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Lakeside Reunion
Bed-and-breakfast owner Lindsey Porter prays she won't run into Stephen Chase when she returns to Shelby Lake. Five years ago, the cop jilted her to marry another woman, and Lindsey fled town. But no sooner does she hit city limits than Stephen pulls her over for a broken taillight. Despite the past, he's still able to stir up Lindsey's old feelings for him. Now a widower and single dad, Stephen recognizes a second chance when he sees one. And he'll do anything to make Lindsey trust in God and take a risk for love—again.
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 18, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
May 28, 2025
A nice read, likeable characters.
December 8, 2014
I have NEVER been so upset about a book, I mean, I know it's fiction but I feel it was completely and totally WRONG. I read it 5 times trying to figure out what I was missing. Like when he says that when he said his vows to Bethany he shut the door to ever having a future with Lyndsey, you can't be in love with someone one minute and then just shut it off. AND THEN HE SAYS THAT HE DOESNT REGRET ANYTHING ABOUT HIS MARRIAGE, and that even if he could change the past he's not sure he would. really?!?! . If he doesn't regret marrying Bethany then that means he doesn't regret NOT marrying Lyndsey, he says he STILL loves her, implying that he's loved her even through his marriage. And he says he and his wife were more like best friends than husband and wife and he eventually grew to love her, So does he mean he grew to love Bethany in a platonic way? And continued to love Lyndsey? Or did he really just forget about Lyndsey and eventually love Bethany? The fact that he says he probably wouldn't change the past even if he could tells me that he would rather have not married Lyndsey than go back an erase the mistake of sleeping with Bethany, IF he could. IT MAKES NO SENSE. One minute he loves Lyndsey and the next he's glad he married someone else!!! WHAT. THE. HECK.
July 14, 2012
So I thought this one was okay. Five years ago Lindsey and Stephen were engaged, a week before the wedding a girl shows up and tells Stephen he has a two-year-old little boy. Stephen breaks the engagement and marries Bethany instead. Five years later Bethany has passed away from cancer and Lindsey has returned to town to take care of her mom. They are reunited and all their old feelings come rushing back.
While I did enjoy the story, there were just a couple things that kept me from really loving it. First, it was a bit too preachy for my taste. I’m sure a lot of people would enjoy it, but I personally would have liked it if it had been left out or toned way down. I knew going into it that it was a Christian Inspirational story, but some are hit or miss as far as how much praying and preaching goes on. This one had a bit more than I usually prefer and tend to skim over those parts (no offense to the author) to get back to the story.
Second, Stephens’s decision to break up with Lindsey and marry Bethany just really rubbed me the wrong way. If he had known about the pregnancy right from the beginning and decided to marry her, then fine (although adoption probably would have been a better option). But, it’s been three years since he’s seen Bethany and he’s practically married to Lindsey, or will be in five short days. Would if Bethany had showed up five days after the wedding, would he have divorced Lindsey to marry Bethany? No, of course not. The honorable thing is not to break the engagement with the woman you love to marry a complete stranger. My opinion is that he should have helped Bethany find a place to stay, get a job and pay child support. He could have had a very active role in his sons life without ending his relationship with Lindsey. And if I were in Bethany’s shoes, I would never, ever marry a man who was in love with someone else. I would never break up a wedding just because I wanted a little more security (even if I was a single mom). So, it drove me nuts when he kept saying he did the honorable thing. Yes, his intentions were good, but again I personally don’t think it was the best decision. Just my opinion.
Content: Clean, heavy Christian elements.
While I did enjoy the story, there were just a couple things that kept me from really loving it. First, it was a bit too preachy for my taste. I’m sure a lot of people would enjoy it, but I personally would have liked it if it had been left out or toned way down. I knew going into it that it was a Christian Inspirational story, but some are hit or miss as far as how much praying and preaching goes on. This one had a bit more than I usually prefer and tend to skim over those parts (no offense to the author) to get back to the story.
Second, Stephens’s decision to break up with Lindsey and marry Bethany just really rubbed me the wrong way. If he had known about the pregnancy right from the beginning and decided to marry her, then fine (although adoption probably would have been a better option). But, it’s been three years since he’s seen Bethany and he’s practically married to Lindsey, or will be in five short days. Would if Bethany had showed up five days after the wedding, would he have divorced Lindsey to marry Bethany? No, of course not. The honorable thing is not to break the engagement with the woman you love to marry a complete stranger. My opinion is that he should have helped Bethany find a place to stay, get a job and pay child support. He could have had a very active role in his sons life without ending his relationship with Lindsey. And if I were in Bethany’s shoes, I would never, ever marry a man who was in love with someone else. I would never break up a wedding just because I wanted a little more security (even if I was a single mom). So, it drove me nuts when he kept saying he did the honorable thing. Yes, his intentions were good, but again I personally don’t think it was the best decision. Just my opinion.
Content: Clean, heavy Christian elements.
April 29, 2012
I loved every page of Lakeside Reunion! The characters definitely tugged at my heart and the plot moved along at a great pace. Loved the wordsmithing, too. Fantastic debut novel from Lisa Jordan...and I can't wait for the next in her Lakeside series!
July 6, 2025
It was a good read. Although it was a romance, it was very christian related which was good for me at the present time. Also there was a bit of keeping one in wondering whether their relationship would endure. A good one for those who enjoy romance inspired types of books. And, the author is from my state, Pennsylvania!
March 14, 2023
This was such a sweet story of a woman’s forgiving herself from mistakes she had made when younger. It also show Gods love for all of us, just so heartwarming. I highly recommend this book to anyone who needs forgiveness.
June 22, 2013
(SPOILERS THROUGHOUT ENTIRE REVIEW) This story has an interesting storyline. This book is about a girl, Lindsey who is extremely bothered by the death of her father and last minute decision by her fiance to break off the wedding. Now, her fiance at the time, Stephan, found out that he had a son with another woman he barely knew, and decided to break it off with Lindsey and marry this other girl instead because he felt it was the right thing to do. Five years later, Lindsey comes back into town, and realizes she still loves Stephan (whose wive died of cancer a year earlier). Eventually they realize that they are perfect for each other and Stephan's son, Tyler, helps bring them together. Now, there are other side stories in the novel, but this is most of it. I liked the book, based on my rating, however there were some things i disliked:
1. When Lindsey got to town she "accidentally" ran into Stephan way too much. I know its a small town, but come on, let's be realistic here!
2. I know that Stephan regrets his one night stand with Tyler's mom, but I think his decision to marry her and break of his relationship with the love of his life, Lindsey, was a little drastic. I think in more realistic terms, it could have been handled better.
3. There was a little too much basic preachy stuff. I enjoy the Christian aspect of these books, but I don't like when they state the obvious a million times in one chapter. Occasionally I like some good points or some provoking questions, but the religious part of this novel was really basic and didn't really add to the story. I think it was in there just to call the book "Christian"
4. Lindsey's overwhelming grief of her father after 5 years was discussed a little too much. I started to say: "Ok, ok...i get it...now move on with the story"
5. And finally, I felt the book left a few too many questions and ended too quickly. It could have drug on a little more. I wanted to see Tyler's reaction to their engagement and things like that. To end just with the "re-engagement" stopped the novel way too quickly. What about Lindsey's B&B? Was she going to open a new one? Did Stephan take his new promotion? Things like these were not fully answered for me...
And although these are all negatives, I still enjoyed the story and despite its unrealistic storyline, it was very cute. These Christian romances (Love Inspired) with clean storylines, no language and no graphic sensuality (beyond just a kiss) is a breath of fresh air compared to other romances these days. I love reading them and this one is another good example. :)
1. When Lindsey got to town she "accidentally" ran into Stephan way too much. I know its a small town, but come on, let's be realistic here!
