just reading through the first couple of chapters of this book, i KNEW I'd love it. I was right. I must have read it at least 50 times already. I can EASILY relate to all of Ellen's problems. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who likes a good story. I cry EVERY time i read it. It's the BEST book I've EVER read. :)

I am 20 years old and have read this book five times. I recommend it to everyone. It touches your heart every time you read it.