Hannah Grace Daydream Review: Does It Live Up to the Maple Hills Hype?

Book Review: Daydream by Hannah Grace

Book Title: Daydream
Author: Hannah Grace
Publication Date: August 27, 2024
Publisher: Atria Books
Genre: Contemporary Romance, New Adult

Summary

Daydream is the third instalment in Hannah Grace’s popular Maple Hills series. The story revolves around Henry Turner, a junior at the University of California, Maple Hills, who has recently become the reluctant captain of the hockey team. Henry is struggling to manage his new responsibilities while also dealing with a particularly challenging class. His life takes an unexpected turn when he accidentally crashes a book club meeting run by Halle Jacobs, another junior who is as academic and driven as Henry is athletic and disorganized.

Halle, an aspiring author with a serious case of writer’s block, is grappling with her insecurities—particularly the fact that she has never been in love, which is a major hurdle given her goal of entering a romance writing competition. When she learns about Henry’s academic struggles, she offers to tutor him in exchange for dating advice to help her overcome her writer’s block. As they work together, their arrangement develops into something neither of them anticipated.

In-Depth Analysis

Content Variety: The novel features a blend of academic pressures, sports, and creative writing, which enriches the narrative. The juxtaposition of Halle’s literary ambitions with Henry’s athletic responsibilities creates an interesting dynamic that drives the plot forward.

Themes: Major themes in Daydream include the challenges of self-discovery, the importance of friendship, and the complexities of romantic relationships. The novel also explores the pressures young adults face in balancing multiple responsibilities, from academic expectations to personal goals.

Character Development: Henry and Halle are well-developed characters, each dealing with their insecurities and pressures. Henry’s reluctance to embrace his leadership role on the hockey team and Halle’s struggle with her lack of romantic experience make them relatable and multidimensional. However, some critics have noted that the characters, particularly Henry, could have been explored in more depth to make their growth feel more impactful.

World-Building/Setting: The college setting of Maple Hills is richly detailed, offering a vivid backdrop that feels authentic and engaging. The university life depicted in the book, complete with academic struggles and social dynamics, adds realism to the story.

Plot and Pacing: The plot, while engaging, has been critiqued for being somewhat bloated with tropes, leading to a slower pace at times. The central conflict revolves around Henry and Halle’s evolving relationship, but some readers might find the narrative meanders without a strong through line to hold on to.

Writing Style

Hannah Grace’s writing is accessible and filled with witty dialogue, which complements the light-hearted tone of the novel. However, the narrative occasionally stumbles under the weight of its many subplots, which might detract from the overall reading experience for some.

Personal Reflection

Daydream is a charming addition to the Maple Hills series, though it might not resonate as strongly with readers who prefer a more streamlined narrative. Henry and Halle’s journey is heart-warming, but the novel’s tendency to indulge in multiple tropes may leave some readers wishing for a tighter plot.

Conclusion

In Daydream, the third book of Hannah Grace’s popular Maple Hills series, readers return to the fictional University of California for a heartfelt romance that blends the rigours of academic life with the complexities of young love. This time, the spotlight shines on Henry Turner, the new captain of the hockey team, who is struggling to keep his head above water both on and off the ice.

Henry, known for his charisma and laid-back charm, finds himself in a difficult class with his least favourite professor, threatening his already tenuous academic standing. To add to the pressure, his new role as captain—a position he never really wanted—means he cannot afford to fail. Enter Halle Jacobs, a fellow junior and academic overachiever, who offers to tutor Henry after a chance encounter during her book club meeting.

Halle is as bookish as they come, with a life meticulously planned out. She juggles her studies, a part-time job, and her ambitions of writing a novel, all while trying to keep her emotions in check. Tutoring Henry is just another item on her packed agenda, but it soon becomes more than just a simple task. As they spend more time together, Henry and Halle set ground rules to keep their relationship strictly academic. But in the world of Maple Hills, rules are meant to be broken.

Grace expertly captures the push-and-pull dynamics between two people who are trying to figure out their futures while unexpectedly falling for each other. The novel is infused with witty banter, emotional depth, and the realistic challenges that come with balancing academic responsibilities with personal desires.

Daydream is a charming and poignant exploration of love, self-discovery, and the importance of allowing oneself to be vulnerable. With its relatable characters and engaging storyline, this novel is a must-read for fans of contemporary romance, particularly those who enjoyed the earlier books in the Maple Hills series. Whether you’re new to Hannah Grace’s work or a long-time fan, Daydream will sweep you off your feet and leave you eager for more.

It’s a delightful, if slightly uneven, romance that will appeal to fans of the Maple Hills series and contemporary college romance. The book’s strengths lie in its relatable characters and immersive setting, though it’s pacing might not satisfy all readers.

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

This book is best suited for readers who enjoy new adult romance with a focus on character growth and university life.

For more details, you can find the book on Barnes & Noble or check out its reviews on Publishers Weekly.