Dream On Summary, Characters and Themes

Dream On by Ashley Herring Blake is a captivating and emotional story of self-discovery, second chances, and the complexities of love. The novel follows Ramona Riley, a woman living a comfortable but unremarkable life in Clover Lake, New Hampshire.

A talented costume designer who has put her own dreams on hold to care for her family, Ramona faces a crossroads in her life as her younger sister Olive prepares to leave for college. As Ramona grapples with the challenges of rediscovering herself, she reconnects with Dylan Monroe, a famous actress with whom she shares a complicated past. Amidst the pressures of fame and unspoken emotions, Ramona must navigate her personal and professional aspirations while confronting the possibility of love, loss, and reinvention.

Summary

Ramona Riley lives a settled life in the small town of Clover Lake, New Hampshire, working as a costume designer for the middle school drama club run by her father. Ramona has always put the needs of others before her own, especially since her mother left when she was thirteen, leaving Ramona to care for her younger sister, Olive.

As Olive prepares to leave for college, Ramona faces an empty nest, and the idea of making bold changes in her life begins to seem more urgent. Her best friend, April, pushes her to explore new possibilities, whether it be dating or rekindling her love for costume design.

Despite her talents, Ramona has allowed her dreams of working in fashion to take a backseat, content to design costumes for local productions. She feels stuck in her small-town life and unsure of how to move forward.

Her past with Logan Adler, a long-term but unreliable boyfriend, also clouds her thoughts, as she contemplates the comfortable yet unfulfilling relationship they share.

However, a turning point comes when a film production based on a queer romantic comedy arrives in Clover Lake, and Noelle Yang, a renowned costume designer, is brought in for the project. This could be Ramona’s chance to reignite her passion for design.

But what complicates matters is the appearance of Dylan Monroe, a famous actress who is also part of the movie’s cast and who shares a history with Ramona from their teenage years. The reappearance of Dylan stirs up old feelings and forces Ramona to confront her own desires, both professionally and personally.

As Ramona reconnects with Dylan, she struggles with a whirlwind of emotions. Dylan offers her the chance to spend time together, suggesting activities like hiking, swimming, and Putt-Putt.

These seemingly innocent plans are charged with the weight of their past, especially a kiss they shared years ago. Ramona is consumed by guilt and excitement as their relationship grows more complicated.

She feels uncertain about their connection, wondering if Dylan remembers their past as vividly as she does.

Ramona also wrestles with her feelings of being stuck and unsure of her worth. As Olive’s departure looms, Ramona feels the pressure to rediscover her own identity.

She begins to take small steps toward pursuing her dreams, encouraged by April and Olive to embrace the unknown and to step outside her comfort zone.

The relationship between Ramona and Dylan deepens, but it is not without complications. Ramona becomes aware of the media attention surrounding their connection.

A tabloid article exposes their childhood friendship, labeling them as “childhood sweethearts reunited,” which causes Ramona to feel betrayed. She struggles with the idea that their relationship might have been orchestrated by their publicists, rather than being a genuine romantic connection.

Dylan, too, grapples with the media frenzy, admitting that she did not anticipate the tabloid coverage and feeling guilty for the way their relationship has been handled. She apologizes to Ramona for the misunderstanding, but Ramona’s hurt is still palpable.

They attempt to reconcile, but the emotional toll weighs heavily on Ramona, who retreats to a quiet cove to process her feelings. Dylan follows her there, and after an emotional conversation, they share a kiss that signifies the beginning of a new chapter in their relationship.

As the narrative progresses, both women struggle with their respective issues. Ramona receives an offer to work for Noelle in Los Angeles, which would be a dream come true for her career.

Yet, she is torn between her ambitions and the unresolved feelings she has for Dylan. Meanwhile, Dylan deals with her own insecurities and the pressures of her fame, trying to balance her personal life with the expectations of the public eye.

The relationship between Ramona and Dylan is put to the test when Ramona discovers that their romance may have been manipulated by their publicity teams. This revelation forces Ramona to confront the possibility that Dylan’s feelings may not be as genuine as she had hoped.

The emotional rollercoaster of their connection leads to a painful realization for Ramona, but also offers the opportunity for growth and self-discovery.

In a pivotal moment, Dylan apologizes again for the way things have played out, expressing her true feelings for Ramona. Despite their rocky start, they begin to rebuild their bond, each learning to be more open and vulnerable with one another.

Ramona’s journey of self-realization culminates in a heartfelt reconciliation with Dylan, where both women admit their love for each other.

The story concludes on a hopeful note, with Ramona deciding to embrace both her personal dreams and her relationship with Dylan. The challenges they faced—both internal and external—have shaped them into stronger individuals.

Ramona, once unsure of her place in the world, now steps forward with the confidence to pursue her passions, while Dylan, too, learns to navigate her emotions and career with honesty.

Dream On is a story about embracing change, facing the uncertainties of life, and finding the courage to pursue one’s true desires. Through the lens of Ramona’s journey, the novel explores themes of love, forgiveness, and the complexities of reconciling past mistakes with the potential for a brighter future.

Characters

Ramona Riley

Ramona Riley is the protagonist of Dream On Ramona Riley and is introduced as a practical, grounded woman who has long placed the needs of her family above her own aspirations. Living in Clover Lake, New Hampshire, Ramona works as a costume designer for her father’s middle school drama club, a job that reflects her passion for design but also highlights how far she has drifted from her dreams of pursuing a career in fashion.

Ramona’s sense of duty and responsibility is a defining characteristic, especially in her relationship with her younger sister, Olive. After their mother left when Ramona was thirteen, she became Olive’s primary caretaker, and this shaped much of Ramona’s identity.

This devotion has led her to put aside her personal ambitions, leaving her feeling stuck in a life that doesn’t fulfill her creatively or emotionally.

Ramona’s internal conflict is evident throughout the narrative. She is confronted with the looming reality of an empty nest as Olive prepares to leave for college, forcing Ramona to consider her own future.

Her longstanding relationship with Logan Adler, a boyfriend who represents safety but not passion, further compounds her indecision. Ramona is hesitant to step out of her comfort zone, even when opportunities arise, such as the arrival of a film production in Clover Lake that could reignite her career in costume design.

This mix of self-doubt and latent ambition drives her character’s growth, as she navigates the balance between pursuing her dreams and staying within her familiar yet unsatisfying routine. Ramona’s emotional journey is also deeply intertwined with her romantic feelings for Dylan Monroe, a famous actress from her past, which stirs up long-buried emotions and complicates her ability to move forward in both her professional and personal life.

Dylan Monroe

Dylan Monroe, the famous actress in Dream On Ramona Riley, is a pivotal character whose presence disrupts Ramona’s life and forces her to confront her unresolved feelings from the past. Dylan is portrayed as charismatic, confident, and somewhat aloof, which contrasts with Ramona’s more grounded and insecure nature.

Dylan’s celebrity status creates a barrier between her and Ramona, as Ramona initially struggles with the idea of dating someone so publicly known. Despite her fame, Dylan is shown to be human and vulnerable, especially as she reconnects with Ramona after many years.

While their initial interactions seem casual, there is an undeniable chemistry between the two that deepens as they spend more time together.

However, Dylan’s fame also complicates their relationship, particularly when the media starts to spin their childhood connection into a sensationalized story. Dylan, aware of the manipulation at play, feels guilt for how the media portrays their relationship and struggles with how to handle her feelings for Ramona amidst the public scrutiny.

Dylan’s emotional complexity is showcased as she tries to reconcile her true feelings with the pressures of her career. Her guilt over the media leak and the way she initially approached Ramona creates tension, but Dylan’s vulnerability allows for the possibility of reconciliation.

Her relationship with Ramona is a journey of growth for Dylan, as she learns the importance of sincerity and emotional honesty, particularly when navigating the challenges of fame and public expectation.

April

April is Ramona’s best friend and confidante in Dream On Ramona Riley. She serves as a stark contrast to Ramona, representing the possibility of freedom and self-expression.

While Ramona is cautious and weighed down by family obligations, April is adventurous, confident, and unafraid to pursue her dreams, having opened her own tattoo shop after graduating from RISD. April’s enthusiasm for life and her unwavering support of Ramona’s potential pushes the latter to reconsider her own limitations and take risks.

Throughout the story, April encourages Ramona to embrace change, whether that involves rekindling her passion for costume design or exploring a romantic connection with Dylan. Her no-nonsense attitude and ability to cheer Ramona on in her moments of self-doubt highlight the importance of friendship in the narrative.

April’s role is not just that of a supportive friend; she also serves as a catalyst for Ramona’s personal growth, urging her to step out of her comfort zone and pursue her dreams.

Olive

Olive, Ramona’s younger sister, is another significant character in Dream On Ramona Riley. She represents the future that Ramona fears but also needs to embrace.

As Olive prepares to leave for college, Ramona is confronted with the reality that her life will change, and the relationship she has long held with Olive as caretaker and protector will shift. While Olive is excited about her future and less burdened by responsibility, Ramona feels the weight of this impending change.

Olive’s departure forces Ramona to consider her own desires and aspirations, something she has long neglected in favor of looking after her family. Despite the tension this change creates, Olive’s role in the story is crucial, as she pushes Ramona to think about what lies beyond her role as caretaker, encouraging her to pursue a life of her own.

Noelle Yang

Noelle Yang is the famous costume designer whom Ramona admires, and her presence in Dream On Ramona Riley serves as both a professional and personal turning point for Ramona. Noelle represents the pinnacle of Ramona’s dreams in the world of costume design, and her involvement in the film production in Clover Lake presents an opportunity for Ramona to reignite her passion for the craft.

Noelle is portrayed as both supportive and ambitious, offering Ramona a job opportunity in Los Angeles that would further her career. Noelle’s role in the story is that of a mentor, helping Ramona navigate the complex feelings of self-doubt and fear that arise as she considers taking the next step in her professional life.

While Noelle’s professional success and confidence inspire Ramona, it is also clear that she recognizes Ramona’s potential and wants to see her take risks and fulfill her ambitions.

Logan Adler

Logan Adler, Ramona’s long-term but emotionally unsatisfying boyfriend, plays a smaller but important role in Dream On Ramona Riley. Logan represents the safety and comfort that Ramona clings to, but he also highlights the stagnation in her life.

Their relationship lacks passion and emotional depth, making it clear that Logan is not the person who can help Ramona evolve or take the leap into the unknown. His presence in the story emphasizes Ramona’s fear of change and her struggle to let go of the familiar, even when it no longer serves her well.

Logan’s role is crucial in showing Ramona’s internal conflict—between the security of her past and the uncertainty of her future.

Themes

Love and Emotional Vulnerability

In Dream On Ramona Riley, the theme of love and emotional vulnerability takes center stage, exploring how romantic relationships can shape an individual’s sense of self. Ramona’s connection with Dylan Monroe illustrates how love can be both a source of joy and immense emotional turmoil.

As Ramona re-engages with Dylan, old feelings resurface, causing confusion and self-doubt. Their relationship challenges Ramona to confront her emotions, particularly her fear of being overlooked and forgotten, especially as Dylan seems not to remember their past connection as vividly as she does.

This dynamic underlines the vulnerability inherent in romantic pursuits, as Ramona wrestles with the disparity between the affection she feels for Dylan and the emotional distance that seems to exist between them.

Throughout the narrative, Ramona is forced to navigate her feelings for Dylan while also dealing with the broader pressures that accompany a relationship with someone famous. Her emotional vulnerability intensifies when media exposure complicates their connection, making Ramona question the authenticity of their bond.

Dylan’s own emotional struggles—stemming from guilt, fame, and the complex dynamics of public and private lives—further expose how love can be complicated by external factors. The theme explores the fragility of human connections and the immense courage it takes to allow oneself to be emotionally vulnerable, especially when the future is uncertain.

Despite all the complexities, the narrative shows that embracing emotional vulnerability can lead to deeper understanding and personal growth, as Ramona and Dylan attempt to rebuild their relationship on more honest, grounded terms.

Self-Discovery and Personal Growth

A major theme woven throughout Dream On Ramona Riley is the idea of self-discovery and the journey toward personal growth. Ramona’s internal struggle, particularly in light of her responsibilities and unfulfilled dreams, showcases how challenging it can be to rediscover one’s identity.

For years, she has put aside her own aspirations in favor of caring for her family, especially her younger sister Olive. As Olive prepares to leave for college, Ramona is faced with the looming emptiness in her life and the daunting question of who she is outside of her familial roles.

This period of uncertainty forces Ramona to confront her repressed dreams, such as her passion for costume design, which she had abandoned for the sake of practicality.

The narrative traces Ramona’s gradual awakening to her own desires and ambitions, catalyzed by her involvement with the film production and the reappearance of Dylan in her life. Her connection with Dylan serves as both a literal and metaphorical mirror, reflecting her own potential for growth and change.

