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Lakeside
Jemi is in way over her head.
And things keep getting more complicated.
In order to graduate high school, she must complete a service project. There’s just one problem.
She had no idea.
Scrambling, she decides to clean up the town lake. A simple project, right?
Wrong.
The project multiplies as it takes on a life of it’s own. And what about those superstitions that evil spirits guard the lake?
Finally, when a jealous classmate sabotages the project, Jemi is ready to throw in the towel.
But where are all those spiders coming from?
Will Jemi lose her mind? Will she graduate from high school? Will she commune with the spirits of the lake?
Maybe.
Because in Lakeside, there’s always more than what meets the eye…
Lakeside is a contemporary, humorous young adult novel for people who love coming-of-age stories with a good dose of drama and a little bit of mystery.
Get Lakeside now.
And things keep getting more complicated.
In order to graduate high school, she must complete a service project. There’s just one problem.
She had no idea.
Scrambling, she decides to clean up the town lake. A simple project, right?
Wrong.
The project multiplies as it takes on a life of it’s own. And what about those superstitions that evil spirits guard the lake?
Finally, when a jealous classmate sabotages the project, Jemi is ready to throw in the towel.
But where are all those spiders coming from?
Will Jemi lose her mind? Will she graduate from high school? Will she commune with the spirits of the lake?
Maybe.
Because in Lakeside, there’s always more than what meets the eye…
Lakeside is a contemporary, humorous young adult novel for people who love coming-of-age stories with a good dose of drama and a little bit of mystery.
Get Lakeside now.
315 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 14, 2017
11 people are currently reading
220 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Linehan
26 books116 followersAmanda Linehan is a fiction writer, indie publisher and INFP. She has published three novels and a couple handfuls of short stories. Her short fiction has been featured on Every Day Fiction.
She lives in Maryland, likes to be outside and writes with her cat sleeping on the floor beside her desk.
She lives in Maryland, likes to be outside and writes with her cat sleeping on the floor beside her desk.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
January 27, 2018
A new girl. A mysterious town with a wealth of diverse characters. A light hearted read with a supernatural twist. A summertime read.
September 19, 2017
You know, Amanda Linehan is one of those authors whose writing style is distinctive for good reasons. It flows well, it's easily readable, the characters are very real and there's no cheap sentimentalism. Feelings, emotions - that's different, they run deep. Sometimes so deep that a reader doesn't realise how strongly they feel about a book, or a character, until they get to the end.
Lakeside is nicely paced and definitely a YA and coming-of-age book. Jemi is a wonderful and memorable character, whose development is exactly at that high-school senior age (maybe just a bit a late bloomer, but for sure within the range), not yet fully formed, but finding herself.
I loved how Jemi's perceptions change and grow, particularly towards her teachers (and especially that one teacher!).
The spirits that haunt the school 'basement', and the lake, are an integral and fascinating, but nebulous, part of the story. Shelob's character is a lovely touch.
This is a wonderful YA book, but I did feel that the conclusion, while very nicely done, could have offered the reader a little more - but then, I'm a sucker for love stories. :)
Lakeside is nicely paced and definitely a YA and coming-of-age book. Jemi is a wonderful and memorable character, whose development is exactly at that high-school senior age (maybe just a bit a late bloomer, but for sure within the range), not yet fully formed, but finding herself.
I loved how Jemi's perceptions change and grow, particularly towards her teachers (and especially that one teacher!).
The spirits that haunt the school 'basement', and the lake, are an integral and fascinating, but nebulous, part of the story. Shelob's character is a lovely touch.
This is a wonderful YA book, but I did feel that the conclusion, while very nicely done, could have offered the reader a little more - but then, I'm a sucker for love stories. :)
August 14, 2017
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. I thought it was a fun lighthearted read about a girl who started out wanting to do something simple and ended up with a lot more on her plate than she intended. I thought Jemi was an interesting, thought out character who was easy to relate to. She reads like an every-person. She moves around a lot and isn't used to being in one place for very long, so the long term project she ends up with is something very new to her.
There were parts of the book that, I think were, stronger than others. There were a lot of characters. So many that at times it gets hard to remember who all of them are and some seem to blend in together. It was easy to get lost in a number of characters and it felt that some characters didn't get a full arc and drop off in the middle of the story and don't show up again. There is also a lot going on. Jemi takes on a lot of projects very quickly, and although she follows through with most of them, some she doesn't. It felt like there was a bit of a lack of focus at points.
