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The Lake Trilogy #2
Troubled Waters
College life for Layla Weston isn’t starting the way she’d intended. She’s revisiting the plans she once had to be the reclusive girl she wanted to be at Heyward Prep, and Layla is more than confident in her ability to succeed this time. After all, she’s got a whole new bag of secrets to keep.
Still reeling from Will’s disappearance, Layla is doing her best to adjust to life back in Florida. She continues to hold out hope, confident she was meant to find Will’s ring for a reason.
Just as Layla is starting to accept that she must keep moving forward, secrets from the past threaten Layla and her family. As Luke and Claire join with Layla to protect their family, Layla discovers that her uncle may not be the man she thought he was – and that there’s more to Will’s disappearance than she ever could have imagined.
Still reeling from Will’s disappearance, Layla is doing her best to adjust to life back in Florida. She continues to hold out hope, confident she was meant to find Will’s ring for a reason.
Just as Layla is starting to accept that she must keep moving forward, secrets from the past threaten Layla and her family. As Luke and Claire join with Layla to protect their family, Layla discovers that her uncle may not be the man she thought he was – and that there’s more to Will’s disappearance than she ever could have imagined.
298 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 12, 2013
492 people are currently reading
1107 people want to read
About the author
AnnaLisa Grant
21 books238 followersAnnaLisa is the youngest of four children and the only daughter, born and raised in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. After graduating high school, she moved to Charlotte, NC with her parents. This turned out to be a blessing since it was just a few short years later that she met her husband in the Film Actor's Studio of Charlotte. As she studied acting at the Studio, AnnaLisa was in several films and made-for-TV movies, as well as performed in local theater in both dramatic and musical roles. At one time, it was AnnaLisa's dream to be a professional singer.
AnnaLisa completed her undergraduate degree in Human Services at Wingate University and her Master's degree in Counseling from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. During her thirteen years in the Human Services field, AnnaLisa worked with children in group homes and foster care, and spent two years in private practice counseling individuals, families, and couples.
When her father was in a near fatal car accident in 2010, AnnaLisa's best coping skill turned out to be writing. Five months after the accident, when all the what ifs would not go away, AnnaLisa started writing Layla Weston's story in The Lake. She had no idea what she was going to do with the story. In fact, she wrote sixty-four pages before she told her husband what she was doing. By then it was clear that Layla had a long story to tell and there were multiple books on the horizon.
In 2013, after all three YA novels in The Lake Trilogy were written and she had let them sit long enough, AnnaLisa took matters into her own hands and self-published the titles within just a few months of each other. Received well by readers young and not-so-young alike, The Lake Trilogy has enjoyed breakout success, selling close to half-million copies the first year.
AnnaLisa's publicist is Rick Miles of Red Coat PR, and she is represented by Italia Gandolfo of GH Literary. AnnaLisa has been married to her super awesome husband Donavan since 2001 and lives in Matthews, NC with their two ridiculously beautiful children.
AnnaLisa completed her undergraduate degree in Human Services at Wingate University and her Master's degree in Counseling from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. During her thirteen years in the Human Services field, AnnaLisa worked with children in group homes and foster care, and spent two years in private practice counseling individuals, families, and couples.
When her father was in a near fatal car accident in 2010, AnnaLisa's best coping skill turned out to be writing. Five months after the accident, when all the what ifs would not go away, AnnaLisa started writing Layla Weston's story in The Lake. She had no idea what she was going to do with the story. In fact, she wrote sixty-four pages before she told her husband what she was doing. By then it was clear that Layla had a long story to tell and there were multiple books on the horizon.
In 2013, after all three YA novels in The Lake Trilogy were written and she had let them sit long enough, AnnaLisa took matters into her own hands and self-published the titles within just a few months of each other. Received well by readers young and not-so-young alike, The Lake Trilogy has enjoyed breakout success, selling close to half-million copies the first year.
