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Lake Effect
From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of THE NEST, a stunning new novel about adultery, first love and other family secrets… 'Sparkling… a joyful classic in the making' JENNY JACKSON, New York Times bestselling author of Pineapple Street
'I could not put it down!' SHELBY VAN PELT, author of Remarkably Bright Creatures
It’s 1977 and an air of restlessness has settled on the residents of Cambridge Road in Rochester, New York. When Nina Larkin is given a copy of The Joy of Sex by her newly divorced friend, she can no longer dismiss the nearly non-existent intimacy of her marriage. Just as her oldest child, Clara, is falling in love for the first time, Nina finds herself longing for the a midlife awakening. An intoxicating fling with a neighbour brings Nina a freedom she never thought possible—but also risks the reputations of both families and unravels Clara’s world, just as she stands on the threshold of adulthood.
Years later Clara, now a successful food stylist in New York City, has never been able to move past the long-ago scandal. Drawn back home by the pull of a family wedding and wrestling with her own demons, she makes a pivotal decision that turns her life upside down.
Written with Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney’s signature humour and insight, LAKE EFFECT is a wise and probing look at love and desire, mothers and daughters, loss and grief, and what we owe the people we love most.
'I could not put it down!' SHELBY VAN PELT, author of Remarkably Bright Creatures
It’s 1977 and an air of restlessness has settled on the residents of Cambridge Road in Rochester, New York. When Nina Larkin is given a copy of The Joy of Sex by her newly divorced friend, she can no longer dismiss the nearly non-existent intimacy of her marriage. Just as her oldest child, Clara, is falling in love for the first time, Nina finds herself longing for the a midlife awakening. An intoxicating fling with a neighbour brings Nina a freedom she never thought possible—but also risks the reputations of both families and unravels Clara’s world, just as she stands on the threshold of adulthood.
Years later Clara, now a successful food stylist in New York City, has never been able to move past the long-ago scandal. Drawn back home by the pull of a family wedding and wrestling with her own demons, she makes a pivotal decision that turns her life upside down.
Written with Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney’s signature humour and insight, LAKE EFFECT is a wise and probing look at love and desire, mothers and daughters, loss and grief, and what we owe the people we love most.
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First published March 3, 2026
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About the author
Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney
3 books2,140 followersCynthia D’Aprix Sweeney is the New York Times bestselling author of The Nest, which has been translated into more than 25 languages and optioned for film by Amazon Studios with Sweeney writing the adaptation. She has an MFA from the Bennington Writing Seminars and lives in Los Angeles with her husband and children.
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February 16, 2026I'm happy to share this is our April 2026 Modern Mrs Darcy Book Club selection and author Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney will be joining us for a chat! This domestic novel unfolds in three parts: in 1977, two families who live across the street from each other in Rochester, New York dissemble and reassemble practically overnight. Neighbors Nina and Finn, unhappy in their respective marriages, divorce their spouses and remarry each other, leaving their teenage kids aghast and angry. Flash forward to 1994, when the now-grown children continue to struggle with the long-lasting aftershocks of that betrayal. And in 1998, the family comes together to confront a crisis and finally attempt to heal old wounds. I loved this for its perceptive family dynamics, realistic portrayal of what it looks like to turn your life upside down, and culinary details galore, including one chapter told entirely as a 1990s Food TV episode transcript. Recommended for fans of Anne Tyler and Sweeney's Good Company.
September 17, 2025
This novel is a tour de force of complex family relationships. There is so much to unpackage when two married people choose to have an affair and subsequently leave their families for quick divorces and equally quick nuptials. The ramifications of their decisions unfold over the next two decades – all seen from the perspectives of the couple, their betrayed spouses, and their respective children.
The sensitivity and compassion displayed by the author in exploring the emotional spectrum displayed by the characters is remarkable and accurate. What makes the novel even more remarkable is the cultural milieu of the times – 1977 through 1998 in a traditional family neighborhood rooted in Catholicism. The consequences have both personal and social overtones.
I found the characters appealing and relatable – even in their darkest moments. The writing style is engaging and the pacing kept me reading long into the night. Overall, this is a well-crafted historical novel that delivers a rich and satisfying experience.
