Ballad of Dreams

A Novel with Music

By: Allyson Hernandez

Narrated by: Allyson Hernandez, Amanda Ferguson

It’s never too late to make a new dream. It’s never too late to reach for the stars. It’s never too late when the fear won’t subside. It’s never too late to try.

Audrey McKenna is a vibrant grandmother and mother of 13. When her granddaughter pursues a career onstage, Audrey is confronted with the unfulfilled dreams of her youth to perform at Carnegie Hall. With the help of her best friend and cousin Rose, they journey to the New York Theater scene of their past, exploring the choices, sacrifices, and experiences that shaped them.

While their paths are drastically different, the one constant throughout is their friendship. Through trials and triumphs, love and loss, Rose and Audrey redefine their identities as independent women in a time where society tried to define that for them.

Inspired by a true story, Ballad of Dreams sings of the power of friendship and dances through different eras of society from the 1930s to the early 2000s. It combines the richness of storytelling and flare of musical theater by seamlessly weaving musical lyrics with the narrative.

Ballad of Dreams by Allyson Hernandez inspires us to fill our own cups by chasing after our dreams.

©2021 Allyson Hernandez (P)2023 Allyson Hernandez

An Auditory Odyssey

Loved it. Ballad of Dreams is an auditory work of art that captivates you from the very beginning. The narration is both heartfelt and engaging, taking you on a journey that resonates deeply with every emotion. The story itself is beautifully crafted, weaving together an interesting story and well-developed, relatable characters that stay with you long after the last word. The audio format definitely adds to the magic, making the world of Ballad of Dreams come alive in your mind's eye. A must-listen for anyone seeking a moving experience.

Beautiful Musical Narrative

Ballad of Dreams was such a lovely listen. I felt more and more invested in the story as it went on. The songs included are beautiful! It made me want to see the show live but was the next best experience to being able to do so. The narrators' acting experience is clear. A worthwhile listen that will stick with you!!