Meet Me At the Lake by Carley Fortune

“I spent just one day with Will, and it changed my life I once thought he might be my soulmate. I thought he and I would be here together under very different circumstances.”

Will and Fern spent an unforgettable day together and promised to meet again one year later. Only Will didn’t show up. Ten years later, Fern learns that her mother hired him as a consultant to help improve business at the reason her family owns.

This was such a fun, summer read and it had me feeling so many emotions. It had me laughing and crying. There was parts of each of their stories that made my heart hurt for them. I loved the banter between Fern and Will. I loved how they encouraged each other to figure out what they truly wanted out of life and to pursue that path. There were some amazing side characters and I truly wish we could have gotten to know Fern’s mom. Her ex-boyfriend , Jamie, was such a great guy and he had some truly fun moments. I adored Peter and the way he looked after Fern. I thought Whitney and her husband were the best. They were so funny and supportive. I’ll be honest, at first I was kind of mad at Will for not showing up, or at least sending word as to why he wasn’t going to be there. But, when I found out why he wasn’t there, I understood. Both Will and Fern were carrying a lot of baggage from their pasts and they both had a lot to deal with. They didn’t always make the best choices, but who does? I think their imperfections, as well as their strengths, make them a better match for each other. I am truly looking forward to reading more of Carley Fortune’s work.

https://amzn.to/3TLx3sW

#bookreviews #bookrecommendations #bookreviewer #bookrecs #summerreads #romcomsforbooklovers #carleyfortune #meetmeatthelake

2025/6/29 Edited to

... Read moreIn 'Meet Me At the Lake', Carley Fortune beautifully explores the intricacies of relationships and personal growth. The protagonists, Fern and Will, illustrate how past choices can shape the future and how love can emerge even from unresolved issues. Fern’s initial feelings of betrayal when Will does not show up for their promised meeting after a magical day together serve to highlight the realities of disappointment and the weight of personal struggles. As their story unfolds, readers are introduced to side characters that add depth and dimension to the narrative. These characters not only provide comic relief but also serve as support systems, demonstrating the importance of friendship and family in overcoming life's challenges. The interactions between Fern and her ex-boyfriend, Jamie, as well as her close relationship with Peter, showcase themes of loyalty and encouragement that resonate throughout the book. Carley Fortune’s writing is a masterclass in capturing the essence of summer romance, with vivid descriptions that transport readers to the lakeside setting, evoking a sense of nostalgia and warmth. The emotional journey shared by Fern and Will resonates deeply and encourages readers to reflect on their own relationships and the choices they make. This novel stands out as a remarkable summer read for its authenticity and emotional depth, making it a perfect choice for those who love heartfelt stories that intertwine romance with personal growth. It is a reminder that while we may carry baggage from our past, it's how we choose to confront those burdens that ultimately defines our path to happiness. Fortune’s voice is compelling, making this book a must-read for fans of romantic literature.

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