First a Dream Summary
Maureen Daly

First a Dream Summary

First a Dream can be read independently, but it is best understood as an extension of the story of Retta Caldwell and Dallas Dobson begun in Acts of Love. In the earlier novel, Retta and Dallas meet at Havendale High in Zenith, Pennsylvania, and experience an intense attraction for each other in spite of their opposite cultural and social backgrounds. Unfortunately for their blossoming romance, Retta's family moves across country to Thirty-nine Palms, California, in late spring, just as the school year ends. In order to be near Retta, Dallas secures employment for the summer at a ranch nearby. First a Dream opens with the arrival of Dallas at the Palms Springs airport.

Retta anticipates her romance with Dallas will continue at the same pace as in Zenith, with the two savoring time together as they explore their relationship and plumb the depths of their feelings for each...

(read more from the Short Guide)