What do you think?
Rate this book
The Lake Trilogy #3.5
Anchored
They've been to hell and back again, but now Will and Layla are beginning the biggest adventure of their parenthood!
It's only been a few short months since Will and Layla welcomed their twins. And while Layla is excited for all that awaits her in motherhood, she's feeling a little disconnected from the friends who have stood by her from the moment they met. Reintegrating into her social life and balancing motherhood may be a bit of a challenge, but Layla isn't going to miss her opportunity to help her dearest friends find their Happily Ever After, too.
But what would life be without a curve ball once in a while? When someone from their past surfaces and asks for help, Layla isn’t sure telling Will is the best thing to do. He spent years protecting her, now it’s her turn to protect him from further heartache. She knows she won’t be able to keep the secret from Will forever, but no matter what happens, Layla is confident they’ll walk through it together, remaining just as anchored together as they’ve always been.
It's only been a few short months since Will and Layla welcomed their twins. And while Layla is excited for all that awaits her in motherhood, she's feeling a little disconnected from the friends who have stood by her from the moment they met. Reintegrating into her social life and balancing motherhood may be a bit of a challenge, but Layla isn't going to miss her opportunity to help her dearest friends find their Happily Ever After, too.
But what would life be without a curve ball once in a while? When someone from their past surfaces and asks for help, Layla isn’t sure telling Will is the best thing to do. He spent years protecting her, now it’s her turn to protect him from further heartache. She knows she won’t be able to keep the secret from Will forever, but no matter what happens, Layla is confident they’ll walk through it together, remaining just as anchored together as they’ve always been.
- GenresRomanceContemporary
88 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 9, 2015
117 people are currently reading
276 people want to read
About the author
AnnaLisa Grant
21 books238 followersAnnaLisa is the youngest of four children and the only daughter, born and raised in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. After graduating high school, she moved to Charlotte, NC with her parents. This turned out to be a blessing since it was just a few short years later that she met her husband in the Film Actor's Studio of Charlotte. As she studied acting at the Studio, AnnaLisa was in several films and made-for-TV movies, as well as performed in local theater in both dramatic and musical roles. At one time, it was AnnaLisa's dream to be a professional singer.
AnnaLisa completed her undergraduate degree in Human Services at Wingate University and her Master's degree in Counseling from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. During her thirteen years in the Human Services field, AnnaLisa worked with children in group homes and foster care, and spent two years in private practice counseling individuals, families, and couples.
When her father was in a near fatal car accident in 2010, AnnaLisa's best coping skill turned out to be writing. Five months after the accident, when all the what ifs would not go away, AnnaLisa started writing Layla Weston's story in The Lake. She had no idea what she was going to do with the story. In fact, she wrote sixty-four pages before she told her husband what she was doing. By then it was clear that Layla had a long story to tell and there were multiple books on the horizon.
In 2013, after all three YA novels in The Lake Trilogy were written and she had let them sit long enough, AnnaLisa took matters into her own hands and self-published the titles within just a few months of each other. Received well by readers young and not-so-young alike, The Lake Trilogy has enjoyed breakout success, selling close to half-million copies the first year.
AnnaLisa's publicist is Rick Miles of Red Coat PR, and she is represented by Italia Gandolfo of GH Literary. AnnaLisa has been married to her super awesome husband Donavan since 2001 and lives in Matthews, NC with their two ridiculously beautiful children.
AnnaLisa completed her undergraduate degree in Human Services at Wingate University and her Master's degree in Counseling from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. During her thirteen years in the Human Services field, AnnaLisa worked with children in group homes and foster care, and spent two years in private practice counseling individuals, families, and couples.
When her father was in a near fatal car accident in 2010, AnnaLisa's best coping skill turned out to be writing. Five months after the accident, when all the what ifs would not go away, AnnaLisa started writing Layla Weston's story in The Lake. She had no idea what she was going to do with the story. In fact, she wrote sixty-four pages before she told her husband what she was doing. By then it was clear that Layla had a long story to tell and there were multiple books on the horizon.
In 2013, after all three YA novels in The Lake Trilogy were written and she had let them sit long enough, AnnaLisa took matters into her own hands and self-published the titles within just a few months of each other. Received well by readers young and not-so-young alike, The Lake Trilogy has enjoyed breakout success, selling close to half-million copies the first year.