My appreciation to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The sensitivity and compassion displayed by the author in exploring the emotional spectrum displayed by the characters is remarkable and accurate. What makes the novel even more remarkable is the cultural milieu of the times – 1977 through 1998 in a traditional family neighborhood rooted in Catholicism. The consequences have both personal and social overtones.
I found the characters appealing and relatable – even in their darkest moments. The writing style is engaging and the pacing kept me reading long into the night. Overall, this is a well-crafted historical novel that delivers a rich and satisfying experience.
My appreciation to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
As a huge fan of Cynthia D-Aprix Sweeney's Good Company, I jumped at the chance to read an advance copy of Lake Effect which has been chosen as Barnes & Noble's Book Club pick this month.
Lake Effect is a dual timeline family drama that takes place in Rochester, NY in 1977-1978 and 1994-1995. It follows two families who are neighbors: Nina and Sam whose daughters are Clara and Bridie, and Finn and Honey whose children are Dune and Fern. Without giving spoilers, this family drama is a masterful look at adultery, divorce, marriage, coming of age, grief and loss, and much more. It beautifully explores the chaos and comfort of family life. Where Sweeney's writing really shines is in her ability to immerse the reader into the lives of the characters who each have a unique voice and personality. She explores taboo topics in a way that is comfortable and brings more understanding and empathy to the reader. I highly recommend this to lovers of literary fiction.
Marin Ireland is always phenomenal in her audibook performances and this novel is no exception. She has a unique way of tenderly bringing characters to life which has made her one of my favorite narrators to listen to.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Ecco, Harper Audio Adult, and Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney for the gifted advance reader's copy and advance listening copy. All opinions are my own. 📚🎧
Lake Effect is a dual timeline family drama that takes place in Rochester, NY in 1977-1978 and 1994-1995. It follows two families who are neighbors: Nina and Sam whose daughters are Clara and Bridie, and Finn and Honey whose children are Dune and Fern. Without giving spoilers, this family drama is a masterful look at adultery, divorce, marriage, coming of age, grief and loss, and much more. It beautifully explores the chaos and comfort of family life. Where Sweeney's writing really shines is in her ability to immerse the reader into the lives of the characters who each have a unique voice and personality. She explores taboo topics in a way that is comfortable and brings more understanding and empathy to the reader. I highly recommend this to lovers of literary fiction.
Marin Ireland is always phenomenal in her audibook performances and this novel is no exception. She has a unique way of tenderly bringing characters to life which has made her one of my favorite narrators to listen to.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Ecco, Harper Audio Adult, and Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney for the gifted advance reader's copy and advance listening copy. All opinions are my own. 📚🎧
January 1, 2026
I love family dramas told with nuance- and Lake Effect delivered. The book was also filled with references to Rochester NY. So much of the book rang true and pays homage to the unique culture of our city. The time period of 1977 was perfect and I enjoyed trying to decide if Finnigan’s was a Wegman’s- and how many of the characters were inspired by real Rochesterians. The impact of Nina and Finn’s decision start a new life together reverberated through their children’s lives. Nina was unaware her daughter, Clara, had fallen in love with Finn’s son, Dune. The decision Nina and Finn made to divorce their spouses and marry each other reverberated through their families for years to come. Sweeney also captured the changing social mores around divorce, sex, and the impact of the Catholic Church in Rochester using "The Joy of Sex" as a catalyst. I loved this book - thank you to the publisher for an advance reader copy! I also listened to part of the book via NetGalley and narrator Marion Ireland does a terrific job.
February 21, 2026
3.5. When you think of a novel about 70s family drama in privileged-people insular suburbs, what likely topics come to mind? In Family Feud-style scoring, “Survey Says: Divorce!”
Also: adultery, and the backdrop of the sexual revolution. Maybe some flirting with questioning traditional beliefs, roles, and behaviors, and maybe some nascent consciousness-raising efforts around gender, identity, and body image issues. But honestly, a lot of these 70s domestic fiction novels seem to mostly concern that bleak triad of sexual revolution, adultery, and/or divorce. In many ways, I felt this novel was sort of a genteel revamp of The Ice Storm that I unfortunately didn’t need.
Many admire this writer’s work, and I admit to her capability, but there is always something about each of her books that has put me a bit off. Often, it’s the emphasis on so-called rich and pretty people problems, as well as the unsympathetic and emotionally immature adult characters. In this one, I suppose I also had trouble buying into the premise that the parental conflict described would inevitably induce such widespread and lasting tectonic-level generational destabilization. I struggled to make and maintain this connection, and I reluctantly found myself becoming disengaged and bored.
I don’t know what it is, maybe it’s my own generational gap issue, certainly it’s a me problem given the superlative praise this book seems to be garnering, but this very capable and appreciated author’s works just miss the mark for me. I’ve enjoyed books about the 70s, and about generational family dysfunction, and even about divorce, but this wasn’t the one for me. 3.5 rounded up for the objective skill of the writing aside from my personal taste-based objections. Nearly everyone so far seems to have enjoyed this book more than I have, so you might too!
Sincere thanks to NetGalley, the author, and Ecco for the ARC of this book, which is due out on March 3, 2026!
Also: adultery, and the backdrop of the sexual revolution. Maybe some flirting with questioning traditional beliefs, roles, and behaviors, and maybe some nascent consciousness-raising efforts around gender, identity, and body image issues. But honestly, a lot of these 70s domestic fiction novels seem to mostly concern that bleak triad of sexual revolution, adultery, and/or divorce. In many ways, I felt this novel was sort of a genteel revamp of The Ice Storm that I unfortunately didn’t need.
Many admire this writer’s work, and I admit to her capability, but there is always something about each of her books that has put me a bit off. Often, it’s the emphasis on so-called rich and pretty people problems, as well as the unsympathetic and emotionally immature adult characters. In this one, I suppose I also had trouble buying into the premise that the parental conflict described would inevitably induce such widespread and lasting tectonic-level generational destabilization. I struggled to make and maintain this connection, and I reluctantly found myself becoming disengaged and bored.
I don’t know what it is, maybe it’s my own generational gap issue, certainly it’s a me problem given the superlative praise this book seems to be garnering, but this very capable and appreciated author’s works just miss the mark for me. I’ve enjoyed books about the 70s, and about generational family dysfunction, and even about divorce, but this wasn’t the one for me. 3.5 rounded up for the objective skill of the writing aside from my personal taste-based objections. Nearly everyone so far seems to have enjoyed this book more than I have, so you might too!
Sincere thanks to NetGalley, the author, and Ecco for the ARC of this book, which is due out on March 3, 2026!
February 26, 2026
I have many mixed feelings about this book. It was joyful, touching, sad, thoughtful, and sometimes frustrating. It is well written and introspective with an expansive ensemble of characters. A very good introduction for me to this author, although there were some aspects that left me wanting a little more.
This is truly a character-driven family drama that covers a myriad of topics, events, crises and emotions over the span of some years from the 1970s to the late 1990s. Two families are at the heart of this journey - families that are inextricably tied together from start to finish for so many different reasons. They experience and attempt to manage through infidelity, divorce, remarriage, closeted homosexuality at the onset of AIDS, alcoholism, and more. And they experience it all together.
The different intersections are written as different parts of the book and the play out uniquely. I have to say that Nina, the matriarch of one family, was the character that stood out the most to me. In the 1970s, partly inspired by the book The Joy of Sex but mostly by her own marital unhappiness, she makes a brave decision to leave her husband to marry another man and find happiness. This singular moment has a ripple effect on the two families for decades to come. I thought Nina and Finn’s stories before and after their marriage were well done and the characters nicely developed. I really liked both of them throughout the book.
As the story proceeds in time, the other members of the family are further developed. The later segments felt more rushed to me and had more gaps in the character and story development. As a result, I didn’t feel as emotionally connected to them and they seemed flatter to me. There were sections that seemed key - like a previously existing connection between Bridie and Dune; Dune’s struggles with alcoholism; Clara in general - that were quickly glossed over. This was my primary frustration with the book that left me feeling like there was more I needed to know.
The ending was unexpectedly sad but well done and gave the closure I needed and wanted, albeit at the very last. Overall this is a touching and well written book that I enjoyed, with strong characters and lots of family drama - favorites of mine. I will look to read more by this author!
Thank you to NetGalley, Ecco Publishing and the author for the opportunity to read an advance copy and share my thoughts.
This is truly a character-driven family drama that covers a myriad of topics, events, crises and emotions over the span of some years from the 1970s to the late 1990s. Two families are at the heart of this journey - families that are inextricably tied together from start to finish for so many different reasons. They experience and attempt to manage through infidelity, divorce, remarriage, closeted homosexuality at the onset of AIDS, alcoholism, and more. And they experience it all together.
The different intersections are written as different parts of the book and the play out uniquely. I have to say that Nina, the matriarch of one family, was the character that stood out the most to me. In the 1970s, partly inspired by the book The Joy of Sex but mostly by her own marital unhappiness, she makes a brave decision to leave her husband to marry another man and find happiness. This singular moment has a ripple effect on the two families for decades to come. I thought Nina and Finn’s stories before and after their marriage were well done and the characters nicely developed. I really liked both of them throughout the book.
As the story proceeds in time, the other members of the family are further developed. The later segments felt more rushed to me and had more gaps in the character and story development. As a result, I didn’t feel as emotionally connected to them and they seemed flatter to me. There were sections that seemed key - like a previously existing connection between Bridie and Dune; Dune’s struggles with alcoholism; Clara in general - that were quickly glossed over. This was my primary frustration with the book that left me feeling like there was more I needed to know.
The ending was unexpectedly sad but well done and gave the closure I needed and wanted, albeit at the very last. Overall this is a touching and well written book that I enjoyed, with strong characters and lots of family drama - favorites of mine. I will look to read more by this author!
Thank you to NetGalley, Ecco Publishing and the author for the opportunity to read an advance copy and share my thoughts.
September 14, 2025
I’m not at all surprised by how much I enjoyed this book! I’m a big fan of family dramas that span generations, and this one grabbed me from the very beginning.
What sets this book apart is the intricate exploration of the adults’ marriages, which are unlike any other I’ve read. Additionally, witnessing the story unfold through the lives of their children—both during their formative years and later in their adulthood—provided an enriching reading experience.
This book certainly gives me vibes of Mary Beth Keene’s writing style, so if you’re a fan of her novels, you won’t want to miss out on this one when it releases in March 2026!
What sets this book apart is the intricate exploration of the adults’ marriages, which are unlike any other I’ve read. Additionally, witnessing the story unfold through the lives of their children—both during their formative years and later in their adulthood—provided an enriching reading experience.
This book certainly gives me vibes of Mary Beth Keene’s writing style, so if you’re a fan of her novels, you won’t want to miss out on this one when it releases in March 2026!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A beautiful and nuanced exploration of two families' lives as they go through a ripple effect of two parents from cheating on their partners and eloping together. This book was capital D drama but still managed to have such a complex cast of characters and events.
Sweeney showed their skill with how they handled the characters and their motivations, I really enjoyed reading this.
Sweeney showed their skill with how they handled the characters and their motivations, I really enjoyed reading this.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Sharply told with Sweeney’s signature wit and wisdom, 𝗟𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗘𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁 is a tour de force portrayal of familial relationships in all of it's nuances and complexities.
Set along the southern shore of Lake Ontario in Rochester, NY, the title holds extra significance. With the upstate NY locale, the weather is often times precarious and leads to what's known as the "lake effect." This weather phenomenon is highly unpredictable which feels apt and equally fitting in regards to life in general.
The generational span of time covered from 1977-1998 and shifting character perspectives allows for a deep and intimate look into two families lives. Watching the ramifications of their decisions trickle down to their children during their formative years and witnessing how it shapes their adulthood is remarkably executed. These characters are layered, messy and sometimes unlikable with their questionable choices and morals, but it makes them entirely authentic.
Through the many facets of family dynamics, 𝗟𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗘𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁 displays a smattering of emotions from anger to love to resentment to grief. It's an incredibly accurate representation of family that feels universal. Readers who gravitate towards family drama will devour this one!
🎙 Marin Ireland narrates: need I say more?! She's a gift to the ears and proves yet again her innate ability to deliver a top notch solo performance on a book with multiple narratives.
✨️ Thank you Ecco Books for the ARC & goodies & Harper Audio for the ALC!
Pub Date: 3•3•2026
Set along the southern shore of Lake Ontario in Rochester, NY, the title holds extra significance. With the upstate NY locale, the weather is often times precarious and leads to what's known as the "lake effect." This weather phenomenon is highly unpredictable which feels apt and equally fitting in regards to life in general.
The generational span of time covered from 1977-1998 and shifting character perspectives allows for a deep and intimate look into two families lives. Watching the ramifications of their decisions trickle down to their children during their formative years and witnessing how it shapes their adulthood is remarkably executed. These characters are layered, messy and sometimes unlikable with their questionable choices and morals, but it makes them entirely authentic.
Through the many facets of family dynamics, 𝗟𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗘𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁 displays a smattering of emotions from anger to love to resentment to grief. It's an incredibly accurate representation of family that feels universal. Readers who gravitate towards family drama will devour this one!
🎙 Marin Ireland narrates: need I say more?! She's a gift to the ears and proves yet again her innate ability to deliver a top notch solo performance on a book with multiple narratives.
✨️ Thank you Ecco Books for the ARC & goodies & Harper Audio for the ALC!
Pub Date: 3•3•2026
February 20, 2026
I LOVED this book.
When Nina Larkin runs off with across the street Neighbour Finn Finnegan, both families are wrapped in the scandal. The rippling effects impact their kids and we see how each child copes as we jump forward in time. The characters are beautifully flawed, and as we discover their perspectives, you can’t help but want the best for them all.
I binged this in an afternoon, it was such a compelling read.
When Nina Larkin runs off with across the street Neighbour Finn Finnegan, both families are wrapped in the scandal. The rippling effects impact their kids and we see how each child copes as we jump forward in time. The characters are beautifully flawed, and as we discover their perspectives, you can’t help but want the best for them all.
I binged this in an afternoon, it was such a compelling read.
October 1, 2025
Compulsive family Drama with a capital D! All of the main characters were captivating, & the author did a fantastic job of telling their stories in a way that made me withhold judgement, even when I disagreed with choices. I’ll be thinking about Cara’s grief for a long time. Fantastic storytelling, and the end…. Just wow.
Thanks you #NetGalley & #HarperCollins for the ARC e-book.
Thanks you #NetGalley & #HarperCollins for the ARC e-book.
February 24, 2026
This book begins in 1977 in Rochester, NY, delving into two families that live across the street from each other, as we get to know all four adults and all four of their teenage children as their world is then upended by an affair. The bulk of the book is set in the year or so after, before jumping into the 1990s as we see how the effects of that time have continued to play out in the lives of the characters, and where they have all ended up.
I said “characters” in the previous paragraph, but boy did they all feel like real people who I had come to really know by the time the book ended - the writing and character development in this book is just great, as is the sense of place for both the Rochester and NYC parts. And I really was touched emotionally and finished the book in tears.
4.25 stars
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my e-ARC (out 3/3/26); all opinions are my own.
I said “characters” in the previous paragraph, but boy did they all feel like real people who I had come to really know by the time the book ended - the writing and character development in this book is just great, as is the sense of place for both the Rochester and NYC parts. And I really was touched emotionally and finished the book in tears.
4.25 stars
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my e-ARC (out 3/3/26); all opinions are my own.
March 5, 2026
What a fantastic heartfelt family story. I loved the narrator. I've listened to a few other books she's narrated and she's excellent. Two families who are changed by one lovestruck decision. Two married neighbors end up getting divorced and marrying each other. Starting in the late 70’s in Rochester NY and continuing for the next two decades as these families deal with the consequences of their decisions. I really enjoyed these characters and the way the author made you care about them. They were relatable, flawed, and felt real. I found the whole thing to be very engaging and well written. If you like family sagas, you'll most likely enjoy this one. I definitely did!
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
March 4, 2026
This woman never misses!This is my favourite book of hers so far!
March 3, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⚡️ 3.5/5.
Happy publication day 🎉 to this well written and relatable family drama by the author of THE NEST. The novel takes place in the 1970s and centers around two families who live across the street from each other. When neighbors Nina and Finn realize that they are in love and decide to divorce their spouses via a quick trip to the Dominican Republic, the scandal rocks both families. Sweeney examines the long-lasting aftereffects of their affair through the POV of all of the family members.
This is a very readable novel and I think it will be popular with a wide swath of readers!
Happy publication day 🎉 to this well written and relatable family drama by the author of THE NEST. The novel takes place in the 1970s and centers around two families who live across the street from each other. When neighbors Nina and Finn realize that they are in love and decide to divorce their spouses via a quick trip to the Dominican Republic, the scandal rocks both families. Sweeney examines the long-lasting aftereffects of their affair through the POV of all of the family members.
This is a very readable novel and I think it will be popular with a wide swath of readers!
August 28, 2025
Right off the bat I loved the setting of this book taking place in the 70s. All of the characters are so entertaining and relatable. There are many themes in this book to relate to like grief, coming of age, affairs, love, and bad decisions. The scandal is juicy and the connection the characters have with each other is addicting. I laughed, I frowned, I cringed and gasped. Beautifully written, this book had me consumed from the first page to the very last word.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 5, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This one hooked me immediately. Messy family drama, complicated relationships, secrets simmering under the surface — basically catnip for me.
What I really appreciated was how the character depth complicated the “obvious” choices. From the outside it’s easy to think oh no, don’t do that. But the writing gives you enough context that you completely understand why the answer feels like yes to them. I didn’t necessarily agree with the choices Nina and Finn made, but I absolutely understood them — which somehow makes the emotional fallout hit even harder.
The family dynamics hit hard too — guilt, expectations, old wounds, and the quiet pressure of being who your family needs you to be versus who you actually are. It all felt very real and very relatable in that way where you catch pieces of your own life in it.
And the ending?? Wrecked me. The kind of ending that lands quietly but hits like an emotional freight train.
Five stars. I was completely invested in these messy, complicated people.
What I really appreciated was how the character depth complicated the “obvious” choices. From the outside it’s easy to think oh no, don’t do that. But the writing gives you enough context that you completely understand why the answer feels like yes to them. I didn’t necessarily agree with the choices Nina and Finn made, but I absolutely understood them — which somehow makes the emotional fallout hit even harder.
The family dynamics hit hard too — guilt, expectations, old wounds, and the quiet pressure of being who your family needs you to be versus who you actually are. It all felt very real and very relatable in that way where you catch pieces of your own life in it.
And the ending?? Wrecked me. The kind of ending that lands quietly but hits like an emotional freight train.
Five stars. I was completely invested in these messy, complicated people.
March 3, 2026
Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Audio for my ARC in exchange for my honest review. This book will be published March 3, 2026.
This is the third book I’ve read by this author and my ratings have ranged from 2 to 4 and now 3 stars.
The book started off strong. I felt I was in a different era (late 70s, New York). Divorce is still somewhat taboo and yet two neighbors leave in the middle of the night to get divorced from their current spouse and marry each other. Scandalous! It’s awkward for their children, two of whom secretly like each other. Fast forward 20 years and we see the now grown children and the consequences of their parents’ choices.
There are a lot of themes: women who don’t like sex, women who are discovering sex through the book The Joy of Sex, weight watchers and body image and overall family relationships.
This is the third book I’ve read by this author and my ratings have ranged from 2 to 4 and now 3 stars.
The book started off strong. I felt I was in a different era (late 70s, New York). Divorce is still somewhat taboo and yet two neighbors leave in the middle of the night to get divorced from their current spouse and marry each other. Scandalous! It’s awkward for their children, two of whom secretly like each other. Fast forward 20 years and we see the now grown children and the consequences of their parents’ choices.
There are a lot of themes: women who don’t like sex, women who are discovering sex through the book The Joy of Sex, weight watchers and body image and overall family relationships.
March 3, 2026
This was a solid 4 stars until the last 20% that had me reeling and sobbing for this wonderful family so I would bump it up to 4.5 stars.
This is a family drama of the best kind - one that explores feminine roles in the late 70’s, one with some intrigue, interesting family dynamics, and generations of storytelling. We get to see how a decision in the late 70’s between two families changes the trajectories and stories of those 2 families through two different generations and 20 years. This was a great story and I highly recommend it if you love a family drama where no one is perfect but everyone is interesting.
Thank you NetGalley and Ecco Publishing for an early e-galley in exchange for an honest review.
This is a family drama of the best kind - one that explores feminine roles in the late 70’s, one with some intrigue, interesting family dynamics, and generations of storytelling. We get to see how a decision in the late 70’s between two families changes the trajectories and stories of those 2 families through two different generations and 20 years. This was a great story and I highly recommend it if you love a family drama where no one is perfect but everyone is interesting.
Thank you NetGalley and Ecco Publishing for an early e-galley in exchange for an honest review.
March 5, 2026
We meet the Finnegans and Larkins in Rochester New York in 1979. Claire's mom Nina and Dune’s dad Finn have an affair rocking their suburban neighbourhood and forever changing each of their families lives.
Nina was married to Sam and had two daughters, Nina and Bridie. Finn was married to Honey and they had a son Dune and daughter Fern. There are no
vilains here. Everyone is messy and real and imperfect and that was the beauty of it.
Narrated by Marin Ireland I was all in on this messy family saga from the very start. The book spans from 1979 to 1998 and left me in terms. This was a stellar book, I am now kicking myself for leaving The Nest on my TBR unread for so long.
Thank you to NetGalley, Harper Audio and the author Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney for the advanced listening copy. All my opinions are my own.
Nina was married to Sam and had two daughters, Nina and Bridie. Finn was married to Honey and they had a son Dune and daughter Fern. There are no
vilains here. Everyone is messy and real and imperfect and that was the beauty of it.
Narrated by Marin Ireland I was all in on this messy family saga from the very start. The book spans from 1979 to 1998 and left me in terms. This was a stellar book, I am now kicking myself for leaving The Nest on my TBR unread for so long.
Thank you to NetGalley, Harper Audio and the author Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney for the advanced listening copy. All my opinions are my own.
November 21, 2025
I’ve been in a real reading rut—fearing that my attention span for intensive amounts of reading wanned—but this novel pulled me right out of it. Vivid, engaging characters in a story about romantic and familial relationships that feels so true. Equal parts Judy Blume adult novels of women of the 70s discovering and acknowledging their desires and 90s family drama in the best ways. There are some loose ends and characters whose importance slips away but that all feels true to life. The ending gutted me but also felt entirely right.
January 11, 2026
A beautifully written book a family saga with characters that come alive.An affair that shakes& shapes the lives of two families neighbors in this small town social friends and suddenly a couple .A fast elopement leaving their children distraught.Love the fact that we follow these people for years delve into their lives and the effects of this one act the elopement on their emotional lives.This is a book that stays with you even after you read the last page.This authors books are so entertaining just a joy to read.
February 25, 2026
Lake Effect follows a group of adults as they navigate life centered around an affair and later follows the children impacted by those events. I enjoyed the pacing of the first portion and was entertained by the plot. Where I think this book excels is looking at the ramifications of decisions made by adults and how that affects the children. I greatly enjoyed the second portion and felt that the plot and characters were raw and honest.
I received an ARC and ALC from Ecco and HarperAudio Adult | Ecco via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC and ALC from Ecco and HarperAudio Adult | Ecco via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 5, 2025
Strong family drama with relatable characters and complex relationships over the course of 20+ years. I enjoyed it! 9/10.
Thank you very much to NetGalley and Ecco for the advanced reader’s copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you very much to NetGalley and Ecco for the advanced reader’s copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
January 23, 2026
I just loved this book set in Rochester, NY (mainly in 1977 but also parts occur in the 1990’s). I loved references to the family grocery store that could only could have been modeled after Wegmans and I especially adored a shout out to Keuka Lake. This family drama made me think and cry and what more could I want? Add this to your TBR. Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC.
February 18, 2026
Oh, how I loved this beautiful , heartbreaking family saga filled with real, flawed people who hurt those they love, get hurt, forgive, take chances and learn to live authentically.
4.5 stars bumped to 5 because Marin Ireland makes everything better.
Thank you to NetGalley for my review copy
4.5 stars bumped to 5 because Marin Ireland makes everything better.
Thank you to NetGalley for my review copy
March 2, 2026
This was a great family drama with well developed characters who each had their own struggles. Two neighborhood families whose lives become entwined in ways they never imagined. I couldn’t put this book down and highly recommend it.
March 5, 2026
I’m going to have a book hangover for a while with this one! Really loved it
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Highly recommend if you loved “Hello, Beautiful" by Ann Napolitano and/or “Buckeye" by Patrick Ryan.
February 19, 2026
This author’s stories keep getting better with each new publication. My least favourite was her first.
This family saga checks all the boxes, and I’m there for it. The narration elevates the story and is perfect.
Thank you Net Galley for an early glimpse.
This family saga checks all the boxes, and I’m there for it. The narration elevates the story and is perfect.
Thank you Net Galley for an early glimpse.
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