AnnaLisa's publicist is Rick Miles of Red Coat PR, and she is represented by Italia Gandolfo of GH Literary. AnnaLisa has been married to her super awesome husband Donavan since 2001 and lives in Matthews, NC with their two ridiculously beautiful children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 204 reviews
February 25, 2014
Thank. God. That's. Over.
My thinking was that, yes the first book was a little too mushy and but halfway believable and I needed to know what happened to Will...so I bought the 2nd book. I just wasted $2.99. The first chapter started out okay although repetitive but I get that you have to bring people up to speed if they hadn't read the first book. The rest was downhill.
1) We get that Layla is hurt/lonely/confused,etc. Why did the author feel the need to turn her into a scared victim?
2) So the story needs more color. Why make Marcus into an unbelievable character? And no one addresses the fact that Will had a relationship with a possible family member?! E-Y-E R-O-L-L.
3) Will is back which is what I wanted to see but I wanted to gag the entire rest of the book. I actually ended up hating Will and Layla. I mean, really. You could have cut this book in half if you had taken out all the unnecessary 'I love you' and 'I can't live without you' crap. NO ONE, and I mean NO ONE, in this world or the make believe, can be this in love. I skipped PAGES just to get to a real interaction between the characters.
I know I'm being harsh. The author did a good job if the job was to entertain youngsters only. But why would you suck an audience of readers in with a halfway believable first book only to make them want to scratch their eyes out on the 2nd? Also I'm a little mad that I spent my $2.99 on this when I could have used it elsewhere.
I literally want to go take a shower after this one.
My thinking was that, yes the first book was a little too mushy and but halfway believable and I needed to know what happened to Will...so I bought the 2nd book. I just wasted $2.99. The first chapter started out okay although repetitive but I get that you have to bring people up to speed if they hadn't read the first book. The rest was downhill.
1) We get that Layla is hurt/lonely/confused,etc. Why did the author feel the need to turn her into a scared victim?
2) So the story needs more color. Why make Marcus into an unbelievable character? And no one addresses the fact that Will had a relationship with a possible family member?! E-Y-E R-O-L-L.
3) Will is back which is what I wanted to see but I wanted to gag the entire rest of the book. I actually ended up hating Will and Layla. I mean, really. You could have cut this book in half if you had taken out all the unnecessary 'I love you' and 'I can't live without you' crap. NO ONE, and I mean NO ONE, in this world or the make believe, can be this in love. I skipped PAGES just to get to a real interaction between the characters.
I know I'm being harsh. The author did a good job if the job was to entertain youngsters only. But why would you suck an audience of readers in with a halfway believable first book only to make them want to scratch their eyes out on the 2nd? Also I'm a little mad that I spent my $2.99 on this when I could have used it elsewhere.
I literally want to go take a shower after this one.
August 23, 2014
I read the first book in the trilogy and though I found it difficult to find some of the scenarios in the book believable I was still able to find a level of enjoyment in reading the story of Layla and Will. Since the first book ended abruptly and left me hanging for answers I spent the $2.99 to buy the second book. What a waste of money. The characters get even less believable in the second book and the twists and turns and character relationships are ridiculous. First of all the characters of Layla and Will read like they are in their thirties rather than 18. Then the surprise twist in how the characters are connected is simply stupid. The faked death issue is another problem for me since I'm pretty sure that is a serious crime. That point is never addressed. All in all the book was horrible and I wouldn't advise anyone to even start the series now that I've read the second book. The Lake was okay but was incomplete in my opinion and the second book just wasn't worth the time and effort to read. I compare my experience to that of a train wreck...you know it's going to happen but somehow you can't tear yourself away from looking. The only reason I finished it was because I paid money for it and I just wanted to find out just how utterly ridiculous the author was going to be. DON'T waste your time or money. I only gave it one star because that was the least I could give it. One star is actually being overly generous!
