Deep inside the common house, William Bradford coughed and wheezed. His face was as gray as the smoke from the fire. His right hand tried to roll a large barrel of gunpowder toward the door while his left hand pressed against the wall for support. Pieces of smoldering straw fell down from the roof, landing on him and the barrel.

Thou art too sick to move that barrel. Let us help thee.

Before, during, and after the 1620 voyage on the Mayflower, the Pilgrims experienced a common house fire, other challenges, and many accomplishments. Their journey is explored by Rose Hopkins when she travels backward in time and meets her ancestors through Mayflower Dreams. Within her reality and dreams, Rose finds that her modern life connects to Pilgrim history and culture.

In her reality, Rose has problems living in the present. She is often late and is separated from her husband. She connects to her ancestors as she uses a sampler to look for a watch. Her journey includes visiting Pilgrim Hall Museum, Plymouth Rock, Plimoth Plantation, and the Mayflower II.

In her dreams, Rose uses lucid dreaming techniques to create a dream story. She meets many Pilgrims, including John Robinson, the pastor of the Puritans. The Pilgrim history, lifestyle, dialogue, and dreams of religious freedom are realistically displayed within Rose’s dream story.