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The Lake Season
Set in the weeks leading up to an idyllic New England wedding, this “enticing and refreshing” (Nancy Thayer, New York Times bestselling author) novel sparkles with wry wit, sweet romance, and long-kept family secrets.
Iris Standish has always been the responsible sister: the one who studied hard, settled down, and always made the right choices—even when they came at the expense of her passions. Meanwhile, her sister Leah dropped out of college to “find herself” by hiking through Yellowstone and switches jobs nearly as often as she switches lovers, leaving Iris to pick up the pieces in her wake.
But now Iris’s life is coming apart at the seams, and when Leah calls her back to their childhood home with a desperate cry for help, she is thrust headfirst into preparations for her sister’s wedding to a man their New Hampshire clan has never met…with her own marriage and family on the brink.
Still, despite the rush of dress fittings, floral arrangements, and rehearsal dinners, Iris is learning to put herself first. And amid a backdrop of late-night swims and a soul-restoring barn renovation comes Cooper Woods, a high school crush who beckons with the promise of a new start.
While Leah faces a past that has finally caught up to her, Iris prepares to say goodbye to a future that is suddenly far from certain. As Hampstead Lake shimmers in the background, Iris must decide when to wade in cautiously and when to dive—and, ultimately, how to ferry herself to safe harbors in this “glittering…memorable” novel of second chances and the ties that bind (Michelle Gable, nationally bestselling author of A Paris Apartment).
Iris Standish has always been the responsible sister: the one who studied hard, settled down, and always made the right choices—even when they came at the expense of her passions. Meanwhile, her sister Leah dropped out of college to “find herself” by hiking through Yellowstone and switches jobs nearly as often as she switches lovers, leaving Iris to pick up the pieces in her wake.
But now Iris’s life is coming apart at the seams, and when Leah calls her back to their childhood home with a desperate cry for help, she is thrust headfirst into preparations for her sister’s wedding to a man their New Hampshire clan has never met…with her own marriage and family on the brink.
Still, despite the rush of dress fittings, floral arrangements, and rehearsal dinners, Iris is learning to put herself first. And amid a backdrop of late-night swims and a soul-restoring barn renovation comes Cooper Woods, a high school crush who beckons with the promise of a new start.
While Leah faces a past that has finally caught up to her, Iris prepares to say goodbye to a future that is suddenly far from certain. As Hampstead Lake shimmers in the background, Iris must decide when to wade in cautiously and when to dive—and, ultimately, how to ferry herself to safe harbors in this “glittering…memorable” novel of second chances and the ties that bind (Michelle Gable, nationally bestselling author of A Paris Apartment).
384 pages, Paperback
First published June 2, 2015
114 people are currently reading
3343 people want to read
About the author
Hannah McKinnon
12 books635 followersAuthor of The Lake Season, Mystic Summer, The Summer House, Sailing Lessons, The View From Here and two YA titles, Franny Parker and The Properties of Water
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 211 reviews
May 28, 2016
Holy cow! Everyone needs to read this awesome debut novel!!
Iris Standish's life has been turned upside down. Her husband Paul has blind sided her with wanting a separation. THE LAKE SEASON is filled with love, heartbreak, family, and romance. Iris has always had the love of her family, which is why she runs home to them when her life falls apart. But she has always felt like an outsider looking in. Her parents, while maybe not meaning to, have always played favorites with her sister, Leah. No matter what Leah does, no matter how many bad decisions she makes, her parents have always had her back. Iris doesn't feel like they are the same way with her.
Leah has shocked everyone by announcing she is getting married and wants Iris there to help her with all the plans. Once home, Iris is shocked by the changes her family has made to the farm and barn in her absence. The one thing that appears to be exactly the same is her sister. Leah still seems to be a little reckless and attention seeking - you know the kind that always has to be the life of the party. Iris becomes concerned by some of Leah's strange behavior. Although Iris tries to get Leah to open up, Leah refuses to confide in her and their relationship becomes just like it was when they were kids. Iris was always picking up the pieces to the mess Leah would leave behind and she finds herself doing it again. Why don't her parents make Leah take responsibility for her actions?
While all of this is going on, Iris finds herself constantly running into one of her teenage crushes, Cooper Woods. Iris hides out in the barn that Cooper is renovating for her family, to escape her problems. Cooper learns of Iris's troubles at home and offers to listen when she wants to talk. At the same time, he teaches her so many things as she helps him in the restoration of the barn. Their renewed friendship is just what each of them need. Neither one of them is interested in a summer fling, but is there really time for anything more?
I still can't believe THE LAKE SEASON is a debut novel. Once I started reading, I couldn't stop. I read this wonderful story in two sittings! Hannah McKinnon pulled me right in from the very first page and never let me go. She does such a great job of describing the scenery and the way the characters are feeling that it was almost as if I were right there with them at the lake and the farm. I love when an author can put me in their story.
I usually am reading many books at one time but once I started THE LAKE SEASON all other books were put aside. I found myself cheering for the Standish family, wondering if tragedy would pull this family together or splinter it further apart. I finished reading the very last page with a huge lump in my throat and a big smile on my face! I can not wait to read more by Ms. McKinnon.
Iris Standish's life has been turned upside down. Her husband Paul has blind sided her with wanting a separation. THE LAKE SEASON is filled with love, heartbreak, family, and romance. Iris has always had the love of her family, which is why she runs home to them when her life falls apart. But she has always felt like an outsider looking in. Her parents, while maybe not meaning to, have always played favorites with her sister, Leah. No matter what Leah does, no matter how many bad decisions she makes, her parents have always had her back. Iris doesn't feel like they are the same way with her.
Leah has shocked everyone by announcing she is getting married and wants Iris there to help her with all the plans. Once home, Iris is shocked by the changes her family has made to the farm and barn in her absence. The one thing that appears to be exactly the same is her sister. Leah still seems to be a little reckless and attention seeking - you know the kind that always has to be the life of the party. Iris becomes concerned by some of Leah's strange behavior. Although Iris tries to get Leah to open up, Leah refuses to confide in her and their relationship becomes just like it was when they were kids. Iris was always picking up the pieces to the mess Leah would leave behind and she finds herself doing it again. Why don't her parents make Leah take responsibility for her actions?
While all of this is going on, Iris finds herself constantly running into one of her teenage crushes, Cooper Woods. Iris hides out in the barn that Cooper is renovating for her family, to escape her problems. Cooper learns of Iris's troubles at home and offers to listen when she wants to talk. At the same time, he teaches her so many things as she helps him in the restoration of the barn. Their renewed friendship is just what each of them need. Neither one of them is interested in a summer fling, but is there really time for anything more?
I still can't believe THE LAKE SEASON is a debut novel. Once I started reading, I couldn't stop. I read this wonderful story in two sittings! Hannah McKinnon pulled me right in from the very first page and never let me go. She does such a great job of describing the scenery and the way the characters are feeling that it was almost as if I were right there with them at the lake and the farm. I love when an author can put me in their story.
I usually am reading many books at one time but once I started THE LAKE SEASON all other books were put aside. I found myself cheering for the Standish family, wondering if tragedy would pull this family together or splinter it further apart. I finished reading the very last page with a huge lump in my throat and a big smile on my face! I can not wait to read more by Ms. McKinnon.
June 9, 2015
The Lake Season by Hannah Roberts McKinnon is a 2015 Atria/ Emily Bestler Books Publication. I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book is women's fiction at it's finest. I have a habit of reading several books at one time, but once I got several chapters deep into this one, I couldn't put it down.
Iris and Leah are sisters, but you would never know it judging by their personalities. Iris is a solid, hard working person who got the good grades in school, was dependable, reliable, and did all the right things, but she was practically ignored by her parents in favor of her sister, Leah, who was beautiful and talented, but was never consistent, went through men at warp speed, partied hard, and never really made much of her life. But, her parents always got her out of trouble, gave her money if she asked, and made excuses for her.
Now, Iris is going through a crisis of her own, right when Leah decides to finally settle down and get married. So, Iris heads home to stay with her parents for the summer and plan a wedding for her flighty sister.
But, Iris could never have predicted the way this summer would end, what deeply rooted pain and resentments would come to light, what secrets would be unveiled, and how she herself will change in just a few short months, leading her on a road of self discovery with a renewed sense of hope and confidence, even if the road is still a rocky one.
We see life mostly through Iris's point of view as she tells us about her sister, her husband, her kids, her job, and her parents. Iris is just a little hard on herself and it's obvious she has spent most of her life trying to please people, starting with her parents, then her husband. But, now Iris needs to do something for herself, even if it's painful and terrifying.
However, as Iris returned home to New Hampshire, I couldn't help but notice how little self confidence Iris has, and how it's so often true that the way we view ourselves is so different from the way others see us. So, Iris is shocked at times, surprised at others times, sometimes pleasantly so, by the confessions made by her friend Trish, her sister, and her mother. Iris sees that maybe she had been taken notice of after all and that maybe she had something going for herself that others were envious of.
Still, even if she did have a life others wished to have, at this moment in time it's all in jeopardy. Iris's future is up in the air as her husband hints that maybe their marriage has run it's course. What will she do now? What will happen to the children, her career?
While she ponders these things, and goes though the painful process of realizing her marriage is a failure and is about to come to an end, out of the shadows walks Cooper Woods and before too long, Iris begins to gain perspective, learns dark family secrets, becomes closer to her unstable sister, and becomes a more well rounded person, and discovers a new found confidence in herself.