July 15, 2017
RTC
I literally can't find any energy to review this one. Just see my status updates for the omnibus edition, which I'm still reading for book 3 and the novella. I will do a general review of all of them and a mini review of them probably once I've finished it.
I literally can't find any energy to review this one. Just see my status updates for the omnibus edition, which I'm still reading for book 3 and the novella. I will do a general review of all of them and a mini review of them probably once I've finished it.
May 15, 2013
I read this book in a couple of hours and could not put it down. I won't give anything away in my review, but there are certainly things at the end that I was happy for, but shocked at the same time. Can't wait for the final installment so we can hopefully tie up all the loose ends.
I really like the dynamic of Layla/Luke/Claire in this book. Layla is truly lucky to have found them, and I feel they are also lucky to have her.
So, I will now not patiently wait for the final installment. I sure hope it gets here soon!!
I really like the dynamic of Layla/Luke/Claire in this book. Layla is truly lucky to have found them, and I feel they are also lucky to have her.
So, I will now not patiently wait for the final installment. I sure hope it gets here soon!!
April 16, 2013
No no NO! How can it end like that!
Agh! Troubled waters was sooo good! Even better than book one! So many twists and turns, laughs and tears! Just when you think everything is calming down...boom...something else blows up in their faces!
Book 3 soon.. PLEASE!
Agh! Troubled waters was sooo good! Even better than book one! So many twists and turns, laughs and tears! Just when you think everything is calming down...boom...something else blows up in their faces!
Book 3 soon.. PLEASE!
July 6, 2017
The first book in this series was entertaining even though a little bit lacking. But it ended with a big cliff hanger so had to buy book 2. Serious waste of money...this book is far fetched and just plain stupid. Don't waste your $2.99!
May 17, 2013
Ok. So, For all of you out there that read The lake and thought the trilogy was a sweet coming of age story and a story of Layla finding her life, you are mistaken! In the second book of The Lake Trilogy, Layla is faced with some pretty crazy stuff! First, or course, moving to FL to go to college with the hope that some day Will and his mother will be found and they can be together again. Well, then Layla is literally knocked off her feet with the shock of the news that Will and his Mother were found in a severe accident where neither survived. Poor Layla! The first person she actually connected with as a friend and boyfriend and now she has to try to get over his death! (I cried.) Then, from out of nowhere, Marcus shows up telling Layla that he is now enrolled in FSU. Hmmmmm.... odd if I may say so myself! But Marcus continues on to make Layla feel uncomfortable and he begins trying to force her to be in a relationship with him. Can we say STALKER?? I was so freaked out! Good thing they had Wes Furtick on payroll by this time! Talk about SHOCKERS, one evening Layla is leaving a study group and runs into who else??? Guess! Eliana!!!! Will's MOTHER! At the COLLEGE of all places! Layla freaks out and chase the car the woman is in and she leads Layla right back to her house. Needless to say, the whole death of Will and his mom was FAKED!!!!!! Will is back and ALIVE!!!! YAY! Ok, but now, we still have the stalker Marcus to worry about. He is nuts, not enough visits from reality in the old chrome dome if you ask me. Well, Layla, of course, being our strong decisive lead character would just HAVE to overstep everyone who is trying to protect her and Will and Will's mom and sets up a meeting with loony toon of the year. Ok, long CRAZY story short, Layla ends up being forced into Marcus' house and then Marcus accidentally gets killed. Omg, so much stress!!! (Did I Mention Holly is bach and trying to reach her kooky brother too?) Anyway. time goes on and Will (whose name is now John) asks Layla to marry him, and yes, I cried here too. I cried about 4 times in this book. Happy times! (We think) But NO! Eli shows up on the pretense of featruing Layla in the school paper. Once he gets to the house though he bust out with, "John? You sure look like a Will to me." BAM! HE gets crushed to the floor by all of the big buff men in the house. (See, Eli's father is the guy who Layla caught Greg Meyer having beat up. He worked for a newspaper and after the beating he had a heart attack and died, so in comes Jr. to save the day.) Ok, after comparing notes, they end up FINALLY getting Gregory Meyer on trial and then as the jurors are quietly getting bumped off. Little miss Holly, almost forgot about her huh? Well she happily walks up and shoots Mr. Meyer! BAM BAM BAM!!! And she's off in handcuffs!!! OMG! WHAT can happen NEXT to these two love birds???!!!! I NNED to know the ending! Now I am dying.... LOVE this series soooo much! Thanks so much for gifting this book to me AnnaLisa Grant! AMAZING story!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 4, 2016
These books really draw you in. There was one part of the book, after she found out about Will, that really dragged on and I admit I skimmed some... They had Layla just thinking and talking too much and in too much detail and it is mostly the same stuff over and over.. But, the book picked up again towards the end. I like how this one ended. I don't feel like I have to read the 3rd or else I am missing a big part, but, I wouldn't mind reading it.
