A Week at the Lake

by Wendy Wax

From the USA Today bestselling author of The House on Mermaid Point comes a powerful novel about secrets, loyalty, and the bonds of true friendship . . .  Twenty years ago, Emma Michaels, Mackenzie Hayes, and Serena Stockton bonded over their New York City dreams. Then, each summer, they solidified their friendship by spending one week at the lake together, solving their problems over bottles of wine and gallons of ice cream. They kept the tradition for years, until jealousy, lies, and life’s disappointments made them drift apart.It’s been five years since Emma has seen her friends, an absence designed to keep them from discovering a long-ago betrayal. Now she’s in desperate need of their support. The time has come to reveal her secrets—and hopefully rekindle their connection.But when a terrible accident keeps Emma from saying her piece, Serena and Mackenzie begin to learn about the past on their own. Now, to heal their friendship and their broken lives, the three women will have to return to the lake that once united them, and discover which relationships are worth holding on to . . .

Genres: Chick Lit, Fiction, Womens Fiction, Contemporary, Beach Reads, Summer Reads, Book Club

355 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 23, 2015

About the author

I write novels that explore friendship, self-discovery and the challenges life brings us, leavened with a touch of humor. I'm proud of all my books and perhaps best known for my "Ten Beach Road" titles including the USA Today bestsellers, Ten Beach Road and The House on Mermaid Point, and for While We Were Watching Downton Abbey.

I was born in St.Petersburg, Florida and grew up on St. Pete Beach within spitting distance of the Gulf of Mexico. I went, appropriately enough, to Sunshine Elementary School where recess and art class sometimes took place on the beach, and the highlight of every school year was the annual fish broil.

It’s hard to be a type-A personality when you grow up in such a laid back environment, but I managed. Convinced that you were expected to know how to read BEFORE you showed up for school, I forced a neighbor friend to teach me to read at the age of five. I’ve been reading ever since.

Books, in all forms, are one of my greatest pleasures and best forms of escape. And they’ve had a major impact on my life.

I went to the University of Georgia after reading Gone with the Wind one too many times. For a while I re-read Margaret Mitchell’s classic yearly, saw the movie whenever it played within twenty miles, and could quote large passages from memory. Today I have a growing GWTW collection, and the time I spoke at he Margaret Mitchell House was an incredible thrill.last

After college I worked in radio, television, and film. Like Olivia in 7 DAYS AND SEVEN NIGHTS, I’ve done live talk radio. I hosted a show in the eighties called Desperate & Dateless, and while I was never locked in an apartment for a week with a webcam rolling as she was, I did fall in love. Happily, the man who swept me off my feet consults with financial types and understands the bottom line. Unlike Olivia’s nemesis, Matt Ransom, my husband has never, to my knowledge, advised anyone to ‘love the one they’re with.’ We live in Atlanta with our two sons.

Reviews

[Corey · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars

I typically really enjoy Wendy's novels - her Ten Beach Road series is one of my favorites. However this latest standalone left me wanting.

I figured out the main plot points fairly early on and kept reading hoping that the big reveal would be worth the wait. As the end drew nearer I worried the twist would not be as exciting as I thought it would be. I was right. The big twist comes and BAM the resolution happens and the book is finished with some points still somewhat hanging.

While it's not a horrible read it also isn't one of her best sadly.

[Katherine Jones · Rating 2 out of 5]

While I like the idea of this novel–an ensemble cast drawn together by a crisis, forced by circumstances to confront the secrets of their pasts–I was not able to get into A Week at the Lake. It started slow, but even when the pace picked up, I was not drawn to the characters, and therefore not drawn into their stories. I wasn’t interested in the vacuous lives of Emma and Serena, who struck me as self-absorbed. Mackenzie had more depth and something of a moral compass, but her insecurities were such that I had a hard time relating to her as well.

So–not a hit with me. I was hoping for more, as the front cover suggests a summer read I would enjoy. But the storyline did not hold my attention and I failed to connect with the characters. While I wouldn’t write off all of this author’s stories for good (I understand Southern settings are her strong suit, and this one was set in New York), I can’t honestly recommend this one.

Thanks to Berkeley Books for providing me a free copy to review. All opinions are mine.

[Elvan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Predictable Chick-Lit drama.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mostly enjoyed it. A little slow but when the crisis came it all unravelled well!

[Judy Collins · Rating 3 out of 5]

Southern author Wendy Wax, returns with her anticipated summer read, A WEEK AT THE LAKE, a story of estranged friendships, family, betrayal, and dark secrets.

Three women, best friends some twenty years ago: Emma Michaels, Mackenzie Hayes, and Serena Stockton, spending their summers dreaming of the bright lights and future in New York City. They always spent a week together in the summer at the lake. Until their tradition was broken and their lives drifted apart. However, they were not forgotten.

