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One Night at the Lake
A tragedy on a hot summer night at a lake house forever alters the lives of two best friends—and the man they both love. But the truth isn’t as simple as it appears in this intricate novel of love, friendship, betrayal, and forgiveness.
Leah has been waiting for this moment a long Her boyfriend, Ollie, is taking her to his family’s home on Seneca Lake for a week of lazy summer bliss, boating, and barbeque. The couple have been together four years, and Leah is convinced that Ollie is finally going to pop the question. Leah can’t wait to share the joyous news with her best friend, June, who is joining them on their getaway, and whose presence will make everything feel more real.
Seven years later, the moment June has been dreading has finally Her fiancé, Ollie, is taking her to his family’s lake house. But this is not an ordinary visit to an ordinary place; it is a house haunted by June’s long-buried memories of her lost friend Leah—and the connection that appears to remain between Leah and the man for whom June’s love is as deep as her grief.
Alternating between the two women’s vibrant voices, One Night at the Lake is an emotional novel that explores a complex tangle of friendship, loyalty, and betrayal, all driving toward one Can love overcome what happened on that hot summer night?
Praise for One Night at the Lake
“Captivating and compelling . . . This is the perfect book to slip into your weekend bag for your own trip to the lake this summer.” —Jill Santopolo, New York Times bestselling author of The Light We Lost
“With gripping prose and a setting that is as sentient as the characters who inhabit it, Bethany Chase draws a tale that is immediate and real, the kind of story you’ll feel to your gut.” —Michelle Gable, New York Times bestselling author of A Paris Apartment
“Chase has crafted the perfect blend of fully realized characters and a burning question I couldn’t wait to have the answer to. You won’t be able to turn the pages fast enough.” —Tracey Garvis Graves, New York Times bestselling author of On the Island and The Girl He Used to Know
Leah has been waiting for this moment a long Her boyfriend, Ollie, is taking her to his family’s home on Seneca Lake for a week of lazy summer bliss, boating, and barbeque. The couple have been together four years, and Leah is convinced that Ollie is finally going to pop the question. Leah can’t wait to share the joyous news with her best friend, June, who is joining them on their getaway, and whose presence will make everything feel more real.
Seven years later, the moment June has been dreading has finally Her fiancé, Ollie, is taking her to his family’s lake house. But this is not an ordinary visit to an ordinary place; it is a house haunted by June’s long-buried memories of her lost friend Leah—and the connection that appears to remain between Leah and the man for whom June’s love is as deep as her grief.
Alternating between the two women’s vibrant voices, One Night at the Lake is an emotional novel that explores a complex tangle of friendship, loyalty, and betrayal, all driving toward one Can love overcome what happened on that hot summer night?
Praise for One Night at the Lake
“Captivating and compelling . . . This is the perfect book to slip into your weekend bag for your own trip to the lake this summer.” —Jill Santopolo, New York Times bestselling author of The Light We Lost
“With gripping prose and a setting that is as sentient as the characters who inhabit it, Bethany Chase draws a tale that is immediate and real, the kind of story you’ll feel to your gut.” —Michelle Gable, New York Times bestselling author of A Paris Apartment
“Chase has crafted the perfect blend of fully realized characters and a burning question I couldn’t wait to have the answer to. You won’t be able to turn the pages fast enough.” —Tracey Garvis Graves, New York Times bestselling author of On the Island and The Girl He Used to Know
304 pages, Hardcover
First published June 18, 2019
About the author
Bethany Chase
3 books515 followersWriter of love stories, designer, and eternally hopeful A-cup. Author of USA Today bestseller THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY and the upcoming RESULTS MAY VARY. Welcome to my page... can I get you a drink?
“A warm, witty, and wise novel, The One That Got Away announces the arrival of a great new voice in fiction.” — Emily Giffin, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The One and Only
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“A warm, witty, and wise novel, The One That Got Away announces the arrival of a great new voice in fiction.” — Emily Giffin, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The One and Only
https://twitter.com/MBethanyChase
https://www.facebook.com/bethanychase...
https://www.pinterest.com/mbethanychase/
http://instagram.com/bethanychaseauthor/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 268 reviews
March 3, 2019
This was my first read by Bethany Chase and can see why she has so many fans!
What happens when two best friends fall in love with the same man after one tragically dies? For some reason, I had a hard time wrapping my head around the subject of this story. The ending and overall confusion of the story just rubbed me the wrong way especially with one of the best friends dying who loved the same man.
Please don't go into this story thinking that it's a thriller because it's NOT. It's women's fiction with a character that dies in this story. Of course, it leads you to believe that there is something sinister behind the death of the character. This is where my mind was leading...maybe due to all of the thrillers I've read haha?
This story solely focuses on the complexity of relationships, friendship, loyalty, love, death, and family.
This first half of the story was very slow and took me awhile to get invested. I did love the alternate storylines of Leah and June. Once the story took off.. it really took off!
But, I was left feeling a little disappointed in the end and just couldn't wrap my head around the entire story as a whole. It left me annoyed a bit and sad ... I don't want to give any spoilers but come talk to me if/when you read it!
I will be checking out more from Bethany Chase... enjoyed her writing style for sure!
Overall, 3.25 stars for me on One Night at the Lake.
Thank you to Netgalley and Random House Ballantine for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
Publication date: 6/18/19
Published to Goodreads: 3/3/19
What happens when two best friends fall in love with the same man after one tragically dies? For some reason, I had a hard time wrapping my head around the subject of this story. The ending and overall confusion of the story just rubbed me the wrong way especially with one of the best friends dying who loved the same man.
Please don't go into this story thinking that it's a thriller because it's NOT. It's women's fiction with a character that dies in this story. Of course, it leads you to believe that there is something sinister behind the death of the character. This is where my mind was leading...maybe due to all of the thrillers I've read haha?
This story solely focuses on the complexity of relationships, friendship, loyalty, love, death, and family.
This first half of the story was very slow and took me awhile to get invested. I did love the alternate storylines of Leah and June. Once the story took off.. it really took off!
But, I was left feeling a little disappointed in the end and just couldn't wrap my head around the entire story as a whole. It left me annoyed a bit and sad ... I don't want to give any spoilers but come talk to me if/when you read it!
I will be checking out more from Bethany Chase... enjoyed her writing style for sure!
Overall, 3.25 stars for me on One Night at the Lake.
Thank you to Netgalley and Random House Ballantine for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
Publication date: 6/18/19
Published to Goodreads: 3/3/19
June 21, 2019
One Night at the Lake by Bethany Chase is a mystery that involves the death of a girl while on vacation at their lake house seven years before. The story alternates between the voice of Leah from the past leading to her death and June, Leah’s best friend, living with the memory of losing her friend.