AnnaLisa's publicist is Rick Miles of Red Coat PR, and she is represented by Italia Gandolfo of GH Literary. AnnaLisa has been married to her super awesome husband Donavan since 2001 and lives in Matthews, NC with their two ridiculously beautiful children.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
January 24, 2016
I enjoyed this story as much as I did the previous three. As another person mentioned, there wasn't any grammatical errors or typos. I also agree that this story was on fast forward a bit and disappointed that it wasn't as long as the others. Overall, I an so thankful to have the opportunity to have read this series. Anchor didn't carry the intense, suspenseful drama as the previous stories, but that is not always a bad thing. The characters went through enough of that in the previous stories, so they earned a rest. It would be a nice thought of down the road, Ms. Grant would write one more story about Layla and Will. Maybe when Natalie and Claire are older, and playing with Caroline and Tyler's kids. Just a thought.
January 22, 2016
What a satisfying ending to this moving saga! And, done without the previous typo errors that plagued "Safe Harbor." As an ending, it was emotional, moving, and answered leftover questions. This was a good series, and I'm glad I purchased and read it.
May 3, 2018
This is part of a series of 3 (1/2) books about a young couple and their struggle to stay together. The story line was somewhat appealing albeit unrealistic. Teenagers taking on huge, complicated relationship issues in a mature, patient manner-really?
Nonetheless, the real issue with this book, and all the others in this series, is the writing. Repeated references to things that happened in previous books in the series with little or no explanation. Repetitive overly-mushy dialogue. I actually started skipping pages at a time to get through the saccharine, almost whiny verse.
I got these books on line for free and had a really long flight. That is the only reason I worked through them all.
Nonetheless, the real issue with this book, and all the others in this series, is the writing. Repeated references to things that happened in previous books in the series with little or no explanation. Repetitive overly-mushy dialogue. I actually started skipping pages at a time to get through the saccharine, almost whiny verse.
I got these books on line for free and had a really long flight. That is the only reason I worked through them all.
April 28, 2024
Finally finished this series. I want to be able to give more stars, but I just can't. This series had so much potential to be great, but unfortunately, it was just too drawn out and repetitive. After a while, each chapter seemed the same. "I don't deserve to be happy. My old life was hard. I do deserve happy. Will loves me. I love Will. Should we continue to try to fight for our love?"...blah blah blah same over and over. The overdramatics of each scenario became obnoxious. Anything and everything that could happen, does happen. It was just a lot.
Again, the storyline has potential, and I really was rooting for Will and Layla, but overall it just fell short for me. I'd probably place this more in the teen fiction age range. Wish I would have known that before starting.
Again, the storyline has potential, and I really was rooting for Will and Layla, but overall it just fell short for me. I'd probably place this more in the teen fiction age range. Wish I would have known that before starting.
March 21, 2020
I wish this series didn’t end!
This book was so touchingly sad and happy at the same time. I wish the story of all the chive met didn’t end here. I really hope there are more to come in the future. If you enjoy love stories with the realities of life mixed in you’ll enjoy this series. Life, death, love and loss... we pick up the pieces to create our own Happily ever afters.
This book was so touchingly sad and happy at the same time. I wish the story of all the chive met didn’t end here. I really hope there are more to come in the future. If you enjoy love stories with the realities of life mixed in you’ll enjoy this series. Life, death, love and loss... we pick up the pieces to create our own Happily ever afters.
March 25, 2020
I loved this series from beginning to end. Will and Layla’s love story is like no other. So many adventures and things happen to them (no spoilers) that only true love can withstand. I love how pure and sweet this book is too. It’s very refreshing to read. I can’t believe I’ve waited so very long to do so. Absolutely enjoyed this whole series!
August 24, 2019
As always this story of Layla and Will makes the reader feel the best we can and should be. An easy and heart warming story.
As always this story of Layla and Will makes the reader feel the best we can and should be. An easy and heart warming story.
As always this story of Layla and Will makes the reader feel the best we can and should be. An easy and heart warming story.
June 19, 2017
It was a good book
Nothing the book was great. I love it. Wish it was more to read. Great book. Hope who else read it enjoy it as I did
Nothing the book was great. I love it. Wish it was more to read. Great book. Hope who else read it enjoy it as I did
July 19, 2019
The Lake Series . . .
The Lake Series is a good group of stories that want you to continue reading until every book/story is completed and you will still want more! ENJOY!
The Lake Series is a good group of stories that want you to continue reading until every book/story is completed and you will still want more! ENJOY!
March 26, 2020
Ehh
Not as good as the other books in the series. This one did not really add to the series. Quick read though. I couldn't not complete the series.
Not as good as the other books in the series. This one did not really add to the series. Quick read though. I couldn't not complete the series.
January 20, 2021
It was great
The book was a great book and I loved it. It was a great book for a beginner reader that loves great books
The book was a great book and I loved it. It was a great book for a beginner reader that loves great books
November 30, 2022
such a beautiful trilogy i loved it. i hope she makes it into a tv show.
January 28, 2017
Anchored
By: Annalisa Grant
1). Author’s Background
Annalisa Grant, is known as the ‘accidental author’ because after her father died in a car accident, to cope, she turned to writing her first book The Lake which lead to this book, Anchored. After writing her first book, Anna knew she wanted to be an author.
2). Literary Time Period
Anchored, was written in modern time. The book was written as a coping mechanism after her dad died.
3). Setting
Anchored, takes place in small town in North Carolina, where Layla and Will Meyer live taking care of their new twins and other loved family members.
4). Characters
Will Meyer- The son of Eliana Furtick. He is attractive, smart, and an excellent father.
Layla Meyer- Layla is the adoptive daughter of Claire and Luke. She is married to Will Meyer and is an excellent mother to her twin girls.
Caroline- Caroline is Layla and Will’s best friend. She is an interior designer and is dating Tyler.
Tyler- Tyler is Layla and Will’s best friend. He is so in love with Caroline it consumes him.
5). Theme
A major theme in the story is protecting the people you love. Layla Meyer has always been protected by Will, and in this book it is her turn to protect him from his sick brother who is asking for money.
6). Plot Summary
Layla and Will Meyer are living the dream. They are married and have two baby girls together. Recently, Layla has been visited by Rachel Meadows, who is Will’s brother’s wife. She has come to ask them for money and Layla needs proof she isn't lying. She hasn't told Will about her coming to town, because she afraid he may get hurt again by his brother, who once said that he never wanted to speak to Will. Behind Will’s back, Layla goes to see Rachel and Michael Meadows and confirms that he actually is in the hospital and loans them the money that they need to pay of his hospital bills. When she tells Will, he immediately feels grateful and goes to visit his brother who he wants a relationship with. Unfortunately when they arrive, home they realize that their best friend, Caroline has changed. Caroline has just broke the news that she is moving to Italy to decorate a famous person’s house. She broke this news in front of her boyfriend, Tyler. He is completely devastated. He tries to ask her what is going on but she completely shuns him and tells him she doesn't want to talk about it. Eventually, Tyler and Caroline break up and she moves to Italy. Trying desperately to get their best friends back together, Layla and Will take at trip to Italy and talk sense into Caroline. Caroline then understands she is in the wrong and drives home to her future, Tyler. In the end Tyler and Caroline have kids and each family lives happily ever after.
7). Literary Devices
Annalisa Grant uses imagery when she describes each character, especially Will. She describes him as an excellent father that beams when he looks at his girls. She describes his eyes as crystal blue and mesmerizing. She also uses similes when she describes the twins being as cute as a button. This lets the reader understand how much love Will and Layla have for each other and their little family.
8). Memorable Quotes
“... Seize the opportunity of a lifetime within the lifetime of the opportunity.”
This is Will explaining to Layla that she has to understand that Caroline is following her dreams and deserves to have this opportunity of a lifetime.
“..You give us a chance to be brothers.”
Will Meyer
This is a changing point in Will’s life. He has always wanted a brother and now he has one. There has always been an empty place in his heart that only his brother could complete and now he can have one with one simple answer, yes.
By: Annalisa Grant
1). Author’s Background
Annalisa Grant, is known as the ‘accidental author’ because after her father died in a car accident, to cope, she turned to writing her first book The Lake which lead to this book, Anchored. After writing her first book, Anna knew she wanted to be an author.
2). Literary Time Period
Anchored, was written in modern time. The book was written as a coping mechanism after her dad died.
3). Setting
Anchored, takes place in small town in North Carolina, where Layla and Will Meyer live taking care of their new twins and other loved family members.