2. I know that Stephan regrets his one night stand with Tyler's mom, but I think his decision to marry her and break of his relationship with the love of his life, Lindsey, was a little drastic. I think in more realistic terms, it could have been handled better.
3. There was a little too much basic preachy stuff. I enjoy the Christian aspect of these books, but I don't like when they state the obvious a million times in one chapter. Occasionally I like some good points or some provoking questions, but the religious part of this novel was really basic and didn't really add to the story. I think it was in there just to call the book "Christian"
4. Lindsey's overwhelming grief of her father after 5 years was discussed a little too much. I started to say: "Ok, ok...i get it...now move on with the story"
5. And finally, I felt the book left a few too many questions and ended too quickly. It could have drug on a little more. I wanted to see Tyler's reaction to their engagement and things like that. To end just with the "re-engagement" stopped the novel way too quickly. What about Lindsey's B&B? Was she going to open a new one? Did Stephan take his new promotion? Things like these were not fully answered for me...
And although these are all negatives, I still enjoyed the story and despite its unrealistic storyline, it was very cute. These Christian romances (Love Inspired) with clean storylines, no language and no graphic sensuality (beyond just a kiss) is a breath of fresh air compared to other romances these days. I love reading them and this one is another good example. :)
August 29, 2012
This was a good book, sweet, I liked the storyline and the characters. It was interesting enough to keep me reading.
But - it definitely was not as good as the second book "Lakeside Family". The characters were simpler the storyline was simpler but yet it was a little confusing at times. Also it was VERY predictable with little or no twists. All that said - it still was a good book and I did enjoy it!
The great thing about it is that the second book (in my opinion) is so much better that it shows that the author's writing got better. If there is a third book in this series, I will definitely be reading it.
Both books take place in the same town of Shelby Lake using many of the same characters. In this one you meet Lindsey who is still haunted by the death of her father, doesn't understand her mom's need to move on, and is unable to forgive Stephen for leaving her five years ago. You also meet Stephen who had to wrong one to right another. He had to live with his mistakes and tried to make the right decisions knowing that someone would get hurt.
This story gives you lots of chances to think - "What would I do if...?"
What would you do if you had a one night stand and that woman was now raising the child you knew nothing about? What would you do if the man you were engaged to left you for a woman he had a fling with two years ago? What would you do if you had a second chance with that man? What would you do if the memories of your father's death were controlling your decisions?
All in all this was a very nice Christian love story. It is very clean with good values and clean language.
Step into Shelby Lake in this Love inspired Romance series.
I bought this e-book for my nook after reading "Lakeside Family" (which is the first book in this series).
But - it definitely was not as good as the second book "Lakeside Family". The characters were simpler the storyline was simpler but yet it was a little confusing at times. Also it was VERY predictable with little or no twists. All that said - it still was a good book and I did enjoy it!
The great thing about it is that the second book (in my opinion) is so much better that it shows that the author's writing got better. If there is a third book in this series, I will definitely be reading it.
Both books take place in the same town of Shelby Lake using many of the same characters. In this one you meet Lindsey who is still haunted by the death of her father, doesn't understand her mom's need to move on, and is unable to forgive Stephen for leaving her five years ago. You also meet Stephen who had to wrong one to right another. He had to live with his mistakes and tried to make the right decisions knowing that someone would get hurt.
This story gives you lots of chances to think - "What would I do if...?"
What would you do if you had a one night stand and that woman was now raising the child you knew nothing about? What would you do if the man you were engaged to left you for a woman he had a fling with two years ago? What would you do if you had a second chance with that man? What would you do if the memories of your father's death were controlling your decisions?
All in all this was a very nice Christian love story. It is very clean with good values and clean language.
Step into Shelby Lake in this Love inspired Romance series.
I bought this e-book for my nook after reading "Lakeside Family" (which is the first book in this series).
May 17, 2016
This story gives a person a lot to think about. Stephen Chase broke his engagement with his fiancée for a baby he had out of wedlock with another woman. Which broke Lindsey's heart, so she left town and opened a bed and breakfast. She still had feelings for him. Stephen's wife died of cancer, and then he started wanting Lindsey back in his life. She did not want to fall in love with him or his child because she was hurt by him deeply.
The story is about second chances, but I think it would be really hard to marry someone after they dump you for someone else. If Bethany had not died, Stephen would have stayed married to her out of honor. I guess he felt he did the right thing, but why couldn't he have seen the child without breaking another person's heart. I tried to follow this story from being to end, but it just seemed so wrong that he dumped Lindsey for another family. Then, when his wife dies, he wants Lindsey back. It's like marrying for the wrong reasons, but you still want the tie to the other person.
I would never marry or be engaged to anyone twice. If they hurt me one, they will do it again with bells and whistles on. Once would be enough for me. I know Stephen was a nice guy, and he tried to do the right thing, but it just seemed like no matter what he did, it would hurt someone. So, he chose to hurt Lindsey because she did not have anyone dependent on her. She just had herself.
I am glad true love won in the end, but Lindsey suffered for five years. She didn't even move on and find someone else. She was really hurt. I would definitely read this again, but I don't think my feeling would change about the outcome.
The story is about second chances, but I think it would be really hard to marry someone after they dump you for someone else. If Bethany had not died, Stephen would have stayed married to her out of honor. I guess he felt he did the right thing, but why couldn't he have seen the child without breaking another person's heart. I tried to follow this story from being to end, but it just seemed so wrong that he dumped Lindsey for another family. Then, when his wife dies, he wants Lindsey back. It's like marrying for the wrong reasons, but you still want the tie to the other person.
I would never marry or be engaged to anyone twice. If they hurt me one, they will do it again with bells and whistles on. Once would be enough for me. I know Stephen was a nice guy, and he tried to do the right thing, but it just seemed like no matter what he did, it would hurt someone. So, he chose to hurt Lindsey because she did not have anyone dependent on her. She just had herself.
I am glad true love won in the end, but Lindsey suffered for five years. She didn't even move on and find someone else. She was really hurt. I would definitely read this again, but I don't think my feeling would change about the outcome.
January 14, 2013
Title: LAKESIDE REUNION
Author: Lisa Jordan
Publisher: Love Inspired
November 2011
ISBN: 978-0-373-81587-6
Genre: Contemporary romance
Bed-and-breakfast owner Lindsey Porter prays she won't run into Stephen Chase when she returns to Shelby Lake. Five years ago, the cop jilted her to marry another woman, and Lindsey fled town. But no sooner does she hit city limits than Stephen pulls her over for a broken taillight. Despite the past, he's still able to stir up Lindsey's old feelings for him. Now a widower and single dad, Stephen recognizes a second chance when he sees one. And he'll do anything to make Lindsey trust in God and take a risk for love—again.
Lisa Jordan has crafted a sweet romance in the pages of LAKESIDE REUNION. Two former lovers reunited—through a routine traffic stop. And then Lindsey and Stephen keep getting thrown together.
Stephen is a sweet hero, kind, and compassionate. Lindsey has a bit of a sarcasm problem and comes up with some witty comebacks. My men (husband and sons) wouldn’t take the sarcasm as well as Stephen did. I have to give him kudos there.
If you are looking for a good sweet romance, then LAKESIDE REUNION is one you might enjoy. It’s been out awhile, but still available online. $6.75. 288 pages.