I agree with other reviewers that Layla really doesn't act or think like a typical woman her age, I understand that she was forced to grow up fast in the first book, but even with that, some of it still sounds more like an older woman...
Either way, I still enjoyed reading this book...
I agree with other reviewers that Layla really doesn't act or think like a typical woman her age, I understand that she was forced to grow up fast in the first book, but even with that, some of it still sounds more like an older woman...
Either way, I still enjoyed reading this book...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 30, 2016
really enjoyed 1st book this one dragged a little
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never-read
March 31, 2019Read the first book The Lake. 1 star so will not continue with the series.
January 4, 2014
Young love is best thought of in the plays by Shakespeare or the modern day vampire story. It is written as an intense thunderstorm and ridden like a fast roller coaster. By the time both people have landed back on the ground nearly all emotions have been spent and reality comes back to visit them with a swift kick. This book is like those other stories that brings the readers into the world of teenage love. It has the reader follow the story of a girl named Layla and her intense relationship with her newly dead boyfriend. At the end of her sanity and an attempt to sooth her despair, Layla moves in with her aunt and uncle. There she begins the attempt at having a normal college freshman life. However, while she is beginning to piece her life together an old friend reappears. Believing she is being met by a beloved comrade, she soon discovers that this friend has something else in mind. Not wanting to deal with this friend turned stalker, she turns to her aunt and uncle. She soon discovers that her family is not what they appear to be and neither is her past. How will Layla recover from her boyfriend’s death? Can she get the weirdo ex-best friend to leave her alone? Will Layla salvage some sort of happiness in her life?
This book was an interesting combination of teenage romance and fairy tale expectations. On one end you have a young woman that is truly attempting to pull her life together, but at the same time is not allowed to be independent. As soon as she finds some stability, her reality is torn to shreds and everything she holds true is false. I had a hard time with the main character of this story. I found her to be codependent and clingy at best. I did not like her boyfriend and thought her family was a little neurotic. I did like the history that the author provided and I must say she did a good job writing. She hit the sappy love scenes right on target and I think a book like this would do well with teenagers. The characters were well thought out and the descriptions were amazing. However, I just did not like Layla. I wanted her to become more independent half way through the story. I slowly became frustrated with how docile she seemed. I know that if I encountered a few of the issues she had in the story, I would have started swinging at people. I enjoyed the relationships that Layla had with her aunt and uncle, but I found them to be a little overbearing. Overall the story is good and the author did a great job. I would recommend toning down the gushiness of the book though. It gets hard to handle toward the end and becomes a tad unrealistic. I would recommend it for light reading to anyone, but believe it best geared toward the teenage population. I must add that I won this book in a goodreads giveaway and I would like to thank both the author and goodreads. I appreciate the opportunity to read it and had a great time.