4). Characters
Will Meyer- The son of Eliana Furtick. He is attractive, smart, and an excellent father.
Layla Meyer- Layla is the adoptive daughter of Claire and Luke. She is married to Will Meyer and is an excellent mother to her twin girls.
Caroline- Caroline is Layla and Will’s best friend. She is an interior designer and is dating Tyler.
Tyler- Tyler is Layla and Will’s best friend. He is so in love with Caroline it consumes him.
5). Theme
A major theme in the story is protecting the people you love. Layla Meyer has always been protected by Will, and in this book it is her turn to protect him from his sick brother who is asking for money.
6). Plot Summary
Layla and Will Meyer are living the dream. They are married and have two baby girls together. Recently, Layla has been visited by Rachel Meadows, who is Will’s brother’s wife. She has come to ask them for money and Layla needs proof she isn't lying. She hasn't told Will about her coming to town, because she afraid he may get hurt again by his brother, who once said that he never wanted to speak to Will. Behind Will’s back, Layla goes to see Rachel and Michael Meadows and confirms that he actually is in the hospital and loans them the money that they need to pay of his hospital bills. When she tells Will, he immediately feels grateful and goes to visit his brother who he wants a relationship with. Unfortunately when they arrive, home they realize that their best friend, Caroline has changed. Caroline has just broke the news that she is moving to Italy to decorate a famous person’s house. She broke this news in front of her boyfriend, Tyler. He is completely devastated. He tries to ask her what is going on but she completely shuns him and tells him she doesn't want to talk about it. Eventually, Tyler and Caroline break up and she moves to Italy. Trying desperately to get their best friends back together, Layla and Will take at trip to Italy and talk sense into Caroline. Caroline then understands she is in the wrong and drives home to her future, Tyler. In the end Tyler and Caroline have kids and each family lives happily ever after.
7). Literary Devices
Annalisa Grant uses imagery when she describes each character, especially Will. She describes him as an excellent father that beams when he looks at his girls. She describes his eyes as crystal blue and mesmerizing. She also uses similes when she describes the twins being as cute as a button. This lets the reader understand how much love Will and Layla have for each other and their little family.
8). Memorable Quotes
“... Seize the opportunity of a lifetime within the lifetime of the opportunity.”
This is Will explaining to Layla that she has to understand that Caroline is following her dreams and deserves to have this opportunity of a lifetime.
“..You give us a chance to be brothers.”
Will Meyer
This is a changing point in Will’s life. He has always wanted a brother and now he has one. There has always been an empty place in his heart that only his brother could complete and now he can have one with one simple answer, yes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 1, 2017
I finally finished this series. While all of the books needed better editing, the story was remarkable. I fell in love w/ Layla and Will's story.
January 24, 2016
Anchored is book four in the Lake series by AnnaLisa Grant. It is the finale in the love story of Will and Layla. After a short romance, Will and Layla wanted to marry. Will’s father had other plans for Will and intervened causing Layla and her Aunt and Uncle to move to Tallahassee, Florida where she was to go to school. Will and his mother faked their deaths to get out from under the abusive hand of Gregory Meyer. They eventually showed up in Tallahassee and revealed themselves to Layla and her family. When confronted with a young man investigating Gregory Meyer to find some way to get him punished for the death of his father, Luke and Will set out to help the FBI with a case against Gregory. This unleashes an emotional journey for Will as he discovers he has siblings he never knew about. With this discovery and the trial against Gregory as well as revealing they are still alive, Will postpones his wedding to Layla. They return to North Carolina where Gregory is killed by Holly Reynolds. Luke defends her. Meanwhile, Will and Layla reset their wedding date and plan to marry in Will’s hometown. Will the wedding ever take place?
June 10, 2016
I just didn't feel this one. There were too many inconsistencies with the original novels' story lines as well as within its own 80 pages. For example: in the epilogue of book 3, we learn that it is almost Thanksgiving and Layla is 9 weeks pregnant with the twins. Fast forward to this novella, at Christmas, the girls are 6 weeks old, and were born at 36 weeks gestation. It took me less than a minute to figure that they would have been born in the end of May, thus making them well over 6 months by Christmas, not weeks. Yet, that is only one of the many examples available. I felt that so much of the growth this author showed by the end of book 3 was tossed to the side to complete this novella.