Emma Michaels grew up among Hollywood royalty, a child actress. She divorced her parents at a young age and lived with her grandmother. The cottage at the lake was a special gathering place for Emma's friends, where they bonded each summer in Manhattan. She has not seen her friends in over five years and she has invited them to the lake to reunite, which is shocking to the others as they do not have a clue why the distance. Emma has her own agenda.

Emma needs her old friends. A beytrayal. Someone has a secret. A mistake. In order to heal their past friendship, they will need to reunite at the lake once again and decide if their friendship is worth the time and effort.

However, before she can come forward, she is in a terrible accident which prevents her from talking to the old friends. As they arrive in Manhattan, they discover Emma is in the hospital and her daughter, Zoe is waiting for them at the hospital. Flashing back and forth while Emma is in a coma, we learn about each character and their lives leading up to the present.

Mackenzie’s husband Adam is in LA with meetings about his screenplay. They have lived in Indiana and work with a small theatre, and she writes a blog about being married without children. She has made the best of her life, without a child. Adam was her life, while he acted in plays and she tried to break into fashion. (She seems very insecure).

Serena an actress, plays a cartoon character; however, she has experienced loss with her old love, Brooks and she currently is not making the wisest of choices. Did Brooks choose the safe route and will he come back into her life?

After all the secrets are unraveled, there are decisions to make as lives are involved. Can they get past the betrayal, heal, and move on?

I have read most all of Wendy Wax's books, a long-time fan, and a lover of her Ten Beach Road series (Florida settings, design, talented gals) ; so much fun, and hopefully the next in the series, coming soon!

I was hoping for more, with this book, as the front cover draws you in. However, my two least favorites, happen to be this one and While We Were Watching Downtown Abbey. The novel did not hold my attention as prefer the southeast settings- Wax’s strong suit. I did not feel particularly connected to any of the characters; overall story seemed long and drawn out—possibly due to the narrator, Amy Rubinate, which I did not care for, as her voice was quite annoying. I would recommend reading the book, not the audiobook.

Cannot wait for the next in the Ten Beach Road series!

JDCMustReadBooks

[Nik's Nook · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book started out rough for me. The first 15 pages were like pulling teeth to try to find out any information about what was going. I actually wanted to quit after the FIRST page - but I'm glad I stuck with it. Once I understood the friendship between the three women, I was hooked. I needed to know what would happen to Emma & what the big secret was she was hiding. Once I figured out what the secret was, it became more important to me to finish & see how it all played out. Definitely a good beach read - one that solidifies the idea that honesty is the best policy in ANY relationship - including your relationship with yourself.

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

Emma stood and moved from the window surprised not only by her father's revelations but also by how relevant they were to her own sad state of affairs. The truth had set her father free while hers had left her isolated and alone. "Well congratulations, Rex. I hope you...will be very happy."

"Thank you dear. I'll let you know how things go. But I will tell you that in my experience happiness isn't something that just occurs. Sometimes, to borrow Jack London's comment about inspiration, 'you have to go after it with a club.' "



~~This picture (minus the other houses crowding in) closely mirrors my mental image of Emma's family cottage on Lake George in upstate New York.

My two cents: Given 1.5 stars or a rating of "Below Average". Full review to come Saturday.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have enjoyed all of Wendy Wax's books and this one is no exception. Three long time friends - Emma, Mackenzie and Serena - plan to spend a week together at Emma's lakeside cottage. This will be the first time that they've been together in five years and Serena and Mackenzie don't know why Emma has pushed them out of her life but they intend to find out. Before they can get to the lake, there is a horrific accident and the bonds of their friendship are tested. The book is about secrets and lies and hurt feelings but most importantly it is about the bond of friendship that women have for each other. This is a fantastic summer read and one that you don't want to miss

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book from Wendy Wax. There was a nice element of surprise to this one that I really enjoyed. I figured out the big secret before the reader was told, but technically she still had me guessing until the reveal. I also love that SATC was mentioned in this book. What girl doesn't like that? I really liked this book and was not disappointed.

[Dianne]

[Jencey/ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This time we are visiting the lake house just outside of New York City. This lake house is located in upstate. The Week at the Lake is a stand-alone novel by Wendy Wax. She shares her same style with three friends that are facing a huge secret.

Synopsis:

Emma has invited her two friends Mackenzie and Serena to the lake house. These friends have spent a week at the lake for years together; until recently when Emma decided to distance herself from her friends. Why? Emma is harboring a secret that includes the three friends and her daughter Zoe. She plans to reveal the secret at the lake house. The plans change when Emma has a disagreement with Zoe. When Emma decides to go after her daughter she is struck by an oncoming vehicle. Will the secret be revealed? What impact will this have on Serena, Mackenzie, and Zoe?