Author: Lisa Jordan
Publisher: Love Inspired
November 2011
ISBN: 978-0-373-81587-6
Genre: Contemporary romance
Bed-and-breakfast owner Lindsey Porter prays she won't run into Stephen Chase when she returns to Shelby Lake. Five years ago, the cop jilted her to marry another woman, and Lindsey fled town. But no sooner does she hit city limits than Stephen pulls her over for a broken taillight. Despite the past, he's still able to stir up Lindsey's old feelings for him. Now a widower and single dad, Stephen recognizes a second chance when he sees one. And he'll do anything to make Lindsey trust in God and take a risk for love—again.
Lisa Jordan has crafted a sweet romance in the pages of LAKESIDE REUNION. Two former lovers reunited—through a routine traffic stop. And then Lindsey and Stephen keep getting thrown together.
Stephen is a sweet hero, kind, and compassionate. Lindsey has a bit of a sarcasm problem and comes up with some witty comebacks. My men (husband and sons) wouldn’t take the sarcasm as well as Stephen did. I have to give him kudos there.
If you are looking for a good sweet romance, then LAKESIDE REUNION is one you might enjoy. It’s been out awhile, but still available online. $6.75. 288 pages.
September 10, 2016
I like the whole jilted for another storyline. One of my favourites, and being a woman of faith I connected with the way faith is threaded through this book but for some reason, which I cant put my finger on, this was more a miss than hit.
May 13, 2013
Lisa Jordan writes a heartwarming story with lovable characters. Lindsey returns to her hometown to care for her mother who slipped and broke a leg, but the past haunts her as Lindsey runs into the man who left her at the altar, memories of her deceased father, and a town that has moved on...but she hasn't.
The beautiful descriptions and sympathetic characters really stood out for me. Lindsey had huge reasons not to trust Stephen, and I enjoyed watching her work through her past. I wanted to connect more to her current life issues--running the inn and such--but Lindsey had additional family problems to deal with that kept her in her hometown. Regardless, I was happy to see everyone get their happy ending!
Excellent book!
The beautiful descriptions and sympathetic characters really stood out for me. Lindsey had huge reasons not to trust Stephen, and I enjoyed watching her work through her past. I wanted to connect more to her current life issues--running the inn and such--but Lindsey had additional family problems to deal with that kept her in her hometown. Regardless, I was happy to see everyone get their happy ending!
Excellent book!
April 29, 2012
Lisa Jordan knows how to write a debut novel: like a seasoned author! Lakeside Reunion is a lovely blend of regrets transformed by forgiveness. Jordan's characters are true-to-life and her writing skill alternately brought tears to my eyes or caused me to laugh out loud. Can't wait to read Jordan's next novel.
February 12, 2012
Lisa's debut novel was a great read. I loved her characters and felt connected to them. I understood Lindsay's motives, especially her self-preservation ideals. Having lost a parent, I knew the kind of grief she was experiencing. This was a well=written story with lots of emotional punch, and I teared up more than a few times. Definitely recommended! Well, done, Lisa!!
April 29, 2012
What an incredible feel good romance. This was a wonderful debut novel. I can't wait for book two, Lakeside Family. If you want a really good, easy read that will leave your heart happy, this is the book for you. While I won't spoil the ending, it sure is a happy one!
May 21, 2012
Lakeside Reunion proved to be a delightful story of redemption and good brought forth from ashes. Lisa weaved the characters' feelings and situations with fluid grace to make for a beautiful escape. Very well done!
November 9, 2011
Pleasing contemporary romance from debut author Lisa Jordan. An inn owner who has suffered loss and betrayal wonders whether she can bear to risk her heart again--to the man who broke it years ago.
December 19, 2011
A quick, clean, and interesting romantic novella. This is another one I will recommend to my teenaged granddaughters.
April 30, 2012
This book was an amazing read. The author totally pulled me into the story with strong, believable characters and a compelling storyline. This is an author to bookmark!
August 13, 2012
Good old christian romance. Not too preachy, great story. I own it if friends want to borrow it :)
August 28, 2013
pleasant read
June 14, 2016
I registered a book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/14062889
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/14062889
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