About this ebook
Michelle Drillon and Drew Cepeda never planned to fall in love.
What began as a friendship between two high school classmates quickly grew into something deeper—something worth protecting, even if it had to remain a secret. Through shared dreams, family struggles, academic challenges, and countless unforgettable memories, they became each other's safe place in a world that often felt uncertain.
But love is rarely simple.
As the eldest children in their families, both Michelle and Drew carry responsibilities far beyond their years. Michelle dreams of creating a better future not only for herself but for her younger siblings. Drew struggles to balance his ambitions with the realities of helping support his family. Together, they promise to face whatever life brings.
Yet as adulthood approaches, so do difficult choices.
New opportunities appear.
Dreams grow bigger.
The future begins pulling them in different directions.
And soon, they will discover that some promises are easy to make—but much harder to keep.
From the classrooms of their youth to life-changing opportunities abroad, Across Miles, Across Dreams is a heartfelt contemporary romance about first love, sacrifice, family, perseverance, and the courage to chase your dreams without losing yourself along the way.
Filled with emotional highs, unforgettable "kilig" moments, family drama, laughter, tears, and a love that refuses to surrender, this inspiring novel reminds us that true love isn't measured by time, distance, or circumstance.
It's measured by the willingness to choose each other—again and again.
Perfect for readers who enjoy:
✔ First-love romance
✔ Long-distance relationship stories
✔ Emotional family dramas
✔ Inspirational contemporary fiction
✔ Feel-good romance with a satisfying ending
✔ Stories about dreams, sacrifice, and destiny
Some love stories begin with fireworks.
Theirs began with a notebook... and a seat beside the window.
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About the author
About the Author
Darwin Manalo is a contemporary Filipino author known for writing emotionally driven novels that celebrate love, family, hope, sacrifice, and second chances. Through heartfelt storytelling and unforgettable characters, he captures the beauty of ordinary people facing extraordinary moments.
As the creator of The Heartstrings Collection, Darwin writes stories that make readers laugh, cry, reflect, and believe that even the greatest distances can be overcome by faith, perseverance, and genuine love. His novels explore themes of first love, family bonds, personal growth, healing, and the courage to chase dreams despite life's challenges.
In Across Miles, Across Dreams, he pays tribute to every Overseas Filipino Worker, every dreamer who left home in search of a better future, and every couple who proved that true love is measured not by distance, but by commitment.
When he's not writing, Darwin continues creating stories that inspire readers to believe in hope, embrace resilience, and never stop fighting for the people and dreams that matter most.
