Synopsis:

In a mysterious town hidden in our collective subconscious there’s a department store that sells dreams. Day and night, visitors both human and animal shuffle in to purchase their latest adventure. Each floor specializes in a specific type of dream: childhood memories, food dreams, ice skating, dreams of stardom. Flying dreams are almost always sold out. Some seek dreams of loved ones who have died.

For Penny, an enthusiastic new hire, working at the store is the opportunity of a lifetime. As she uncovers the workings of this whimsical world, she bonds with a cast of unforgettable characters, including DallerGut, the flamboyant and wise owner, Babynap Rockabye, a famous dream designer, Maxim, a nightmare producer, and the many customers who dream to heal, dream to grow, and dream to flourish.

A captivating story that will leave a lingering magical feeling in readers’ minds, this is the first book in a bestselling duology for anyone exhausted from the reality of their daily life.

Review:

A lovely, quirky book wrapped up in the most gloriously vibrant cover.
We follow Penny, a new hire at the Store who is learning the ins and outs of selling dreams to customers. On the surface, it’s a simple and whimsical slice-of-life tale where we meet all sorts of weird and wonderful characters, but looking deeper you find some poignant messages and reflections on life and what it is to be a human.

There isn’t really a plot to this book, but it doesn’t need one. This book is about the characters we meet and the choices they make. We meet Dreamers whose particular dream choices reflect what they need to hear most at that moment. We meet the Dream Makers and learn why they make the dreams that they do. Everything has a meaning, nothing is made or chosen ‘just because’. Even the nightmares serve a bigger purpose.

Penny was a fun character to follow – very naïve but earnest and that worked well to introduce us to the complexities of the Store as she learned them. The writing was wonderful and bright and I flew through this delightful book in a day, then quickly went to get the second.
Book 2 is just as wonderful, and we get to see beyond the Store which was fun. I highly, highly recommend this quirky, lovely duology.

“I believe there are two ways to love your life, Penny. The first is to work hard to change your life when you feel unsatisfied.’
‘That seems about right.’ Penny nods.
‘The second option may look easier, but is actually more difficult. And even if you do change your life through the first option, you must ultimately get through the second to be at complete peace.’
‘And what is that?’
‘To accept your life as it is and be grateful. It’s easier said than done. But if you can do it, I believe this will help you realise happiness has just been around the corner.”