My Thoughts:

This novel is interesting, but it was not my favorite. The other two titles shared recently One Good Thing and The House at Mermaid Point are definite favorites. The story has a great plot. I loved how she wove the back story of the character of Emma throughout the story. The character that most resonated with me is Mackenzie. She is married but has not children. All authors love their characters to grow and Mackenzie’s arc is how does she feel not having children? Could readers identify with a childless marriage? I too am older and would love to be married with children. I understand this struggle.

[📚Linda Blake · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wendy’s Waxes talent lies in the little details she puts in her novels: how the food was prepared, how the weather was acting, what the room looked like. This always immersed me into the world she creates for the story setting. She’s good at creating supporting characters too, those people who pass through our lives and leave a little impact. In A Week at the Lake, the story got a little stale as Wax borrowed plot lines from previous novels. The characters were annoying too. They professed to be great friends and yet they kept secrets and attacked each other viscously going right for the soft spots only they would know.

[Angie Davern · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started reading Wendy Wax in book club and have continued ready her books! I really enjoy her books about friendships and the lives they are living. I enjoyed this book and I think the ending didn’t surprise me.

[Teri Pre · Rating 4 out of 5]

Predictable, but in a good way! I really enjoy Wax's books!

[Paula Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great young adult book. Great story line and a true testament to how best friends can work through anything.

[Chloe (Always Booked) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars, but on the low end. This book felt so similar to her Ten Beach Road series (which I gave all 3.5-4s) so it was cute and entertaining but nothing original at all. I feel like you could take one of those books, change the names and tweek the story lines just a bit and there you'd have this. It's about 3 women and one teenage daughter who all plan to meet up at one of their summer houses. They're old friends who haven't spoken in 5 (I think) years so the reunion is a little unexpected but they all go anyway. Secrets unfold, people fall in love, and in the end I was left saying "meh- cute". II thought the women were weak and it made me sad. They all deserve better. If you haven't read the Ten Beach Road series, this may be a good way to get the same vibe in a standalone. If you have read that series, prepare for a very similar book with a few somewhat predictable twists and turns thrown in.

SPOILERS AHEAD:
This book is about Mackenzie (Mac), Emma and Serena. Mackenzie is super tall and sort of awkward and is a costume designer. She's married to a self absorbed man named Adam. Emma is the one who owns a summer house. She is apart of the uber famous Michaels family who has made their name by all being gorgeous actors. She herself is a little pudgier and doesn't quite fit in to the standard set by her family, but she is still a very successful author. She has the daughter, Zoe, whose father is supposedly some other actor who is not really involved. Serena is a soap opera star and voice actor for a parody of her character. She's very southern and has a big personality and has never settled down.
The three women (and Zoe) plan to get together upon invitation from Emma and the other 2 don't know why. First, I feel like I would ask a few more questions before I went for a week, but whatever, its plausible enough. They all get to NY where they're going to meet and drive, but when they get there Emma is in the hospital because she's been hit by a car. She's in a coma for a lot of the book but then she wakes up and they go on to the lake. The point of the coma was to draw all the women together without the hurt and resentment that would've otherwise been present. When it was life and death, all the small things disappear.
When they go to the lake, the secrets start coming out and things start happening. Mac had lost a child that would be the exact same age as Zoe so there's a little bit of resentment and jealousy there. It's further compounded when in the end we find out that Emma and Adam (Mac's husband) had slept together once when he and Mac were on a break and thus resulted Zoe. The actor is not actually her father. We started getting clues to this when Emma was in a coma. For some reason, she had named Serena as Zoe's guardian instead of Mac and Adam. The reason is because she didn't want people to figure it out but how selfish and screwed up is that? They have a right to know about each other and you'd rather have her go to a single lady who doesn't want kids? That will likely hurt everyone involved all because you don't want to admit a mistake. Yuck. In the end, the truth comes out and Adam never wanted kids either, but upon Mac's encouragement I think he will be a little more present for Zoe. Adam only married Mac because she was pregnant (which she later miscarried) but he professed his love after the truth came out and said he really loved her. She was so happy and fulfilled with this information but she deserves better.
Emma originally called the meeting because she thought she had breast cancer but it turns out it was a false alarm. She wanted to tell everyone the secret before she died, but the truth came out earlier because they look so much alike in a picture. The girl is a teen and they never saw it before? Hmm....
Finally, Serena was a terrible character. She was supposedly this beautiful larger than life person but she falls like putty for the one who got away, starts sleeping with him then he goes back with his wife (who he originally left her for). She ends up with her producer.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Longtime friends Emma, Serena and Mackenzie haven’t seen each other in five years but plan to meet for a week at Emma’s lake home to catch up. Emma has her own reasons for inviting her friends. She just hopes their bond remain intact once those reasons are known. But on the day they are to meet in NYC for the drive upstate to the lake one of them is in a terrible accident that changes their plans.

Wendy Wax is back with a novel about three friends and how events, secrets and lies can change lives even when done with the best of intentions. I thought the main characters were interesting and, on some level, relatable. Each of the three friends has made choices in life that are beginning to show less than desirable results. They’ll find out if it’s too late to change course.

I loved the lake house setting and the mostly relaxed feeling I had when reading those scenes. What resonated most for me was the theme of forgiveness and all that comes with it. A Week at the Lake is a perfect summer read – or one to make you feel like it’s summer! Recommended to fans of the author and women’s fiction.
*I received a review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Chris C - A Midlife Wife · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not the first book I have read by this author. Last summer I read The House on Mermaid Point and thoroughly enjoyed it. So when this book came out, I was excited to see what she has created for us chick lit lovers.

This story line is similar to the last book with three best friends that have come together under a stressful situation. The author created these ladies with plenty of backbone, a bit of sass, and plenty of humorous wit. But they each have their weaknesses and secrets too. Jealousy, betrayals, fear. But the love for one another clearly shines. This is a story of strength and forgiveness.

I love the flow of this book. It is an easy read that will take you away to the beach and sweep you into the lives of these friends. The ending left me wanting a bit more. It wasn’t a cliff hanger, but a few doors were not closed all the way and I want to know what happens. I can only hope that perhaps there is a second installment somewhere in the authors mind.

Read more at http://twoclassychics.com/2015/06/a-w...

[Courtney Benson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book follows the typical formula that I love, estranged friends meet at a beach house for the summer. However, this book takes place at a lake in NY, not the typical story! Emma, Serena, and Mackenzie have been friends since college. They return to the lake every summer for a week together. 5 years ago, Emma abruptly stopped inviting her friends for unknown reasons. 5 years later, she's ready to pull everyone together for a week at the lake. Serena and Mackenzie are suspicious of her motives, but they go along with it. The week kicks off with an accident which mends the bond of friendship. The big kicker of the book comes along towards the end. I suspected fairly early on what the secret was.

[Jackie Lane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three friends, Emma Michaels, Serema Stockton and Mackenzie Hayes usually get together each year for a week at the Lake sharing wine, friendship and problems. This had not happened for the past 5 years.

Finally, they are getting together again, as Emma needs to share a long ago discretion, making this year different. The circumstances start out in a manner not expected as Emma is hit by a van and is taken to the hospital. She is in a coma.

This is the story of 3 friends, secrets and lies and their lives and those of their loved ones. Can their friendship endure the secret that could shatter that friendship?

If you enjoy books about friendship, this well-written book is one you should read.

4 stars

[Sharon Huether · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this free book through Goodreads first-reads. Three good friends had a great summer respite. a week at the lake . This year started out different. Emma was in an accident. Her friends rallied around her. They spent their time at her bedside. Once she got to the lake she was pampered . Her friends were loyal, keeping their friendship in tact.

[April · Rating 3 out of 5]

Predictable but still an enjoyable read.

[Missy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book #62 read in 2015

Great, "soapy" read!

[Liz Barrows Gross · Rating 3 out of 5]

I only read this book because the house at the lake is in Lake George. The week turns into the summer with three friends. One has a huge secret.

[Season · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very predictable but kind of a cute story about friendship.

[Susan Litts · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lots of cliches. Not very exciting.

[Josefa Wann · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too much drama, too many coincidences, some rather miraculous recovery...entertaining but hard to swallow

[Kristina Sauerwein · Rating 2 out of 5]

Predictable and the character's actions not always believable. The book could've been edited by 50-100 pages. Still, compelling enough to not give up on the book.

[Ayny · Rating 2 out of 5]

the predictably was high in this one. did not interest me. diva drama, oh yeah and a daughter.

[Holly Scudero · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s been five years since the last time Emma invited her two closest friends to spend a week at her lakeside cottage. Emma, Serena, and Mackenzie, who first met during their college years, used to gather every year to connect, gossip, drink wine, and eat amazing food. But then Emma mysteriously dropped her friends, leaving them wondering what changed. Now Emma is finally ready to come clean to her friends, even though she knows the secret she must reveal may destroy their friendship forever. But a terrible accident lands Emma in the hospital and puts her plans on hold. When the three women, as well as Emma’s daughter, Zoe, finally make it to the lake, the planned week stretches to a month and then longer, and they find themselves growing closer than ever. Will their friendship withstand Emma’s secret?

It’s hard to summarize a complex novel like Wendy Wax’s “A Week at the Lake.” This book explores the depths of friendship, the bonds of family, and so much more. It’s more than some fluffy beach read, and many readers will appreciate the amount of time Wax devotes to developing the story and the characters. While it’s not hard to guess what the big secret is, the anticipation of how it will change things makes this an extremely compelling read.

(Review originally written for San Francisco Book Review.)