Watching Iris go through this transformation is often heartbreaking, and I felt her insecurities, and her indecision is so human and real. Iris finds it very hard to let go of that people pleasing habit she has, often teetering on the edge of settling for something less, in order to do what she thought was best for others. It is situation many people have gone through and her concerns were real and legitimate, and while I hoped she wouldn't waffle and back down, going backwards and not forward, I found I wouldn't be able to judge her too harshly. But, I so wanted Iris to feel complete on her own, without needing approval from her mother, or sister, or anyone for that matter.
Personal growth did come at a cost, and all that Iris goes through in this story was hard on her. The truth about Leah is a gripping story on it's own. Again, I was struck by the preconceived notions we have of people, the judgments we make without knowing all the facts. Leah seemed to have so much promise, but continually threw it all away, and never seemed to have any accountability. Iris will learn the reasons for some of this behavior and will gain a much better understanding of her sister and her mother in the process.
I never knew how to feel about Millie. I saw she was mother doing the best she could, but didn't realize the damage she was inflicting on Iris in the process. Millie is not the warmest person on earth, and some of her advice to Iris got under my skin, but often I felt bad for her. Iris never understood her mother's favoritism, but will learn her mother does love her, just not in the same way as Leah, who has special needs. But, remember too, that even those we think are strong, who don't need us a much, often do need us and one should never presume such a thing. But, this summer will mend fences in some ways and help to heal resentments and past hurts.
Cooper Woods... well, I think I had crush on Cooper. I really, really liked him, and I think he is so good for our Iris. He knows exactly what Iris is going through right now and knows all about the ups and downs she is about to face, the uncertainty, the doubts, the many tears to come, and he has an intimate knowledge of her family's struggles, so there too he is a big help. I think all Iris needs now is time and some patience from Cooper and all will be well between them.
Ultimately, this is a story of love, forgiveness, family, friends, and personal growth. I believe Iris will become a better person, friend, parent, sister, daughter, and maybe even a happy wife someday. But for now, it's Iris's time to shine on her own and shine she will.
5 stars
This book is women's fiction at it's finest. I have a habit of reading several books at one time, but once I got several chapters deep into this one, I couldn't put it down.
Iris and Leah are sisters, but you would never know it judging by their personalities. Iris is a solid, hard working person who got the good grades in school, was dependable, reliable, and did all the right things, but she was practically ignored by her parents in favor of her sister, Leah, who was beautiful and talented, but was never consistent, went through men at warp speed, partied hard, and never really made much of her life. But, her parents always got her out of trouble, gave her money if she asked, and made excuses for her.
Now, Iris is going through a crisis of her own, right when Leah decides to finally settle down and get married. So, Iris heads home to stay with her parents for the summer and plan a wedding for her flighty sister.
But, Iris could never have predicted the way this summer would end, what deeply rooted pain and resentments would come to light, what secrets would be unveiled, and how she herself will change in just a few short months, leading her on a road of self discovery with a renewed sense of hope and confidence, even if the road is still a rocky one.
We see life mostly through Iris's point of view as she tells us about her sister, her husband, her kids, her job, and her parents. Iris is just a little hard on herself and it's obvious she has spent most of her life trying to please people, starting with her parents, then her husband. But, now Iris needs to do something for herself, even if it's painful and terrifying.
However, as Iris returned home to New Hampshire, I couldn't help but notice how little self confidence Iris has, and how it's so often true that the way we view ourselves is so different from the way others see us. So, Iris is shocked at times, surprised at others times, sometimes pleasantly so, by the confessions made by her friend Trish, her sister, and her mother. Iris sees that maybe she had been taken notice of after all and that maybe she had something going for herself that others were envious of.
Still, even if she did have a life others wished to have, at this moment in time it's all in jeopardy. Iris's future is up in the air as her husband hints that maybe their marriage has run it's course. What will she do now? What will happen to the children, her career?
While she ponders these things, and goes though the painful process of realizing her marriage is a failure and is about to come to an end, out of the shadows walks Cooper Woods and before too long, Iris begins to gain perspective, learns dark family secrets, becomes closer to her unstable sister, and becomes a more well rounded person, and discovers a new found confidence in herself.
Watching Iris go through this transformation is often heartbreaking, and I felt her insecurities, and her indecision is so human and real. Iris finds it very hard to let go of that people pleasing habit she has, often teetering on the edge of settling for something less, in order to do what she thought was best for others. It is situation many people have gone through and her concerns were real and legitimate, and while I hoped she wouldn't waffle and back down, going backwards and not forward, I found I wouldn't be able to judge her too harshly. But, I so wanted Iris to feel complete on her own, without needing approval from her mother, or sister, or anyone for that matter.
Personal growth did come at a cost, and all that Iris goes through in this story was hard on her. The truth about Leah is a gripping story on it's own. Again, I was struck by the preconceived notions we have of people, the judgments we make without knowing all the facts. Leah seemed to have so much promise, but continually threw it all away, and never seemed to have any accountability. Iris will learn the reasons for some of this behavior and will gain a much better understanding of her sister and her mother in the process.
I never knew how to feel about Millie. I saw she was mother doing the best she could, but didn't realize the damage she was inflicting on Iris in the process. Millie is not the warmest person on earth, and some of her advice to Iris got under my skin, but often I felt bad for her. Iris never understood her mother's favoritism, but will learn her mother does love her, just not in the same way as Leah, who has special needs. But, remember too, that even those we think are strong, who don't need us a much, often do need us and one should never presume such a thing. But, this summer will mend fences in some ways and help to heal resentments and past hurts.
Cooper Woods... well, I think I had crush on Cooper. I really, really liked him, and I think he is so good for our Iris. He knows exactly what Iris is going through right now and knows all about the ups and downs she is about to face, the uncertainty, the doubts, the many tears to come, and he has an intimate knowledge of her family's struggles, so there too he is a big help. I think all Iris needs now is time and some patience from Cooper and all will be well between them.
Ultimately, this is a story of love, forgiveness, family, friends, and personal growth. I believe Iris will become a better person, friend, parent, sister, daughter, and maybe even a happy wife someday. But for now, it's Iris's time to shine on her own and shine she will.
5 stars
June 29, 2016
I received this in a Goodreads giveaway a while back. I should have got to it sooner, as it is a wonderful summer beach read. The idyllic lake setting makes you want to dive in for a brisk swim. But all is not ideal for Iris, and her sister Leah. With her children at camps, Iris has returned home to come to terms with her husband asking for a divorce and to help prepare for Leah's wedding. Iris and Leah's relationship has always been a bit strained and competitive, and buried jealousies surface. Iris takes refuge in the old barns, helping an old high school crush, Cooper Woods, to return them to their glory. Sparks fly between the two and Iris yearns for the love and attention her husband has not demonstrated for years. Leah has her own struggles and secrets to bear. Signs of emotional instability mingle with the happy bliss of wedding preparations. Iris wonders what it is that troubles Leah and what drives the fierce protection of their mother. But despite the strains, difficulties and disputes between them, the family bonds of love are strong in their loyalty to one another. Can Iris and Leah find the happiness they seek, and a chance for new beginnings?
While I would consider this a beach read, the book deals with some serious issues, such as divorce, mental illness and other topics of today's society, but shows that second chances are possible.
While I would consider this a beach read, the book deals with some serious issues, such as divorce, mental illness and other topics of today's society, but shows that second chances are possible.
July 25, 2015
This is your perfect summer novel. If you're going anywhere near a lake or any kind of beach, this novel is what you need.
I liked how this novel made me feel. Going to her parents' house is a way to take a break from her life for Iris, and I felt like I was on a break, too. This novel made me escape from my life and if that doesn't mean it's a good novel, then I don't know what does.
I found it hard to like all of the characters in this novel, first because I didn't feel very invested in the story (but that might be because the main character is my mother's age, so it's not exactly a book for someone my age), but also because I found some characters pretty annoying. Sometimes, I wished I could shake some of the characters, because I hated what they were doing. Also, since the novel starts when Paul has just told Iris that he wants them to get a divorce, I didn't understand what she could see in him, because I felt like I didn't know a thing about their relationship, except from their fallout. It made it hard for me to understand her feelings. However, I really liked many other characters, like Trish, Iris's best friend, Bill, Iris's father, Cooper and Iris's children. I loved the relationships between all of those characters, because their love is clear and deep.
I really liked how selfless Iris is. It also bugged me a little, because I wished she would do something for herself, but mostly, I was impressed. I thought it was very brave of her and I wished I could be more like that. I was really happy to see her grow and to realize how much of a difference this summer has on her, because there is a lot of character development in this book, as well as relationship development.
I read this book outside, on my patio on sunbathing, and it was exactly what I needed. I recommend it.
(Thank you NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
I liked how this novel made me feel. Going to her parents' house is a way to take a break from her life for Iris, and I felt like I was on a break, too. This novel made me escape from my life and if that doesn't mean it's a good novel, then I don't know what does.
I found it hard to like all of the characters in this novel, first because I didn't feel very invested in the story (but that might be because the main character is my mother's age, so it's not exactly a book for someone my age), but also because I found some characters pretty annoying. Sometimes, I wished I could shake some of the characters, because I hated what they were doing. Also, since the novel starts when Paul has just told Iris that he wants them to get a divorce, I didn't understand what she could see in him, because I felt like I didn't know a thing about their relationship, except from their fallout. It made it hard for me to understand her feelings. However, I really liked many other characters, like Trish, Iris's best friend, Bill, Iris's father, Cooper and Iris's children. I loved the relationships between all of those characters, because their love is clear and deep.
