Fortune on Moon Lake

Love on the Lake #2

by Amy Gamet

Melanie Addario’s been in emotional limbo since her boyfriend disappeared two years ago. Now a secret admirer is coaxing her well-protected heart out of hiding, making her question if she should wait for a man who may never come back, or if it’s finally time to open herself to new possibilities.

Just as she’s beginning to make progress, a random run-in with a self-proclaimed fortune-teller throws Melanie for a loop when the other woman suggests her admirer is none other than her long-lost boyfriend, Army Lieutenant Greg Mora. Will the man she once loved really come back into her life, or is the fortune-teller way off base?

Rafael Delacruz never meant to become a secret admirer. When he left the first gift on Melanie’s doorstep, he had every intention of finally asking out the blonde bombshell who’d attracted his attention years before. But the very next day, she was on his own doorstep at the winery—asking for a job—and there was no way he was going to send her away. Now he’s Melanie’s boss, an arrangement that has him firmly pressed between his desires and responsibility.

When the owner of Crescent Moon puts the vineyard on the market for a small fortune, Moon Lake outsider Rafael is forced to find the backing of an investor to buy the business he’s come to love. But someone is trying to sabotage operations at the vineyard, and worse yet, they’re framing Rafael for the damage—putting his plans for Crescent Moon and his hopes for a relationship with Melanie in jeopardy.

As Rafael works to solve the mystery of the vineyard saboteur, loyalties will be tested as shadows from the past rise up to be counted, forcing both Melanie and Rafael to choose between that which is given freely and that which can only be hoped for. Will they be able to separate friends from enemies before it’s too late, or will they lose the vineyard—and each other—forever?

Genres: Romance

181 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 27, 2015

About the author

Amy Gamet is the USA Today bestselling author of romantic suspense and contemporary romance. She's best known for her HERO Force series, where military romance meets thrilling action and intrigue.

HERO Force
Book 1: Stranded with the SEAL
Book 2: Sheltered by the SEAL
Book 3: Harbored by the SEAL
Book 4: Married to the SEAL
Book 5: Justice for the SEAL
Book 6: Targeted by the SEAL
Book 7: Kidnapped by the SEAL
Book 8: Forever with the SEAL
Book 9: Defended by the SEAL

HERO Force: Shattered SEALs
Book 1: Protecting his Witness
Book 2: Resisting his Target
Book 3: Holding his Hostage
Book 4: Engaging his Enemy
Book 5: Fighting his Fate
Book 6: Reclaiming his Honor

Love and Danger - Books should be read in order.
Book 1: Meant for Her
Book 2: The One Who Got Away
Book 3: Artful Deception
Book 4: Meghan's Wish

Love on the Lake - Books should be read in order.
Book 1: Treasure on Moon Lake
Book 2: Fortune on Moon Lake
Book 3: Return to Moon Lake

Reviews

[Bette Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent read. Well written with great characters and a nice pace. A warm story of two people hurt in the past and dealing with self confidence issues but wanting to move forward and live life to the fullest. Acting on his long time attraction for Melanie was at the top of Rafael's list until she shows up at his door asking for a job at the vineyard. Being her boss isn't exactly what he wanted but life always seems to get in his way where Melanie is concerned. Suddenly though all his attention is on the vineyard. The owner wants to sell, Rafael doesn't quite have the funds to buy it yet, and now unexplained accidents are occurring and it looks like Rafael is responsible. Melanie and Rafael become close while trying to solve the mystery but can they work through everything to find their HEA??

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Nancy Stopper · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fortune on Moon Lake is a sweet story of two broken people who struggle with self-confidence, each in their own way. Melanie struggles with guilt and obligation - guilt over her broken relationship with her long-time boyfriend, and feeling an obligation towards him, and towards her mother. She feels the need to take care of everyone in her life and even projects that on to Rafael as she starts to get to know him. Rafael is driven by an imagined shame - the sins of the father inflicted on the son. He's also been nursing unrequited feelings for Melanie for a long time, waiting patiently as he watches her mourn the loss of her long-time boyfriend, Greg.

