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Release of "Journey to Her Dreams"


Published by Astraea Press

“Journey to Her Dreams”

is now available at every major online book store or here:





Would you travel around the world to uncover the reason for your dreams?
Hollie, a young woman from Tasmania does, and during her journey to Ireland, she is determined to find out what is behind those dreams about “the other woman”. Yet, during her quest for answers, Hollie finds more than just the reason for it.




Take control of your future today.
Sam rolled her eyes and shook her head at the sleazy slogan at the back of the bus. Yet, it gave her an idea and she thought about a possible Mega Rear Ad on the Dublin bus when her phone announced an incoming call.
“Good morning, it’s Phoebe here –”
But her assistant didn’t have a chance to finish the sentence. “Phee, I’m on my way to the office. I’ve only just come out of the meeting with Mr. Fitzgerald.”
A lie.
“Give me ten minutes.”
Phoebe persisted with her message though. “The meeting this afternoon with Mr. Jackson has been cancelled. He’s still out of town. The new appointment will be next Wednesday, same time.”
As she strode by the shop window, Sam admired her reflection. She liked what she saw. So what? She was vain, but appearance was important to her and she loved to accentuate the main feature in her face – her beautiful, bright blue eyes. She watched herself in the window, her long legs seeming even longer in her new high heels which had cost a fortune, her delicate fingers proudly showing off her wedding ring, the diamond earrings and her cheeks which had turned slightly rosy after the facial.
“This actually suits me fine,” she finally replied after admiring herself. “Don’t expect me in the office this afternoon. I’ll be out for the rest of the day. I'll work on the layouts for the January edition tomorrow.” She hung up without even waiting for a response, checked the time and dialled a number.
“Hello?”
“Claire?” Sam opened her car and threw her bag in the back. “How about some lunch?”
“When?”
“Now.”
“Sam, seriously, someone has to tell you one day that other people actually need to work hard for their money.” Claire replied. “How about I meet you in about half an hour on George Street?”
“Grand. I look forward to it.”
Sam got in her car and drove back into the main streets of Dublin. The cars ahead of her were slow, and she took a deep breath and tried to ignore her obvious dislike of the winter season. Dublin’s streets were still wet from the rain the last few days, and Sam cursed at the glare off the street from the afternoon sun and the more-than-usual midday traffic. Christmas wasn’t far off and the shops were doing their best to lure the customers into the main streets for some last minute shopping – Ireland’s capital was packed. While searching for a parking spot, she noticed how many Christmas lights had already gone up. The smell of candles and candies were in the air, which put a smile on Sam’s face. She remembered her family Christmases with great fondness. She crossed the street, and when she came out of the protection of the building she was brought back to reality with the icy breeze on her face. Sam pulled the collar of her coat a tad higher in a weak attempt to shield herself from the cold air and walked towards the café.
Sam noticed Claire gazing at her, but chose to ignore that her friend was shaking her head in disbelief.
“Don’t tell me,” Claire said with a courteous but patronising voice.
“Okay, I won’t,” Sam said casually as she greeted Claire with a kiss on the cheek.
Claire flashed a look of frustration. “You know exactly what I mean, Sam. He did it again, didn’t he?”
Sam’s mouth spread into a thin-lipped smile. “Let’s not talk about it.”
“Is this why we’re here?”
“No!” Sam protested. “I had a meeting cancelled and instead of going into the office, I thought I should catch up with you before Christmas. Things have been so hectic lately; it feels like I haven’t seen you forever. I can’t believe it’s the end of the year already. No idea where the time has gone. What are you up to for Christmas?”
Sam and Claire had been friends for a few years. Both had worked for a small Irish newspaper in Dublin before Sam got the promotion to her current job as Head of Advertising with a popular and well-established magazine. The women kept in contact over the years, developing a wonderful friendship. Claire moved to Dublin after she had finished school in Limerick on the west coast. She wanted to enjoy life in the big city – London was out of her reach, so she had settled for Dublin. Even though Sam knew Claire considered herself an attractive woman with her long dark hair, Mediterranean complexion, dark brown eyes and beautiful facial features, she always teased Sam about the time and effort she invested in her appearance.
