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The Secret of Blue Lake
At what point do you make a decision so radical that it hurts those you love but saves yourself, if only for a moment in time?
The only true certainty in life is dying, but there’s a whole lot of life to live from beginning to end if you’re lucky. When Chicago news reporter Meg Popkin’s dad makes a surprise move to a tiny town called Blue Lake, Michigan, in the middle of nowhere and away from his family after losing his wife to cancer, she wonders if there is more to the move than just a change of scenery. With the help of a new, self-confident reporter at the station, Brian Welter, she tries to figure out what the secret attraction to Blue Lake is for its many new residents and along the way discovers that maybe she’s been missing out on some of the joys of living herself.
Drama, mystery, and romance abound for Meg as she learns about love, loss, and herself. This escapist novel makes you think, entertains, and gives all the feels as you fall in love with the characters before they even realize what's happening to themselves.
Check out The Secret of Silver Beach, Book 2 in the Life's Secrets series now! August 1, 2023
The only true certainty in life is dying, but there’s a whole lot of life to live from beginning to end if you’re lucky. When Chicago news reporter Meg Popkin’s dad makes a surprise move to a tiny town called Blue Lake, Michigan, in the middle of nowhere and away from his family after losing his wife to cancer, she wonders if there is more to the move than just a change of scenery. With the help of a new, self-confident reporter at the station, Brian Welter, she tries to figure out what the secret attraction to Blue Lake is for its many new residents and along the way discovers that maybe she’s been missing out on some of the joys of living herself.
Drama, mystery, and romance abound for Meg as she learns about love, loss, and herself. This escapist novel makes you think, entertains, and gives all the feels as you fall in love with the characters before they even realize what's happening to themselves.
Check out The Secret of Silver Beach, Book 2 in the Life's Secrets series now! August 1, 2023
- GenresChick Lit
277 pages, Paperback
Published April 22, 2023
About the author
Marcy Blesy
169 books315 followersMarcy Blesy is the author of over thirty books across genres, best known for her Tucson Valley Retirement Community Cozy Mystery Series and the Monthly Murder Movie Club Cozy Mystery Series —humorous, heartwarming whodunits filled with senior sleuths, quirky characters, and animal sidekicks. Her cozy mysteries spotlight midlife reinvention, found family, and laugh-out-loud amateur sleuthing, perfect for fans of The Thursday Murder Club, Finlay Donovan, and The Golden Girls.
Marcy also writes the Ghost Texter Paranormal Cozy Mystery Series, starring a kindergarten teacher-turned-reluctant sleuth, and the Secrets romantic mystery duo (The Secret of Blue Lake and The Secret of Silver Beach), transporting readers to the scenic and suspenseful shores of Michigan.
For younger readers, Marcy’s best-selling Be the Vet series offers interactive veterinary mysteries for kids ages 9–13. Her early chapter book series—Evie and the Volunteers, Niles and Bradford, Third Grade Outsider, and Hazel, the Clinic Cat—delight animal lovers and growing readers alike.
When she’s not writing, you’ll find Marcy treasure-hunting along Lake Michigan in search of rare red beach glass. She believes every story should offer heart, humor, and a hint of hope—whether it’s solving a mystery or chasing a dream.
Marcy also writes the Ghost Texter Paranormal Cozy Mystery Series, starring a kindergarten teacher-turned-reluctant sleuth, and the Secrets romantic mystery duo (The Secret of Blue Lake and The Secret of Silver Beach), transporting readers to the scenic and suspenseful shores of Michigan.
For younger readers, Marcy’s best-selling Be the Vet series offers interactive veterinary mysteries for kids ages 9–13. Her early chapter book series—Evie and the Volunteers, Niles and Bradford, Third Grade Outsider, and Hazel, the Clinic Cat—delight animal lovers and growing readers alike.
