The Lakes

by Amanda Dick

A noble deed, a rash decision and an ordinary day turns into a day one family will never forget.

December 1997, Navigator Bay, New Zealand. Eight-year-old Eli Lake has a strong moral compass and a rebellious heart. When he is honour-bound to defend his younger sister Becca by punching the school bully in the playground, he doesn’t stop to think about the consequences. Unfortunately the headmaster doesn’t seem to understand that Eli is no snitch. While waiting outside the headmaster’s office as the school calls his mother, Eli makes a split-second decision to run.

If there is one person in his world he can count on to back him up, it’s Nanna. But on his way to Nanna’s house, he passes the cemetery. Inside, a girl in a white dress places wildflowers on headstones. In a single heartbeat curiosity overpowers urgency and a day that began as ordinary is destined to end in tragedy.

Amanda Dick’s new series begins with this prequel novella, an introduction to the Lake family. It’s as nostalgic and innocent as it is heart-breaking. How can you forgive when you can’t forget?

ebook

Published March 30, 2018

About the author

Amanda Dick is a night-owl, coffee addict, movie buff and music lover. She loves to do DIY, believes in love at first sight, in women's intuition and in following your heart. She is rather partial to dark chocolate and believes in the power of a good vanilla latte.

What lights her fire is writing stories about real people in trying situations. She is insanely curious about how we, as human beings, react when pushed to the edge. Most of all, she enjoys writing about human behaviour - love, loss, joy, grief, friendship and the complexity of relationships in general.

After living in Scotland for five years, she has now settled back home in New Zealand, where she lives with her husband and two children.

Website: www.amandadick.com
Facebook page: www.facebook.com/amandadickauthor
Facebook Readers Group: www.facebook.com/groups/amandadickbooks

Reviews

[Philomena Callan Cheekypee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Firstly I absolutely adore this author. No matter what she writes I devour. This is no different.

This is a prequel novella. It’s an introduction to the characters and a glimpse into the story and what a great start it is too. The blurb says enough so I’m not gonna say anymore of the storyline.

My heart broke for eight year old Eli. So much weight on his little shoulders.

I can’t wait to read more in this series. This author certainly knows how to pull on my heart strings.

[Jen Signal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so happy to be gifted this book by @amandadickauthor, my favourite NZ author.
This was such a quick and sweet read.

Eight-year-old Eli gets in trouble at school for sticking up for his little sister.
He takes off from school and heads towards his Nanna’s house, as she is always there to help him.
On his way past the cemetery, he sees Nova placing flowers on headstones. They end up spending a wonderful day together.

I loved this book. It is a 5-star read for me, just like Amanda’s other books.

[Jayne {aka cupcakesandbookshelves} · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Lakes is a Prequel Novella for a major forthcoming book series by Amanda Dick and I was hooked by it from the very first page. Although a short read, it was a fantastic introduction to characters and situation, the writing just drew me in and made me desperate to keep turning the pages til the very end. Beautiful writing, the emotion and description in this book warmed my heart and left me with the most wonderful feeling at times, and broke my heart in others. I absolutely LOVED it as I'm left eagerly waiting more. I can already tell this book, this series will be highly recommended for all fans of romance and books full of feels.

*ARC kindly given by the author in exchange for an honest review, thankies so much*

[Johanna M Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

It may not be a long read, but this story still packs a punch. Beautifully written with characters so real, you feel like they are children you've actually met. There is a lot of attention to detail, great scene setting, and a plot that tugs at the heartstrings. I'm sure most readers will relate to Eli, a young boy who just wants to stand up for his sister, and ends up on a far different path than he imagined. I just wanted to reach out and give him a hug. There are a number of 'Kiwi' touches in the story, which give a dose of the warm fuzzies to NZ readers. It was a great journey over too soon, but since this is a PREQUEL novella... I wasn't disappointed. I can't wait for the rest of the series to begin! I highly recommend this to all readers, not just the young ones.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a terrific lead in to a series. The tale starts with an intriguing scene of an emotional young man, then heads back in time to a beautifully written story from the point of view of a young boy and a memorable summer’s day. I could almost feel the sun on my skin and taste the icecream, it took me back to my childhood summers in New Zealand. I lost myself in the story and was disappointed when it came to an end. What a way to guarantee that you will read the next book. I loved the characters and the story, it is very easy to read and I have to know how Eli goes from this small boy to the man in the opening scene. Thanks. I received a free advanced reader copy of this book.

[Kari Beasley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this short, sweet book. I can't wait to find out more, that's my only complaint is being left hanging at the end.

After getting in trouble at school for fighting, Eli takes off from school to seek the advice of his nanna. Along the way he meets Nova, a strange girl with a somewhat carefree attitude. They spend a great day together.

The book leaves you hanging and wanting more, which is good thing.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novella is a great start to the new series. It really drew me in and hooked me. I can't wait to read the rest of this series. I love Amanda Dick's writing she has a way with her descriptions, that you can really visualize the area that the book take place at. The characters really drew me in and I had an emotional connection with this book.

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

This is the 1st book I've read written by Amanda Dick; I really liked her writing style.

The story line hooks you from the very beginning and keeps you hooked throughout the entire book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short prequel sets the stage for the new series. I thought the storyline was fantastic. The characters and the scenes were written with a great deal of descriptive prose and wonderful dialogue. You could feel when reading this book...feel the emotions the characters felt and feel like you are the one in the scenes as the story plays out. Well done.

[Chitra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I smiled and I also cried a little reading this novella. It reminds me of childhood memories and of my brother, who lost my mom around Eli's age. It's a short but a good and emotional read. I can't wait to read the next book!

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is a good short emotional read. The story is beautifully written and the characters are real. The book is a good start to the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Katie Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved the story line and the two main characters this was the first that I have read from this author. After reading this book I will definitely be checking out more of their work.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was short and to the point. I look forward to more in this series. I loved Dick's writing style and the character development!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tracy S · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got immersed into this beautifully written tale from the word go. Looking forward to finding out more about The Lakes. Amanda never disappoints.

[Shontaye Harkness · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book via Booksprout." Special story that was well written and a joy to read.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a prequel to the 'Lakes series' that is engaging, emotionally storyline. The characters are intriguing and well developed. I liked reading this book, cannot wait for the next book.

[Barb VanderWel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this & I can't wait for more.
I will be also leaving a review on Goodreads @ Amazon.
And letting everyone know about it.
So i gave it a 5 Stars.

[Judy Nickless · Rating 5 out of 5]

Novella- a short novel or long short story.
MY definition -An engaging glimpse into a story that has so much more to tell.
The Lakes is a great little read that swiftly draws you into the character's lives.
The day in the life of young Eli is full of adventure and great company that gave me deja vu of reading The Famous Five books as a kid.

Please Amanda,don't make us wait too long to enjoy more of this compelling story.

[Kate Gissell · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great beginning for Amanda's new series! As usual she captures your attention from the first page and keeps you wanting more!
I love the descriptive way Amanda writes, she effortlessly transports you right into the story so that you almost feel you are right there alongside the characters.  Really can't wait to read the next installment!

[Melyssa Winchester · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: The Lakes
Author: Amanda Dick
Genre: Contemporary Fiction, Family Saga
Series or Standalone: Series, Novella
Rating: ★★★★★



I'm always moved when I pick up a story by this incredible author. I've been taken away, had my heart broken and repaired again, with her romances in the past. The connection to characters, how real they appear even in this fictional setting, it's outstanding. I feel like I'm right there with them as they navigate their lives and it's a beautiful thing. It makes her books the type that you physically feel the loss of when you have to put them down, even for a minute.

The Lakes is no exception. For such a short read, given the novella this was, it was deeply impactful. Each character present in it, minimal role or not, jumped off the page, and I loved each and every one of them. This story was cute and funny at times, it was emotional, it was gripping. It had real life elements with bullying, and also instances of tremendous loss and guilt over said loss that made it appear very mature despite the ages of the main characters in it. The author didn't shy away, even in this quick of a read to bring and pack the punches. The ones that knock the wind right out of you, and I couldn't be more thankful for it.

I look forward to continuing on with this family, these characters, and even whatever new ones get introduced throughout the series along the way. If the next books in the series read anything like the book that started it all, I have no doubt I'll be reading and rereading them for years to come.

Phenomenal storytelling, just the right amount of info to hook readers in and make them want more, along with characters I'm sure each person that reads it will empathize with. Real people.
This is novella writing, let alone fiction writing overall, done right.

My only complaint is that it's over and now I've got to wait, which isn't much of a complaint at all.