I was left wanted to know more about the spiders. It felt like I was going to get more about that side of the town but it felt underdeveloped.
I loved the dialogue. The banter between characters read as one would speak. Teenage banter, easy to see as real and authentic. There may be a lot of people, but they all speak in a natural matter. Jemi was a great character, so was the environmental science teacher. The were developed and intriguing.
The writing was thoughtful and interesting. I really enjoyed Ms. Linehan's writing. I found myself reading a large amount of this book in one sitting, and finishing it up the next afternoon. I
I enjoyed my trip to Lakeside, I think I will be looking into more titles by this author because I enjoy the way she writes.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. I thought it was a fun lighthearted read about a girl who started out wanting to do something simple and ended up with a lot more on her plate than she intended. I thought Jemi was an interesting, thought out character who was easy to relate to. She reads like an every-person. She moves around a lot and isn't used to being in one place for very long, so the long term project she ends up with is something very new to her.
There were parts of the book that, I think were, stronger than others. There were a lot of characters. So many that at times it gets hard to remember who all of them are and some seem to blend in together. It was easy to get lost in a number of characters and it felt that some characters didn't get a full arc and drop off in the middle of the story and don't show up again. There is also a lot going on. Jemi takes on a lot of projects very quickly, and although she follows through with most of them, some she doesn't. It felt like there was a bit of a lack of focus at points.
I was left wanted to know more about the spiders. It felt like I was going to get more about that side of the town but it felt underdeveloped.
I loved the dialogue. The banter between characters read as one would speak. Teenage banter, easy to see as real and authentic. There may be a lot of people, but they all speak in a natural matter. Jemi was a great character, so was the environmental science teacher. The were developed and intriguing.
The writing was thoughtful and interesting. I really enjoyed Ms. Linehan's writing. I found myself reading a large amount of this book in one sitting, and finishing it up the next afternoon. I
I enjoyed my trip to Lakeside, I think I will be looking into more titles by this author because I enjoy the way she writes.
July 2, 2019
This novel totally charmed me right from the start. It’s one of those stories that takes place in a small town, and by the end you feel like you know everyone and you’re friends with all of them too. Like, I could really picture myself hanging out at the local diner where a few of the characters go every week for trivia night, “Griff’s,” and becoming a regular there myself. I was also charmed by the characters, especially the main character, Jemi, and her circle of teenage friends. The author did an amazing job of portraying realistic teenagers, right down to the dialogue and pauses in speech and facial expressions they made. It was so spot on. Overall, the setting, atmosphere, and character development were perfect for the storyline and I loved how all of these elements came together.
Basically, the story revolves around Jemi, a teenager in her senior year of high school who has landed in Lakeside, which is the latest in a series of places she’s lived because she’s moved around a bunch with her mom as she grew up. She doesn’t expect much from this little town, and is obviously a person who has grown accustomed to not getting attached and leaving things behind. But Lakeside surprises her, both because of the people she meets and friends she makes, and because of an odd project she takes on that grows into a huge deal for the town. I got very invested in Jemi and her project, and I just loved the way the author wove in these little signs and symbols all through the story that enhanced and highlighted Jemi’s growth as a person. We see Jemi go from someone who is ready to just float through her senior year, to a young woman who becomes confident, open to adventure, and someone who is a real leader.
Of course, there was also a good dose of drama and a little bit of mystery thrown into the mix, which I really appreciated. Something big happens during the story (which I won’t reveal because I don’t want to give spoilers) and part of the storyline is figuring out who did it, and then seeing that person get a bit of comeuppance at the end. This was really nicely done and it was immensely satisfying to see Jemi step into her power and let the “villain” know that she was onto them.
I loved this story and will definitely be reading more by this author, she’s extremely talented. I highly recommend this novel to anyone who loves Young Adult, contemporary fiction, and well-written stories with a little comedy and romance added.
Basically, the story revolves around Jemi, a teenager in her senior year of high school who has landed in Lakeside, which is the latest in a series of places she’s lived because she’s moved around a bunch with her mom as she grew up. She doesn’t expect much from this little town, and is obviously a person who has grown accustomed to not getting attached and leaving things behind. But Lakeside surprises her, both because of the people she meets and friends she makes, and because of an odd project she takes on that grows into a huge deal for the town. I got very invested in Jemi and her project, and I just loved the way the author wove in these little signs and symbols all through the story that enhanced and highlighted Jemi’s growth as a person. We see Jemi go from someone who is ready to just float through her senior year, to a young woman who becomes confident, open to adventure, and someone who is a real leader.