I really liked how selfless Iris is. It also bugged me a little, because I wished she would do something for herself, but mostly, I was impressed. I thought it was very brave of her and I wished I could be more like that. I was really happy to see her grow and to realize how much of a difference this summer has on her, because there is a lot of character development in this book, as well as relationship development.
I read this book outside, on my patio on sunbathing, and it was exactly what I needed. I recommend it.
(Thank you NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
June 4, 2015
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
I really enjoyed this book! To me it was the perfect summer read. Our heroine "Iris" is at times hysterically funny, at others pensive and thought provoking. The lake house setting made me long to own one, or at least know somebody who had a lake house and invite me for the summer! I laughed out loud many times. At least once I wanted to slap some sense into her, but that's good, right? I have to admit, the story was just a bit predictable, but the characters were well developed, the story well written, and it was just a very satisfying "chick lit" adventure.
I really enjoyed this book! To me it was the perfect summer read. Our heroine "Iris" is at times hysterically funny, at others pensive and thought provoking. The lake house setting made me long to own one, or at least know somebody who had a lake house and invite me for the summer! I laughed out loud many times. At least once I wanted to slap some sense into her, but that's good, right? I have to admit, the story was just a bit predictable, but the characters were well developed, the story well written, and it was just a very satisfying "chick lit" adventure.
August 9, 2015
Oh dear! This one falls very short in my estimation! I couldn’t wait to begin, as all the inducements pulled me right in – a beach book, Cape Cod, family turbulence, and so forth! Contrary to the many enthusiastic reviews, though, I found the writing flat and totally lackluster. Two dimensional characters did little to enrich the predictable plot. The author’s attempt to convey the superciliousness of parental cliques was unconvincing – a feat so effectively rendered by Lianne Moriarty in Big Little Lies. Disappointing.
July 3, 2015
The Lake Season falls into the category of Beach Reads, the kind of book with a predictable troubled heroine who finds redemption in some way. The locations may change from coastal small towns to mountain resorts. The heroine might have a dynamic job or a part time career which she juggles along with one to three children. Often divorce looms. How will our heroine cope and where will she find the strength to carry on? Will there be reconciliation or a new love interest? Will the beloved hobby turn into a profitable career option? These books are kick-back and feel good reads because we assume there will be a HEA for the heroine. We just have to get through her challenging life to reach that happy ending.
Iris Standish is the responsible older sister. She juggles a marriage, three kids and a part time job reviewing manuscripts and contacting publishers as a freelance agent. (Okay, that is an ideal job for book lovers who read this genre) Her kids are precocious and her teenager is challenging. Her husband wants a divorce.
Reeling and unable to consider how her life is about to change,depressed at the cold indifferent attitude of her husband Paul,she gets an urgent call from her younger sister Leah. Leah insists Iris come home to their parents farm to help with her wedding preparations.
Leah is the wild child of the family, running from one adventure to another and always supported by her doting mother. Iris has felt ignored and unappreciated by her parents and has not brought her family for a visit in five years. Needing to regroup and find herself, Iris leaves her kids in her husband’s capable hands and heads home to help with the wedding. The players are identified and the story can now evolve to its hopeful happy ending.
This is Hannah McKinnon’s debut novel. She writes with an easy style. The first half of the book does drag a bit but as the wedding looms and crisis after crisis force family members to face their past and forge a path to the future the pace improves.
I did struggle to like both Iris and her sister Leah. Iris is conflicted and indecisive. You just want to slap some sense into her or find her a spine,something to keep her family from treating her like a doormat.Leah is all over the place emotionally. One moment she is everyone’s best friend and the next she flying off with Iris’s potential love interest for a weekend in Vermont. The small town loves her work ethic and how much she has helped her parents get their market garden operation off the ground but she spends most of her time sulking and ignoring her fiancé Stephen. As facts are revealed the reader does gain some respect and empathy for both sisters. The same cannot be said for their mother Millie. She is a one dimensional inflexible character who shows no growth at all. She is balanced by the girls doting and loveable dad.
The men in the story are also one-dimensional. Iris’s husband Paul is evil walking. He is cold and indifferent to the needs of his wife. The farm handyman Cooper Woods is a caricature, a fantasy of the perfect love interest. He is gorgeous, single, caring and understanding. While Iris waffles he stands by patiently being cute and adorable. He’s a great guy. He does have a past but we learn very little of his back story. When Paul shows up for Leah's wedding I wanted Cooper to grow a spine as well. Too nice is sometimes too much of a good thing.
I did enjoy reading this book and can see this author joining the ranks of better than average Chick Lit writers. Add a little depth to the men in her stories and she can rank up there with many of the better Beach read authors on the market today.
*ARC received from publisher via NetGalley.
Iris Standish is the responsible older sister. She juggles a marriage, three kids and a part time job reviewing manuscripts and contacting publishers as a freelance agent. (Okay, that is an ideal job for book lovers who read this genre) Her kids are precocious and her teenager is challenging. Her husband wants a divorce.
Reeling and unable to consider how her life is about to change,depressed at the cold indifferent attitude of her husband Paul,she gets an urgent call from her younger sister Leah. Leah insists Iris come home to their parents farm to help with her wedding preparations.
Leah is the wild child of the family, running from one adventure to another and always supported by her doting mother. Iris has felt ignored and unappreciated by her parents and has not brought her family for a visit in five years. Needing to regroup and find herself, Iris leaves her kids in her husband’s capable hands and heads home to help with the wedding. The players are identified and the story can now evolve to its hopeful happy ending.
This is Hannah McKinnon’s debut novel. She writes with an easy style. The first half of the book does drag a bit but as the wedding looms and crisis after crisis force family members to face their past and forge a path to the future the pace improves.
I did struggle to like both Iris and her sister Leah. Iris is conflicted and indecisive. You just want to slap some sense into her or find her a spine,something to keep her family from treating her like a doormat.Leah is all over the place emotionally. One moment she is everyone’s best friend and the next she flying off with Iris’s potential love interest for a weekend in Vermont. The small town loves her work ethic and how much she has helped her parents get their market garden operation off the ground but she spends most of her time sulking and ignoring her fiancé Stephen. As facts are revealed the reader does gain some respect and empathy for both sisters. The same cannot be said for their mother Millie. She is a one dimensional inflexible character who shows no growth at all. She is balanced by the girls doting and loveable dad.
The men in the story are also one-dimensional. Iris’s husband Paul is evil walking. He is cold and indifferent to the needs of his wife. The farm handyman Cooper Woods is a caricature, a fantasy of the perfect love interest. He is gorgeous, single, caring and understanding. While Iris waffles he stands by patiently being cute and adorable. He’s a great guy. He does have a past but we learn very little of his back story. When Paul shows up for Leah's wedding I wanted Cooper to grow a spine as well. Too nice is sometimes too much of a good thing.
I did enjoy reading this book and can see this author joining the ranks of better than average Chick Lit writers. Add a little depth to the men in her stories and she can rank up there with many of the better Beach read authors on the market today.
*ARC received from publisher via NetGalley.
June 23, 2015
An ideal summer beach read, and perfect for book club discussions, Hannah McKinnon’s THE LAKE SEASON, is a moving beautiful story of sisters, dark family secrets, with a stunning idyllic lakefront setting in New England--A desperate last-chance summer, rediscovery, and new possibilities for the future.
Iris has always been the responsible sister, while her sister Leah dropped out of college, the free-spirit, hiking through Yellowstone and job hopping, leaving Iris to pick up the pieces. Everyone always liked Leah, the life of the party, and Iris boring and uptight.
Now, Iris finds her life and marriage falling apart (Paul, husband and three children-Sadie, Lily, and Jack). She feels no one likes her at the moment, so why stay. Once again Leah calls her back to their childhood home for help, off she goes to help with the preparations for her sister’s wedding to a rich man the family has never met.
The air is filled with tension upon the arrival. Iris is looking forward to the time away from her own family to decide about her own life and future. However, will she put her responsibility for others aside to find her own passion? What about an unexpected romance with an old class mate Cooper Woods, while working with the barn renovations?
Leah always been the favorite daughter and seems never to take responsibility for her actions - a case of sibling rivalry? Everyone loves Leah, she's engaged, yet they have not been in touch for years. Leah seems to have it all, but something isn't quite right. Leah does not act like someone madly in love. What gives?
Families aren’t easy – they are complex and most of the time our friends know more about us than our own family members. McKinnon cleverly takes all the messy-life topics and creates a compelling and heartwarming realistic story for a summer of healing, forgiveness, sisterhood, and rediscovery!
Charming and heartfelt! Add to to your summer beach read collection.
Iris has always been the responsible sister, while her sister Leah dropped out of college, the free-spirit, hiking through Yellowstone and job hopping, leaving Iris to pick up the pieces. Everyone always liked Leah, the life of the party, and Iris boring and uptight.
Now, Iris finds her life and marriage falling apart (Paul, husband and three children-Sadie, Lily, and Jack). She feels no one likes her at the moment, so why stay. Once again Leah calls her back to their childhood home for help, off she goes to help with the preparations for her sister’s wedding to a rich man the family has never met.
The air is filled with tension upon the arrival. Iris is looking forward to the time away from her own family to decide about her own life and future. However, will she put her responsibility for others aside to find her own passion? What about an unexpected romance with an old class mate Cooper Woods, while working with the barn renovations?
Leah always been the favorite daughter and seems never to take responsibility for her actions - a case of sibling rivalry? Everyone loves Leah, she's engaged, yet they have not been in touch for years. Leah seems to have it all, but something isn't quite right. Leah does not act like someone madly in love. What gives?
Families aren’t easy – they are complex and most of the time our friends know more about us than our own family members. McKinnon cleverly takes all the messy-life topics and creates a compelling and heartwarming realistic story for a summer of healing, forgiveness, sisterhood, and rediscovery!
Charming and heartfelt! Add to to your summer beach read collection.
July 1, 2015
A woman uses her sister’s wedding as a legitimate way to take a break from her life. When she arrives in New Hampshire from Boston, though, she realizes that may she need more than a break; maybe she needs a fresh start. By getting back in touch with old friends and reviving her relationships with her family, the woman finds that fresh start. Hannah McKinnon tries to entice readers in the predictable, plodding novel The Lake Season.
Iris Standish can’t seem to do anything right lately. Her teenage daughter offers her nothing more than an eye roll as conversation. She doesn’t know how to relate to the other mothers from school. And her husband has become distant lately. Iris has begun holding her breath, waiting for a shoe to drop.
When her husband says at the beginning of the summer that he wants a separation, though, Iris feels an entire rack of shoes has fallen on her head. After all the sacrifices she’s made with her career and everything they’ve gone through to have children in the first place, she doesn’t know what she could have possibly done wrong. But her husband has made his intentions crystal clear. As far as he’s concerned, their relationship is over.
A mysterious postcard shows up in the mail and turns into Iris’s ticket out of the house for a little while. Her younger sister, Leah, is getting married at the end of the summer to a man no one in the family has met. Iris and Leah haven’t shared a close relationship in many years, but now it seems Leah needs her big sister. The postcard simply says “Please come,” and Iris decides to answer her sister’s call.
She drives to her parents’ farm in New Hampshire and discovers that what started as a small stand of vegetables at the end of the driveway has turned into a thriving business. What’s more, Iris discovers that free spirit Leah acted as the driving force behind the farm’s success. Iris also finds out that her old crush, Cooper Woods, has begun spending considerable time helping her parents restore their old barn and other farm structures. As she tries to sort through her relationship with Leah and her parents, a renewed attraction to Cooper, and a revitalization of her career as a literary agent through an unexpected opportunity, Iris begins to regain the confidence she needs to face her future.
Author Hannah McKinnon’s novel doesn’t offer readers anything new in terms of plot or character. From the overtly cliché opening conflict to Iris’s longing for escape and the fact that she finds it in an upcoming family event that requires her presence, McKinnon hits every single box on the list of predictability. Readers will have a hard time understanding how Iris can allow herself to be taken for granted to such a degrading degree by her husband, and that provision guarantees Iris’s attraction to Cooper even before she reaches New Hampshire.
In fact, readers won’t find it difficult to guess all of the secrets held by Leah or anyone else in the book. Long before Iris and Company hit the forced climax, readers will know what’s coming. The only redeeming factor of the entire book comes in the form of a secondary character from a different part of the country. Unfortunately he doesn’t get enough “screen” time to make much of an impact.
I recommend readers Bypass The Lake Season.
(I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
Iris Standish can’t seem to do anything right lately. Her teenage daughter offers her nothing more than an eye roll as conversation. She doesn’t know how to relate to the other mothers from school. And her husband has become distant lately. Iris has begun holding her breath, waiting for a shoe to drop.
When her husband says at the beginning of the summer that he wants a separation, though, Iris feels an entire rack of shoes has fallen on her head. After all the sacrifices she’s made with her career and everything they’ve gone through to have children in the first place, she doesn’t know what she could have possibly done wrong. But her husband has made his intentions crystal clear. As far as he’s concerned, their relationship is over.
A mysterious postcard shows up in the mail and turns into Iris’s ticket out of the house for a little while. Her younger sister, Leah, is getting married at the end of the summer to a man no one in the family has met. Iris and Leah haven’t shared a close relationship in many years, but now it seems Leah needs her big sister. The postcard simply says “Please come,” and Iris decides to answer her sister’s call.
She drives to her parents’ farm in New Hampshire and discovers that what started as a small stand of vegetables at the end of the driveway has turned into a thriving business. What’s more, Iris discovers that free spirit Leah acted as the driving force behind the farm’s success. Iris also finds out that her old crush, Cooper Woods, has begun spending considerable time helping her parents restore their old barn and other farm structures. As she tries to sort through her relationship with Leah and her parents, a renewed attraction to Cooper, and a revitalization of her career as a literary agent through an unexpected opportunity, Iris begins to regain the confidence she needs to face her future.
Author Hannah McKinnon’s novel doesn’t offer readers anything new in terms of plot or character. From the overtly cliché opening conflict to Iris’s longing for escape and the fact that she finds it in an upcoming family event that requires her presence, McKinnon hits every single box on the list of predictability. Readers will have a hard time understanding how Iris can allow herself to be taken for granted to such a degrading degree by her husband, and that provision guarantees Iris’s attraction to Cooper even before she reaches New Hampshire.
In fact, readers won’t find it difficult to guess all of the secrets held by Leah or anyone else in the book. Long before Iris and Company hit the forced climax, readers will know what’s coming. The only redeeming factor of the entire book comes in the form of a secondary character from a different part of the country. Unfortunately he doesn’t get enough “screen” time to make much of an impact.
I recommend readers Bypass The Lake Season.
(I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
June 2, 2015
Hannah McKinnon's The Lake Season is an absolutely delightful gem! An idyllic lakefront property is the perfect setting for Iris Standish to rediscover herself as she tries come to terms with her upcoming divorce. She also learns startling information about her younger sister Leah who is also home preparing for her upcoming wedding. But it is her unexpected romance with Cooper Woods that truly helps her heal but the future of their relationship is uncertain once Iris returns to her regular life.
Although their sixteen year marriage has been troubled for quite some time, Iris is still stunned when her husband Paul tells her he wants a divorce. Barely able to cope with day to day life, a cryptic postcard from Leah provides Iris with an excuse to escape to her childhood home. The family farm has undergone a few changes in her absence but the one thing that appears to be exactly the same is her sister. Leah still seems to be a little reckless and attention seeking, but Iris becomes concerned by some of Leah's inexplicable behavior. Although Iris tries to get Leah to open up, Leah refuses to confide in her and their relationship becomes strained when the sisters fall back into childhood patterns.
Iris immediately feels like an outsider at her childhood home and she is further dismayed once she realizes how far out of the family loop she is. Leah's return does not help with the disconnect Iris is experiencing and when Leah steps back into her role of the favored daughter, Iris is not only hurt, but angered that no one expects Leah to take responsibility for her actions. Iris takes refuge in assisting Cooper with the barn renovations and she is pleasantly surprised by their easygoing friendship. In the beginning, working with Cooper provides her a mindless distraction from her worries, but as she becomes skilled at new tasks, Iris begins to thrive as she recovers her lost self-esteem. Her camaraderie with Cooper soon gives way to a mutual attraction and as they tentatively embark on a romance, sibling rivalry, jealousy and startling revelations threaten their fragile bond.
The Lake Season paints a realistic portrait of life's messy relationships. Siblings' relationships are often complicated by rivalry that sometimes lasts into adulthood while parental relationships often suffer from lasting resentment over perceived parental favoritism of one sibling over another. Marriages sometimes never recover from the stress establishing careers, infertility and raising children. Although staying together seems like the best choice for the children, should parents be expected to give up their happiness to give their kids a two parent household? Hannah McKinnon brilliantly weaves all of these thought-provoking topics into an emotional and compelling story that is heartwarming and ultimately healing. An utterly fantastic novel with a beautiful setting and an incredible cast of characters that I absolutely loved and highly recommend.
Although their sixteen year marriage has been troubled for quite some time, Iris is still stunned when her husband Paul tells her he wants a divorce. Barely able to cope with day to day life, a cryptic postcard from Leah provides Iris with an excuse to escape to her childhood home. The family farm has undergone a few changes in her absence but the one thing that appears to be exactly the same is her sister. Leah still seems to be a little reckless and attention seeking, but Iris becomes concerned by some of Leah's inexplicable behavior. Although Iris tries to get Leah to open up, Leah refuses to confide in her and their relationship becomes strained when the sisters fall back into childhood patterns.
Iris immediately feels like an outsider at her childhood home and she is further dismayed once she realizes how far out of the family loop she is. Leah's return does not help with the disconnect Iris is experiencing and when Leah steps back into her role of the favored daughter, Iris is not only hurt, but angered that no one expects Leah to take responsibility for her actions. Iris takes refuge in assisting Cooper with the barn renovations and she is pleasantly surprised by their easygoing friendship. In the beginning, working with Cooper provides her a mindless distraction from her worries, but as she becomes skilled at new tasks, Iris begins to thrive as she recovers her lost self-esteem. Her camaraderie with Cooper soon gives way to a mutual attraction and as they tentatively embark on a romance, sibling rivalry, jealousy and startling revelations threaten their fragile bond.
The Lake Season paints a realistic portrait of life's messy relationships. Siblings' relationships are often complicated by rivalry that sometimes lasts into adulthood while parental relationships often suffer from lasting resentment over perceived parental favoritism of one sibling over another. Marriages sometimes never recover from the stress establishing careers, infertility and raising children. Although staying together seems like the best choice for the children, should parents be expected to give up their happiness to give their kids a two parent household? Hannah McKinnon brilliantly weaves all of these thought-provoking topics into an emotional and compelling story that is heartwarming and ultimately healing. An utterly fantastic novel with a beautiful setting and an incredible cast of characters that I absolutely loved and highly recommend.
June 11, 2015
Iris has found herself at an important crossroad. She has been married for many years to her husband, Paul, and has three lovely kids with him. Things with Paul haven't been great for years, but she didn't see it coming when Paul announces he wants a divorce. Iris finds herself going through the motions of her life and living it in quite desperation. On a whim, she decides that a summer at her parents' farm on a beautiful lake is exactly what she needs as well as the children. Plus, she has to be up there in a few weeks to help plan her sister's wedding, even though they haven't talked in a few years. She is going to spend a few weeks without her children as they are at camp and then they will meet up with her at her childhood home. Things aren't that simple for Iris though. Once she gets to the farm, she realizes that she had no idea what kind of operation her parents as well as her sister, Leah, had going on and it has become a rather successful business. She also can tell something is going on with Leah, but no one in her family will be straight with her. To Iris, it appears that Leah has jumped into this marriage with a man that she just met and to top it off, Leah acts strangely from time to time. It doesn't help that Iris's teenage crush, Cooper Woods, is working on restoring her parents' barn, so she is constantly running into him and an unlikely friendship forms. The Lake Season by Hannah McKinnon is an entertaining debut that examines the complexities within families, but also the ups and downs of moving on with your life. The idyllic setting makes for a great summertime read.
Read the rest of my review here:
http://www.confessionsofabookaddict.c...
Read the rest of my review here:
http://www.confessionsofabookaddict.c...
February 20, 2015
I read an ARC of this many months ago and it's stayed with me. Such a wonderful, memorable, affecting read. My blurb:
Two sisters, a glittering New England lake, and one desperate, last-chance summer set the stage for Hannah McKinnon’s emotionally affecting new novel, The Lake Season. The story features the complex Iris and her unpredictable sister Leah but its power extends well beyond the beautiful, heartbreaking bond between these two women. A memorable rumination on life, loss, and how to find a path home.
Two sisters, a glittering New England lake, and one desperate, last-chance summer set the stage for Hannah McKinnon’s emotionally affecting new novel, The Lake Season. The story features the complex Iris and her unpredictable sister Leah but its power extends well beyond the beautiful, heartbreaking bond between these two women. A memorable rumination on life, loss, and how to find a path home.
June 3, 2015
This book was a great novel that I just couldn't put down. It hit all the ups and downs I was expecting and more. The storyline took me to a place I've never been and a childhood that was completely different than my own. I loved Iris and her sister, Leah. Their mother, Millie, reminded me of my Mom when I was growing up. I have never read any books by this author, but will certainly seek them out now.
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for the opportunity to read and provide my honest opinion of this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for the opportunity to read and provide my honest opinion of this book.
August 29, 2018
Krásné čtení.... Ze začátku jsem se trochu obávala, že ji ve svém "porozchodovém splínu" nedám, ale je tak pěkně psaná, že to nešlo ji odložit. Hlavní příběh byl o Iris - matce tří dětí, který její manžel po šestnácti letech navrhne "odloučení". Iris odjíždí na farmu rodičů, kde se chystá svatba její mladší sestry Ley. Ale ani zde není idilka. Iris poznává, že sesta není "ve své kůži" a do toho se potká na stavbě s Cooperem - středoškoským idolem. :-)
Velice milé letní čtení.
Na knihu mě nalákala nádherná letní obálka.
Velice milé letní čtení.
Na knihu mě nalákala nádherná letní obálka.
January 5, 2025
I enjoyed the story but it took a long time for it to actually get going (like 10 chapters). Also for a romance book it seems to dwell on divorce more than any romance. I felt the book was really lacking in "romance." It was still good but it should be read with the mindset of a falling apart family trying to figure things out more than a book about two people falling in love.
May 25, 2015
As the older, responsible sister, Iris Standish has had a good run. A lovely home in suburban Boston, Massachusetts, three healthy children, and a part-time career as a literary agent. Yes, her oldest, Sadie, is now a teen and pretty sulky and occasionally rude, but the younger two are still lovely.
Suddenly, Iris’s husband Paul tells her that he wants a separation. And in a flash, her world begins to unravel. She forgets things, her house becomes a mess around her, and her children are looking at her strangely.
Her sister Leah’s postcard with the cryptic message “Please come” couldn’t have arrived at a better time.
Off she goes to the family home in Hampstead, New Hampshire…her children are at camp and she wants to get away from Paul’s disapproving, critical presence.
But home is not what she expected, and Leah is glowing, announcing her upcoming wedding preparations as the reason she needs her sister. While Iris is feeling unneeded at her own home, she is feeling even more like an outsider here as Leah, of the irresponsible past and the mood swings, overshadows her and makes her feel like a sore thumb. And then draws her needlessly into the wedding preparations, while she flits off to do whatever she desires.
Then Iris sees an old high school friend, Cooper Woods, the handsome guy she never had, and he asks her to help him with the barn restoration he is doing at her parents’ place. She feels needed again. But then Leah inserts herself once more, as if she must take up all the air in the room. In spite of it all, something begins to develop between Iris and Cooper. Can it continue? Will she finally move on?
"The Lake Season" grabbed hold of me and kept me turning pages, feeling a wide range of emotions, from enjoying the beautiful settings to annoyance and frustration with Leah’s behavior. Sibling rivalry takes a dramatic turn, and before long, Iris will discover the well-kept family secrets about Leah.
In the middle of all that unfolds around her, Iris begins to find herself again. Who she once was, and who she will become. A delightful read that earned 4.5 stars.
Suddenly, Iris’s husband Paul tells her that he wants a separation. And in a flash, her world begins to unravel. She forgets things, her house becomes a mess around her, and her children are looking at her strangely.
Her sister Leah’s postcard with the cryptic message “Please come” couldn’t have arrived at a better time.
Off she goes to the family home in Hampstead, New Hampshire…her children are at camp and she wants to get away from Paul’s disapproving, critical presence.
But home is not what she expected, and Leah is glowing, announcing her upcoming wedding preparations as the reason she needs her sister. While Iris is feeling unneeded at her own home, she is feeling even more like an outsider here as Leah, of the irresponsible past and the mood swings, overshadows her and makes her feel like a sore thumb. And then draws her needlessly into the wedding preparations, while she flits off to do whatever she desires.
Then Iris sees an old high school friend, Cooper Woods, the handsome guy she never had, and he asks her to help him with the barn restoration he is doing at her parents’ place. She feels needed again. But then Leah inserts herself once more, as if she must take up all the air in the room. In spite of it all, something begins to develop between Iris and Cooper. Can it continue? Will she finally move on?
"The Lake Season" grabbed hold of me and kept me turning pages, feeling a wide range of emotions, from enjoying the beautiful settings to annoyance and frustration with Leah’s behavior. Sibling rivalry takes a dramatic turn, and before long, Iris will discover the well-kept family secrets about Leah.
In the middle of all that unfolds around her, Iris begins to find herself again. Who she once was, and who she will become. A delightful read that earned 4.5 stars.
May 5, 2018
DNF @ 76%
Lately, it has been getting increasingly more difficult for me to fully trust books rated 4 stars and up. I received an ARC of The Lake Season via Netgalley and between the reviews and the blurb, I was actually pretty excited to crack it open. I imagined it would be a nice, easy, breezy summer beach read filled with juicy family drama and a romance I could get lost in. Not really an original story line, but seemingly very relatable. I didn’t get any of that. The novel moved so slow and none of the characters were interesting enough for me to care to finish.
Readers are introduced to Iris and Leah –sisters who are as different and night and day. The two have always had a competitive sort of relationship and their communication skills are seriously lacking. They come back to Hampstead Lake located in their New Hampshire hometown during a summer that changes the course of their lives. Secrets are revealed, a period of rediscovery occurs and the sisters come to learn that the grass isn’t always greener.
The Lake Season didn’t captivate me. I felt the character development was lacking, the romance wasn’t exciting and my emotions overall remained stagnant — even when Leah’s big secret came out. The only thing I really enjoyed was the book’s setting, but other than that, major disappointment.
Lately, it has been getting increasingly more difficult for me to fully trust books rated 4 stars and up. I received an ARC of The Lake Season via Netgalley and between the reviews and the blurb, I was actually pretty excited to crack it open. I imagined it would be a nice, easy, breezy summer beach read filled with juicy family drama and a romance I could get lost in. Not really an original story line, but seemingly very relatable. I didn’t get any of that. The novel moved so slow and none of the characters were interesting enough for me to care to finish.
Readers are introduced to Iris and Leah –sisters who are as different and night and day. The two have always had a competitive sort of relationship and their communication skills are seriously lacking. They come back to Hampstead Lake located in their New Hampshire hometown during a summer that changes the course of their lives. Secrets are revealed, a period of rediscovery occurs and the sisters come to learn that the grass isn’t always greener.
The Lake Season didn’t captivate me. I felt the character development was lacking, the romance wasn’t exciting and my emotions overall remained stagnant — even when Leah’s big secret came out. The only thing I really enjoyed was the book’s setting, but other than that, major disappointment.
June 5, 2015
[I received this book free from the publisher through NetGalley. I thank them for their generousity. In exchange, I was simply asked to write an honest review, and post it. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising]
"More than one road led home. It was all right to change course, as long as she kept her compass pointed in the right direction"
This book is delightful! A mid-life crisis in Iris' marriage drives her from her home and kids in Boston to her family's farm up north presumably to help her sister Leah with her wedding plans. Arriving weeks early, Iris finds peace and chaos as things seem precariously balanced between what was and what is and what could be. The question is, where does she fit in this story? And, better yet, does she actually want to fit, or does the story need to change; or maybe she does.
With well crafted characters, this is an awesome summer "beach read". I will definately look for others by Hanna Roberts McKinnon!
"More than one road led home. It was all right to change course, as long as she kept her compass pointed in the right direction"
This book is delightful! A mid-life crisis in Iris' marriage drives her from her home and kids in Boston to her family's farm up north presumably to help her sister Leah with her wedding plans. Arriving weeks early, Iris finds peace and chaos as things seem precariously balanced between what was and what is and what could be. The question is, where does she fit in this story? And, better yet, does she actually want to fit, or does the story need to change; or maybe she does.
With well crafted characters, this is an awesome summer "beach read". I will definately look for others by Hanna Roberts McKinnon!
July 6, 2015
First and foremost, I would like to thank Atria books and Netgalley for allowing me the honor and privilege of reading and reviewing this book. I absolutely loved this book! This is an exquisitely written portrayal of family life, with all of its ups and downs. It is filled with heartbreak, romance and love. The love of family and most of all, learning to find yourself and love who you are. It is about our strengths and our weaknesses. It is beautifully written and flows so effortlessly from beginning to end. The characters are strongly developed throughout and I felt a kinship with this family. I loved the main character Iris, especially, since she so reminded me of myself. This is about the bonds of family through good times and bad, knowing that they will always have your back, even if you don't always believe that. I look forward to reading many more books from Hannah Roberts McKinnon! The writing style is superb! This is a book that I highly recommend to anyone who likes a great read that is full of surprises. Don't miss out on this amazing book, you will regret not reading it!
December 4, 2024
The Lake Season by Hannah McKinnon is a novel that captures the essence of rediscovery, healing, and the power of familial bonds. While the story started off slow for me and took a bit of time to fully draw me in, once it did, I found myself completely invested. This book is a beautiful, heartfelt journey that explores the intricacies of family dynamics, personal growth, and finding unexpected love at a crossroads in life.
The story follows Iris, a woman who is navigating the difficult aftermath of her separation from Paul, her husband. The initial chapters were a bit challenging to get through, as the pacing was slower and the setup of the narrative was more introspective. However, once the foundation was laid, the story blossomed into a rich, emotional experience that I couldn’t put down.
One of the most compelling aspects of The Lake Season is the exploration of family and belonging. Iris’s struggle with the separation from Paul is difficult and real, and it’s easy to empathize with her sense of loss and longing for stability. However, as the story unfolds, we see her return to a place she once called home and find unexpected support in the people around her. This element of the novel—finding comfort and unconditional love within a family who never truly left her side—is both heartwarming and profound. It reminded me that even when life feels like it’s falling apart, there are always those who will help piece it back together. I also really enjoyed the complexity of Iris’s relationship with her sister. Their dynamic was layered and realistic, filled with tension and unspoken grievances. It was incredibly satisfying to watch them navigate their differences and find common ground, ultimately rediscovering their sisterly bond. This subplot added so much heart to the story, emphasizing that the journey to understanding and reconciliation is never easy, but it’s always worthwhile.
The relationship between Iris and Cooper was another unexpected highlight of the book. Their connection felt authentic, built on mutual respect and an understanding that goes beyond romantic attraction. Cooper’s instant acceptance of Iris’s situation and her children, whom she loves deeply, added a layer of depth and sweetness to the story that I truly appreciated. His character brought an air of calm and steadiness that balanced Iris’s uncertainty, creating a partnership that felt genuine and earned. It was touching to see Iris begin to trust someone again and allow herself to be vulnerable in a way she hadn’t been in years.
Most of all, I loved how Iris came into her own by the end of the book. The narrative masterfully conveyed her journey toward self-empowerment, illustrating the importance of choosing happiness for oneself. Watching her make the decision to follow her heart and pursue a future that was truly her own felt like the culmination of all the growth she had undergone. It was a satisfying and uplifting conclusion that left me with a sense of hope and fulfillment.
While the book did take a little while to get going, The Lake Season ultimately delivered a powerful and moving story about love, loss, and second chances. I rated this a 4/5 ⭐ , as it was a deeply enjoyable and enriching experience with characters and moments that stayed with me long after I finished the last page.
The story follows Iris, a woman who is navigating the difficult aftermath of her separation from Paul, her husband. The initial chapters were a bit challenging to get through, as the pacing was slower and the setup of the narrative was more introspective. However, once the foundation was laid, the story blossomed into a rich, emotional experience that I couldn’t put down.
One of the most compelling aspects of The Lake Season is the exploration of family and belonging. Iris’s struggle with the separation from Paul is difficult and real, and it’s easy to empathize with her sense of loss and longing for stability. However, as the story unfolds, we see her return to a place she once called home and find unexpected support in the people around her. This element of the novel—finding comfort and unconditional love within a family who never truly left her side—is both heartwarming and profound. It reminded me that even when life feels like it’s falling apart, there are always those who will help piece it back together. I also really enjoyed the complexity of Iris’s relationship with her sister. Their dynamic was layered and realistic, filled with tension and unspoken grievances. It was incredibly satisfying to watch them navigate their differences and find common ground, ultimately rediscovering their sisterly bond. This subplot added so much heart to the story, emphasizing that the journey to understanding and reconciliation is never easy, but it’s always worthwhile.
The relationship between Iris and Cooper was another unexpected highlight of the book. Their connection felt authentic, built on mutual respect and an understanding that goes beyond romantic attraction. Cooper’s instant acceptance of Iris’s situation and her children, whom she loves deeply, added a layer of depth and sweetness to the story that I truly appreciated. His character brought an air of calm and steadiness that balanced Iris’s uncertainty, creating a partnership that felt genuine and earned. It was touching to see Iris begin to trust someone again and allow herself to be vulnerable in a way she hadn’t been in years.
Most of all, I loved how Iris came into her own by the end of the book. The narrative masterfully conveyed her journey toward self-empowerment, illustrating the importance of choosing happiness for oneself. Watching her make the decision to follow her heart and pursue a future that was truly her own felt like the culmination of all the growth she had undergone. It was a satisfying and uplifting conclusion that left me with a sense of hope and fulfillment.
While the book did take a little while to get going, The Lake Season ultimately delivered a powerful and moving story about love, loss, and second chances. I rated this a 4/5 ⭐ , as it was a deeply enjoyable and enriching experience with characters and moments that stayed with me long after I finished the last page.
July 7, 2017
For a "lighter" summer read - this was just what I needed! A great mix of relationships both family and romantic, nice surroundings of a lake and family home in New Hampshire. Writing flowed and just took me away for awhile. Wonderful characters too! Thank you Hannah McKinnon - I look forward to reading more of your novels.
January 11, 2020
Took a little while to get the storyline started, but once it got going I couldn't put it down! Lots of secrets throughout the story that makes you want to keep reading more. Rooting for Iris the whole time! Great easy beach read.
June 18, 2020
I received a free electronic copy of this novel, A Glose Book, free from Simon & Schuster and Hannah McKinnon. Thank you all for sharing your hard work with me. I have read this debut novel of my own volition, and this review reflects my honest opinion of this work. Ms. McKinnon has written several novels since - I look forward to watching her mature as a writer.
Iris has always been the 'older' sister, the responsible, mature, follower of the 'rules' one. Sister Leah has appeared to be much more favored despite her bad choices and lack of restraint. Iris wonders if Leah's decision to marry this summer a man no one in the family has even met is as impulsive as have been many past relationships in Leah's life. But the postcard in Leah's handwriting saying simply "Please Come" appeared with perfect timing - Iris' husband Paul has decided he needs a divorce. Iris leaves him to handle summer camp transportation duty for their son and two daughters and heads home to Cape Cod to assist Leah with her wedding and to find peace within her own life, with or without Paul. Hopefully, by the time Paul and the kids arrive in Cape Cod for Leah's wedding, Iris will know what she wants the rest of her life to look like. And perhaps, by the time this wedding is over, Iris and Leah will have a better understanding of themselves and their roles in the family.
Reviewed on June 18, 2020, at Goodreads, AmazonSmile, Barnes&Noble, BookBub, Kobo, and GooglePlay.
Iris has always been the 'older' sister, the responsible, mature, follower of the 'rules' one. Sister Leah has appeared to be much more favored despite her bad choices and lack of restraint. Iris wonders if Leah's decision to marry this summer a man no one in the family has even met is as impulsive as have been many past relationships in Leah's life. But the postcard in Leah's handwriting saying simply "Please Come" appeared with perfect timing - Iris' husband Paul has decided he needs a divorce. Iris leaves him to handle summer camp transportation duty for their son and two daughters and heads home to Cape Cod to assist Leah with her wedding and to find peace within her own life, with or without Paul. Hopefully, by the time Paul and the kids arrive in Cape Cod for Leah's wedding, Iris will know what she wants the rest of her life to look like. And perhaps, by the time this wedding is over, Iris and Leah will have a better understanding of themselves and their roles in the family.
Reviewed on June 18, 2020, at Goodreads, AmazonSmile, Barnes&Noble, BookBub, Kobo, and GooglePlay.
February 28, 2020
Nije loša malo mi je knjiga dosadnjikaca na početku ali sto dalje citas ide
May 30, 2015
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Atria/Emily Bester Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The Lake Season by Hannah McKinnon is a story about relationships.
After her husband, Paul, announces that he wants a divorce, Iris uses the guise of returning to the family farm to help her sister, Leah, finalize her wedding as a way to escape the proverbially walls from crashing down on her. She needs to escape from her demeaning, dismissive husband’s glares and the demands of her three children so that she can have a little breakdown or get her act together. While the news that Paul wants to leave is harsh, she comes to grips with the fact that their relationship has been over for quite some time.
The bucolic setting of the lakeside town in New Hampshire and the family farm are just what Iris needs to find herself and get her mojo back. She gets fit and trim by swimming in the lake. Iris blows off steam and develops a friendship with Cooper Woods—the one time homecoming king and high school stud—while helping him rebuild the barn. Iris’ and Cooper’s friendship is delightfully caring.
I know it is more popular to root for the married couple to make things work, but I couldn’t in this case. It sickened me when Paul’s unannounced visit to the farm to beg Iris to ignore the divorce papers he sent her makes Iris consider going back to him for the sake of the children. Paul can’t make it a week without disparaging her decisions and choices. She stops thinking about her own happiness and starts worrying about everyone else again.
Leah is the opposite of her sister Iris. She is carefree, wild, thoughtless, self-serving. She’s that girl who needs everyone’s attention. She’s that girl who is jealous when anyone else receives attention. She is that girl who makes mistake after mistake and is perpetually forgiven for all those bad decisions. The sisters’ relationship is realistic. The rivalry and baggage they carry from their childhood makes for much tension especially as it becomes obvious to Iris that Leah is hiding something. The dynamics between the siblings and with their parents are complicated.
Hannah McKinnon has painted a perfectly messy reality at Hampstead Lake, New Hampshire. The farm is beautiful but a lot of work. The characters aren’t perfect people, but the care for one another enough to forgive the imperfections. The romance is charming, but the relationships are not easy. Life doesn’t get neatly wrapped up in a pretty bow after 400 pages, but it goes on.
The Lake Season is perfectly paced, and it would be a great summer vacation read. The plot tension is intense throughout. The story and characters are so engaging that I was riveted to the story. I was rooting for Iris with each new bend in the road she had to travel, and I was delighted when Iris eventually finds the road that leads her home.
This review is also published at Nerd Girl Official. Find your next good read at www.nerdgirlofficial.com or visit us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.NG?...
The Lake Season by Hannah McKinnon is a story about relationships.
After her husband, Paul, announces that he wants a divorce, Iris uses the guise of returning to the family farm to help her sister, Leah, finalize her wedding as a way to escape the proverbially walls from crashing down on her. She needs to escape from her demeaning, dismissive husband’s glares and the demands of her three children so that she can have a little breakdown or get her act together. While the news that Paul wants to leave is harsh, she comes to grips with the fact that their relationship has been over for quite some time.
The bucolic setting of the lakeside town in New Hampshire and the family farm are just what Iris needs to find herself and get her mojo back. She gets fit and trim by swimming in the lake. Iris blows off steam and develops a friendship with Cooper Woods—the one time homecoming king and high school stud—while helping him rebuild the barn. Iris’ and Cooper’s friendship is delightfully caring.
I know it is more popular to root for the married couple to make things work, but I couldn’t in this case. It sickened me when Paul’s unannounced visit to the farm to beg Iris to ignore the divorce papers he sent her makes Iris consider going back to him for the sake of the children. Paul can’t make it a week without disparaging her decisions and choices. She stops thinking about her own happiness and starts worrying about everyone else again.
Leah is the opposite of her sister Iris. She is carefree, wild, thoughtless, self-serving. She’s that girl who needs everyone’s attention. She’s that girl who is jealous when anyone else receives attention. She is that girl who makes mistake after mistake and is perpetually forgiven for all those bad decisions. The sisters’ relationship is realistic. The rivalry and baggage they carry from their childhood makes for much tension especially as it becomes obvious to Iris that Leah is hiding something. The dynamics between the siblings and with their parents are complicated.
Hannah McKinnon has painted a perfectly messy reality at Hampstead Lake, New Hampshire. The farm is beautiful but a lot of work. The characters aren’t perfect people, but the care for one another enough to forgive the imperfections. The romance is charming, but the relationships are not easy. Life doesn’t get neatly wrapped up in a pretty bow after 400 pages, but it goes on.
The Lake Season is perfectly paced, and it would be a great summer vacation read. The plot tension is intense throughout. The story and characters are so engaging that I was riveted to the story. I was rooting for Iris with each new bend in the road she had to travel, and I was delighted when Iris eventually finds the road that leads her home.
This review is also published at Nerd Girl Official. Find your next good read at www.nerdgirlofficial.com or visit us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.NG?...
June 21, 2015
4.5 stars - The Lake Season is a feel-good story of second chances in romance and family with an intense climax. It's always nice to know that you CAN go back home, and Hannah McKinnon brings to light that sometimes, you NEED to go back home.
McKinnon is a voice to be reckoned with in women's fiction with The Lake Season, a book I found myself caught up in from the start. The family dynamic is strong in this book with one marriage on the rocks, one wedding about to happen, and a prom king turned handyman to help iron out the wrinkles. There's a slight humor welcoming the reader before being led to some very intense and real-life issues that are often swept under the rug in many families. McKinnon has braved the liberal waters by adding social controversy, and it works.
Every character is relatable as a neighbor, family member, or close friend with real life problems, and the pacing is perfect as you enter into the lives of Iris and Leah. The author paints the perfect picture of dysfunction within a seemingly functional family, making me think of how I would react to certain situations. How would I handle the struggle of making important marital decisions when children are involved? Would I be able to sacrifice my own happiness for my children to have two parents at all times, in turn providing an example to my children for how not to have a happy marriage? Am I so wrapped up in my own troublesome life that I'm blind to what's happening to those I love? The author doesn't just leave you with thoughts to ponder, she offers several life lessons in the many themes throughout this exceptional story with a powerful climax.
Sometimes you need to go home to find that home is where you belong and to learn that you might have never really known your family after all. While this book is not complex or dim, it does touch on some very unpleasant subjects, extending a strong emotional appeal. The only issues I had with this book are those with Iris and Paul. Paul's reasoning in the end was never explained, and even though Iris felt uncomfortable about her newly discovered feelings for Cooper, I would have liked for Iris to have had an epiphany of sorts that she was doing the exact thing that hurt her so badly; I feel like I missed her degree of guilt. Those issues aside, if you're looking for a book to relax with this summer, The Lake Season by Hannah McKinnon is that book. Recommended by me for fans of Jill Shalvis, Elin Hilderbrand, and Wendy Wax, this is a perfect book for a relaxing, summer reading or book club.
McKinnon is a voice to be reckoned with in women's fiction with The Lake Season, a book I found myself caught up in from the start. The family dynamic is strong in this book with one marriage on the rocks, one wedding about to happen, and a prom king turned handyman to help iron out the wrinkles. There's a slight humor welcoming the reader before being led to some very intense and real-life issues that are often swept under the rug in many families. McKinnon has braved the liberal waters by adding social controversy, and it works.
Every character is relatable as a neighbor, family member, or close friend with real life problems, and the pacing is perfect as you enter into the lives of Iris and Leah. The author paints the perfect picture of dysfunction within a seemingly functional family, making me think of how I would react to certain situations. How would I handle the struggle of making important marital decisions when children are involved? Would I be able to sacrifice my own happiness for my children to have two parents at all times, in turn providing an example to my children for how not to have a happy marriage? Am I so wrapped up in my own troublesome life that I'm blind to what's happening to those I love? The author doesn't just leave you with thoughts to ponder, she offers several life lessons in the many themes throughout this exceptional story with a powerful climax.
Sometimes you need to go home to find that home is where you belong and to learn that you might have never really known your family after all. While this book is not complex or dim, it does touch on some very unpleasant subjects, extending a strong emotional appeal. The only issues I had with this book are those with Iris and Paul. Paul's reasoning in the end was never explained, and even though Iris felt uncomfortable about her newly discovered feelings for Cooper, I would have liked for Iris to have had an epiphany of sorts that she was doing the exact thing that hurt her so badly; I feel like I missed her degree of guilt. Those issues aside, if you're looking for a book to relax with this summer, The Lake Season by Hannah McKinnon is that book. Recommended by me for fans of Jill Shalvis, Elin Hilderbrand, and Wendy Wax, this is a perfect book for a relaxing, summer reading or book club.
May 28, 2015
My review (as published at Read, Run, Ramble)
Thank you, Simon & Schuster via Edelweiss for providing me with an early copy of this book!
The only thing I didn’t like about this book is how badly it made me want to escape to a similar location and just “be”!
Iris’s husband, Paul, drops a bombshell that leaves her unsure of not only how they got where they are, but how to move forward. In an attempt to find some answers for herself, Iris escapes (sans kids and husband) to New Hampshire with her parents. Through chaotic and mysterious wedding planning events for her sister, Leah, manual labor with an old classmate, and some serious BFF intervention, Iris finds exactly what she’s looking for, and more.
McKinnon built a beautiful and affecting setting, making it so easy to get sucked into the easy going atmosphere of being at the lake for the summer. Readers have no choice but to feel laid back and ready for summer when reading this one.
My affinity for sister stories can never be diminished (or really any sibling story) and this one is so great. McKinnon brings readers the ups and downs – the joy and the hassle; the fun and the rivalry. Likewise, she brings us the parental side too; showing us that parenting two very different children comes with its struggles as well.
Now, the lake and the laid-back summer feel isn’t all that this book brings. McKinnon writes some serious drama here. Iris has several relationships to explore and McKinnon does a fabulous job of showing a well-rounded view of how the character sees those relationships and how she cycles through different levels of understanding and even decision. As an author, she’s done a great job of giving the relationships and the issues at hand a face, a name, and a reality. Life isn’t easy. Life is sometimes ugly. Home isn’t always comfortable. Home isn’t always a safe place to fall. Home isn’t always the location you thought it might be. However, as Iris’s father teaches her, there’s more than one road leading home.
Renewal, forgiveness, and self-discovery are all wrapped up in this touching tale. I look forward to reading many more stories by McKinnon.
I was provided with an ARC of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I am not compensated for any of my reviews.
Thank you, Simon & Schuster via Edelweiss for providing me with an early copy of this book!
The only thing I didn’t like about this book is how badly it made me want to escape to a similar location and just “be”!
Iris’s husband, Paul, drops a bombshell that leaves her unsure of not only how they got where they are, but how to move forward. In an attempt to find some answers for herself, Iris escapes (sans kids and husband) to New Hampshire with her parents. Through chaotic and mysterious wedding planning events for her sister, Leah, manual labor with an old classmate, and some serious BFF intervention, Iris finds exactly what she’s looking for, and more.
McKinnon built a beautiful and affecting setting, making it so easy to get sucked into the easy going atmosphere of being at the lake for the summer. Readers have no choice but to feel laid back and ready for summer when reading this one.
My affinity for sister stories can never be diminished (or really any sibling story) and this one is so great. McKinnon brings readers the ups and downs – the joy and the hassle; the fun and the rivalry. Likewise, she brings us the parental side too; showing us that parenting two very different children comes with its struggles as well.
Now, the lake and the laid-back summer feel isn’t all that this book brings. McKinnon writes some serious drama here. Iris has several relationships to explore and McKinnon does a fabulous job of showing a well-rounded view of how the character sees those relationships and how she cycles through different levels of understanding and even decision. As an author, she’s done a great job of giving the relationships and the issues at hand a face, a name, and a reality. Life isn’t easy. Life is sometimes ugly. Home isn’t always comfortable. Home isn’t always a safe place to fall. Home isn’t always the location you thought it might be. However, as Iris’s father teaches her, there’s more than one road leading home.
Renewal, forgiveness, and self-discovery are all wrapped up in this touching tale. I look forward to reading many more stories by McKinnon.
I was provided with an ARC of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I am not compensated for any of my reviews.
July 27, 2015
“How should you feel about a summer that you love, but that never should have happened?”
This is perfect for those lazy summer days when you want nothing more than to get lost in a great book. It’s a story of family secrets, sisterhood and the notion that things aren’t always as they appear. While heartfelt and sad at times, it still managed to have a light and fun air about it. Oh, and it was centered around a gorgeous lake. What could be more summer than that?
Iris has always been the responsible sister. The one that finished college, got married and had kids. What everyone is “supposed” to do. Her sister, Leah, on the other hand, has always sort of been the wild child, going against the norm and hopping from one adventure to the next, with no plans to settle down. The life of the party.
It’s a little surprising when Iris receives a postcard from Leah asking her to come to the lakeside home where they grew up. Iris hasn’t seen her family in years, but it might be just what she needs. A little time away to gain some much needed perspective, especially since her husband just asked for a divorce. And what's better than a summer romance with your high school crush to help you move on?
“Please Come.”
This story was so well written and engaging. I breezed through the pages, all along trying to guess the secret the family was keeping from Iris. Of course, she had one of her own - the divorce. All of the characters were relatable and I felt like the issues in this family were too.
Things aren’t always as they seem, was one of the biggest things that I took away from this story. Both sisters looked at one another and sort of thought they had it all or their lives were so much easier. When in reality, they both had heartache and things they wish had turned out differently. Getting it all out in the open, cemented their bond and allowed them to heal, together.
The only thing that sort of bothered my was Cooper. Don’t get me wrong, I liked how things played out between him and Iris, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that his heart was with Leah, at least in the beginning. It felt like if he was given the choice, he would have chosen her, over Iris. I didn’t feel that way at the end, but it was hard for me to get over.
*Complimentary copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
This is perfect for those lazy summer days when you want nothing more than to get lost in a great book. It’s a story of family secrets, sisterhood and the notion that things aren’t always as they appear. While heartfelt and sad at times, it still managed to have a light and fun air about it. Oh, and it was centered around a gorgeous lake. What could be more summer than that?
Iris has always been the responsible sister. The one that finished college, got married and had kids. What everyone is “supposed” to do. Her sister, Leah, on the other hand, has always sort of been the wild child, going against the norm and hopping from one adventure to the next, with no plans to settle down. The life of the party.
It’s a little surprising when Iris receives a postcard from Leah asking her to come to the lakeside home where they grew up. Iris hasn’t seen her family in years, but it might be just what she needs. A little time away to gain some much needed perspective, especially since her husband just asked for a divorce. And what's better than a summer romance with your high school crush to help you move on?
“Please Come.”
This story was so well written and engaging. I breezed through the pages, all along trying to guess the secret the family was keeping from Iris. Of course, she had one of her own - the divorce. All of the characters were relatable and I felt like the issues in this family were too.
Things aren’t always as they seem, was one of the biggest things that I took away from this story. Both sisters looked at one another and sort of thought they had it all or their lives were so much easier. When in reality, they both had heartache and things they wish had turned out differently. Getting it all out in the open, cemented their bond and allowed them to heal, together.
The only thing that sort of bothered my was Cooper. Don’t get me wrong, I liked how things played out between him and Iris, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that his heart was with Leah, at least in the beginning. It felt like if he was given the choice, he would have chosen her, over Iris. I didn’t feel that way at the end, but it was hard for me to get over.
*Complimentary copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
June 1, 2016
A remarkable and moving story about Iris a momma jeans wearing, unselfish mother of three, in her forties living in Boston. Her husband's sudden news that he wants a separation sends her in a tailspin. She goes home to her folks to absorb this bombshell, work though it and find herself. Her family lives by the lake and own/run a large growing organic farm-stand in Hampstead, New England.
This is ironic because the focus is on her sister Leigh's idyllic wedding nuptials that take place in a few weeks there. the family is all coming together in this rocky precipice in their lives. Family secrets, sisterhood rivalries,and real love present themselves to Iris. She luckily is blessed with a beautiful loving family, close friends and growing career. She finds her passion for life and makes hard choices for her and her children's future.
This is a somewhat predictable story but it's a well earned escape and take to the lake read. I enjoyed the way I felt transported to this quaint beautiful place. Very dreamy.
Now let's get real! The only irritation I have is how unrealistic it is for a 40 year old woman to be able to have this heavenly place to disappear to where she is so loved and nurtured and feeds her soul. Who gets to do something like this???? I'd imagine if I was suddenly going though a tough divorce I'd have to live in my mom's two bedroom little apartment till I could manage to get back on my feet. So no money to charge new I'm single and lost lots of weight beautiful clothes, no lake side impeccable fancy farm to run to, no barn to learn to refurbish, no wonderful old friends that totally forgive me for never visiting for YEARS, no hottie pa tottie, perfect guy to let me cry on his shoulder with total patience for my circumstances. and no time to just find me! Ok maybe three people out of 1000 have these wonderful separation experiences??
I guess this is realistic fantasy to a point, but I really had a good time reading it. Love the quality of the writing and the dimensions of characters. I'd want to flee to a better place after the shit hits the fan too!
This is ironic because the focus is on her sister Leigh's idyllic wedding nuptials that take place in a few weeks there. the family is all coming together in this rocky precipice in their lives. Family secrets, sisterhood rivalries,and real love present themselves to Iris. She luckily is blessed with a beautiful loving family, close friends and growing career. She finds her passion for life and makes hard choices for her and her children's future.
This is a somewhat predictable story but it's a well earned escape and take to the lake read. I enjoyed the way I felt transported to this quaint beautiful place. Very dreamy.
Now let's get real! The only irritation I have is how unrealistic it is for a 40 year old woman to be able to have this heavenly place to disappear to where she is so loved and nurtured and feeds her soul. Who gets to do something like this???? I'd imagine if I was suddenly going though a tough divorce I'd have to live in my mom's two bedroom little apartment till I could manage to get back on my feet. So no money to charge new I'm single and lost lots of weight beautiful clothes, no lake side impeccable fancy farm to run to, no barn to learn to refurbish, no wonderful old friends that totally forgive me for never visiting for YEARS, no hottie pa tottie, perfect guy to let me cry on his shoulder with total patience for my circumstances. and no time to just find me! Ok maybe three people out of 1000 have these wonderful separation experiences??
I guess this is realistic fantasy to a point, but I really had a good time reading it. Love the quality of the writing and the dimensions of characters. I'd want to flee to a better place after the shit hits the fan too!
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