Seven years earlier Leah, June and Leah’s boyfriend Ollie had all been good friends so when June needs some cheering up Leah invites her along to Seneca Lake. Leah is expecting Ollie to finally propose while away at his family’s lake house so not only does she want to cheer up June she also wants her best friend around to celebrate.
However, things did not go as planned seven years ago and June and Ollie returned from that lake without Leah who had been the glue that held the friendship together. The years went by without any contact as both dealt with their grief then one day June and Ollie met up again. Before long they were a couple and as hard as it may be they needed to return to the lake house.
Despite the tragedy happening years earlier in One Night at the Lake it was still a rather compelling read. Readers are unsure what had happened back then and how the current relationship had formed with both loving Leah so the pages flew by as the story slowing unfolded. I have to say though as much as I was enjoying the read I did kind of feel a bit let down at the end and felt it should have had more to it leaving this one at 3 1/2 stars.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
Seven years earlier Leah, June and Leah’s boyfriend Ollie had all been good friends so when June needs some cheering up Leah invites her along to Seneca Lake. Leah is expecting Ollie to finally propose while away at his family’s lake house so not only does she want to cheer up June she also wants her best friend around to celebrate.
However, things did not go as planned seven years ago and June and Ollie returned from that lake without Leah who had been the glue that held the friendship together. The years went by without any contact as both dealt with their grief then one day June and Ollie met up again. Before long they were a couple and as hard as it may be they needed to return to the lake house.
Despite the tragedy happening years earlier in One Night at the Lake it was still a rather compelling read. Readers are unsure what had happened back then and how the current relationship had formed with both loving Leah so the pages flew by as the story slowing unfolded. I have to say though as much as I was enjoying the read I did kind of feel a bit let down at the end and felt it should have had more to it leaving this one at 3 1/2 stars.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
April 13, 2019
This is a women’s fiction novel with romantic elements and some mystery. The book is told from the alternating points of view of two women who became best friends when they were twelve. When Leah tells her part of the story, it is seven years earlier, before she died. We know it happened at the lake where her boyfriend’s parents had a place, but we don’t know the exact circumstances of how she died. When June tells her story, she’s now engaged to Ollie, the man Leah thought she was going to marry before her untimely death.
The writing is strong. The only thing that wasn’t great about this is that when I put the book down in the middle of the chapter, when I came back to it, it took a while to figure out if I was reading from Leah’s POV or from June’s. Both narrators were first person, and their voices weren’t distinct, so I had to wait to read how they referenced the other one to figure out whose perspective I was in.
Thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for the opportunity to review this book, which RELEASES JUNE 18, 2019.
For more reviews, please visit http://www.theresaalan.net/blog
The writing is strong. The only thing that wasn’t great about this is that when I put the book down in the middle of the chapter, when I came back to it, it took a while to figure out if I was reading from Leah’s POV or from June’s. Both narrators were first person, and their voices weren’t distinct, so I had to wait to read how they referenced the other one to figure out whose perspective I was in.
Thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for the opportunity to review this book, which RELEASES JUNE 18, 2019.
For more reviews, please visit http://www.theresaalan.net/blog
June 14, 2019
I received a copy of this title via NetGalley. It does not impact my review.
Well, this book was not for me. A small part of it might be that I have been in the mood lately for mystery and suspense. I knew this was not that type of book, but I feel like the synopsis suggests there is at least a hint of a mystery and there really wasn’t. It was more of a character-driven story about love and guilt and I found it repetitive and pretty boring.
I really hated almost every character in this book, especially the three main characters – Leah, June, and Ollie. The story is told through alternating first person POV by Leah and June. I found both of these women insufferable. I didn’t like or connect with either of them and it made the book very hard to get through. I liked Ollie until I didn’t. And once I didn’t, I really despised him. The great love story this book is supposed to have came off as a little scumbag-ish, to be honest, and I couldn’t get behind it.
Overall, One Night at the Lake just didn’t work for me. I find that if I’m going to find this type of story enjoyable, I either have to like the characters or love-to-hate them and neither are true here. I found them self-indulgent and annoying. However, I have read many great reviews on this one, so I’m obviously in the minority here. I am upping my rating from 1 star to 2 because there were occasionally some good banter.
Overall Rating (out of 5): 2 Stars
Well, this book was not for me. A small part of it might be that I have been in the mood lately for mystery and suspense. I knew this was not that type of book, but I feel like the synopsis suggests there is at least a hint of a mystery and there really wasn’t. It was more of a character-driven story about love and guilt and I found it repetitive and pretty boring.
I really hated almost every character in this book, especially the three main characters – Leah, June, and Ollie. The story is told through alternating first person POV by Leah and June. I found both of these women insufferable. I didn’t like or connect with either of them and it made the book very hard to get through. I liked Ollie until I didn’t. And once I didn’t, I really despised him. The great love story this book is supposed to have came off as a little scumbag-ish, to be honest, and I couldn’t get behind it.
Overall, One Night at the Lake just didn’t work for me. I find that if I’m going to find this type of story enjoyable, I either have to like the characters or love-to-hate them and neither are true here. I found them self-indulgent and annoying. However, I have read many great reviews on this one, so I’m obviously in the minority here. I am upping my rating from 1 star to 2 because there were occasionally some good banter.
Overall Rating (out of 5): 2 Stars
October 15, 2019
This book brought back fond memories of young love, young life, close friendships.
Overall, the tone of this book was carefree, fresh and lively and it was a pleasure to read.
There is a main tragedy however, and subsequent tragedies that blossom out from that one particular event. This tragedy has resounding effects.
This story is mostly centered about a summer get together at Ollie’s family lake house. Pack up the car, grab the suntan lotion and let’s go to the lake! Woo-hoo! Road trip to Lake Seneca!
This trio, Ollie, Leah (who are a “couple”) and friend, June. Leah and June have been best friends for years.
Leah loves Ollie. Leah also loves June as her best friend. June loves Leah as her best friend. Does Ollie really love Leah? Would/Could Ollie love June? Does June love Ollie? Add a cast of other characters at the lakefront, including neighbors, Ollie’s parents who have their own personal issues, mostly with son, Caleb from Ollies mom’s previous relationship to a jerk. Caleb is angry, is inappropriate and continues to be so years later. He also tries to come on, inappropriately and crudely, to Leah, his brother Ollie’s girl. Hence it begins...all seemingly innocent and the future full of promise for all these young adults.