The women went into their favourite café and made themselves comfortable in the far corner next to the open fire. Sam hung up her long black coat and ordered her coffee; Claire had her usual Espresso. They both loved the rustic atmosphere of the cosy little place amidst the Irish capital, the old-fashioned flair and the constant aroma of freshly made coffee – perfect spot for a chat and some time out.
Claire loosened her scarf a bit. I’ll be with Mum and Dad over Christmas. Hannah will be having her birthday party on New Year’s Eve. You should come. You remember Hannah, don’t you?”
Sam knew how much Claire missed her family in Limerick. Life in Dublin was wonderful, and everything her friend always wanted, but nothing could replace the comforts of family and home.
“I don’t know about the party yet, Claire. Padraic’s going skiing, but I’m not sure whether he’ll be back for New Year’s Eve or not,” she muttered uneasily.
Claire shrugged. “Well, let me know if you can come. It’ll be a grand party.”
“I haven’t seen Hannah since your birthday in June. How is she?”
“She’s still in Limerick. I did tell you about her pregnancy, didn’t I? The baby is due in late April. I so cannot wait to become an auntie.” Claire said excitedly.
Hannah was Claire’s younger sister who had chosen a different path of life than her sibling but, despite their different lifestyles, they were close. Sam somewhat envied them for their close bond.
Sam took another sip of her coffee. “We’ll be with Padraic’s family on Christmas. The usual, you know. I'll go to Mum and Dad’s the day after. Dad’s not doing too well at the moment, so I'll be staying with them for a few days.”
“The usual, indeed. Is this his excuse to go skiing?” Claire replied with heavy irony.
“No. You know he doesn’t get along with Mum and Dad too well. And a little break will do me good, too.”
Sam felt Claire’s gaze on her. “Sam. What you need is a big break. What is it with you? You’re beautiful. You’re intelligent. You’re successful, confident and married to a husband who doesn’t appreciate you. It’s time, Sam. It’s time for a change.”
“He’s not a bad person, you know. You see some bruises and instantly assume it was Padraic. Accidents do happen. He is a caring husband. And he is extremely successful, and easy on the eyes.”
Claire shook her head. “Accidental bruises. Good one, Sam.”
Sam waved her arm in the air. She didn’t want to hear about it anymore. “Anyway, what I actually wanted to tell you about was this dream I had the other night. The weirdest one I’ve had for a while,” Sam said. “Quite bizarre, actually. There was this girl, somewhere in the countryside, who was with this truly handsome guy. Short dark hair, beautiful eyes, tall, and, boy, did he have a sexy body. Anyway, they were driving in this dashing car. Once he made a move on her in the car, she panicked and got out. Bizarre how clear it all seemed. I can't recall ever having a dream like this.”
“Who was it?” Claire asked and Sam knew her friend would be annoyed with the change of subject.
“No idea. But you should have seen him. No way would I have left the car.” Sam couldn’t help herself, but her mouth twitched into a grin.
She was aware Claire disapproved of her love for flirting, particularly since she was married, and often expressed her opinion whether that could be a reason for Padraic’s moments of rage.
Claire gazed over the rim of her Espresso cup as she took a sip. “So you’re telling me about your dreams now, because we can’t talk about your real life?” Sam's eyes darted around the café in frustration. “Give it a break, Claire. I’m telling you because this one felt so real. You know, you have dreams, odd ones and mostly truly weird. This one was different. It was like somehow I sensed his touch on me.”
“Now you’re giving me shivers, Sam. Honestly, I don’t want to drag on about it, but I honestly think it’s just another sign of you and Padraic ...”
Sam shook her head regretfully. “Never mind! Just forget about it.”
“Sam!”
Sam noticed a bit of anger and disappointment creeping up in her. She glanced at her watch. “Sorry Claire, I forgot to keep an eye on the time. I’d better go.”

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