November 7, 2015
This was nice shorter book revisiting Will and Layla as they're now dealing with parenthood. Layla is also faced with helping one of Will's estranged family members (can they be trusted, or is it just an angle for money?--something the Meyers have no shortage of) and preventing her best friend from messing up a really great relationship. I'll agree with other reviewers in that the series does tend to be a bit mushy at times, but there's also drama mixed in through all four books so I figure that helps balance things.
July 28, 2016
Reach for the stars
This is a nice little epitaph to AnnaLissa's Lake Trilogy. It doesn't have the excitement or mystery of the three other books but it holds your interest, nonetheless. Anchored is the right title as Will and his wife move into a normal life together. The one criticism I have is only that normal is just a little paranormal. In real life normal for most of us is filled with a lot more clutter of trial and error along with sickness and even tragedy than the novella portrays.
This is a nice little epitaph to AnnaLissa's Lake Trilogy. It doesn't have the excitement or mystery of the three other books but it holds your interest, nonetheless. Anchored is the right title as Will and his wife move into a normal life together. The one criticism I have is only that normal is just a little paranormal. In real life normal for most of us is filled with a lot more clutter of trial and error along with sickness and even tragedy than the novella portrays.
June 30, 2015
A calmer book in the lake series.
This book is a very fast enjoyable read. It doesn't have the drama, mystery, and suspense of the first three books in the series. I enjoyed returning to the series and getting to read about Kayla and Will after they have settled into their married life. Rarely do readers get that opportunity.
This book is a very fast enjoyable read. It doesn't have the drama, mystery, and suspense of the first three books in the series. I enjoyed returning to the series and getting to read about Kayla and Will after they have settled into their married life. Rarely do readers get that opportunity.
August 11, 2015
Seriously????? Okay of the the series, the novella may be my favorite. Why? I got to see what was happening with Will and Layla five years after they wed. there is the highest of highs and the lowest of lows in this novella that touch your heart and rip out your gut. Well done AnnaLisa Grant, I love when that happens.
July 27, 2015
Love this series!
I love a good light read and this series is a great one! Loved the characters, loved the locations (I'm an NC girl) and loved the ending! Fingers crossed she continues on with this story!!
I love a good light read and this series is a great one! Loved the characters, loved the locations (I'm an NC girl) and loved the ending! Fingers crossed she continues on with this story!!
November 8, 2016
Great book she needs to keep going we need to see if they have a boy and if care and ty get married and see where G
Great book she needs to keep going we needwen and Chris are doing got to keep it going they were really good books
Great book she needs to keep going we needwen and Chris are doing got to keep it going they were really good books
August 20, 2018
I've read the first three books in the series and have enjoyed the characters. The third book started dragging but I still wanted to find out what happened with characters. This last book in the series dragged also but I am glad to know how the characters stories ended.
June 1, 2015
Too short
Love the characters in this series and just the shear goodness of them. I've read the series and this last one was just too short.
Love the characters in this series and just the shear goodness of them. I've read the series and this last one was just too short.
July 5, 2015
Repition
A lot of repeating of how much everyone loves the other person. Even though it is fiction how many couples could've all had a happy ever after.
A lot of repeating of how much everyone loves the other person. Even though it is fiction how many couples could've all had a happy ever after.
July 10, 2015
Nice ending for the trilogoy
Good story to help bring closure to the trilogy. Loved all the characters. I felt like part of the family and will miss them.
Good story to help bring closure to the trilogy. Loved all the characters. I felt like part of the family and will miss them.
November 21, 2015
Love
I really enjoyed this as I didn't want Layla and Will's story to end. I truly hope you keep writing their story as well as Carolines wedding.
I really enjoyed this as I didn't want Layla and Will's story to end. I truly hope you keep writing their story as well as Carolines wedding.
December 15, 2015
Wonderful
I did not want Will & Layla's story to ever end! I have loved this series. Couldn't put it down.
I did not want Will & Layla's story to ever end! I have loved this series. Couldn't put it down.
December 9, 2015
Loved it, but.........
Way too short! I want more. More about their life, and maybe their children's life. Maybe Luke needs to adopt another to fill their household.
Way too short! I want more. More about their life, and maybe their children's life. Maybe Luke needs to adopt another to fill their household.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews