Meet Me at the Lake Book by Carley Fortune
What makes a romance novel unforgettable? Can Carley Fortune’s “Meet Me at the Lake” win over readers? This summer read, from Berkley Publishing Group, has caught eyes with its engaging story and writing. As a New York Times bestselling author, Fortune crafts a tale of love, secrets, and second chances.

“Meet Me at the Lake” hits shelves on May 2, 2023. It promises a moderate spice level, with a single extended scene. This makes it a deeply emotional read. It’s a romance that explores love, emotional battles, and growing up, perfect for a summer read.
Key Takeaways
- Carley Fortune’s “Meet Me at the Lake” is a romance novel that explores themes of secrets, missed connections, and second chances.
- The book is published by Berkley Publishing Group and is scheduled for publication on May 2, 2023.
- The story takes place at a lakeside resort in Muskoka, which adds to the romantic atmosphere of the novel.
- As a summer read, “Meet Me at the Lake” follows in the success of Fortune’s first novel, “Every Summer After.”
- The book has been described as an “exquisite emotional read,” reflecting its appeal and potential readership within the romance genre.
- Carley Fortune’s engaging writing style and the book’s captivating story make it a must-read romance novel.
The Magic of “Meet Me at the Lake”
Carley Fortune’s “Meet Me at the Lake” is a second chance romance that shows how timing and destiny can unite two people. It’s a story of love, loss, and forgiveness, set in beautiful rural Ontario and Toronto. It’s a book that touches readers’ hearts.
The story grabs you from the start with its summer vibe, second chances, and genuine emotions. A reviewer called it a “must-read” for those who love love stories and destiny. It’s a romance novel with just the right amount of romance and characters you can relate to.
- A strong female lead, Fern Brookbanks, who looks back at a 24-hour meeting with Will Baxter from her early twenties
- A 9-year gap since the promise to Will, adding to the destiny and second chance romance feel
- Themes of mental health, like anxiety, postpartum depression, and OCD, which enrich the story
In summary, “Meet Me at the Lake” is a touching love story about destiny and second chances. With its engaging characters, themes you can relate to, and a beautiful setting, it’s a must-read for romance fans.
Setting the Scene: Lakeside Resort Magic
The story of “Meet Me at the Lake” takes place in a beautiful lakeside resort. The calm atmosphere and stunning views are perfect for a romance to grow. The resort, surrounded by evergreen pines and poplars, is more than a place. It’s a key character in the story.
The setting of the novel is designed to be peaceful. The lakeside resort is a symbol of love, second chances, and new starts. The author’s detailed descriptions of the resort’s beauty take readers to a tranquil world. This makes it easy to dive into the story.
- Its stunning natural beauty, with evergreen pines and poplars surrounding the resort
- A peaceful atmosphere, perfect for a romance to blossom
- A sense of tranquility, creating a sense of escape from the stresses of everyday life
The setting of “Meet Me at the Lake” is a perfect mix of natural beauty, calm, and romance. It’s the ideal setting for a story about love and second chances. As the story goes on, the lakeside resort plays a big role. It shapes the characters and their experiences in important ways.
Breaking Down the Characters
“Meet Me at the Lake” by Carley Fortune focuses on Fern Brookbanks and Will Baxter. Their story spans over a decade, showing the power of character development in romance novels. Fern and Will’s tale is about love, loss, and second chances.
The bond between Fern and Will is central to the novel, spanning 10 years. This bond shows how time affects relationships and the role of character development. The story also explores Fern’s relationships with her mother, Maggie, and her father figure, Peter.
Meet Fern Brookbanks
Fern starts as the protagonist at 22 and grows significantly by 32. Her dream of opening a coffee shop is a big part of her journey. This shows her growth and transformation over the years.
Understanding Will Baxter
Will is introduced at 22 and changes a lot by 32. He moves from being an artist to a professional in a high-profile job. His struggles with anxiety and his love for Fern make him a relatable and endearing character.
Supporting Character Dynamics
The novel also has supporting characters like Peter and Maggie. Peter is like a father to Fern, and Maggie is her mother. Their complex relationships add depth to the story. The growth of these characters shows the importance of relationships and community.
Fern and Will’s development is crucial to the novel. It explores love, loss, and relationships deeply. The novel’s focus on character development makes it a compelling read.
The Heart of Ontario: Location as a Character
The location of Ontario is key in the novel, more than just a setting. It’s a character that shapes the plot and the characters’ feelings. The mix of Toronto and a nearby lake creates a unique atmosphere. It takes readers to a world of beautiful landscapes and lively cities.
The location of Ontario is not just a setting. It actively influences the story, affecting the characters’ lives and bonds. The lake, where Fern’s family resort is, holds deep memories and past moments. The character of the location enriches the story, adding depth and richness.
Key aspects of the location’s impact include: * The lake’s calm and peaceful vibe, contrasting with the characters’ inner struggles * Toronto’s lively atmosphere, setting the stage for the characters’ lives and relationships * The resort, symbolizing family, tradition, and nostalgia Ontario’s location is crucial to the novel. Its character brings a unique touch, making the story engaging and compelling.
Carley Fortune’s Masterful Storytelling
Carley Fortune’s writing is a big reason for her success. In “Meet Me at the Lake,” she tells a story that touches the heart and lifts the spirit. Her stories are full of emotion and realness, making them unforgettable for readers.
Fortune is great at making characters and their relationships complex. She creates people we can all relate to and love. Her words are beautiful, funny, and keep you hooked, making reading a joy.
- Emotional depth: Her characters are deep and easy to connect with, emotionally.
- Authenticity: The people and their connections in the book feel real and engaging.
- Writing style: Fortune’s writing is fun, charming, and keeps you interested.
In short, Carley Fortune’s storytelling is a big part of “Meet Me at the Lake’s” charm. Her skill in creating deep, real characters and stories makes the book unforgettable. It’s a read that will stay with you long after you finish it.
Themes That Resonate
The novel “Meet Me at the Lake” explores themes that touch readers’ hearts. It talks about the power of love, second chances, and forgiveness. These themes are woven into the story, making it a beautiful and heart-tugging tale. It captures the joy and sorrow of growing up and the complexity of human relationships.
At the heart of the story are themes that resonate deeply with readers. The concept of love in all its forms is central. The author skillfully intertwines multiple storylines, creating a rich emotional tapestry. This tapestry explores the human experience.
- Love and relationships: The novel dives into the complexities of romantic love, family bonds, and friendships. It shows how these connections can both heal and hurt us.
- Second chances: The story looks into the possibility of rekindling past relationships. It highlights the challenges of reconnecting with someone from our past.
- Forgiveness: The novel demonstrates how forgiveness can heal and help us move forward. It shows its power in both personal and self-relationships.
Through these themes, the author crafts a narrative that is deeply personal yet universally relatable. “Meet Me at the Lake” is a must-read for anyone who has felt the power of love and the complexity of human connections.

Why This Book Stands Out in Modern Romance
Meet Me at the Lake is a mix of sexy romance and second chances. It’s set against the beautiful Muskoka lakeside resort. This book gives a new look at love, showing the deep side of relationships and how timing and destiny matter.
In the world of modern romance, Meet Me at the Lake shines. Its story is both moving and hard to put down. The book uses a dual timeline, showing both current and past events. This makes the story richer and more emotional.
What makes Meet Me at the Lake so good includes:
- A unique blend of romance, second chances, and complex relationships
- A fresh perspective on love, exploring themes of grief, timing, and destiny
- A dual timeline structure, adding depth and complexity to the narrative
With its captivating story, detailed characters, and modern romance touches, Meet Me at the Lake is a must-read. It offers a new view on love and relationships. This makes it a standout in modern romance, giving readers a story they can’t stop thinking about.
Reader Experience and Emotional Impact
“Meet Me at the Lake” takes readers on a personal and emotional journey. The novel creates memorable moments that stay with you long after you finish reading. As you dive into the story, you experience it with all your senses. You might imagine the taste of Peter’s sourdough or feel the electricity between Will and Fern.
This multisensory experience makes the story’s emotional impact even stronger. It makes the journey through the novel rich and fulfilling.
The reader experience is also deepened by the characters’ complex stories. The novel uses two timelines to tell the story, which keeps readers engaged. As you follow Fern and Will’s relationship, you feel their joys and struggles. This makes the emotional impact of their interactions even more powerful.
- The characters’ emotional connections and relationships
- The use of flashbacks and dual timelines to tell the story
- The author’s writing style and technique, which creates a sense of intimacy and immediacy
These elements come together to create a reader experience that is both engaging and memorable. The memorable moments from the book linger with readers long after they finish reading.
Behind the Pages: Author Insights
Carley Fortune, a Canadian journalist, has written “Meet Me at the Lake”. She has a background in journalism. Fortune lives in Toronto with her family.
Her experiences have shaped her novel, which celebrates love and second chances. Her journalism background likely influences her writing. This makes her book a must-read.
“Meet Me at the Lake” is set to be a hit, following her debut’s success. Fortune’s insights into her writing will enrich the reading experience.

Understanding Carley Fortune’s background and insights enhances our appreciation for her novel. Her unique perspective makes her a standout author.
Similar Books for Your Reading List
If you loved “Meet Me at the Lake,” you might want more contemporary romance books. These stories often deal with love, loss, and forgiveness. They also explore second chance love and romance.
Here are some books you might enjoy:
- “Every Summer After” by Carley Fortune is a debut novel that’s a summer hit. It shows the author’s skill in telling a captivating story.
- The “Friend Zone” series is known for its marketing strategy. It keeps readers coming back with each new book.
- “Part of Your World” series is popular for its themed stories. It connects different tales, making the romance genre even more engaging.
These books usually have young adult or new adult protagonists. They focus on personal growth and self-discovery. This makes them a hit in today’s contemporary romance world.
For fans of second chance love, these books are perfect. They mix sexy romance with deep stories and memorable characters. You’ll find yourself wanting to read more.
Impact on Modern Romance Literature
Carley Fortune’s “Meet Me at the Lake” has had a big impact on modern romance literature. It brings a new view on love and relationships that readers love and writers find inspiring. The book’s success shows how romance stories can truly capture our lives and the power of love, second chances, and forgiveness.
The impact of “Meet Me at the Lake” is clear in its role in the modern romance literature world. This genre has grown more popular lately. The novel’s mix of romance, drama, and self-discovery has influenced the genre and encouraged new writers. As Carley Fortune keeps writing, her impact on modern romance literature will continue to grow.
Some key points about the novel’s impact are:
- It explores themes like love, loss, and forgiveness that readers connect with.
- Its mix of romance, drama, and self-discovery has shaped the modern romance literature genre.
- It inspires new authors, who are drawn to the genre’s focus on emotional connection and relationships.
Conclusion: Why “Meet Me at the Lake” Deserves a Spot on Your Bookshelf
“Meet Me at the Lake” by Carley Fortune is a must-read that should be on every book lover’s bookshelf. It has beautifully crafted characters and a heart-tugging conclusion. This novel stands out in the must-read contemporary romance genre.
Carley Fortune’s storytelling takes readers to a charming lakeside setting. Here, timing and destiny come together in a second-chance romance. It’s both poignant and uplifting. The memorable moments and deep psychological insights make “Meet Me at the Lake” unforgettable.
If you love contemporary romance or just want a moving read, this novel is a gem. It will leave a lasting impact on your heart and soul. Get ready to be swept away by “Meet Me at the Lake.”
FAQ
What is “Meet Me at the Lake” about?
“Meet Me at the Lake” is a romance novel by Carley Fortune. It tells a beautiful love story about secrets, lies, missed connections, and second chances. The story takes place in Toronto and on a nearby lake, making it charming and poignant.
What makes the story of “Meet Me at the Lake” so captivating?
The story is captivating because it’s a second-chance romance. It explores how timing and destiny bring two souls together. The themes of love, loss, and forgiveness, set against the stunning backdrop of rural Ontario and Toronto, make it a compelling read.
How does the setting of the novel contribute to the overall story?
The setting is a character in itself. The lakeside resort provides a magical and peaceful atmosphere. It’s not just a location but a symbol of tranquility, love, and second chances.
Who are the main characters in “Meet Me at the Lake”?
Fern Brookbanks and Will Baxter are at the heart of the story. Fern has spent too much of her adult life thinking about Will. Will arrives nine years too late, offering a complex exploration of character development.
How does the setting of Ontario influence the story?
Ontario is more than just a backdrop. It influences the characters’ experiences, emotions, and interactions. The location adds depth and richness to the narrative.
What are the hallmarks of Carley Fortune’s storytelling in “Meet Me at the Lake”?
Carley Fortune’s storytelling is masterful. Her writing weaves a poignant and uplifting tale. She creates emotional depth and authenticity in her characters, making the novel an exquisite read.
What are the key themes explored in “Meet Me at the Lake”?
The novel explores themes of love, second chances, and forgiveness. These themes make the novel a beautiful, heart-tugging love story. It captures the joy and sorrow of growing up and the complexity of human relationships.
What makes “Meet Me at the Lake” stand out in the modern romance genre?
It stands out with its contemporary elements and fresh perspective on love. The novel’s blend of romance, second chances, and complex relationships makes it a compelling and addictive read.
How does the reader experience “Meet Me at the Lake”?
The reader experience is deeply personal and emotional. The novel creates memorable moments that linger long after finishing. The characters’ psychological depth adds complexity to the narrative, making the journey rich and satisfying.
What is the author’s background and how does it influence the novel?
Carley Fortune, a talented author with a background in journalism, wrote “Meet Me at the Lake.” Her experiences and insights into love, relationships, and the human condition inspired the novel. It’s a love letter to moms and daughters and an exploration of second chances and forgiveness.
What other books should readers consider if they enjoyed “Meet Me at the Lake”?
If you enjoyed “Meet Me at the Lake,” you might like other contemporary romance novels. These books explore similar themes of love, loss, and forgiveness. They offer sexy romance, poignant storytelling, and memorable characters.
What is the impact of “Meet Me at the Lake” on modern romance literature?
“Meet Me at the Lake” has made a significant impact on modern romance literature. It offers a fresh perspective on love and relationships that resonates with readers and inspires writers. The novel’s success shows the power of romance literature to capture the human experience.