This book was an interesting combination of teenage romance and fairy tale expectations. On one end you have a young woman that is truly attempting to pull her life together, but at the same time is not allowed to be independent. As soon as she finds some stability, her reality is torn to shreds and everything she holds true is false. I had a hard time with the main character of this story. I found her to be codependent and clingy at best. I did not like her boyfriend and thought her family was a little neurotic. I did like the history that the author provided and I must say she did a good job writing. She hit the sappy love scenes right on target and I think a book like this would do well with teenagers. The characters were well thought out and the descriptions were amazing. However, I just did not like Layla. I wanted her to become more independent half way through the story. I slowly became frustrated with how docile she seemed. I know that if I encountered a few of the issues she had in the story, I would have started swinging at people. I enjoyed the relationships that Layla had with her aunt and uncle, but I found them to be a little overbearing. Overall the story is good and the author did a great job. I would recommend toning down the gushiness of the book though. It gets hard to handle toward the end and becomes a tad unrealistic. I would recommend it for light reading to anyone, but believe it best geared toward the teenage population. I must add that I won this book in a goodreads giveaway and I would like to thank both the author and goodreads. I appreciate the opportunity to read it and had a great time.
May 7, 2013
Again, Ms. Grant has delivered a heart-pounding story that continues where THE LAKE left off. Filled with romance, and strong emotion, this installment even has it's share of action. I was thrilled to see how Layla is moving forward with her life and seeing her develop into the strong young woman that she is. And I applaud Ms. Grant and other authors who are unafraid to show young females engaged at a young age. I also appreciate a love story that does not involve jumping into bed after a couple dates. It is refreshing to find a love story in which restraint is shown above all to protect the virtue of these young people. The writing is superb! I finished this book in just 2 days (it would have been one if I didn't have to sleep) and I am anxiously awaiting the third and final installment to Layla's story. Brilliantly written!!
September 22, 2014
Hold on to your hat
Claire, Luke and layla leave they're home under threat of Gregory Meyers and without answers as to will and elianna's where about, layla is distressed and wont give up until she has some answers, she has a surprise visitor who tells her that he has transferred schools, thinking it's great to see a friendly face from home..layla is happy but soon finds out her gut reaction was right she had cause for concern. I can't give to much away, I read this book in one sitting....getting reading you be disappointed
Claire, Luke and layla leave they're home under threat of Gregory Meyers and without answers as to will and elianna's where about, layla is distressed and wont give up until she has some answers, she has a surprise visitor who tells her that he has transferred schools, thinking it's great to see a friendly face from home..layla is happy but soon finds out her gut reaction was right she had cause for concern. I can't give to much away, I read this book in one sitting....getting reading you be disappointed
March 8, 2014
As young as this book is. The old young love really never does get old. It's the classic Romeo & Juliet type story updated with up-to-date drama. I can't help but to enjoy going on this journey with Layla and Will. I'm a bit of a hopeless romantic myself, and imagining that someone would go thru such lengths as Will did for Layla and him to be together, (sigh)it's just perfect. I can't wait to get to the end of the 3rd and final novel, I hope it doesn't disappoint.
September 14, 2015
Disappointing
The story is so unrealistic, so many spelling and grammar errors throughout, the constant fact that all the characters in this book seem to worship the ground Layla walks on, even educated adults look toward the teenager for advice and strength! It's ridiculous. I would advise that if you read the prequel to this book, stop there and do not buy the 2nd or 3rd in this series.
Hated to even mark 1 star but had to in order to post this review!
The story is so unrealistic, so many spelling and grammar errors throughout, the constant fact that all the characters in this book seem to worship the ground Layla walks on, even educated adults look toward the teenager for advice and strength! It's ridiculous. I would advise that if you read the prequel to this book, stop there and do not buy the 2nd or 3rd in this series.
Hated to even mark 1 star but had to in order to post this review!
April 24, 2013
After getting completely lost in "The Lake", I didn't hesitate in inhaling "Troubled Waters". Such an emotional journey with Layla and Will. Questions were answered, while new ones were created, leaving me wanting more with "Safe Harbor". Can't wait to continue on this journey. Great characters all the way around; I just want to HUG Will! A must read - you will not be disappointed.
February 2, 2014
This is a super series!! Oh my Gosh!!! I love this story and am happy with how it turned out in book two. It has a little bit of everything, love, suspense, happiness, romance, friendship, family...it keeps you reading because you are not sure where the writer is going to take the story next. I love this book and look forward to the conclusion!!
April 3, 2014
Absolutely fabulous. If I could have sat and read this book straight through...I would have.
I chose this book,cause I read number 1 and I had to find out what happens. Fabulously written to keep the sixpence going. On to the third.I will try to locate any more books written by this author. Thank you.
I chose this book,cause I read number 1 and I had to find out what happens. Fabulously written to keep the sixpence going. On to the third.I will try to locate any more books written by this author. Thank you.
March 23, 2014
Layla and Wills.... Er Johns, story is incredible, this second installments in the lake trilogy didn't leave any disappointments. I love that the author seems to add the perfect amount of drama to a love story while also incorporating amazing family values to the story. I would definitely recommend this book.
December 22, 2015
Part II of Layla and Will's story was amazing. The author captured the emotions of each phase of their journey in touching, believable, and un-predictable fashion.
In fact, the unpredictable aspects of this book were what I liked most about it. I look forward to reading the third book in this series "Safe Harbor."
In fact, the unpredictable aspects of this book were what I liked most about it. I look forward to reading the third book in this series "Safe Harbor."
March 20, 2014
This was such a good book. I loved the first one, so naturally continued the series... it is more than just a love story. I also love how the author made the story stretch through a few years throughout the series, giving us the chance to see the characters grow and mature.
March 12, 2014
Shocked
I was shocked to even think that two people in love would have to go through so many horrible hurdles to be together I don't want to give it away but this is a good book for teenagers to read
I was shocked to even think that two people in love would have to go through so many horrible hurdles to be together I don't want to give it away but this is a good book for teenagers to read
March 13, 2014
A good read
A good read
I have enjoyed reading from chapter one to end. the author keeps the story going so smoothly. soon as you think there is no where else to go she adds a new layer. I can't wait to read book three.
A good read
I have enjoyed reading from chapter one to end. the author keeps the story going so smoothly. soon as you think there is no where else to go she adds a new layer. I can't wait to read book three.
March 22, 2014
Even though the love story is a bit cheesy and mushy, I love the storyline! The suspense is the second book is great. I love the characters even more so than in the first book. The new addition of Wes is a bonus. Looking forward to reading the final book!
April 7, 2014
A good second book in a trilogy.
I enjoyed this book, but not as much as I enjoyed the first book. I felt this one drag a little bit, but I was and still am captivated with Kayla and Will's love story.
I enjoyed this book, but not as much as I enjoyed the first book. I felt this one drag a little bit, but I was and still am captivated with Kayla and Will's love story.
June 18, 2016
Too much crying!
I enjoyed the plot very much with all its twists and turns but it seemed like TOO much crying! Everybody cried and hugged simply too much for my taste. In fact so much that I almost stopped reading the book about three quarters through.
I enjoyed the plot very much with all its twists and turns but it seemed like TOO much crying! Everybody cried and hugged simply too much for my taste. In fact so much that I almost stopped reading the book about three quarters through.
April 14, 2013
Another great read by new author, AnnaLisa Grant! Troubled Waters is full of surprises but also continues to show the importance of family, friendship, and trust.
June 8, 2013
Loved it!!! Can't wait to read what happens next with Layla & Will and also curious as what happens next with Wes and Eliana :-)
June 20, 2013
Great second book in the Lake trilogy. You will continue to fall in love with Layla, Will, Luke & Claire.
January 8, 2014
Layla's life in turmoil continues with Troubled Waters. Read as her life becomes filled with love and devotion from her family and friends, to help her get through these times.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 204 reviews