You know a release date for one of my books is coming up when I post the book’s playlist! ❤

Today, I’ll be sharing the songs that remind me dearly of the soon-to-be released final book in The Ballad of Emery Brooks trilogy, The Dream!

Disclaimer: If you have not read the first two books in the trilogy, this playlist may contain spoilers. I am trying to keep it as spoiler-free as possible, but some song explanations may allude to spoilers. Please also know that, while I tried to keep most of the songs within the story’s time period for The Crush‘s playlist, the playlists for its sequels may not have songs that are accurate for its time period, and I’m just going to hope everyone is okay with that. XD

If you haven’t yet listened to my Spotify playlists for books one and two in The Ballad of Emery Brooks trilogy, you can do so below:

• The Crush: Spotify Playlist
• The Fall: Spotify Playlist

Please note that the songs do not necessarily have to be played in this order. Though I tried to arrange them chronologically according to the scenes I associate them with, some may be applicable throughout the book, so it is recommended to listen to them in the order you prefer based on my descriptions!

Track 1: “Chasin’ That Neon Rainbow” by Alan Jackson

If you’ve read The Fall, you may recall that Emery is a huge fan of country music legend, Alan Jackson. This song of his perfectly encapsulates Emery’s music journey throughout The Dream, and it never fails to remind me of her journey of chasing her dream every time I listen to it. ❤

Track 2: “Deeper Than the Holler” by Randy Travis

This adorable song’s title is referenced in The Dream and I think its lyrics fully explain how one character is struggling to admit their feelings but continues to show them through their actions. I’m being vague because of potential spoilers. XD

Track 3: “I’m Gonna Be Somebody” by Travis Tritt

This song makes a reprise from The Crush‘s soundtrack in that now, instead of Sawyer, Emery is pursuing a music career of her own despite all of the odds stacked against her.

Track 4: “The River” by Garth Brooks

“The River” has been one of my favorite songs ever since I had the privilege of hearing Victoria Shaw, the song’s co-writer, perform it at the Grand Ole Opry on my honeymoon. I’ve already mentioned that bit of information in The Fall‘s playlist post, but here it is again, because it’s one of my all-time favorite memories! Also, as I’ve already mentioned in The Fall‘s playlist summary, “The River” is a powerful song of encouragement for dream chasers, and one that Emery continues to relate to in The Dream.

Track 5: “Seasons Change” by Scotty McCreery

This song is all about being eager for a season of life to change, which Emery goes through heavily in The Dream. I also think this song perfectly describes the overall theme of the entire trilogy: learning to trust God to guide us through the ups and downs of life. These lyrics, especially, express this message:

Wintertime, springtime, summertime, fall

Good times, bad times, been through them all

Just when you think you can’t make it through the rain

Seasons change

-“Seasons Change” by Scotty McCreery

Track 6: “Impossible” by Plumb

For some reason, a lot of Plumb songs relate to this trilogy! I chose “Impossible” for The Dream‘s soundtrack as it relates to someone special in Emery’s life helping her navigate the path of, and her feelings about, chasing her music dreams.

Track 7: “God Is In This Story” by Katy Nichole and Big Daddy Weave

This is another song that references the highs and lows of life, but this one reminds the listener that God is with us through every season and that He goes before us, He cares for us, and He will never leave us alone. Each of these are lessons Emery has partially learned in the first two books and that will sink in more in this final installment.

Track 8: “Road Less Traveled” by Lauren Alaina

“Road Less Traveled” is another song about dream chasing that I love and was blessed to hear live at the Grand Ole Opry the same night as Victoria Shaw’s performance! This upbeat tune is about daring to take the road less traveled, which Emery is doing in The Dream by taking a more difficult route to pursue her music dreams.

Track 9: “Gratitude” by I AM THEY feat. Cheyenne Mitchell

I’m going to try to not give anything about The Dream away in this description, but there are points throughout the book where Emery must totally surrender different situations over to God, and she learns to not be timid when it comes to walking in faith as He leads the way. This may sound super vague now, but you’ll understand it more by the end of the book! 😉

Track 10: “Imagine That” by Diamond Rio

This is Emery’s all-time favorite song, and it is referenced to throughout the trilogy. ❤

Have you enjoyed this playlist? Read the books that inspired it!

The Crush‘s eBook has permanently been lowered to $0.99 at all retailers! Paperbacks are also available on Amazon and Books-a-Million!

Book 2, The Fall is also available at all eBook retailers and in paperback at select online stores!

Book 3, The Dream will release on Monday, December 2nd (Lord willing) and will hopefully be available for eBook pre-order soon! In the meantime, you can add each book in The Ballad of Emery Brooks trilogy on Goodreads using the button below to keep the books on your radar!

P.S. If you haven’t signed up to read an ARC of The Dream yet and you’ve already read the first two books in the trilogy, please head over to the blog post at the link below to learn how to request a copy!

Talk to Me, Arrowheads!

Which song is your favorite from The Dream‘s playlist? Let me know in the comments below!

Aim high, stay strong, and always hit your mark.

-Allyson 😀