When she’s not writing, you’ll find Marcy treasure-hunting along Lake Michigan in search of rare red beach glass. She believes every story should offer heart, humor, and a hint of hope—whether it’s solving a mystery or chasing a dream.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
June 20, 2023
This story was very intriguing! I wanted to keep reading to find out more! The characters were developed nicely, giving a sense of really knowing them.
July 25, 2023
I would like to thank the author for personally sending me this book. this is a shorter book compared to the ones i read, and i truly hate finishing books too fast so i took some time. i really flew through the book today. this book made me a little teary eyed at the end. the beginning was a little slow, and the main character meg was making me mad. but it really picked up and finished strong.
August 21, 2023
I was so excited when the author reached out to me and she’s from Michigan! I love supporting local authors and this book was absolutely amazing!!
Meg is a reporter for the local news in Chicago, so when her news station hires a new reporter Brian , she finds him a little arrogant, she dreams of one day being able to write the stories she wants , that also mean something to her. Meg recently lost her mother to cancer and she worries about her father. So one day to her shock her father tells her he’s sold her childhood home and he’s moving to the small town of Blue Lake in Michigan. Her sister and her are confused , why would their father move to this town and live in a condo? With her father gone Meg becomes closer to Brian at work, and she begins to see there’s more to him than what meets the eye and they soon become closer. When a scary incident happens while reporting Brian is told to take some time off so Meg brings Brian to visit her father to get away, and they soon see all the little mysteries that surround Blue Lake, like the mysterious Hope Road that only the residents are able to go down, they wear blue and red , and the whispers of a certain waterfall. Brian and Meg are determined to uncover what’s going on, she soon comes to the realization while trying to uncover the mystery of Blue Lake , that maybe she’s been missing out on some of the joys in her own life like love, coming to terms with loss what her future may hold and so much more. This book took my breath away I couldn’t put it down it had everything, love, loss, mystery, drama and family. I want more! I highly recommend!
Meg is a reporter for the local news in Chicago, so when her news station hires a new reporter Brian , she finds him a little arrogant, she dreams of one day being able to write the stories she wants , that also mean something to her. Meg recently lost her mother to cancer and she worries about her father. So one day to her shock her father tells her he’s sold her childhood home and he’s moving to the small town of Blue Lake in Michigan. Her sister and her are confused , why would their father move to this town and live in a condo? With her father gone Meg becomes closer to Brian at work, and she begins to see there’s more to him than what meets the eye and they soon become closer. When a scary incident happens while reporting Brian is told to take some time off so Meg brings Brian to visit her father to get away, and they soon see all the little mysteries that surround Blue Lake, like the mysterious Hope Road that only the residents are able to go down, they wear blue and red , and the whispers of a certain waterfall. Brian and Meg are determined to uncover what’s going on, she soon comes to the realization while trying to uncover the mystery of Blue Lake , that maybe she’s been missing out on some of the joys in her own life like love, coming to terms with loss what her future may hold and so much more. This book took my breath away I couldn’t put it down it had everything, love, loss, mystery, drama and family. I want more! I highly recommend!
August 21, 2023
I couldn’t decide if this was more mystery or romance, but I really enjoyed the nice mix of the two. At first, I did not like Brian, the way he talked to Meg just rubbed me the wrong way. It did not take long for my opinion of him to change though. They were forced to report a good number of news stories together, so it is what started their conversations. I loved how their connection got stronger throughout the entire book. The scene involving Linda, Meg’s cat, had me laughing and was where I thought the true start of the relationship happened.
The mystery aspect kept the pace moving. While the visits to Blue Lake where short for Meg, she started to notice little things about the town and when she left there were always questions to be answered so it had mini cliffhangers at times. Meg pointed on piece of information out to Brian and I instantly knew why the town was doing it, but not what was so special about the town to warrant the process they had. I loved the times Meg brought Brian along with her on the trips. The banter and mischief they got in while there was great. I really liked how everything was revealed and explained at the end. It was not a thrilling high suspense mystery, but it captured my attention. I like the character’s and am excited to see where the next adventure takes them in book 2.
Thank you to the author @librarythang for the gifted copy.
The mystery aspect kept the pace moving. While the visits to Blue Lake where short for Meg, she started to notice little things about the town and when she left there were always questions to be answered so it had mini cliffhangers at times. Meg pointed on piece of information out to Brian and I instantly knew why the town was doing it, but not what was so special about the town to warrant the process they had. I loved the times Meg brought Brian along with her on the trips. The banter and mischief they got in while there was great. I really liked how everything was revealed and explained at the end. It was not a thrilling high suspense mystery, but it captured my attention. I like the character’s and am excited to see where the next adventure takes them in book 2.
Thank you to the author @librarythang for the gifted copy.
September 8, 2023
*This book was gifted to me by the author for review. All thoughts and ratings are my own*
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and it ended up being a 2 day read for me. Mystery, romance, drama, small town and big city vibes, and emotional. The main character's personality was well established and the whole book was very easy to follow. I think it's the perfect book to take with you when going on a little trip.
I wanted to give some trigger warnings because the book hits on some hard topics, especially since the FMC is a news reporter. *Illness, parental loss, shootings, car accident, mugging, injury trauma*
The last I will say is that Goodreads marked this book as 189 pages but it's actually 274 pages long.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and it ended up being a 2 day read for me. Mystery, romance, drama, small town and big city vibes, and emotional. The main character's personality was well established and the whole book was very easy to follow. I think it's the perfect book to take with you when going on a little trip.
I wanted to give some trigger warnings because the book hits on some hard topics, especially since the FMC is a news reporter. *Illness, parental loss, shootings, car accident, mugging, injury trauma*
The last I will say is that Goodreads marked this book as 189 pages but it's actually 274 pages long.
September 9, 2023
3.5 Stars
This book is a mix of mystery and romance. I lived in the Chicagoland area for most of my life and now live in Michigan so I love books that involved both. This book is well written with adequate character development, but it just didn't do much for me personally. I guess I was hoping for more mystery and intrigue involving the small Michigan town but not much of the story actually takes place there at all. Meg does a lot of self discovery and her and Brian are cute, but a little too saccharine for my taste.
I appreciated that this is a shorter book being less than 200 pages. I feel like authors now adays strive for at least 300 pages for reasons beyond my knowledge.
Thank you, Marcy Blesy, for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book is a mix of mystery and romance. I lived in the Chicagoland area for most of my life and now live in Michigan so I love books that involved both. This book is well written with adequate character development, but it just didn't do much for me personally. I guess I was hoping for more mystery and intrigue involving the small Michigan town but not much of the story actually takes place there at all. Meg does a lot of self discovery and her and Brian are cute, but a little too saccharine for my taste.
I appreciated that this is a shorter book being less than 200 pages. I feel like authors now adays strive for at least 300 pages for reasons beyond my knowledge.
Thank you, Marcy Blesy, for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 10, 2024
Life is full of hustle and bustle. We often put off for an uncertain tomorrow what could have brought us joy today. When tragedy happens we often lose hope and direction.
When Chicago news reporter Meggin's father moves to a small, remote community in Michigan after the death of her mother, Meg beces suspicious. When her visits to Blue Lake prove mysterious she is determined to get to the reason for her father's sudden move. When her co-worker, Brian, joins her in Blue Lake to discover the hidden meaning behind Hope Street, Meg begins to realize the importance in living life to the fullest.
This wonderful story by Marcy Blesy, in a reminder to live each day with hope and joy because tomorrow is not promised.
"Hope is powerful medicine. Hope and positivity can do miraculous things for people that are sick." - Spencer, character in The Secret of Blue Lake
When Chicago news reporter Meggin's father moves to a small, remote community in Michigan after the death of her mother, Meg beces suspicious. When her visits to Blue Lake prove mysterious she is determined to get to the reason for her father's sudden move. When her co-worker, Brian, joins her in Blue Lake to discover the hidden meaning behind Hope Street, Meg begins to realize the importance in living life to the fullest.