This journey of self-discovery is not without setbacks and moments of doubt, but it emphasizes that personal growth often requires breaking free from comfort zones and embracing risk. Ramona’s evolution is depicted not only through her budding professional aspirations but also in her willingness to confront her feelings, her fears of inadequacy, and her need to reclaim her agency.

Ultimately, the story underscores that self-discovery is a lifelong process, often shaped by external events but rooted in the internal work of redefining one’s goals, values, and passions.

The Complexity of Fame and Public Scrutiny

The theme of fame and public scrutiny plays a critical role in shaping the narrative of Dream On Ramona Riley, particularly in how it influences the relationship between Ramona and Dylan. Dylan, as a famous actress, represents the allure and pitfalls of celebrity life.

While her fame brings her opportunities and a certain level of prestige, it also exposes her to intense public scrutiny and manipulation, especially when her personal life becomes a topic of interest for tabloids and fans. Ramona, on the other hand, is an ordinary woman living in a small town, whose life is suddenly thrust into the limelight due to her connection with Dylan.

This dynamic creates a sense of dissonance between the two women, as Ramona struggles with the overwhelming attention and the fear of being objectified or commodified by the media.

The tension surrounding their relationship is further heightened when Ramona discovers that the media’s portrayal of their bond was not as organic as it appeared. The romantic connection between them was orchestrated as a publicity stunt, leaving Ramona feeling betrayed and manipulated.

This betrayal reveals the dark side of fame, where personal connections can be reduced to mere transactions or publicity opportunities. As the story unfolds, both Ramona and Dylan grapple with the emotional fallout from their manipulated relationship and the pressure of maintaining a public image.

The theme ultimately addresses the complex intersection of personal desires and public personas, highlighting how fame can distort reality, complicate relationships, and test the authenticity of connections.

Sacrifice and Responsibility

In Dream On Ramona Riley, sacrifice and responsibility are recurring themes that define much of Ramona’s character. From a young age, Ramona has shouldered the responsibility of caring for her younger sister, Olive, after their mother left.

This sense of duty has shaped her identity, and much of her life has been defined by her role as the caretaker, putting the needs of her family above her own desires. However, as Olive prepares to leave for college, Ramona is confronted with the realization that her selflessness may have come at the cost of her own dreams and aspirations.

The theme of sacrifice is explored not just in terms of family obligations but also in Ramona’s willingness to suppress her ambitions in order to support those she loves.

This sense of duty is further complicated when Ramona is faced with the opportunity to reignite her career in costume design. Despite her deep-rooted love for her family, Ramona is forced to ask herself whether she has been holding onto the role of caretaker out of love or out of fear of pursuing her own path.

As she begins to confront her own desires, the story raises important questions about the nature of sacrifice. Does personal fulfillment come at the expense of responsibility, or is it possible to achieve both?

Ramona’s journey is about finding the balance between honoring her past sacrifices and learning to prioritize her own needs, dreams, and sense of purpose. In this way, the theme of sacrifice and responsibility reveals the complexity of balancing selflessness with self-care and personal growth.

Forgiveness and Reconciliation

Forgiveness and reconciliation emerge as central themes in the latter parts of Dream On Ramona Riley, particularly in the relationship between Ramona and Dylan. After the media scandal and the subsequent emotional fallout, both women must come to terms with their mistakes and miscommunications.

Dylan’s public apology and her attempt to make amends highlight the theme of reconciliation, as she acknowledges the harm caused by the publicity stunt and the way it manipulated Ramona’s emotions. Ramona, initially hurt and angry, must decide whether she is willing to forgive Dylan and give their relationship another chance.

This process is complicated by Ramona’s own fears and insecurities, particularly regarding the authenticity of Dylan’s feelings and the potential for future hurt.

The theme of forgiveness is not limited to romantic relationships but also extends to the characters’ journeys of self-forgiveness. Ramona’s internal struggle with forgiving herself for past decisions, such as suppressing her dreams for the sake of others, plays a significant role in her emotional growth.

Reconciliation, in this context, becomes not only a process of rebuilding trust between the two women but also a personal journey of accepting mistakes, letting go of resentment, and finding the courage to move forward. The narrative ultimately portrays forgiveness as a powerful tool for healing, both in relationships and within oneself.