The story is basically told by each of those 3 people and actually is broken into two timelines - the original lakeside 4th of July Seneca vacation (Ollie and Leah) and the current Seneca holiday vacation (Ollie and June) “after the incident.” The future is bright and shiny and full of hope in their young, innocent eyes. Leah hopes Ollie will propose to her at the lakefront holiday celebration with her best friend and Ollie’s parents present.
Its fun, happy, sad and very emotional.
There are secrets, betrayal, forgiveness, compassion, some sexual inappropriateness as well as deep heartaches, hope, understanding and second chances.
I thoroughly enjoyed the writing and the plot. I enjoyed reading with freshness of these young characters and their thoughts and actions with a backdrop of a bit of some unsavoriness that all plays in very well together.
Would be a great summer read because of the lake/cottage scene, but really, it’s a great read in and of itself at any time.
I do highly recommend reading this one. It was kind of a “sleeper” book choice for me. My first time reading this author. Will definitely put her other writings on my TBR list.
Overall, the tone of this book was carefree, fresh and lively and it was a pleasure to read.
There is a main tragedy however, and subsequent tragedies that blossom out from that one particular event. This tragedy has resounding effects.
This story is mostly centered about a summer get together at Ollie’s family lake house. Pack up the car, grab the suntan lotion and let’s go to the lake! Woo-hoo! Road trip to Lake Seneca!
This trio, Ollie, Leah (who are a “couple”) and friend, June. Leah and June have been best friends for years.
Leah loves Ollie. Leah also loves June as her best friend. June loves Leah as her best friend. Does Ollie really love Leah? Would/Could Ollie love June? Does June love Ollie? Add a cast of other characters at the lakefront, including neighbors, Ollie’s parents who have their own personal issues, mostly with son, Caleb from Ollies mom’s previous relationship to a jerk. Caleb is angry, is inappropriate and continues to be so years later. He also tries to come on, inappropriately and crudely, to Leah, his brother Ollie’s girl. Hence it begins...all seemingly innocent and the future full of promise for all these young adults.
The story is basically told by each of those 3 people and actually is broken into two timelines - the original lakeside 4th of July Seneca vacation (Ollie and Leah) and the current Seneca holiday vacation (Ollie and June) “after the incident.” The future is bright and shiny and full of hope in their young, innocent eyes. Leah hopes Ollie will propose to her at the lakefront holiday celebration with her best friend and Ollie’s parents present.
Its fun, happy, sad and very emotional.
There are secrets, betrayal, forgiveness, compassion, some sexual inappropriateness as well as deep heartaches, hope, understanding and second chances.
I thoroughly enjoyed the writing and the plot. I enjoyed reading with freshness of these young characters and their thoughts and actions with a backdrop of a bit of some unsavoriness that all plays in very well together.
Would be a great summer read because of the lake/cottage scene, but really, it’s a great read in and of itself at any time.
I do highly recommend reading this one. It was kind of a “sleeper” book choice for me. My first time reading this author. Will definitely put her other writings on my TBR list.
August 20, 2019
This book is about loss, deep friendships and love. While it does have a touch of mystery, that is not the main focus here. The plot: one night on Lake Seneca NY, Leah Tessaro dies by falling off a boat into the lake. Leah’s death shatters them all. Her boyfriend at the time Ollie, is now her best friend June Kang’s fiancé. June & Ollie are passionately in love but also haunted by guilt. June contantly wonders what would have happened if had Leah not fallen? Would Leah be married to Ollie now?
And she wonders how Leah actually fell off the boat......everyone knows but her......but no one talks about it.....
Enjoyed the characters + pace in this well-written novel (although I did think June’s treatment of her future MIL was rude at times). Oddly, my local library has this book filed under ‘mysteries’ ........for those looking for a mystery to read, this book is definitely not a traditional mystery/suspense.....and shouldn’t be filed as such......it’s a chicklit relationship drama.
I also picked it up thinking that it was a mystery, the storyline surprised me but I enjoy reading women’s fiction as well and I really enjoyed this book - even though it wasn’t what I initially expected. Haven’t read any books by Bethany Chase before, but now I’m going to seek out others by her.
And as a final note, I just loved the setting of this story, it really is another character in the story. I spent a week at Lake Seneca + Watkins Glen just recently (June of this year) & the author captures the region perfectly. Can’t wait to go back again next summer!
Cheers 🤗
And she wonders how Leah actually fell off the boat......everyone knows but her......but no one talks about it.....
Enjoyed the characters + pace in this well-written novel (although I did think June’s treatment of her future MIL was rude at times). Oddly, my local library has this book filed under ‘mysteries’ ........for those looking for a mystery to read, this book is definitely not a traditional mystery/suspense.....and shouldn’t be filed as such......it’s a chicklit relationship drama.
I also picked it up thinking that it was a mystery, the storyline surprised me but I enjoy reading women’s fiction as well and I really enjoyed this book - even though it wasn’t what I initially expected. Haven’t read any books by Bethany Chase before, but now I’m going to seek out others by her.
And as a final note, I just loved the setting of this story, it really is another character in the story. I spent a week at Lake Seneca + Watkins Glen just recently (June of this year) & the author captures the region perfectly. Can’t wait to go back again next summer!
Cheers 🤗
July 7, 2019
2.5 Stars
The beginning was excellent, great spirited characters and clever, fun writing. And then ..........fizzzzzzzzle. Ugh.
Read The One That Got Away to see what this author is really capable of.
The beginning was excellent, great spirited characters and clever, fun writing. And then ..........fizzzzzzzzle. Ugh.
Read The One That Got Away to see what this author is really capable of.
March 8, 2019
I’ve been a fan of Bethany since her debut. Her writing is captivating. She always draws me deep into her stories and she’s an expert at crafting characters that come to life for her readers. They’re real, facing very current and complex situations. I loved ONE NIGHT AT THE LAKE and think it's her best yet, with an atmospheric setting and relatable characters with a gradual suspense masterfully woven into the plot that culminates to one night at the lake. A perfect book for summer!
June 15, 2019
3.5 stars for Bethany Chase’s One Night at the Lake!
Having read and enjoyed The One That Got Away by Chase a few years back, which I would said falls most solidly into the women’s fiction category, I was a bit surprised to see this one being billed as more of a thriller. But then again, authors change genres so I went in with an open mind - being a fan of both genres, I braced myself for either outcome. I will say, despite the marketing, I did feel this one was definitely more in the WF category - and I enjoyed it as such.