This wonderful story by Marcy Blesy, in a reminder to live each day with hope and joy because tomorrow is not promised.
"Hope is powerful medicine. Hope and positivity can do miraculous things for people that are sick." - Spencer, character in The Secret of Blue Lake
January 16, 2024
‘The Secret of Blue Lake’ is a fictional tale about Meg Popkins, a Chicago news reporter who moves to a tiny town in Michigan, away from her family and familiar territory, to find herself and possibly forget about her loved one. While adjusting to the new norm, Meg meets Brian Welter, a confident reporter who helps her know about Blue Lake, her town, and maybe more.
The fictional tale is filled with intrigue. The twists and turns aren’t foreseen, and since the pace of the story is steady, you are on a steady road to an exciting read.
The cover design of the book is attractive and represents the content inside. I recommend this read to mystery and romance readers.
The fictional tale is filled with intrigue. The twists and turns aren’t foreseen, and since the pace of the story is steady, you are on a steady road to an exciting read.
The cover design of the book is attractive and represents the content inside. I recommend this read to mystery and romance readers.
August 31, 2023
I absolutely loved this book! The Secret of Blue Lake is a gripping, fast paced story revolving around the MC while she is navigating her career path and trying to figure out why her dad moved out of state to a town no one knows about, where people are acting oddly towards visitors and clearly keeping secrets, and along the way finds love. The oddities of the town are intriguing and keep you guessing until the very end and the romance is sweet and heartwarming. I couldn’t put this book down, I just had to find out what happened next! If this sounds like your kind of book then definitely go check it out!!
November 14, 2023
The Secret of Blue Lake follows the story of Meg, a reporter for a local news channel in Chicago. With her mother recently passing, Meg is shocked when her father sells their home and moves to Blue Lake, Michigan. When something happens, Meg and another reporter, Brian, go to Blue Lake where they uncover mysteries. I really didn’t want this book to end, the characters and the plot were so intriguing! I couldn’t put the book down, I loved the mystery and romance aspect as well as the setting. I need to read more of this author, she pulls you in with her writing.
June 5, 2026
A good story
I wasn't sure what to expect when picking this book but I had read some of Marcy's other books so I thought I would check it out. It's not exactly a mystery like other books I've read but it's a different type of story. More of an investigation than a mystery but it's a good story. I recommend it for a mystery lover who might want something a little different.
I wasn't sure what to expect when picking this book but I had read some of Marcy's other books so I thought I would check it out. It's not exactly a mystery like other books I've read but it's a different type of story. More of an investigation than a mystery but it's a good story. I recommend it for a mystery lover who might want something a little different.
April 28, 2023
As the author (full disclaimer), I loved writing this book and hope you fall in love with the characters as much as I did and enjoy discovering the secret of blue lake.
November 4, 2024
I liked the premise a lot, and the writing style complemented it well.
March 2, 2025
2.5☆ this was entertaining but the writing style wasn't my favorite and I did unfortunately guess the ending about 25% of the way through the book...
June 20, 2026
This book was a local author it was really good.
August 9, 2024
Great book with great characters. It made me not wanting me put it down. A great hometown author we have!!
March 9, 2026
a romance with a gentle mystery woven in. Brian is a bit arrogant at first but we soon warm to him. Meg is an independent woman who can't help but look for the human side to her journalism. a nice easy read
July 28, 2023
I loved Meg and Brian and the way their relationship changed throughout the book as they worked together to support Meg’s aging father and figure out the secret of Blue Lake. This book was the perfect mix of drama, romance, suspense and emotion 👌🏽 I’m so glad a sequel will be available next month!
April 28, 2023
As the author (full disclaimer), I loved writing this book and hope you fall in love with the characters as much as I did and enjoy discovering the secret of blue lake.
May 15, 2023
Man goes to blue lake to be healed in secret fountains
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews