So, I just finished Carley Fortune’s Meet Me at the Lake via Libby, hot off the heels of her Every Summer After. And guess what? I have thoughts—because if I don’t spill them here, they’ll haunt me forever like a bad haircut. 😁 Overall? Meh, it was okay. Let’s break it down.

Carley Fortune, a former journalist, transitioned into fiction with her debut bestseller, Every Summer After. Known for her poignant storytelling and love for nostalgic settings, Fortune’s books often explore themes of love, second chances, and the beauty of human connection.

Synopsis

In Meet Me at the Lake, Fern Brookbanks returns to her family’s lakeside resort after inheriting it from her mother. She’s reluctantly stepping into the world of running a business while nursing a complicated heart. Enter Will Baxter, a man she once spent a single unforgettable day with years ago. Will comes back into her life, stirring up emotions, secrets, and a love that refuses to fade.

As Fern grapples with family legacy and unresolved feelings, the story weaves together themes of love, forgiveness, and healing amidst a picturesque lakefront backdrop.

What I Loved

1. The “strangers bonding for a day” trope
   Think When Harry Met Sally, but with summer vibes. If you’re into the magic of brief encounters turning into lasting connections, this is for you.
2. Will Baxter: the blueprint for a dream guy
   Will at 22 is perfection. Smart, intriguing, and kind-hearted. I’d happily swap places with Fern to spend a day with him in Toronto.
3. Will’s redemption arc
   Despite his rough past and mistakes, Will’s journey felt authentic, and his happy ending? Totally earned.
4. The lakeside nostalgia
   Carley Fortune has a knack for making lakeside resorts feel alive. The setting was as much a character as Fern and Will.

What I Didn’t Love

1. Cheating vibes
   Emotional cheating is a tough sell in romance. While their chemistry was palpable, it left me conflicted.
2. Missed opportunities for depth
   Will’s POV and more exploration of their past connection could’ve added richness to the story. I wanted more Will (don’t we all?).
3. Fern’s lack of action
   Letting Will walk away after their magical day? Girl, no.
4. Loose threads
   Subplots like the competitor resort and the Maggie-Peter storyline were dropped, leaving questions unanswered.

If You Loved This, Try These Books

1. Every Summer After by Carley Fortune
   Another tale of love and regret by Fortune. Childhood friends Sam and Persephone navigate a complicated history in a stunning lakeside setting.
2. People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry
   Two best friends who share annual vacations attempt to reconcile their feelings after a falling out.
3. One Day by David Nicholls
   Following two people on the same date each year over decades, this story blends humor, heartbreak, and enduring love.
4. Twice in a Blue Moon by Christina Lauren
   A tale of first love, heartbreak, and second chances when a screenwriter and a Hollywood star reunite years later.
5. The Light We Lost by Jill Santopolo
   A poignant story of love, fate, and choices following two star-crossed lovers over the years.

Have more recs for this trope? Drop them below—I’m always looking for my next fictional crush. 😉