I enjoyed the bit of suspense and intrigue woven into this story as we don't quite understand what's going on with a couple of employees at the vineyard and the suspicion that Melanie's ex may have returned to town. Both of these situations create stress for an already tenuous relationship that Melanie and Rafael are attempting to forge and it creates an urgency with the reader to solve the riddle right along with the characters.

Fortune on Moon Lake feels like a bit of an old-fashioned love story, with some suspense and strife thrown in. The heat level is low, so while intimacy is included, it is brushed over and there are no graphic descriptions or anything to make it uncomfortable for a reader who doesn't wish to read the details. I was ultimately pleased with the way the author resolves Melanie's lingering feelings for her ex-boyfriend and Rafael's struggles with feelings of inferiority which only really exist in his own mind. As each of them finds their strength, they also find out whether they will give themselves the opportunity to be happy together.

Disclosure: I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Melanie and Greg, a veteran suffering from PTSD, were together until Greg left without a word. Devastated by Greg’s leaving, Meanie hopes he will return one day, as she tries to get over him. Out of work, Melanie asks Rafael, whom she has known for years and who manages a winery in town, for a job. Once in the job, Melanie hopes to move up in the winery and is willing to start in the tasting room. Both Melanie and Rafael have a history. He has always been an outsider in town. His father was also badly regarded by most, so he felt he also was badly regarded. He has harbored a crush on her for years and hopes that, once she gets over Greg, he can move into her life. Rafael also would like to buy the winery but does not have the money to purchase it. Melanie has been trying, since he left, to get over Greg and to understand his actions. Both characters are grappling with demons from their pasts as well as from the here and now, which are preventing them from ever being whole or a couple. This is their story, as they both learn to accept what is and to not let the past weigh on them.

I enjoyed reading this story. The characters were well developed and worked well with each other in the story. It was fascinating to watch their romance grow while they interacted daily. The setting was also well suited to the story line. This is the second installment in the Love on the Lake series and is equally as good as the first book. I think any reader who enjoys a good romance with a little bit of mystery and suspense will enjoy this book. It could provide the reader with a good beach read or a read to curl up with on a lazy weekend. I received this from Library Thing to read and review.

[R J Mckay · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s been two years since Greg walked out on Melanie. A returning war veteran, suffering from PTSD, Greg could not cope with his life. His only option was to leave. But that didn’t stop Mel from hoping he would return to her.
Mel also has a past with Rafael. When they were teens, she found him stealing food from her garbage can in order to survive. Rafael’s life has been anything but easy but the closest thing to home was his earlier life in Moon Lake. And now he is the manager in a winery, but still feeling like an outsider.
But all of that is about to change. Melanie is in need of a job, and there is an opening for a clerk in the tasting room where Rafael works. Taking the bull by the horns, she approaches him about it. But once Rafael hires her, she begins to have second doubts.
Rafael has loved Melanie since they were children. When he returned to Moon Lake he learned about her situation with Greg and decided to bide his time, hoping for a chance to win her heart. Will having her work in the tasting room give them a second chance at love?
But there are undercurrents at play. Someone is leaving gifts for Melanie on her doorstep. And there are problems at the winery. Are they a result of Rafael’s hopes to purchase it? Then the return of Greg leaves Rafael wondering where to go from here.
This book has a bit of suspense mixed in with a story of love and longing. It is a good companion piece to “Treasures on Moon Lake”.

[Anita · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book for an honest review.

Out of a job, Melanie asks Rafael if she can have one at the winery he works for. Rafael agrees to give her a job. The couple will have some ups and downs as their relationship progresses. Melanie has a guard up around her heart. Her ex boyfriend, Greg, left her a few years back without any warning and left no note. She tried her best to help him when he came back from war and suffered from PTSD. But it wasn't enough and left her devastated. A piece of her heart still belongs to Greg but it's getting harder to deal with her feelings for Rafael. As a secret admirer is leaving tokens for her, she believes it's Greg. As Rafael and Melanie deal with their relationship, someone is out to destroy the winery Rafael so badly wants to buy. As truths come out and the past comes into the future, Melanie and Rafael must decide on what they want.

I enjoyed this book. it was a quick read since I couldn't stop once I started. Love stories when one of the main characters has overcome so much to get where they are today. In that, I understood why Rafael kept to himself and didn't really socialize with the town folks. A time or two I wanted to smack Melanie upside the head because of her holding back on Rafael, she needed to deal with her feelings for Greg first and hadn't done so at all. Since I enjoyed this book, I got the first one to see how Tori's story Treasure on Moon Lake goes. And look fwd to seeing how Greg's story turns out.

[Isha Coleman · Rating 4 out of 5]

REVIEW: FORTUNE ON MOON LAKE BY AMY GAMET  
 
My Review
 
Fortune on Moon Lake (Love on the Lake, #2) by Amy GametMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Fortune on Moon Lake is a romance with meaning. In this story you find characters that face uncertainty, heartbreak and anger. Amy Gamet has written a multifaceted story full of emotional and suspenseful scenarios.<br>The central theme of this story is to never give up hope. For although you may not get the thing that you hope for, you could be blessed with so much more. Endearing about never giving up. I received a copy of this story for an honest review. It pulls at the heartstrings.(www.goodreads.com/review/list/2555691...)
 
Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Fortune-Moon-La...
 
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Kobo:  https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebo...
 

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Melanie is looking for a job and asks Rafael for one in the tasting room of the winery at Crescent Moon winery which he manages. The owner wants to sell the winery and Rafael wants to buy it but hasn't the money. Melanie is stuck in the past when her boyfriend Greg left. Will people get what they want or is it only dreams that won't come true?

I liked Melanie and Rafael. There is tension between them because of the past which may become part of the present. Each reads the other wrong and walk out without explanations. They both need to work on their communication skills. I enjoyed the setting. It was fun being in the Finger Lakes region. The winery and vineyard were good to show that life has ebbs and flow, slow times and fast times. I liked that Melanie is valued for what she can bring.

There is a lot that happens in a short period of time. So much that can change the production and profitability of the winery. The pace of the story shows that as well. When Melanie and Rafael are getting along it's smooth but when they are angry and upset, nothing seems to go well.

I'm interested in seeing what happens in the series and in the town. Good world building here.

[Layla Darnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the storyline and the characters. The narrator brought the story to life and did an amazing job with all the voice changes between the characters. The book flowed well and was fun and easy listen.
Romance is a vast genre with twists and turns in all directions and I definitely would love to read more stories like this with the characters being so relatable rather then like perfect unreal characters you find in other romance books.
The author explains the characters feelings and surroundings in a way you envision and feel everything that's being experienced and felt. I loved the touch of mystery and the fact that Melanie and Raphael had issues to overcome. 
This is a sweet romance. I found it easy to listen to in one sitting. Melanie and Raphael are dealing with things from there past while trying to live their lives in the present. Can they work things out when those obstacles make an appearance and can they build a relationship or will the past put all things to a halt. Add in the mysterious accidents at the winery and this makes an all around fantastic story that you don't want to miss.

[Angie ~aka Reading Machine~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Melanie "Mel" Addario is looking for a job since she no longer works at Tori's Treasures. She comes across an ad for Crescent Moon wine taster thinks it might be a good fit for her. Rafael Delacruz is the Crescent Moon winery manager and secret admirer of Melanie. He's hoping that Melanie is over Greg Mora but that isn't likely from her own words. When the owners of Crescent Moon announce that they are selling the winery. Rafael sees it as his chance to own it if only he can come up with the funding or an investor. Will Melanie give Rafael a chance? Is Melanie able to move on? Can Rafael understand what Melanie is trying to tell him? Your answers await you in Fortune on Moon Lake.

Fortune on Moon Lake picks up where Treasure on Moon Lake left off. Melanie's gentle spirit and heart make her a good match for Rafael. Rafael is total alpha male and not afraid to show it. The story and character are exceptional and well written. I look forward to reading more of this author's work in the future.

