In the summer of 1986, beneath the shadow of a Missouri bluff and the whisper of an old willow tree, two worlds collide. Christian Cruz has never known privilege—only long hours at Morrison’s Market, the steady strength of his mother, and the fierce loyalty of his twin sister. His solace lies in driftwood and carving knives, in shaping beauty out of what the river leaves behind. Trinity Hart has everything money can buy—except freedom. Bound by her father’s iron expectations and a future written in contracts, she longs for something real, something unpolished and true. When Christian and Trinity’s paths intertwine, their bond becomes both sanctuary and spark—tender, exhilarating, and forbidden. But in Maple Falls, love is never just between two people. It is tangled in class divides, family legacies, and the weight of reputation. As tensions rise and loyalties are tested, Christian and Trinity must decide how much they are willing to risk for each other: security, family, even the very place they call home. Driftwood and Dreams is a heartfelt coming-of-age romance set against the neon glow of 1980s small-town America. With unforgettable characters, aching tenderness, and the timeless pull of first love, this sweeping story of hope, sacrifice, and resilience will linger long after the last page.