Josephine Strand’s novel Misty Dreams tells the story of two lost souls searching for answers. Richard Kelly is a well-known neurosurgeon and a distinguished member of the medical community. His achievements are well-known all throughout the world. One might assume he had it everything, yet Richard’s world has crumbled. His ex-wife sought to put him on a pedestal that befitted his social status, but her treachery stings considerably more. Richard is drawn to a picture by the enigmatic C.E. and embarks on a search for the person behind the name. Clare is a solitary woman who lives on the island of St. Isabel. She believes the orphanage where she works is the only place where her lost memories can’t find her—that is until Richard comes onto her private beach by accident. His presence raises more questions than it does answers. What they don’t realize is that their pasts are also their futures.
Josephine Strand weaves a compelling story about how one simple mistake may have far-reaching effects. Many readers will identify with the desire for more—be it forgotten dreams or lost loves—and the hope of finding pleasure in the middle of the loss. Strand does a fantastic job of connecting all the dots and tying the plot together in a neat ribbon. Everything had a place in the tale, so I wasn’t left wanting more. Furthermore, Misty Dreams’ book cover has multiple meanings. Not only does the artwork reveal that Josephine Strand is an artist who painted it herself, but it also reveals her character’s past. There is no room for error. Everything is well-planned and geared to entice the reader.