[Laurie Franco · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't believe how quickly this story flew by! Melanie is pining for the love of her life, Greg, a war veteran with PTSD that walked out of her life a few years back without so much as a backwards glance. Rafael is the black sheep of the town, who is now running a winery in town. When Melanie decides to apply for a job at the winery, Rafael is thrilled because he has been in love with Melanie since they were children. Melanie has a deep love for horticulture and she hopes that eventually she will be able to help with the plants, rather than work in the tasting room.
When Rafael's past comes back to haunt him, Melanie's lost love returns and things start going wrong with the winery it seems like there is no hope for the two of them. Will Melanie find her happiness back in Greg's arms or will hidden jealousy and murder be the end result for these two star crossed lovers! You'll have to read it to find out! I absolutely loved this story and look forward to a continuation of the saga!

[Rose Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is one of those books that you never want to end, but when it does, you close your eyes, heave a sigh and smile at the HEA. Rafael and Melanie have met before, years ago, now they are adults who have had a lot thrown at them. When they meet again and make a connection life isn't finished tossing curveballs into their midst. But will these obstacles pull them closer together or send Melanie back to the arms of her first love? Read the book and find out. You can't go wrong with this one. I enjoyed it so much I immediately found the other two books in the series and downloaded them. I will warn you, if you are a stickler for reading books in order, this is book two in the series, but all can be read independently, there are no cliffhangers!

[Melinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

**more at melenasreviews.wordpress.com**

Amy Gamet has a way of getting you in the book reading it so much before you know it is finished. This is what happened to me in reading Fortune`s Moon. I fell for Rafael and his brooding, quietness yet here is a man who is hiding from his past. Amy Gamet showed us that every person is trying to run from their past yet one must confrot it before they can find happiness. I felt for Melanie and her last love. Here is a girl who gave the best years of her life to a man she thought was the one only to be left behind. The romance she has with Rafael is unlike any she has known. They seem shy at first but I loved that Amy kicked Rafael in the butt to finally make his feelings known. Definitely a series that speaks of romance and love yet without getting slow.

[Geri · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW, this book was amazing! I could not stop reading it once I started it. There was no way that I would be able to sleep until I found out what would happen to Melanie and Rafael. They are so well written, you feel like you know them and become their friends. The characters are deep and every character, even the fortune teller, adds something to this story and makes it even better. This is first off a romance, but there is the just right amount of suspense weaved through the story to keep you on the edge of your seat. I cannot wait to read more of this series because it really made me want more without leaving me thinking anything was missing from this story. This is a book I will definitely keep and re-read because it is that good!

[John Grathwol · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. The two main characters, Melanie and Rafael, are very well fleshed out making you care about their feelings and decisions. I really felt these two belonged together and I loved reading about their rapidly growing love.
Another reason I loved this book is that it had a couple of side storylines that kept you reading, such as sabotage at the winery, and Rafaels' father being freed from jail. These storylines brought other characters into the mix, and the author made them all likeable and believable.
Thank you Amy Gamet for a truly enjoyable book that I feel is a must read.

[BookSnuggle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book for an honest review. A cute, sweet, clean romance with a bit of a mystery. I really loved the story of Rafael and Melanie. Their story got my attention right away and I couldn't put it down. Rafael and Melanie both had issues that they needed to sort out. The author did such a great job that I could feel their emotions. This is a quick read and a great book to take to the beach or when you just need an escape. This was a clean romance but was still sensual and romantic. Rafael was great! I really enjoyed the book and look forward to reading other books by Amy Gamet. I definitely recommend this book.

[Shannon Ferguson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another must read!

Both Melanie and Rafael have been hurt in their pasts. Melanie is still dealing with her feelings for an ex, who disappeared from her life to deal with his demons. Rafael is trying to get over his childhood, which was definitely not a good one.

The chemistry between the two was crazy. Both of them were honest about their feelings, and didn't hide their pasts. There were twists and turns throughout the story, and just when you think one person is behind what's going on, Amy throws another twist in to the story.

I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a fantastic read, and can't wait to see what else Amy has coming for us

[Deborah Blanchard · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful book this is! It is full of love,with a dash of suspense. I have always loved Amy Gamets' writing style and this book was no exception. The characters are developed well and I loved them. The story flows smoothly from beginning to end. This is a series I will look forward to reading. You will be rooting for the two main characters for this entire story. Well done! I highly recommend this book to all romance lovers! I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review, and like all her other books that I have read, I loved it!

[Inishowen Cailín · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second book in the series didn't disappoint. The story is character driven and you get a real sense of who the characters are and how they've reached where they are in their lives. We also get a little update on Bonnie and Edward from book 1. I also enjoyed Melanie's character in book one and was looking forward to her getting a Happily Ever After. The only thing missing in this book was the subtle humour that was more evident in Treasure on Moon Lake.
An quick and entertaining read. I will look forward to reading #3 Come Back to Moon Lake when it published later this month.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing, I couldn't put this book down. I needed to know what was going to happen next? The characters Melanie and Rafael are likable people. Melanie mother is a funny character, trying to find a guy for her daughter to asking her daughter if she going to the sperm bank because she wanted an grand baby. And Greg did Melanie really saw him or not? Don't want to give away any details, but can't wait to read the third book

[Cathy Geha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this second story in the series better than the first and I think it was because of the main characters. Both Rafael and Melanie have great back stories and the issues they have to contend with as their relationship grows are interesting. This book has past love, friendship, intrigue, skullduggery and so much more.

Thank you to the LibraryThing giveaway for this book to read and review

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Two

Wine country. Intrigue. Secret admirer. After her best friend marries the man of her dreams, it's time for Melanie to start figuring out what her own dreams are. Are they wrapped up in memories of her old fiance that ran out on her? Or of the sexy man who runs the winery? Who is her secret admirer? More important, is he dangerous? Melanie needs to know...along with a few other things she still needs to find out...like what she wants to do with the rest of her life.

[Susie Q · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amy Gamet has done it again! The 2nd book in the Love on the Lake series, Fortune on Moon Lake, was a fun, romantic, and an easy book to listen to. I love her writing, especially her use of figurative language. (Sorry, I'm a retired teacher and just had to throw that in!) Eva Kaminsky, who narrates this book, did a beautiful job. She makes listening a pleasure!
Now I'm off to read the 3rd book in the series, Return to Moon Lake!

[Kimberly Westrope · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book #2 in a series. I received the audio version in exchange for an honest review. I really enjoyed this story. The characters are very well-developed. The relationships are interesting and realistic, and the story is believable. The writing is very good, and the story flows really well, with lots of action and dialogue. I liked the first book the best, only because this one and book #3 are a little darker in their subject matter. Looking forward to reading the others in the series.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this second installment! The characters were fun and felt like old friends. This isn't just about romance it is about forgiving past mistakes too. The only thing I didn't like is that Tori and Jed didn't make a single appearance, while Melanie was a huge presence in their story. Can't wait for the next book!

I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Teri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book in exchange for an honest review. I really enjoyed it. It's nice to have the romance but it makes it all the more real when there are real life issues involved. In this story both of the main characters have issues and work through them and attacks from other sources to seize the day. Nice plot and good writing.

[Sharon Rudolph · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was a fun, quick read. It was very predictable, I knew who was sabotaging the winery right away. I wish the author would have brought back the characters from the first book so we could catch up on them. Melanie and Tori were friends, you would have thought her best friend would care. I am not going to read the last book in the series because I don't care.

[Tania · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the story a lot. The transition between the two relationships didn't flow as well as I would have liked. Even with the choppy transition, I liked the story line and would read other Amy Gamet books.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved reading this book and I can't believe I did it in 2 days. I found it very hard to put down when I had picked it up to read. Rafael had taken over my thoughts while reading this. Can't wait to read another one of Amy's books.

[Nola · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 2 Of Love on the Lake & I Enjoyed It Just As Much As The First !

An Enjoyable Read !