Meet Me at the Lake
by Carley Fortune
4 out of 5 stars
Following the enormous success of her debut novel "Every Summer After," Carley Fortune comes back with another captivating summer read, "Meet Me at the Lake." Laden with beautiful characters, stirring emotions, and a tale that reverberates with nostalgia, the novel is a testament to Fortune's emerging dominance in the romance genre.
"Meet Me at the Lake" weaves a narrative that, while initially seeming familiar, unfurls into a compelling tale of love, dreams, and heartbreaking realities. The story centers around two strangers, Fern Brookbanks and Will Baxter, whose chance meeting spirals into a magical day together. Despite a strong connection and the attraction between them, they part ways with a promise to meet again a year later - a promise that is broken.
As we follow Fern's journey, we are drawn into the mystery behind the broken promise. The anticipation of whether reconciliation is possible, and the uncertainty of its outcomes, keep the reader eagerly flipping pages. Fortune's ability to build tension and suspense within the romance genre is praiseworthy.
Fern is a character easy to root for, a woman who defies expectations to pursue her dreams. She remains in Toronto after university to realize her aspiration of opening her own coffee shop, thereby disappointing her mother who had anticipated Fern taking over their family-run lakeside resort. However, a decade later, following her mother's sudden passing, Fern faces the challenging decision to either assume the responsibility of the resort or to let it go.
Fortune's writing shines in the portrayal of Fern's struggle - her torn feelings between the pull of her personal aspirations and the weight of family expectations create a heartfelt narrative. The resort, reminiscent of the one in the classic movie "Dirty Dancing," (I loved the references) not only symbolizes Fern's past but also represents the site of her heartbreak and her cherished memories.
The narrative of the story alternates between the present and the past, revealing the history of Fern and Will's day together ten years ago piece by piece. The addition of Fern's mother's diary entries provides an enriching layer to the narrative and emphasizes the nuanced examination of family dynamics, dreams, and sacrifices.
Carley Fortune's "Meet Me at the Lake" is a tale that beautifully juxtaposes the excitement of youthful love and aspirations against the complexities of adulthood and loss. Its characters are well-developed, likable, and easy to connect with. This is a story that will pull at your heartstrings and leave you rooting for a specific outcome. ;)
The book is a recommended addition to any summer reading list. Fortune, with her second novel, has solidified her position as a must-read author, crafting tales that resonate with a powerful sense of relatability and nostalgia.
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