**semi related rant - One thing I’d love to see in the future from marketing departments is moving away from trying to hop on the thriller wagon because it’s a popular genre right now. There are TONS of fans of women’s fiction out there and they will love these books. Those who don’t read WF and expect a thriller are going to be disappointed, those who love women’s fiction but maybe are in the mood to be on the edge of their seat with tension will be frustrated and would maybe have chosen the book at a different time of mind**
Back to the book, while there were no big surprises here, Chase writes a wonderful story of friendship, love and multiple forms of heartbreak and heartache. Her characters are well fleshed out and jumped off the page - at times I wished I could be boating with them on Seneca Lake or cruising around on a jet ski. For fans of both women’s and domestic fiction, i think this one will be a hit. It’s a quick read that held my attention with dual POVs and was solid and enjoyable!
Thank you to Random House Ballantine for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
Having read and enjoyed The One That Got Away by Chase a few years back, which I would said falls most solidly into the women’s fiction category, I was a bit surprised to see this one being billed as more of a thriller. But then again, authors change genres so I went in with an open mind - being a fan of both genres, I braced myself for either outcome. I will say, despite the marketing, I did feel this one was definitely more in the WF category - and I enjoyed it as such.
**semi related rant - One thing I’d love to see in the future from marketing departments is moving away from trying to hop on the thriller wagon because it’s a popular genre right now. There are TONS of fans of women’s fiction out there and they will love these books. Those who don’t read WF and expect a thriller are going to be disappointed, those who love women’s fiction but maybe are in the mood to be on the edge of their seat with tension will be frustrated and would maybe have chosen the book at a different time of mind**
Back to the book, while there were no big surprises here, Chase writes a wonderful story of friendship, love and multiple forms of heartbreak and heartache. Her characters are well fleshed out and jumped off the page - at times I wished I could be boating with them on Seneca Lake or cruising around on a jet ski. For fans of both women’s and domestic fiction, i think this one will be a hit. It’s a quick read that held my attention with dual POVs and was solid and enjoyable!
Thank you to Random House Ballantine for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
July 15, 2019
When Leah Tessaro heads to Seneca Lake in Western New York with her boyfriend Ollie for the 4th of July, she's hoping he will propose. They've been together for four years, and she's madly in love. Leah's best friend, June Kang, joins them on the vacation. Instead, something happens and Leah doesn't survive the trip. Seven years later, June and Ollie are headed back to Seneca Lake. It's June's first trip in seven years and she's hoping Ollie, her fiance, can make the trip a little easier. The lake and Ollie's family home are haunted by memories of Leah.
This was an interesting read that I enjoyed more than I thought I would. It's told between alternating timeline and narrators--we get Leah, seven years ago, telling us the story leading up to her death, and then June, in present-time, as she deals with being back again at Seneca Lake and Ollie's house.
"I hate it like I have never hated anything else on earth. And now I have to go back."
Tension basically oozes from June's every pore, but we don't learn what happened to Leah for most of the book, except that occurred at the lake seven years ago. I usually find that trope a bit annoying, but it wound up working here, as I got caught up in the story and the characters.
You definitely had to get past the slight ick factor of this odd threesome--first Leah and Ollie--now June and Ollie--but it's basically the book's entire premise, and I think it's dealt with fairly well. This is a character-driven novel at its core, though there is the tension and the mystery swirling as to what happened to Leah. Throw in Ollie's troublesome stepbrother and June's past love, and you've got plenty of characters to keep the story interesting and moving.
Overall, I found this to a be a surprisingly enjoyable read. It's easy to find yourself lost in the story, wondering what happened to Leah and how Ollie and June found each other again (they retreated to separate coasts after Leah's death). It's emotional and serious, but sweet too and a strong story of love and friendship. 3.75 stars.
I received a copy of this novel from Random House/Ballantine and Netgalley in return for an honest review.
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This was an interesting read that I enjoyed more than I thought I would. It's told between alternating timeline and narrators--we get Leah, seven years ago, telling us the story leading up to her death, and then June, in present-time, as she deals with being back again at Seneca Lake and Ollie's house.
"I hate it like I have never hated anything else on earth. And now I have to go back."
Tension basically oozes from June's every pore, but we don't learn what happened to Leah for most of the book, except that occurred at the lake seven years ago. I usually find that trope a bit annoying, but it wound up working here, as I got caught up in the story and the characters.
You definitely had to get past the slight ick factor of this odd threesome--first Leah and Ollie--now June and Ollie--but it's basically the book's entire premise, and I think it's dealt with fairly well. This is a character-driven novel at its core, though there is the tension and the mystery swirling as to what happened to Leah. Throw in Ollie's troublesome stepbrother and June's past love, and you've got plenty of characters to keep the story interesting and moving.
Overall, I found this to a be a surprisingly enjoyable read. It's easy to find yourself lost in the story, wondering what happened to Leah and how Ollie and June found each other again (they retreated to separate coasts after Leah's death). It's emotional and serious, but sweet too and a strong story of love and friendship. 3.75 stars.
I received a copy of this novel from Random House/Ballantine and Netgalley in return for an honest review.
Blog ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Instagram ~ PaperBackSwap ~ Smashbomb
April 9, 2019
I finished this in one evening! Even though I went into it thinking it was a going to be a thriller, it really wasn't, but I didn't care. This story was so well written, powerful, emotional, and poignant. The author did a superb job at setting up the most perfect Lake House getaway scenes. I could feel the hot sun and smell the grill and the scent of the sunscreen on the beach towels. I could literally hear the water lapping on the dock. I give her 5 stars for just the imagery! Amazing!
I loved how this was written using 2 narratives. One from the past and one in the present. It brought the story and the characters to life. I am not going to copy down the entire synopsis of the book, as thats been done already.
I will say this book is highly emotional and worth every minute reading it.
4.5 stars from me.
Thank you #NetGalley, the author and the Publisher for my free ARC in exchange for my honest review.
5 stars for the absolutely beautiful cover.
I loved how this was written using 2 narratives. One from the past and one in the present. It brought the story and the characters to life. I am not going to copy down the entire synopsis of the book, as thats been done already.
I will say this book is highly emotional and worth every minute reading it.
4.5 stars from me.
Thank you #NetGalley, the author and the Publisher for my free ARC in exchange for my honest review.
5 stars for the absolutely beautiful cover.
June 3, 2019
I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. I appreciate the opportunity.
I started this book with very high hopes. I really like the author’s writing style. Check out “The One That Got Way”. It’s a fun listen (audiobook with enjoyable narration). Based on the description of this book I knew the subject matter was going to be emotional and was fully ready to dig in. The writing is terrific and I really like the style of toggling of POV and time from chapter to chapter. What I didn’t like was most every person in the book. I could not connect to anyone or find the characters even remotely likable except Leah. Ollie is well, kind of a jerk. Knowing he is not in love with Leah and in his words hasn’t been for a while invites her away for a holiday weekend to visit his family and still is being intimate with her. When she asks to bring her best friend he says yes knowing he is in love with her and not his actual girlfriend. Seriously? I think it was at that point I started to check out, but when he constantly protected Caleb, lied, omitted truths I was done. He was a total man-child and wanted it all his way. That his mother called June to plead his case was ugh just gross. I honestly found him to be a spineless, detestable ego driven classless chicken excuse of a human. Spoiled to the very core and willing to do anything to get what he wants.
The only person (Leah) who showed any form of honesty is the one who was only around in flashback form. June tried and was innocent and thoughtful in this, but how she could still want to marry someone who lied about his part of her best friends tragic death and the reason why it happened made any positive connection or respect for her to her disappear immediately. Lies by omission are still lies. I feel as if she knew the truth from the beginning their relationship would not have occurred.
I am in the minority about this book. I am not sure why, but I just found myself irked while reading it. It even took multiple times of restarting to get into it. Had I purchased this book I would have given up after the 3 or 4th time! Only because I committed to reviewing it did I force myself to finish it. From my perspective read at your own risk, but I am just one reviewer.
I started this book with very high hopes. I really like the author’s writing style. Check out “The One That Got Way”. It’s a fun listen (audiobook with enjoyable narration). Based on the description of this book I knew the subject matter was going to be emotional and was fully ready to dig in. The writing is terrific and I really like the style of toggling of POV and time from chapter to chapter. What I didn’t like was most every person in the book. I could not connect to anyone or find the characters even remotely likable except Leah. Ollie is well, kind of a jerk. Knowing he is not in love with Leah and in his words hasn’t been for a while invites her away for a holiday weekend to visit his family and still is being intimate with her. When she asks to bring her best friend he says yes knowing he is in love with her and not his actual girlfriend. Seriously? I think it was at that point I started to check out, but when he constantly protected Caleb, lied, omitted truths I was done. He was a total man-child and wanted it all his way. That his mother called June to plead his case was ugh just gross. I honestly found him to be a spineless, detestable ego driven classless chicken excuse of a human. Spoiled to the very core and willing to do anything to get what he wants.
The only person (Leah) who showed any form of honesty is the one who was only around in flashback form. June tried and was innocent and thoughtful in this, but how she could still want to marry someone who lied about his part of her best friends tragic death and the reason why it happened made any positive connection or respect for her to her disappear immediately. Lies by omission are still lies. I feel as if she knew the truth from the beginning their relationship would not have occurred.
I am in the minority about this book. I am not sure why, but I just found myself irked while reading it. It even took multiple times of restarting to get into it. Had I purchased this book I would have given up after the 3 or 4th time! Only because I committed to reviewing it did I force myself to finish it. From my perspective read at your own risk, but I am just one reviewer.
July 21, 2019
I have enjoyed previous books by this author. I was expecting this to be a suspense as this was how it was listed at my library. But to me this was not a thriller. This is a bit of Women's Fiction. It has some romance. A little bit of mystery. But it is mainly about friendship.
There are two narrators: Leah and June (1st person POVs). They are best friends. Leah's story is told 7 years before. And June's story is told 7 years later. Both stories take place at the lake.
In Leah's story she goes to Seneca Lake with her boyfriend Ollie for the 4th of July. June goes with them. In June's story she goes back with Ollie to the same lake house.
This book was okay. But it took me a long time to read. I enjoyed both Leah and June's stories. There is a bit of a mystery. But I wish that there had been much more suspense to this story.
Overall, there were some interesting aspects to this book. And I was interested in the dynamics between all of the main characters. But I just wanted more.
There are two narrators: Leah and June (1st person POVs). They are best friends. Leah's story is told 7 years before. And June's story is told 7 years later. Both stories take place at the lake.
In Leah's story she goes to Seneca Lake with her boyfriend Ollie for the 4th of July. June goes with them. In June's story she goes back with Ollie to the same lake house.
This book was okay. But it took me a long time to read. I enjoyed both Leah and June's stories. There is a bit of a mystery. But I wish that there had been much more suspense to this story.
Overall, there were some interesting aspects to this book. And I was interested in the dynamics between all of the main characters. But I just wanted more.
June 25, 2019
Told in duel timelines. A story about two women in love with the same man seven years apart. Compelling and I enjoyed it. Great summer read.
Dawnny-BookGypsy
Novels N Latte Review
Novels N Latte Book Club
Dawnny-BookGypsy
Novels N Latte Review
Novels N Latte Book Club
June 18, 2019
This book OWNED me, a week after reading and I’m still thinking about it. First, I’ve been anticipating this book for a long while. I'm no stranger to Bethany Chase’s writing and I know I'm going to be torn up and put back together. I knew that once I start it, I will be captivated until the story ends and for long after. One Night At The Lake is a nuanced and compelling read and I felt everything about these relationships.
The execution of the story is remarkable as is the character development. The story is told from the perspective of two friends, Leah and June. Leah is unabashed and unfiltered. June is quiet and guarded. The story unfolds as they each recount their visit to the Bierman family’s lake house; as two points in time snapshots of the same week, seven years apart. Chase masterfully drops in pieces of the bigger part of the story, so that it unfolds like a mystery. We know that Leah was once at the lake as Ollie’s girlfriend, but seven years later, June is there as his fiancé. June is weighed down by guilt and self-loathing - and the week is sure to be a reminder as to why it's even possible she’s where she is at life.
We learn that the ties between Leah and June run very deep, best friends since childhood, so what happened to upend their places in Ollie's life? It might appear it’s a love triangle, but only in a most unusual way. Chase is a master at planting the seed of doubt, making the reader contemplate what’s to come, making the book unputdownable.
June, Leah, Ollie, and the cast of secondary characters (especially Caleb and Terrance) all have their places in this story. Chase delivers the right details about Leah and June. Their personalities are distinct and they balance each other, these two voices. Both filled with so much hope and so much heartache.
This is a story of deep heartbreak and sorrow, as June is mired in guilt and desperate to “get over” these feelings. Upfront, I’m an empath and some writers gave a way of touching that part of me so that I FELT EVERYTHING. Chase does this. She writes in a way that can't NOT feel. She gives that to us in June – with her I felt everything; her sorrow, her shame, the elation she felt falling in love – in knowing it was so right, but also feeling SO wrong about it. June got into my head and heart and I could not shake her. Leah would always be there a part of her, a part of Ollie – a part of them. My heart pounded through the entire time I read this. The complexity of these relationships and the imprint they have on each other is deep.
This is SUCH a wonderful story and I encourage readers of women’s fiction to snatch this up and give yourself over to this story, these characters. I'm already starting a re-read myself.
*I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review
The execution of the story is remarkable as is the character development. The story is told from the perspective of two friends, Leah and June. Leah is unabashed and unfiltered. June is quiet and guarded. The story unfolds as they each recount their visit to the Bierman family’s lake house; as two points in time snapshots of the same week, seven years apart. Chase masterfully drops in pieces of the bigger part of the story, so that it unfolds like a mystery. We know that Leah was once at the lake as Ollie’s girlfriend, but seven years later, June is there as his fiancé. June is weighed down by guilt and self-loathing - and the week is sure to be a reminder as to why it's even possible she’s where she is at life.
We learn that the ties between Leah and June run very deep, best friends since childhood, so what happened to upend their places in Ollie's life? It might appear it’s a love triangle, but only in a most unusual way. Chase is a master at planting the seed of doubt, making the reader contemplate what’s to come, making the book unputdownable.
June, Leah, Ollie, and the cast of secondary characters (especially Caleb and Terrance) all have their places in this story. Chase delivers the right details about Leah and June. Their personalities are distinct and they balance each other, these two voices. Both filled with so much hope and so much heartache.
This is a story of deep heartbreak and sorrow, as June is mired in guilt and desperate to “get over” these feelings. Upfront, I’m an empath and some writers gave a way of touching that part of me so that I FELT EVERYTHING. Chase does this. She writes in a way that can't NOT feel. She gives that to us in June – with her I felt everything; her sorrow, her shame, the elation she felt falling in love – in knowing it was so right, but also feeling SO wrong about it. June got into my head and heart and I could not shake her. Leah would always be there a part of her, a part of Ollie – a part of them. My heart pounded through the entire time I read this. The complexity of these relationships and the imprint they have on each other is deep.
This is SUCH a wonderful story and I encourage readers of women’s fiction to snatch this up and give yourself over to this story, these characters. I'm already starting a re-read myself.
*I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review
August 23, 2020
Leah and June are best friends. Leah is hoping that Ollie will propose. Then seven years later Ollie is taking his fiancé, June, to his family's lake house for the weekend. It's the first time that June has been to the lake since the night that changed everything. Who is to blame for what happened? We find out about that weekend and what everyone is going through now by June's and Leah's alternating timelines and perspectives, as the tragedy of the past slowly unfolds.
I actually read this book a while ago but I still think about it and what happened to these three people that one night on the lake. This is definitely a story that will stick with you, just like it did me.
I actually read this book a while ago but I still think about it and what happened to these three people that one night on the lake. This is definitely a story that will stick with you, just like it did me.
October 11, 2019
Overall this was an interesting story but there were some dull parts in the first half of the book. The story is narrated by Leah, who died at the lake 7 years ago, and June, Leah’s best friend, who is now engaged to Leah’s former boyfriend. I liked Leah’s story the best and I thought the reveal about her death was done really well. I was satisfied with the way the book ended.
October 31, 2019
I loooooved this one. Like SOLID 4 stars. If I did half stars, it would be 4.5. It kept surprising me, it unfolded beautifully, the characters felt dynamic and relatable, it had the perfect amount of suspense and drama and back and forth between character perspectives, and it ended up being a totally different kind of storyline than I first thought (which I love). Such a sneaky surprise book!!! Read this one.
August 9, 2019
"One Night at the Lake" combined so many disturbing elements, and creeped me out so badly I didn't review it right away, but set it aside for a couple of days to think about it.
A couple of days turned into a couple of months, and I just realized I have been shoving it aside on my shelf all spring and summer long.
The book starts with the tragic drowning death of a vibrant young woman, and both unwind and moves forward from there. She has not been murdered, but the events leading up to her death are so awful, the relationships between the people in the families so entangled you feel as if you are watching a Hitchcock film.
Bethany Chase did a wonderful job with a genre that usually leaves me cold. I want to read more by her.
I received this book free in exchange for an honest review on Goodreads.
A couple of days turned into a couple of months, and I just realized I have been shoving it aside on my shelf all spring and summer long.
The book starts with the tragic drowning death of a vibrant young woman, and both unwind and moves forward from there. She has not been murdered, but the events leading up to her death are so awful, the relationships between the people in the families so entangled you feel as if you are watching a Hitchcock film.
Bethany Chase did a wonderful job with a genre that usually leaves me cold. I want to read more by her.
I received this book free in exchange for an honest review on Goodreads.
March 10, 2019
Plenty of sorrow, guilt, angst, and loss. Lather, rinse, and repeat ... until comes redemption, love, and happy ending. That's about it, folks. You have just experienced this book without having to read it.
Okay, I'm being overly glib and perhaps a bit mean. No, it wasn't an awful book. It’s well written in terms of descriptive characters and scenes. I just felt that the plot was stretched awfully thin.
Thanks to NetGalley for opportunity to read and review.
Okay, I'm being overly glib and perhaps a bit mean. No, it wasn't an awful book. It’s well written in terms of descriptive characters and scenes. I just felt that the plot was stretched awfully thin.
Thanks to NetGalley for opportunity to read and review.
March 29, 2019
Bethany Chase is one of my favorite authors and her new book does not disappoint! Loved it!
September 23, 2019
I have been impressed with everything Bethany Chase has written so far, and One Night at the Lake has become my favorite of her novels.
This novel was really well-written and thought out. Bethany had great characterizations, along with strong attention to detail, genuine dialogue, powerful levels of emotion, and the use of setting and season to bring the story to life. I loved reading about June and Leah's friendship, as well as June's present relationship with Ollie. One part of the story brought back a memory of a conversation from a long time ago. I didn't want to relive that memory, but it was nice to know that I wasn't the only one to experience it.
I liked the alternating perspectives, but it would have helped to put a time frame at the beginning of each chapter that June narrated. It also would have been good to go back to see her perspective during the summer of the incident, instead of only in the present. I would have liked to see Ollie's perspective, as well.
Overall, I thought Bethany did a great job with this novel and I hope she will publish another one soon!
Movie casting ideas:
Leah: Daniela Bobadilla
June: Maya Erskine
Ollie: Aaron Tveit
Terrance: Donald Glover
Caleb: Charlie Hunnam
This novel was really well-written and thought out. Bethany had great characterizations, along with strong attention to detail, genuine dialogue, powerful levels of emotion, and the use of setting and season to bring the story to life. I loved reading about June and Leah's friendship, as well as June's present relationship with Ollie. One part of the story brought back a memory of a conversation from a long time ago. I didn't want to relive that memory, but it was nice to know that I wasn't the only one to experience it.
I liked the alternating perspectives, but it would have helped to put a time frame at the beginning of each chapter that June narrated. It also would have been good to go back to see her perspective during the summer of the incident, instead of only in the present. I would have liked to see Ollie's perspective, as well.
Overall, I thought Bethany did a great job with this novel and I hope she will publish another one soon!
Movie casting ideas:
Leah: Daniela Bobadilla
June: Maya Erskine
Ollie: Aaron Tveit
Terrance: Donald Glover
Caleb: Charlie Hunnam
June 16, 2019
Actual 3.5
Thank you, Penguin Random House Canada for my copy of One Night at the Lake, in exchange for my honest review. This title releases June 18, 2019.
I changed gears from my usual thriller theme when I picked this one up and so I did not go into it expecting fast-paced suspense, and this contributed to my enjoyment of this story. This is definitely a slow burn.
The story follows a friendship between to women, June and Leah and the summer Leah dies tragically in an unfathomable accident one weekend by the lake where she and a small group of friends were staying. The circumstances surrounding Leah's accident remain to be unraveled as the group reunites at the lake house where that tragic night occurred. Secrets and lies creep through each of the characters in this book and you feel for each of them and the guilt they each carry about her death.
Told in alternating perspectives between Leah and June and then and now, respectively, this was an emotional read about the complexity of friendship when loyalty and betrayal are rerouted and meet at a crossroad.
I would classify this more as women's fiction rather than a thriller, as I think it was initially marketed as being. I enjoyed this author's writing style and the short chapters definitely keep me focused and engaged. I enjoyed it enough to finish but I wouldn't say it kept me at the edge of my seat - but I didn't expect it to.
I would recommend this as light beach read and I think this would be enjoyed by readers of women's/domestic fiction.
Thank you, Penguin Random House Canada for my copy of One Night at the Lake, in exchange for my honest review. This title releases June 18, 2019.
I changed gears from my usual thriller theme when I picked this one up and so I did not go into it expecting fast-paced suspense, and this contributed to my enjoyment of this story. This is definitely a slow burn.
The story follows a friendship between to women, June and Leah and the summer Leah dies tragically in an unfathomable accident one weekend by the lake where she and a small group of friends were staying. The circumstances surrounding Leah's accident remain to be unraveled as the group reunites at the lake house where that tragic night occurred. Secrets and lies creep through each of the characters in this book and you feel for each of them and the guilt they each carry about her death.
Told in alternating perspectives between Leah and June and then and now, respectively, this was an emotional read about the complexity of friendship when loyalty and betrayal are rerouted and meet at a crossroad.
I would classify this more as women's fiction rather than a thriller, as I think it was initially marketed as being. I enjoyed this author's writing style and the short chapters definitely keep me focused and engaged. I enjoyed it enough to finish but I wouldn't say it kept me at the edge of my seat - but I didn't expect it to.
I would recommend this as light beach read and I think this would be enjoyed by readers of women's/domestic fiction.
July 9, 2019
Thank you Random House for the gifted book. All opinions are my own.
I'm torn on this one. I loved the setting of this story, and I loved being transported to the Finger Lakes through the authors descriptive words. But it's hard to say I love the plot when it was hard to root for these characters. I just couldn't accept their relationship and therefore had a hard time falling in love with this story.
Also, I didnt feel like this was a mystery or thriller. Sure, there was a big build up to find out one big secret, but by the time I got my answer, I wasnt fully invested any more. This is definitely more women's fiction, so reader beware.
I'm torn on this one. I loved the setting of this story, and I loved being transported to the Finger Lakes through the authors descriptive words. But it's hard to say I love the plot when it was hard to root for these characters. I just couldn't accept their relationship and therefore had a hard time falling in love with this story.
Also, I didnt feel like this was a mystery or thriller. Sure, there was a big build up to find out one big secret, but by the time I got my answer, I wasnt fully invested any more. This is definitely more women's fiction, so reader beware.
October 12, 2021
I'd enjoyed one of this author's books and took a chance on this one, but sadly it just didn't work the same way for me. The characters were interesting at first but I thought we were aimed at a completely different outcome than I got. The ending was less than dynamic and things went from believable and tense to yeah, whatever, let's kiss and make up. The central concept - a second relationship after trauma - just wasn't believable in practice, and a few threads were left hanging that should have been tied up. 2 1/2 stars.
July 15, 2019
3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨Great page turner
May 20, 2019
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House-Ballantine Books for a digital arc in exchange for an honest review.
Leah and June are best friends. Their story is told by each of them. Leah's POV is seven years ago when she was dating Ollie. June's POV is seven years later when Leah is dead and June is engaged to Ollie. We know that Leah died while on vacation at Ollie's family's lake house, but we don't know what happened.
This is not a thriller at all, which is what I thought from reading the blurb about it. There is some mystery as we don't know what happened to Leah, but I was just a little bored. It picked up at the end a little. The writing was very strong, but Leah and June's POV were both a little similar in tone. Very little distinction in voices. It didn't hold my interest very well.
Leah and June are best friends. Their story is told by each of them. Leah's POV is seven years ago when she was dating Ollie. June's POV is seven years later when Leah is dead and June is engaged to Ollie. We know that Leah died while on vacation at Ollie's family's lake house, but we don't know what happened.
This is not a thriller at all, which is what I thought from reading the blurb about it. There is some mystery as we don't know what happened to Leah, but I was just a little bored. It picked up at the end a little. The writing was very strong, but Leah and June's POV were both a little similar in tone. Very little distinction in voices. It didn't hold my interest very well.
September 5, 2019
An interesting mystery and romance that takes place on the finger lakes in western New York State. This is an area I have always had an interest in, and Bethany Chase makes it come alive.
Leah and June have been besties since sixth grade in the small NY village of Briarcliff. They roomed together at college and shared an apartment in Brooklyn after they graduated.
We approach this mystery from the first person perspective of Leah Tessaro, seven years ago when she was celebrating her boyfriend Ollie Bierman's mother Rachel's birthday at their family holiday home on Lake Seneca on Independence Day weekend. June accompanied them, recently being dumped and blue. Also, there for the holiday weekend were Ollie's father, Howard and half brother Caleb. Leah was sure Ollie was going to pop the question over the holiday. And then tragedy struck.
The story of June Kang, first-person perspective in the present time, is interspersed with that of Leah but is not as confusing as that sounds. June goes to Lake Seneca with her fiance Ollie to celebrate with his family Ollie's mother Rachel's birthday on the fourth of July weekend. This is June's first trip back to the lakes since Leah was lost, though Ollie has had to return several times.
The family is all there, together with the addition of Caleb's wife Leslie and toddler son Eli. A full immersion into the family dynamic is especially hard for June but necessary. She has a wedding to plan, and Rachel wants to help. But facts keep churning up from the past, confusing June. Perhaps she didn't know what really happened seven years ago. Survivor's guilt may not be all she will suffer before this long weekend is over.
I received a free electronic copy of this novel from Netgalley, Bethany Chase, and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine Books. Thank you all for sharing your hard work with me. I have read this novel of my own volition, and this review reflects my honest opinion of this work.
Pub date June 18, 2019
Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine Books
Reviewed June 21, 2019, at Goodreads, Netgalley, Amazon, BookBub, and Kobo. Site problems at Barnes and Noble.
Leah and June have been besties since sixth grade in the small NY village of Briarcliff. They roomed together at college and shared an apartment in Brooklyn after they graduated.
We approach this mystery from the first person perspective of Leah Tessaro, seven years ago when she was celebrating her boyfriend Ollie Bierman's mother Rachel's birthday at their family holiday home on Lake Seneca on Independence Day weekend. June accompanied them, recently being dumped and blue. Also, there for the holiday weekend were Ollie's father, Howard and half brother Caleb. Leah was sure Ollie was going to pop the question over the holiday. And then tragedy struck.
The story of June Kang, first-person perspective in the present time, is interspersed with that of Leah but is not as confusing as that sounds. June goes to Lake Seneca with her fiance Ollie to celebrate with his family Ollie's mother Rachel's birthday on the fourth of July weekend. This is June's first trip back to the lakes since Leah was lost, though Ollie has had to return several times.
The family is all there, together with the addition of Caleb's wife Leslie and toddler son Eli. A full immersion into the family dynamic is especially hard for June but necessary. She has a wedding to plan, and Rachel wants to help. But facts keep churning up from the past, confusing June. Perhaps she didn't know what really happened seven years ago. Survivor's guilt may not be all she will suffer before this long weekend is over.
I received a free electronic copy of this novel from Netgalley, Bethany Chase, and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine Books. Thank you all for sharing your hard work with me. I have read this novel of my own volition, and this review reflects my honest opinion of this work.
Pub date June 18, 2019
Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine Books
Reviewed June 21, 2019, at Goodreads, Netgalley, Amazon, BookBub, and Kobo. Site problems at Barnes and Noble.
June 19, 2019
3.5 stars women's fiction
Although the description reads as if this is a thriller, it's not. It's the story of two women and coping with loss, dealing with guilt and moving on. That's not to say that there's not an air of a bit of mystery, but it is compelling and works well with the story.
This is told from two perspectives: Leah's and her best friend June's. Both perspectives are set at a lake house over the 4th of July holidays. Leah's time ends in tragedy, June's is seven years later as she is now engaged to Ollie, Leah's ex.
Often, when all of the characters know something that the reader doesn't, the point is beleaguered and frustrating to me. In this story, it works really well. We know from the outset that Leah is dead and we know that it was an accident. The details aren't really important until they are revealed, and the author does this at the perfect moment. There are some twists in the relationships that are both surprising and interesting.
I didn't love Leah's character, I thought she was very full of herself and immature. The author does a great job of giving Leah and June separate voices and making them distinct.
This is an emotional read, and also gives a lot of food for thought about relationships.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
Although the description reads as if this is a thriller, it's not. It's the story of two women and coping with loss, dealing with guilt and moving on. That's not to say that there's not an air of a bit of mystery, but it is compelling and works well with the story.
This is told from two perspectives: Leah's and her best friend June's. Both perspectives are set at a lake house over the 4th of July holidays. Leah's time ends in tragedy, June's is seven years later as she is now engaged to Ollie, Leah's ex.
Often, when all of the characters know something that the reader doesn't, the point is beleaguered and frustrating to me. In this story, it works really well. We know from the outset that Leah is dead and we know that it was an accident. The details aren't really important until they are revealed, and the author does this at the perfect moment. There are some twists in the relationships that are both surprising and interesting.
I didn't love Leah's character, I thought she was very full of herself and immature. The author does a great job of giving Leah and June separate voices and making them distinct.
This is an emotional read, and also gives a lot of food for thought about relationships.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
November 9, 2019
This review is also available on my blog: Wine Cellar Library
First, I would like to thank Ballantine Books publishing and NetGalley for providing me with a free Kindle ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
I was completely swept away by this novel. There was so much emotion that poured out of each of the characters. The book is written on two timelines, alternating with each chapter: when Leah visited the lake with Ollie, and seven years later. From the beginning, we quickly realize that Leah died at the lake, and seven years later, her best friend June is struggling with the emotional toll of taking a visit to this dreaded location with Ollie, who is now her boyfriend. She is flooded with guilt for loving Ollie and living the life that she believes Leah should have lived. As we alternate between timelines, the tension builds. How did Leah die? How will June and Ollie’s relationship recover after revisiting their tragic past? Did Ollie’s brother have any involvement in Leah’s death? This book was very emotional, and I cried along with the characters. I lost my best friend last year, so I felt a lot of empathy for June. I would highly recommend this book and will likely purchase a print copy so that I, too, can revisit the lake.
#netgalley #onenightatthelake
First, I would like to thank Ballantine Books publishing and NetGalley for providing me with a free Kindle ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
I was completely swept away by this novel. There was so much emotion that poured out of each of the characters. The book is written on two timelines, alternating with each chapter: when Leah visited the lake with Ollie, and seven years later. From the beginning, we quickly realize that Leah died at the lake, and seven years later, her best friend June is struggling with the emotional toll of taking a visit to this dreaded location with Ollie, who is now her boyfriend. She is flooded with guilt for loving Ollie and living the life that she believes Leah should have lived. As we alternate between timelines, the tension builds. How did Leah die? How will June and Ollie’s relationship recover after revisiting their tragic past? Did Ollie’s brother have any involvement in Leah’s death? This book was very emotional, and I cried along with the characters. I lost my best friend last year, so I felt a lot of empathy for June. I would highly recommend this book and will likely purchase a print copy so that I, too, can revisit the lake.
#netgalley #onenightatthelake
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