Of course, there was also a good dose of drama and a little bit of mystery thrown into the mix, which I really appreciated. Something big happens during the story (which I won’t reveal because I don’t want to give spoilers) and part of the storyline is figuring out who did it, and then seeing that person get a bit of comeuppance at the end. This was really nicely done and it was immensely satisfying to see Jemi step into her power and let the “villain” know that she was onto them.
I loved this story and will definitely be reading more by this author, she’s extremely talented. I highly recommend this novel to anyone who loves Young Adult, contemporary fiction, and well-written stories with a little comedy and romance added.
January 15, 2018
I had to quit Lakeside 5 chapters (12%) in. I hate giving up on books, but I just could not force myself to continue with this one. I couldn’t get into it enough to look past all the things that were annoying me.
This book - or the little bit that I read of it at least - is bogged down with pointless, mundane details and at the same time fails to provide much backstory or details about things that matter. I found the writing very clunky and forced. I kept waiting for it to get better, for the kinks to work themselves out as the story moved forward and the writing ‘warmed up’... but that didn’t happen.
This one just didn’t hook me. It actually did the opposite.
This book - or the little bit that I read of it at least - is bogged down with pointless, mundane details and at the same time fails to provide much backstory or details about things that matter. I found the writing very clunky and forced. I kept waiting for it to get better, for the kinks to work themselves out as the story moved forward and the writing ‘warmed up’... but that didn’t happen.
This one just didn’t hook me. It actually did the opposite.
September 30, 2017
Jemi just wants to get in enough community service hours to graduate. Instead she finds herself heading up an impossible project to bring to life Lakeside’s embarrassing namesake.
The story is all about finding strength in yourself and following your vision, even when you feel inadequate to the task. Jemi feels real in how she, as a teenager, handles a challenge that quickly becomes more than she expected. Even so, there is a glimmer of the paranormal and a small hint of romantic interest, just enough to up the complexity and interest in the story.
Besides that, I’d have liked to know if there were some background behind the spiders. They seem to be linked to the spirits Jemi learns about, but why?
Overall, I really enjoyed the story. I think folks who like reading about teens who overcome obstacles would like this book, while readers who expect more than a glimmer of the paranormal may be disappointed.
I received the review copy of this book from the author.
The story is all about finding strength in yourself and following your vision, even when you feel inadequate to the task. Jemi feels real in how she, as a teenager, handles a challenge that quickly becomes more than she expected. Even so, there is a glimmer of the paranormal and a small hint of romantic interest, just enough to up the complexity and interest in the story.
Besides that, I’d have liked to know if there were some background behind the spiders. They seem to be linked to the spirits Jemi learns about, but why?
Overall, I really enjoyed the story. I think folks who like reading about teens who overcome obstacles would like this book, while readers who expect more than a glimmer of the paranormal may be disappointed.
I received the review copy of this book from the author.
October 17, 2017
Lakeside is a well written story with an interesting protagonist. Jemi is a very likeable character who has many hobbies and a great social life at a new school. This novel mixes both real and paranormal worlds thanks to the introductions of the spirits which adds a little spookiness to it and that makes it suitable for autumn. One aspect of this book that made it stand out from most YA novels, was the fact that the protagonist focused on self-development and taking care of her project much more than on finding a love interest. It brings some fresh air to the genre thanks to that. The only thing that could use some more work in my opinion is the writing style, especially repeating some words and grammatical structures pretty often. Other than that there were no negative aspects. I absolutely loved this book and I can't wait to read more of Amanda's works!
January 8, 2019
Jemi and her mom had been moving to a lot of places, and now it's to Lakeside. Jemi found herself some friends, some fun--trivia nights and badminton matches, and unexpectedly a graduation requirement project connected to the mysterious lake.
I like the lively high school life in this story and how main characters involved in it. There are also the spiders that make this story interesting. The characters are relatable though more development would make them more alive. Although the spirits and the romance are mentioned many times and being involved into the main course of the story, but, they just barely inside the story.
I voluntarily read and review a free copy of this book provided via Librarything Members Giveaway.
I like the lively high school life in this story and how main characters involved in it. There are also the spiders that make this story interesting. The characters are relatable though more development would make them more alive. Although the spirits and the romance are mentioned many times and being involved into the main course of the story, but, they just barely inside the story.
I voluntarily read and review a free copy of this book provided via Librarything Members Giveaway.
May 21, 2018
For some reason, I find Amanda Linehan's writing very soothing. I read her when I'm down, and things get a little better for me. Cozy atmospheres, likeable characters, easy friendships, small time talk. As for the plot, it feels like something is missing. Things happen a little too slowly, and sometimes it feels like going around in circles. I would have liked to know who the ghosts were, and what had happened to those people. I expected a bit more of a ghost story. Maybe a little adventure.
If you never read Linehan's work before, well, I wouldn't start here. Go and get "North". That's where the adventure is ;)
If you never read Linehan's work before, well, I wouldn't start here. Go and get "North". That's where the adventure is ;)
February 9, 2018
This was a great teen-coming-into-her-own story. I appreciated the characters and the flow of the story. I thought all of the details were interesting and enjoyable. Although Jemi had moved around so many times, she wasn't afraid to reach out and simply try... Friends, school activities, helping the community, and forces outside of herself made it a fascinating tale that hopefully the Author will continue at some time. I would like to have had some closure to the story or know that we will be seeing more in the future.
I was gifted an ARC in return of an honest review.
I was gifted an ARC in return of an honest review.
February 12, 2018
It took a high school student, needing service hours, to get the ball rolling in fixing up at park. The town has left the area to get rundown. With a manmade lake that doesn't stay full of water. Some say its haunted, just like the school basement. But one girl, Jemi, gets an idea to plant trees for her service hours. Next thing she knows, she has gotten teachers, students and businesses to help. I really enjoyed the book. To never give up and all things are possible. Will be reading more from the author.
April 23, 2018
I received a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
I was loving this throughout most of it because of the paranormal feel, but by the last third or so of the book that seemed to fall by the wayside as though it had never been there at all. I wish there had been a little more of that and a little less high school drama. Overall, though, I enjoyed the book despite its slightly disappointing ending. Several of the characters reminded me of my friends in high school, and I appreciated the author's nod to other literary works with the names of one teacher's pet spiders.
I was loving this throughout most of it because of the paranormal feel, but by the last third or so of the book that seemed to fall by the wayside as though it had never been there at all. I wish there had been a little more of that and a little less high school drama. Overall, though, I enjoyed the book despite its slightly disappointing ending. Several of the characters reminded me of my friends in high school, and I appreciated the author's nod to other literary works with the names of one teacher's pet spiders.
February 5, 2018
This story is about a girl who wants restore a neglected area around the lake. I thought the story was okay. The pacing was alright. I didn't really care for "the spirits of the lake and basement" and they annoyed me a bit.
February 13, 2018
Won this book from a Giveaways here on Goodreads! A girls and her Mom move to a town and she grows up more than she even imaged. Took me a little bit to get into the story, but it was worth it to stick with it!
August 19, 2017
Interesting book. I loved Jemie. Hoping for more books on Jemie
September 14, 2017
Oh Jemi, you're a funny girl. A totally funny, absolutely relatable new girl who moves to town and immediately trips into her new life and friends (literally).
This book was a light, easy read - even for being 230 pages long. Starts out very normal where a girl moves into a small town, gets a new group of friends, and finds where she belongs in the social hierarchy.
And that's where it takes a turn towards crazy land (in the best way).
Ghosts. Spiders. Magical lakes.
Yeah, I wish my town had those!
Jemi is a sweetheart with a dorky heart who ends up way over her head, but has a great mom, amazing friends, and a runaway project that ends up meaning so much more than you expect. By the end of the book, these loose ends tie together to be one solid ending you go *gasp* for.
Totally loved reading this one. Although I wish the romantic lead got his booty out of butt (really dude? THAT girl?).
4.5/5
This book was a light, easy read - even for being 230 pages long. Starts out very normal where a girl moves into a small town, gets a new group of friends, and finds where she belongs in the social hierarchy.
And that's where it takes a turn towards crazy land (in the best way).
Ghosts. Spiders. Magical lakes.
Yeah, I wish my town had those!
Jemi is a sweetheart with a dorky heart who ends up way over her head, but has a great mom, amazing friends, and a runaway project that ends up meaning so much more than you expect. By the end of the book, these loose ends tie together to be one solid ending you go *gasp* for.
Totally loved reading this one. Although I wish the romantic lead got his booty out of butt (really dude? THAT girl?).
4.5/5
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews