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July 8, 2023
When eleven year old Adelaide MacNeill has to leave Prince Edward Island she’s heartbroken and her half-brother is sending her to Lakeside Ladies Academy in Connecticut. Her parents have just died, her older brother isn’t compassionate and Addie attending boarding school means he can get on with his own life. Here Adelaide makes friends with, Dorothy, Ruth and Susannah, over the next five years the girls get up to a bit of mischief and grow close.
The girls refer to their group as the "Ladies of the Lake," when they graduate in 1910, the young women vow they will always be there for each other and will meet at the schools gazebo every two years. This is before the love for the same man causes Dot to be jealous of Addie, and America is now fighting in The Great War, the man they both love his parents were born in Germany, and their family is the target of vandalism and hatred. Adelaide is visiting her brother and sister-in-law in Halifax in December 1917, when two boats collided in the harbor and no one could predict the catastrophe that's about to happened.
Seventeen years later, Rosaline Murray is an author, she lives in Halifax and she receives a call from Dorothy, she's the headmistress of Lakeside Ladies Academy and she invites her to attend her daughter Bernadette’s graduation. For over eighty years the prestigious school has educated daughters of diplomats, senators, and the countries elite. This causes Rosaline to reflect on the past, one that she’s been determined to forget and hide from. How can she not attend Bernadette's valedictorian graduation ceremony, but she's kept secrets from her and she doesn’t want to face anyone and the ghosts of her childhood?
I received a copy of Ladies of the Lake by Cathy Gohlke from Tyndale House Publishers and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Ms Gohkle latest novel explores the friendship and sisterhood between four young girls attending a private school and how it's tested by jealousy, competition, secrets, lies, bullying, shaming, misunderstandings and arguments. The well written and captivating narrative focuses on the role each of the young women plays in the problems within the friendship, and how they find the path to exoneration and reconciliation.
Based around true facts about a girls school in Connecticut, author Lucy Maud Montgomery and an orphaned girl from Prince Edward Island. An inspirational story about faith and the importance of telling the truth and most of all forgiveness. Five stars from me, my favourite and the most memorable characters were Adelaide, Dorothy, Mr. and Mrs. Meyer, Jonas and Stephen, Bernadette and Portia. I highly recommend this book and Ms. Gohlke's previous novel, A Hundred Crickets Singing.
The girls refer to their group as the "Ladies of the Lake," when they graduate in 1910, the young women vow they will always be there for each other and will meet at the schools gazebo every two years. This is before the love for the same man causes Dot to be jealous of Addie, and America is now fighting in The Great War, the man they both love his parents were born in Germany, and their family is the target of vandalism and hatred. Adelaide is visiting her brother and sister-in-law in Halifax in December 1917, when two boats collided in the harbor and no one could predict the catastrophe that's about to happened.
Seventeen years later, Rosaline Murray is an author, she lives in Halifax and she receives a call from Dorothy, she's the headmistress of Lakeside Ladies Academy and she invites her to attend her daughter Bernadette’s graduation. For over eighty years the prestigious school has educated daughters of diplomats, senators, and the countries elite. This causes Rosaline to reflect on the past, one that she’s been determined to forget and hide from. How can she not attend Bernadette's valedictorian graduation ceremony, but she's kept secrets from her and she doesn’t want to face anyone and the ghosts of her childhood?
I received a copy of Ladies of the Lake by Cathy Gohlke from Tyndale House Publishers and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Ms Gohkle latest novel explores the friendship and sisterhood between four young girls attending a private school and how it's tested by jealousy, competition, secrets, lies, bullying, shaming, misunderstandings and arguments. The well written and captivating narrative focuses on the role each of the young women plays in the problems within the friendship, and how they find the path to exoneration and reconciliation.
Based around true facts about a girls school in Connecticut, author Lucy Maud Montgomery and an orphaned girl from Prince Edward Island. An inspirational story about faith and the importance of telling the truth and most of all forgiveness. Five stars from me, my favourite and the most memorable characters were Adelaide, Dorothy, Mr. and Mrs. Meyer, Jonas and Stephen, Bernadette and Portia. I highly recommend this book and Ms. Gohlke's previous novel, A Hundred Crickets Singing.
July 18, 2023
Ladies of the Lake by Cathy Gohlke was a most compelling novel. It stirred so many emotions in me as I read it. I listened to the audiobook that was narrated very well by Stephanie Richardson. The story really came to life through her narration. Cathy Gohlke based aspects of her novel, Ladies of the Lake, on events that occurred in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada that I had not been aware of. Ladies of the Lake was told over the course of two different time periods. Part of the story was told during the years of 1910 through 1917 at the Lakeside Ladies Academy in Connecticut and part was told after the Halifax Explosion of 1917 through the 1930’s. Ladies of the Lake was told from the POV of Addie in the first person narrative and from Dorothy’s (Dot’s) POV in the third person narrative. Addie and Dot became best friends from the beginning of their time at Lakeside Ladies Academy along with Ruth and Susannah. The four friends christened themselves “Ladies of the Lake”.
When Adelaide MacNeill was eleven years old she lost both of her parents. Her older half brother insisted that Adelaide or Addie leave the only home she had ever known, all her worldly possessions and her childhood friends to attend a school far from Prince Edward Island. The school was in Connecticut. Addie was being sent to Connecticut to attend the Lakeside Ladies Academy. Addie, Dot, Ruth and Susannah soon forged a strong friendship bond. The girls became Addie’s family. For the next five years, their friendship strengthened and the four friends decided to call themselves “Ladies of the Lake”. The girls got into their share of trouble over the years. They made a pact with each other to always look out for one another and to meet at the gazebo every two years for the rest of their lives. This pact was made before Addie and Dot realized that they both loved the same man. Jealousy became a factor that started to interfere with Addie’s and Dot’s friendship. It affected decisions they had to make and other repercussions that ended up haunting them their entire lives.
With America’s entrance into the Great War, Americans became suspicious of German/American citizens that were living in the United States. There were acts of violence perpetrated against them. The man that Addie and Dot both loved was from a German/American family. His family had been targeted several times because of their ethnicity. One night a very heinous act of violence was performed against the family. It caused a severe life threatening injury to one of the members of his family. Addie was unaware of the incident. She had left the school to go to Halifax to assist her sister-in-law and half brother in the birth of their second child.
On December 6, 1917, a few days after Addie’s sister-in-law gave birth to a baby girl, there was a terrible explosion. Two boats had collided into one another in the harbor. It became known as the Halifax Explosion. It was the biggest man made explosion. So many people were killed in that explosion including Addie’s half brother, her sister-in-law and her young nephew. Addie had been outside interviewing a wet nurse. She had taken her baby niece outside with her. Both Addie and her niece suffered from severe burns, blindness and hearing loss but they survived. Others suffered similar injuries, skin defects from the burns and some were crippled. Addie had a pressing desire to disappear after the Halifax Explosion tragedy. When the love of her life failed to materialize in Halifax to ask her half brother for her hand in marriage, Addie was forced to accept the fact that he did not love her or want her as his wife. Addie reinvented herself and became Rosaline Murphy. She led a secluded life and became a well appointed author. Addie honored her sister-in-law’s wishes and raised her niece as her own daughter after Addie legally adopted her. Now, seventeen years later, Addie needed to summon up the courage to attend her daughter’s graduation ceremony at Lakeside Ladies Academy. Could Addie overcome her fears of returning to the school she attended all those years ago? Could Addie put away her fears for her daughter? Could Addie loose the ghosts from her past?
I loved Addie’s character. Over the course of the book, Addie grew and evolved into a strong, determined woman, a loving mother who placed the love she felt for her daughter above all else, a renowand successful writer and a good friend. The Halifax Explosion of 1917 was a tragic occurrence that I had never heard of. I was glad to learn about it but saddened to learn how many lives were lost or altered as a result. Ladies of the Lake explored the themes of friendship, mother/daughter relationships, prejudice, bullying, love, loyalty, betrayal, jealousy, resilience, second chances and acceptance of one’s past and the ability to move on and forgive. This was an impressive historical fiction piece of work that was impeccably researched. I enjoyed all the references to Anne of Green Gables and to the author Lucy Maud Montgomery throughout the book. I really enjoyed listening to the audiobook of Ladies of the Lake by Cathy Gohlke and highly recommend it.
Thank you to Dreamscape Media LLC for allowing me to listen to the audiobook of Ladies of the Lake by Cathy Gohlke through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
When Adelaide MacNeill was eleven years old she lost both of her parents. Her older half brother insisted that Adelaide or Addie leave the only home she had ever known, all her worldly possessions and her childhood friends to attend a school far from Prince Edward Island. The school was in Connecticut. Addie was being sent to Connecticut to attend the Lakeside Ladies Academy. Addie, Dot, Ruth and Susannah soon forged a strong friendship bond. The girls became Addie’s family. For the next five years, their friendship strengthened and the four friends decided to call themselves “Ladies of the Lake”. The girls got into their share of trouble over the years. They made a pact with each other to always look out for one another and to meet at the gazebo every two years for the rest of their lives. This pact was made before Addie and Dot realized that they both loved the same man. Jealousy became a factor that started to interfere with Addie’s and Dot’s friendship. It affected decisions they had to make and other repercussions that ended up haunting them their entire lives.
With America’s entrance into the Great War, Americans became suspicious of German/American citizens that were living in the United States. There were acts of violence perpetrated against them. The man that Addie and Dot both loved was from a German/American family. His family had been targeted several times because of their ethnicity. One night a very heinous act of violence was performed against the family. It caused a severe life threatening injury to one of the members of his family. Addie was unaware of the incident. She had left the school to go to Halifax to assist her sister-in-law and half brother in the birth of their second child.
On December 6, 1917, a few days after Addie’s sister-in-law gave birth to a baby girl, there was a terrible explosion. Two boats had collided into one another in the harbor. It became known as the Halifax Explosion. It was the biggest man made explosion. So many people were killed in that explosion including Addie’s half brother, her sister-in-law and her young nephew. Addie had been outside interviewing a wet nurse. She had taken her baby niece outside with her. Both Addie and her niece suffered from severe burns, blindness and hearing loss but they survived. Others suffered similar injuries, skin defects from the burns and some were crippled. Addie had a pressing desire to disappear after the Halifax Explosion tragedy. When the love of her life failed to materialize in Halifax to ask her half brother for her hand in marriage, Addie was forced to accept the fact that he did not love her or want her as his wife. Addie reinvented herself and became Rosaline Murphy. She led a secluded life and became a well appointed author. Addie honored her sister-in-law’s wishes and raised her niece as her own daughter after Addie legally adopted her. Now, seventeen years later, Addie needed to summon up the courage to attend her daughter’s graduation ceremony at Lakeside Ladies Academy. Could Addie overcome her fears of returning to the school she attended all those years ago? Could Addie put away her fears for her daughter? Could Addie loose the ghosts from her past?
I loved Addie’s character. Over the course of the book, Addie grew and evolved into a strong, determined woman, a loving mother who placed the love she felt for her daughter above all else, a renowand successful writer and a good friend. The Halifax Explosion of 1917 was a tragic occurrence that I had never heard of. I was glad to learn about it but saddened to learn how many lives were lost or altered as a result. Ladies of the Lake explored the themes of friendship, mother/daughter relationships, prejudice, bullying, love, loyalty, betrayal, jealousy, resilience, second chances and acceptance of one’s past and the ability to move on and forgive. This was an impressive historical fiction piece of work that was impeccably researched. I enjoyed all the references to Anne of Green Gables and to the author Lucy Maud Montgomery throughout the book. I really enjoyed listening to the audiobook of Ladies of the Lake by Cathy Gohlke and highly recommend it.
Thank you to Dreamscape Media LLC for allowing me to listen to the audiobook of Ladies of the Lake by Cathy Gohlke through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
October 13, 2023
There was so much love about this book. I enjoyed it so much. Some difficult topics and situations but told very well. I don't have time to write a full review, but I am sure I will read this book again one day and may add more to my review then. Loved how L. M. Montgomery was included in the story. I have been to PEI and Halifax, but not Connecticut. But I enjoyed being able to picture in my mind the Canadian Maritime provinces included.
July 7, 2023
Ladies of the Lake earns a rock-solid five-star rating! Readers who love L. M. Montgomery and Louisa May Alcott will fall in love with the well-developed characters, the storylines, and the writing style. The skillful author, Cathy Gohlke, spins principles of love, forgiveness, war, communication, acceptance, bullying, hope, fears, and spiritual and emotional panoramas of relationships.
The author’s passion for women to cultivate women-sisterhood through friendships, mentoring, and companionships while looking at the beautifully painted ties we see in the Bible and in literature is on full display in this fantastic book!
From the beautiful cover to the introductions and growth of the charming characters to the intertwined storylines, this novel is a spiritually uplifting and emotionally engaging masterpiece with many heart-captivating moments. I genuinely lost hours of sleep because I wanted to keep reading!
To avoid spoilers, I do not give story details. With that in mind, let me just say that I genuinely believe that God orchestrates a “Mrs. Simmons” into each of our lives -- or makes us the “Mrs. Simmons” in another’s life -- in His perfect timing. For that, I am eternally grateful!
I so greatly appreciate how Scripture is included. There is nothing missing from this inspiring, God-honoring fictional novel which includes tidbits and inspiration from true historical events and the author’s family stories.
Surrendering all to God, loving Jesus, obeying Him, and treating others as we would like to be treated are the first steps in cultivating the best and enduring relationships. Like the author of Ladies of the Lake, I pray that each reader of Ladies of the Lake be reminded to “thank our Heavenly Father for another day, for breath, for ears to hear, for eyes to see, and for those we love.”
I received an eArc of Ladies of the Lake from Tyndale House Publishers through NetGalley.com. I am not required to write a review nor am I paid to do so. The words above are my honest review of this fantastic book.
The author’s passion for women to cultivate women-sisterhood through friendships, mentoring, and companionships while looking at the beautifully painted ties we see in the Bible and in literature is on full display in this fantastic book!
From the beautiful cover to the introductions and growth of the charming characters to the intertwined storylines, this novel is a spiritually uplifting and emotionally engaging masterpiece with many heart-captivating moments. I genuinely lost hours of sleep because I wanted to keep reading!
To avoid spoilers, I do not give story details. With that in mind, let me just say that I genuinely believe that God orchestrates a “Mrs. Simmons” into each of our lives -- or makes us the “Mrs. Simmons” in another’s life -- in His perfect timing. For that, I am eternally grateful!
I so greatly appreciate how Scripture is included. There is nothing missing from this inspiring, God-honoring fictional novel which includes tidbits and inspiration from true historical events and the author’s family stories.
Surrendering all to God, loving Jesus, obeying Him, and treating others as we would like to be treated are the first steps in cultivating the best and enduring relationships. Like the author of Ladies of the Lake, I pray that each reader of Ladies of the Lake be reminded to “thank our Heavenly Father for another day, for breath, for ears to hear, for eyes to see, and for those we love.”
I received an eArc of Ladies of the Lake from Tyndale House Publishers through NetGalley.com. I am not required to write a review nor am I paid to do so. The words above are my honest review of this fantastic book.
July 8, 2023
Farmington, CT 1905-1935
Lovely tale centered around four friends that meet at boarding school. Their backgrounds are diverse and the bonds they form are strong. And then there is dissension...dissension because Adelaide and Dorothy are in love with the same young man. Layered on top of that are the ill feelings of many against German Americans. The young man, Stephen, was born in America to parents that immigrated from Germany. The Meier family is loyal to America but that matters little to the residents of Farmington and provides a way for Dorothy to insert a wedge between Stephen and Adelaide. Stephen loves Adelaide and Dorothy is willing to go to extreme measures to keep them apart.
The novel is told from two separate timelines that converge at the end. In the second timeline, Adelaide and Dorothy are 20 years older. Both have made life altering choices. Will happiness and forgiveness be possible?
Engaging story line that held my interest from beginning to end. The end was a pleasant surprise.
My gratitude to Dreamscape Media for a complimentary NetGalley audiobook of the novel. The narrator, Stephanie Richardson, did a nice job. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.
Lovely tale centered around four friends that meet at boarding school. Their backgrounds are diverse and the bonds they form are strong. And then there is dissension...dissension because Adelaide and Dorothy are in love with the same young man. Layered on top of that are the ill feelings of many against German Americans. The young man, Stephen, was born in America to parents that immigrated from Germany. The Meier family is loyal to America but that matters little to the residents of Farmington and provides a way for Dorothy to insert a wedge between Stephen and Adelaide. Stephen loves Adelaide and Dorothy is willing to go to extreme measures to keep them apart.
The novel is told from two separate timelines that converge at the end. In the second timeline, Adelaide and Dorothy are 20 years older. Both have made life altering choices. Will happiness and forgiveness be possible?
Engaging story line that held my interest from beginning to end. The end was a pleasant surprise.
My gratitude to Dreamscape Media for a complimentary NetGalley audiobook of the novel. The narrator, Stephanie Richardson, did a nice job. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.
July 15, 2023
4.5 Stars
Ladies of the Lake is a poignant and engaging historical fiction story of lifelong friendships.
When eleven-year-old Adelaide’s parents die, her older brother (and now guardian) sends her to Lakeside Ladies Academy in Connecticut. Even though she’s lonely and distraught, she makes friends with three girls and they refer to themselves as “ladies of the lake.” One tragedy (an actual historical event), one boy, and one war later, Adelaide is now Rosaline, a popular author. Her daughter is about to graduate from Lakeside Ladies Academy and Rosaline is invited to attend. But is Rosaline ready to return to the place of so many memories, face her past, and reconnect with the friends she has abandoned?
At the heart of this story is a lifelong friendship/bond between four girls who meet at boarding school where they endured loneliness, confronted bullies, and competed for a boy. What started out as a pact to reunite every two years after graduation fell by the wayside as Adelaide/Rosaline returned to Prince Edward Island after a tragic event (Halifax explosion of 1917), hid behind her pen name, and avoided all contact with the boarding school and her friends. Can these women salvage their friendship? Will forgiveness, understanding, grace, compassion, and reconciliation win?
Thoughtful themes include secrets, misunderstandings, bullying, enduring friendship, second chances, mother/daughter relationship, loyalty, forgiveness, reconciliation, grace, secrets, jealousy and competition, prejudice, women supporting women, and telling the truth.
The first book I read by Cathy Gohlke was The Medallian. I soon followed that up with A Hundred Crickets Singing, and I knew then that I would read her next release and that she would be on my authors-to-follow list. I am not disappointed!
In Ladies of the Lake, I appreciate Gohlke’s well-drawn and complicated characters, an intriguing premise, a multi-layered plot, and vividly described settings. She’s quickly becoming an auto-buy author for me! How many auto-buy authors are too many? Asking for a friend.
In general, I must admit that I’m not too fond of extreme plot twists at a story’s end. For me, there’s a fine line between an authentic jaw-dropping plot twist (Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine) and one that makes me feel like I’ve been punked or deliberately misled (Everything, Everything). The plot twist in Ladies of the Lake left me with ambivalent feelings. I’m thrilled that the plot twist allowed a HEA ending, but I also felt that I should have been a smarter reader. This is simply a personal preference and did not affect my star rating or overall enjoyment of the story. But it’s significant enough to my reading experience to mention.
I enthusiastically recommend Ladies of the Lake for fans of engaging historical women’s fiction, for readers who have a connection with the setting, and for those who appreciate fiction with strong themes of friendship and women supporting women. Book clubs will find many discussion possibilities.
Thanks #NetGalley @TyndaleHouse #TyndaleHousePublishing for a complimentary e ARC of #LadiesOfTheLake upon my request. All opinions are my own.
For more reviews visit my blog www.ReadingLadies.com where this review was first published.
Ladies of the Lake is a poignant and engaging historical fiction story of lifelong friendships.
When eleven-year-old Adelaide’s parents die, her older brother (and now guardian) sends her to Lakeside Ladies Academy in Connecticut. Even though she’s lonely and distraught, she makes friends with three girls and they refer to themselves as “ladies of the lake.” One tragedy (an actual historical event), one boy, and one war later, Adelaide is now Rosaline, a popular author. Her daughter is about to graduate from Lakeside Ladies Academy and Rosaline is invited to attend. But is Rosaline ready to return to the place of so many memories, face her past, and reconnect with the friends she has abandoned?
At the heart of this story is a lifelong friendship/bond between four girls who meet at boarding school where they endured loneliness, confronted bullies, and competed for a boy. What started out as a pact to reunite every two years after graduation fell by the wayside as Adelaide/Rosaline returned to Prince Edward Island after a tragic event (Halifax explosion of 1917), hid behind her pen name, and avoided all contact with the boarding school and her friends. Can these women salvage their friendship? Will forgiveness, understanding, grace, compassion, and reconciliation win?
Thoughtful themes include secrets, misunderstandings, bullying, enduring friendship, second chances, mother/daughter relationship, loyalty, forgiveness, reconciliation, grace, secrets, jealousy and competition, prejudice, women supporting women, and telling the truth.
The first book I read by Cathy Gohlke was The Medallian. I soon followed that up with A Hundred Crickets Singing, and I knew then that I would read her next release and that she would be on my authors-to-follow list. I am not disappointed!
In Ladies of the Lake, I appreciate Gohlke’s well-drawn and complicated characters, an intriguing premise, a multi-layered plot, and vividly described settings. She’s quickly becoming an auto-buy author for me! How many auto-buy authors are too many? Asking for a friend.
In general, I must admit that I’m not too fond of extreme plot twists at a story’s end. For me, there’s a fine line between an authentic jaw-dropping plot twist (Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine) and one that makes me feel like I’ve been punked or deliberately misled (Everything, Everything). The plot twist in Ladies of the Lake left me with ambivalent feelings. I’m thrilled that the plot twist allowed a HEA ending, but I also felt that I should have been a smarter reader. This is simply a personal preference and did not affect my star rating or overall enjoyment of the story. But it’s significant enough to my reading experience to mention.
I enthusiastically recommend Ladies of the Lake for fans of engaging historical women’s fiction, for readers who have a connection with the setting, and for those who appreciate fiction with strong themes of friendship and women supporting women. Book clubs will find many discussion possibilities.
Thanks #NetGalley @TyndaleHouse #TyndaleHousePublishing for a complimentary e ARC of #LadiesOfTheLake upon my request. All opinions are my own.
For more reviews visit my blog www.ReadingLadies.com where this review was first published.
July 29, 2023
I've been looking forward to this book for a long time and it was so worth the wait! Cathy Gohlke skillfully weaves a dual timeline story about four women who bear life together through love, hardship, betrayal, and forgiveness. A touching, masterful story that will stay with me for a long time. Highly recommend!
August 24, 2024
What a sweet, cozy, emotional, and redemptive story that will fill your soul right up!! I will definitely need to read some of this author's other books. I was fully immersed in these friends' lives, reminded of the beauty of friendship and sisterhood, the treasure of forgiveness and reconciliation, the importance of Christ-like humility, and the value of honesty and love. Also important to note were the examples of the poisonous prejudice, bullying, and a neglect to love our neighbors as ourselves that tear us apart and achieve the opposite of what Christ desires for us all. The ending couldn't have been any better, especially with the inclusion of Proverbs 31. I found myself cheering the characters to reconciliation and was so overjoyed at the happy ending!!
❤❤❤❤❤ This story is one that will stick with me for a lifetime and a must re-read with so many truths we need to be reminded of and taught from God's Word and fascinating historical research and a vibrant, relatable tribe of characters that will burrow themselves into your heart!!!
💕A man who has friends must himself be friendly, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother (or sister).💕
~Proverbs 18:24
❤❤❤❤❤ This story is one that will stick with me for a lifetime and a must re-read with so many truths we need to be reminded of and taught from God's Word and fascinating historical research and a vibrant, relatable tribe of characters that will burrow themselves into your heart!!!
💕A man who has friends must himself be friendly, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother (or sister).💕
~Proverbs 18:24
July 16, 2023
Something that consistently distinguishes a ‘good’ book from a ‘great’ book, for me, is when the redemption thread is so intrinsically connected to the story’s framework that it can’t be removed without damaging the plot structure. Ladies of the Lake by Cathy Gohlke is one such book. From the very beginning, I was swept into this story of irreplaceable friendships, rippling secrets, acute loss, deep love, and grace-filled restoration. I settled in as though it were wrapped around me like a quilt and delighted in putting together the layers that the author revealed piece by piece, intentional in her placement of each connected dot until at long last all the secrets were out in the open.
The narrative switches between first person (for Addie’s POV) and third person (for Dot’s POV) and between the past (1905-1917) and the present day for the same characters – 1935. Gohlke executes these transitions seamlessly, and she uses them to masterfully set the stage for what the story is ever building toward. I also liked how she uses the Halifax explosion of 1917 to mark a clear division between the dual timelines AND the two character narratives. Just as December 6, 1917 became a ‘before and after’ date for all Haligonians, it serves the same purpose in Ladies of the Lake. The poetry of Gohlke’s choice here was not lost on me, and it made me appreciate her writing talent all the more. Speaking of the history, I love reading about history that I rarely see in fiction, especially as it prompts me to learn more about little-talked-about events. To my recollection, I’ve only read one other book that featured the Halifax explosion and one other book that discussed German internment camps in the United States during World War 1.
One of my very favorite parts of this book was the Anne of Green Gables vibe and the real life tie-ins that Gohlke includes in the plot. (She talked on my blog yesterday about how a visit to Prince Edward Island and all things Anne inspired her in writing Ladies of the Lake – read it HERE.) This filled my bookish heart with glee and bonded me as a kindred spirit with Addie especially through the course of this novel. Another favorite aspect for me was how the theme of ‘the family you make’. There are so many times in the story where someone stands in as family for orphaned Addie – and in the process they become family. Mrs. Simmons, Portia, the Meyers, the Potts, and, of course, the ladies of the lake. This was done so poignantly without being super obvious; in fact, this theme in many ways sneaks up on you and wraps you in a hug before you even know it’s there… which is one of the reasons I loved it so.
Bottom Line: Brimming with fascinating & tragic history, Ladies of the Lake is a story that lingers in your heart and stirs up all of your emotions. Layered & compelling characters share the page with soul-tugging themes of friendship, family, and faith, and the dual perspective narratives that span two timelines keep you riveted to the story. In fact, I found myself holding my breath to see how it would all play out in the end. And when that end came, I exhaled with readerly contentment at the poignancy with which Cathy Gohlke ties up all the loose ends and makes beauty from ashes. Another poignantly redemptive story from this author!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
The narrative switches between first person (for Addie’s POV) and third person (for Dot’s POV) and between the past (1905-1917) and the present day for the same characters – 1935. Gohlke executes these transitions seamlessly, and she uses them to masterfully set the stage for what the story is ever building toward. I also liked how she uses the Halifax explosion of 1917 to mark a clear division between the dual timelines AND the two character narratives. Just as December 6, 1917 became a ‘before and after’ date for all Haligonians, it serves the same purpose in Ladies of the Lake. The poetry of Gohlke’s choice here was not lost on me, and it made me appreciate her writing talent all the more. Speaking of the history, I love reading about history that I rarely see in fiction, especially as it prompts me to learn more about little-talked-about events. To my recollection, I’ve only read one other book that featured the Halifax explosion and one other book that discussed German internment camps in the United States during World War 1.
One of my very favorite parts of this book was the Anne of Green Gables vibe and the real life tie-ins that Gohlke includes in the plot. (She talked on my blog yesterday about how a visit to Prince Edward Island and all things Anne inspired her in writing Ladies of the Lake – read it HERE.) This filled my bookish heart with glee and bonded me as a kindred spirit with Addie especially through the course of this novel. Another favorite aspect for me was how the theme of ‘the family you make’. There are so many times in the story where someone stands in as family for orphaned Addie – and in the process they become family. Mrs. Simmons, Portia, the Meyers, the Potts, and, of course, the ladies of the lake. This was done so poignantly without being super obvious; in fact, this theme in many ways sneaks up on you and wraps you in a hug before you even know it’s there… which is one of the reasons I loved it so.
Bottom Line: Brimming with fascinating & tragic history, Ladies of the Lake is a story that lingers in your heart and stirs up all of your emotions. Layered & compelling characters share the page with soul-tugging themes of friendship, family, and faith, and the dual perspective narratives that span two timelines keep you riveted to the story. In fact, I found myself holding my breath to see how it would all play out in the end. And when that end came, I exhaled with readerly contentment at the poignancy with which Cathy Gohlke ties up all the loose ends and makes beauty from ashes. Another poignantly redemptive story from this author!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
May 30, 2023
An epic heartfelt read, full of emotion, lifetime friendships and faith. Mainly focusing on the life of one woman, Adelaide "Addie" MacNeill, as told from her perspective, beginning with her traumatic arrival at the Lakeside Ladies Academy in 1905. Her life takes some dramatic turns, as she and her close friends navigate their way into adulthood during the beginning of a world at war.
Well-written with complex characters, this story contains a lot of insight into friendships, family relationships-- especially mother-daughter--and the power of forgiveness. I liked all of the references to the Anne of Green Gables series, including nods to the author, Lucy Maud Montgomery, as Addie's early life had so many parallels. It reminded me of how God places people along our way to help us in times of need, especially the dear Mrs. Simmons, and Portia.
The ladies' friendships from school showed how important it is to show each other grace and extend forgiveness in order to mend broken relationships. Addie's story especially showed how it takes a lot of strength and faith to overcome our fears that hold us back in life. It was inspiring!
The author adeptly weaves real history into the story along with personal tales that she reveals in her notes. The ending was lovely and well worth the wait.
Recommend to readers who like deeper reads, with history, faith and some romance. 4.5 stars
(An ebook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.)
Well-written with complex characters, this story contains a lot of insight into friendships, family relationships-- especially mother-daughter--and the power of forgiveness. I liked all of the references to the Anne of Green Gables series, including nods to the author, Lucy Maud Montgomery, as Addie's early life had so many parallels. It reminded me of how God places people along our way to help us in times of need, especially the dear Mrs. Simmons, and Portia.
The ladies' friendships from school showed how important it is to show each other grace and extend forgiveness in order to mend broken relationships. Addie's story especially showed how it takes a lot of strength and faith to overcome our fears that hold us back in life. It was inspiring!
The author adeptly weaves real history into the story along with personal tales that she reveals in her notes. The ending was lovely and well worth the wait.
Recommend to readers who like deeper reads, with history, faith and some romance. 4.5 stars
(An ebook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.)
October 24, 2023
This was a story of four friends who navigate friendship and life together, until tragedy fractures their group. I loved the author's writing and how she weaved the story together. It came alive for me!
In this story we see how misunderstandings, loss and fear can keep one from living life, but there can be grace and redemption on the other side. I was sometimes frustrated with one of the main characters for how she let those things keep her back- but how often do we do the same? What do we do in those situations, and are we willing to take steps towards healthy reconciliation, no matter how long its been or whatever unknowns there are?
I very much enjoyed the story and so it's 5 stars from me!
In this story we see how misunderstandings, loss and fear can keep one from living life, but there can be grace and redemption on the other side. I was sometimes frustrated with one of the main characters for how she let those things keep her back- but how often do we do the same? What do we do in those situations, and are we willing to take steps towards healthy reconciliation, no matter how long its been or whatever unknowns there are?
I very much enjoyed the story and so it's 5 stars from me!
February 24, 2024
Audiobook (narrated by Stephanie Richardson)
I loved this novel. Set from 1905 to 1935, it’s a story of friendship, hardship, faith, betrayal, love, disappointment, joy, tragedy, forgiveness, and more. In other words, a story about life. I cared deeply about Adelaide and Dorothy, and I wanted to discover why and how Adelaide became Rosaline. Cathy Gohlke never fails to capture my heart.
Robin’s Ratings
5🌟 = Out of this world. Amazing. Unforgettable. A personal favorite.
4🌟 = Loved/really enjoyed it. Will recommend to others.
3🌟 = Liked it. Glad I read it. Engaging/entertaining/interesting.
2🌟 = The book was okay, but I’ve enjoyed other books so much more.
1🌟 = For whatever reason, I didn’t like it and can’t recommend it.
I loved this novel. Set from 1905 to 1935, it’s a story of friendship, hardship, faith, betrayal, love, disappointment, joy, tragedy, forgiveness, and more. In other words, a story about life. I cared deeply about Adelaide and Dorothy, and I wanted to discover why and how Adelaide became Rosaline. Cathy Gohlke never fails to capture my heart.
Robin’s Ratings
5🌟 = Out of this world. Amazing. Unforgettable. A personal favorite.
4🌟 = Loved/really enjoyed it. Will recommend to others.
3🌟 = Liked it. Glad I read it. Engaging/entertaining/interesting.
2🌟 = The book was okay, but I’ve enjoyed other books so much more.
1🌟 = For whatever reason, I didn’t like it and can’t recommend it.
September 6, 2023
DNF @ 13%
Although labeled as historical fiction, this is really christian fiction. Not my cup of tea.
Although labeled as historical fiction, this is really christian fiction. Not my cup of tea.
December 10, 2023
Adelaide Rose MacNeill is happily living on Prince Edward Island when her parents are killed and she becomes an orphan. Her brother, who is also her guardian, sends her away to Connecticut to attend the Lakeside Ladies Academy. There she meets three other kindred souls, Dorothy (Dot), Ruth and Susannah. They called themselves "The Ladies of the Lake". They matured and came of age as best friends. When WW1 breaks out there are problems that begin to break the group up based on political beliefs. The last straw is when a young man comes between Dot and Addie. Addie goes home to stay with her brother in Halifax, Nova Scotia and when the Halifax Explosion occurs, it changes her life. Fast forward many years and Addie, now Rosaline Murray's daughter is about to graduate from the Lakeside Ladies Academy. She has been selected valedictorian, but Rosaline can't go without revealing who she really is. Dot is now the head mistress and thinks Addie died in the explosion. The story shared what happened in the past and how it has affected all of their lives in the future.
Ladies of the Lake is the story of a friendship between four girls who meet at boarding school. They loved one another and supported each other through homesickness, loneliness, bullying, and all the trials that adolescent girls endure. Dot was local and her neighbors, the Muellers become a surrogate family for Addie. Their two sons were the love interests of Addie and Dorothy, sometimes the same one at the same time. Their story was a sad one, being German American when WW1 broke out was dangerous. Adelaide's secret of still being a live and being a famous author was an interesting storyline and I kept wondering if and when she would let anyone know the truth. With actual events in the story (Halifax Explosion, Internment of German Americans, Depression) shaping a lot of the events and decisions, I was invested in the whole story. The was a story of friendship, and all the things that happen when a group of close friends get older, attractions cause problems, secrets are kept and eventually reconciliation. It is also the story of how tragedies shape our lives and how strong and resilient the human spirit is. With a strong and interesting plot, complex and interesting characters, and lifelong friendships I don't hesitate to recommend Ladies of the Lake. Stephanie Richardson does a wonderful job with the narration. With numerous characters having voices of different accents, genders and age she used her voice, tone and expression to make this story enjoyable.
Ladies of the Lake is the story of a friendship between four girls who meet at boarding school. They loved one another and supported each other through homesickness, loneliness, bullying, and all the trials that adolescent girls endure. Dot was local and her neighbors, the Muellers become a surrogate family for Addie. Their two sons were the love interests of Addie and Dorothy, sometimes the same one at the same time. Their story was a sad one, being German American when WW1 broke out was dangerous. Adelaide's secret of still being a live and being a famous author was an interesting storyline and I kept wondering if and when she would let anyone know the truth. With actual events in the story (Halifax Explosion, Internment of German Americans, Depression) shaping a lot of the events and decisions, I was invested in the whole story. The was a story of friendship, and all the things that happen when a group of close friends get older, attractions cause problems, secrets are kept and eventually reconciliation. It is also the story of how tragedies shape our lives and how strong and resilient the human spirit is. With a strong and interesting plot, complex and interesting characters, and lifelong friendships I don't hesitate to recommend Ladies of the Lake. Stephanie Richardson does a wonderful job with the narration. With numerous characters having voices of different accents, genders and age she used her voice, tone and expression to make this story enjoyable.
April 18, 2023
Ladies of the Lake is a dual-timeline novel that begins in May of 1933 and centers on friendship and childhood memories. It had been simple to toss aside the engraved invitation to the Lakeside Ladies Academy graduation, but it had been more difficult to disregard Bernadett’s continuous letters pleading with Adelaide/her mother to come to the “most important event” of her life, so the story unfolds. I was hooked.
1903 takes readers back to the day, when eleven-year-old Adelaide Rose MacNeill finds an unexpected friendship with three girls stuck in the middle of a sudden, violent storm between the mainland and Prince Edward Island.
This story follows the life of these four friends as they mature and experience a horrific tragedy that rips apart their bond and friendship. Due to the many unexpected twists and turns the novel takes, I found myself captivated by very page. I was surprised to hear that the tragedy was based on real events in the books’ note to readers it states that the Halifax Explosion of December 6, 1917, actually occurred, and the Lake Side Academy was modeled after a genuine school, Miss Porter’s School in Farmington, which many famous people, including Jacqueline Bouvier (Jackie Kennedy Onassis), had attended.
I like what the author says (and shows in the story) about friendship, “Friendships require honesty, trust, nurturing, investments of time and means, and sometimes sacrifice. Often deep friendships are formed during our growing years, as were those of my characters.”
If you like stories that are based on true events, female friendships, and the historical aspect of WWI. This book is for you. It’s an engaging, heart-felt read you won’t soon forget.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I requested and received a copy of this book by the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog https://psalm516.blogspot.com/
1903 takes readers back to the day, when eleven-year-old Adelaide Rose MacNeill finds an unexpected friendship with three girls stuck in the middle of a sudden, violent storm between the mainland and Prince Edward Island.
This story follows the life of these four friends as they mature and experience a horrific tragedy that rips apart their bond and friendship. Due to the many unexpected twists and turns the novel takes, I found myself captivated by very page. I was surprised to hear that the tragedy was based on real events in the books’ note to readers it states that the Halifax Explosion of December 6, 1917, actually occurred, and the Lake Side Academy was modeled after a genuine school, Miss Porter’s School in Farmington, which many famous people, including Jacqueline Bouvier (Jackie Kennedy Onassis), had attended.
I like what the author says (and shows in the story) about friendship, “Friendships require honesty, trust, nurturing, investments of time and means, and sometimes sacrifice. Often deep friendships are formed during our growing years, as were those of my characters.”
If you like stories that are based on true events, female friendships, and the historical aspect of WWI. This book is for you. It’s an engaging, heart-felt read you won’t soon forget.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I requested and received a copy of this book by the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog https://psalm516.blogspot.com/
July 12, 2023
Reader friends, I am going to gush about this phenomenal book and press it into as many hands as I can this summer. I was well and truly riveted from page one and could not put this one down.
The novel is written from the perspectives of two best friends, Addie and Dot who are both students at Lakeside Ladies Academy in Connecticut in the early 1900s. The book follows their lives from childhood into adulthood and alternates perspectives and timelines. Mystery abounds as the story unfolds and the reader is wondering what happened to break these two friends apart for many years. This is an extremely compelling plot with action, suspense, and real life historical events.
Read if you love:
🌿Historical Fiction
🌿Boarding School settings
🌿Female Friendships
🌿Beautiful Love Stories
This captivating tale brought me to tears multiple times and left me with a message of enduring love, friendship, forgiveness, and gratitude with a Biblical thread woven through it all. I LOVED this book! Add to your TBR and get a copy for yourself from your favorite bookseller July 11.
Thank you to Tyndale House for the digital ARC via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
The novel is written from the perspectives of two best friends, Addie and Dot who are both students at Lakeside Ladies Academy in Connecticut in the early 1900s. The book follows their lives from childhood into adulthood and alternates perspectives and timelines. Mystery abounds as the story unfolds and the reader is wondering what happened to break these two friends apart for many years. This is an extremely compelling plot with action, suspense, and real life historical events.
Read if you love:
🌿Historical Fiction
🌿Boarding School settings
🌿Female Friendships
🌿Beautiful Love Stories
This captivating tale brought me to tears multiple times and left me with a message of enduring love, friendship, forgiveness, and gratitude with a Biblical thread woven through it all. I LOVED this book! Add to your TBR and get a copy for yourself from your favorite bookseller July 11.
Thank you to Tyndale House for the digital ARC via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
May 26, 2024
This was an incredible read. There was a huge plot twist that I did not see coming and it was pure joy. The writing was captivating and quick paced. I needed to know the outcome. This book makes me appreciate my sisters in Christ. These ladies love like none other ❤️
February 15, 2024
This book just tugged at my heart strings in the best of ways . . . to see Addie grow through her sadness at losing her parents and being all but seemingly abandoned by her half brother to becoming a confident, intelligent young woman . . . and then to see her lose that confidence when the unthinkable happens!
But, at its heart, this is a story about redemption, forgiveness, and grace . . . what happens when people say 'one for all, and all for one', and TRULY mean it!
But, at its heart, this is a story about redemption, forgiveness, and grace . . . what happens when people say 'one for all, and all for one', and TRULY mean it!
September 25, 2023
The cover held brilliant colors and a joy that popped right off the image. Those things made this a must-read for me. I was a little disappointed to see that only two of the four friends were POV characters. I had assumed from the cover that all four ladies would be featured strongly in that fashion.
I was looking for a solid story that focused on friendship, and in that, I was not disappointed. Friendship, with all its ups and downs, was beautifully on display. The good, the bad, and the ugly of friendship were all written exquisitely. It was neat to see the author’s take on jealousy and cruelty within friendship but also the theme of being cherished by one’s friends. This story truly was an ode to friendship.
The theme of forgiving oneself was so poignant and very timely for me in this season of my life. This aspect, perhaps, resonated the most and will likely linger the longest in my memory. Yet there were other beautiful themes, such as overcoming fear and trusting God with the future.
It was incredible to read a story that featured the Halifax Explosion. I had not heard of this event until I chatted with the author via email about this book. I was intrigued and wanted to learn more. This story felt like a dose of history wrapped in an imagination-hooking story, and the author’s note at the end provided even more information.
This author keeps me coming back for more with her stories because the attention to detail is exquisite. Ladies of the Lake is no exception, and the masterful twist in the finale completely blew me away. Such a job well done!
Another disappointment was the lack of a faith thread in the first half of the book. Even in the second half, the faith thread was lighter than expected. I would have loved to see a stronger thread of faith woven throughout the plot, as it would have enhanced the story even more. That being said, I was still totally hooked by this WWI-home front story that featured white feathers and friendship and nods to L.M. Montgomery’s Anne-with-an-E.
The sorrow, tragedy, torn friendships, and redemption found in this story created a deeply emotional story that I can easily highly recommend.
Content: suicide, bullying
I was looking for a solid story that focused on friendship, and in that, I was not disappointed. Friendship, with all its ups and downs, was beautifully on display. The good, the bad, and the ugly of friendship were all written exquisitely. It was neat to see the author’s take on jealousy and cruelty within friendship but also the theme of being cherished by one’s friends. This story truly was an ode to friendship.
The theme of forgiving oneself was so poignant and very timely for me in this season of my life. This aspect, perhaps, resonated the most and will likely linger the longest in my memory. Yet there were other beautiful themes, such as overcoming fear and trusting God with the future.
It was incredible to read a story that featured the Halifax Explosion. I had not heard of this event until I chatted with the author via email about this book. I was intrigued and wanted to learn more. This story felt like a dose of history wrapped in an imagination-hooking story, and the author’s note at the end provided even more information.
This author keeps me coming back for more with her stories because the attention to detail is exquisite. Ladies of the Lake is no exception, and the masterful twist in the finale completely blew me away. Such a job well done!
Another disappointment was the lack of a faith thread in the first half of the book. Even in the second half, the faith thread was lighter than expected. I would have loved to see a stronger thread of faith woven throughout the plot, as it would have enhanced the story even more. That being said, I was still totally hooked by this WWI-home front story that featured white feathers and friendship and nods to L.M. Montgomery’s Anne-with-an-E.
The sorrow, tragedy, torn friendships, and redemption found in this story created a deeply emotional story that I can easily highly recommend.
Content: suicide, bullying
August 29, 2023
Thank you to Libro.fm and Dreamscape Media for providing me with an ALC of this audiobook. I am offering my honest opinion voluntarily.
This sounded like such an interesting story, but it fell flat for me.
To start with, the MC is absolutely miserable throughout nearly the entire story. It isn't an enjoyable read when the character is so blue for the whole book, and then to realize that we don't have a happy ending to look forward to.
It isn't until at least halfway through the book that we get to meet the only non-white character in the story - a First Nations woman who seems to be there to spout bible verses and talk some sense into Addie. It was at this point that I became suspicious, and then more people started quoting bible verses, and I realized that it might be *gasp* a christian themed book. This only got stronger as the book focused on forgiving terrible people who didn't deserve it. And then when I came to write my review, I discovered that it is indeed christian fiction. Too bad it wasn't labeled that way, or I could have avoided this entire debacle and saved like 12 hours of my life.
Finally, the story was incredibly predictable. From the start, Addie is obsessed with Anne of Green Gables, and the comparisons between that story and this one are quite clear. The "big twist" at the end was a total flop, because it's obvious what the author is trying to do here, and even the smaller twists aren't real twists. This is definitely one to skip, unless you like painfully depressing books with overtly christian messaging throughout.
This sounded like such an interesting story, but it fell flat for me.
To start with, the MC is absolutely miserable throughout nearly the entire story. It isn't an enjoyable read when the character is so blue for the whole book, and then to realize that we don't have a happy ending to look forward to.
It isn't until at least halfway through the book that we get to meet the only non-white character in the story - a First Nations woman who seems to be there to spout bible verses and talk some sense into Addie. It was at this point that I became suspicious, and then more people started quoting bible verses, and I realized that it might be *gasp* a christian themed book. This only got stronger as the book focused on forgiving terrible people who didn't deserve it. And then when I came to write my review, I discovered that it is indeed christian fiction. Too bad it wasn't labeled that way, or I could have avoided this entire debacle and saved like 12 hours of my life.
Finally, the story was incredibly predictable. From the start, Addie is obsessed with Anne of Green Gables, and the comparisons between that story and this one are quite clear. The "big twist" at the end was a total flop, because it's obvious what the author is trying to do here, and even the smaller twists aren't real twists. This is definitely one to skip, unless you like painfully depressing books with overtly christian messaging throughout.
December 21, 2023
Ladies of the Lake was a captivating story about friendships, loss, misunderstandings and what could have been if people just communicated better.
This is dual time story, bringing us from past to present and colouring in the lines beautifully to connect it in a powerful way.
I loved the friendships and felt heartbroken about all the lost years which were lost due to major misunderstandings.
*I listened to the audiobook on Scribd.*
This is dual time story, bringing us from past to present and colouring in the lines beautifully to connect it in a powerful way.
I loved the friendships and felt heartbroken about all the lost years which were lost due to major misunderstandings.
*I listened to the audiobook on Scribd.*
September 6, 2023
Oh my word. What a wonderful story! I love the bonds of friendship that are shown in the pages. This is truly a beautiful story and strong characters I won't soon forget.
August 29, 2023
4.25/5⭐️
This book took me forever (in bookstagram time) to finish! That usually means that I wasn’t dying to find out what happened. To be fair, I probably didn’t invest enough quality reading time to it in the beginning.
I did end up enjoying it, especially towards the end. There were plenty of Anne of Green Gables vibes here, as the main character is followed from childhood to adulthood.
Read it if you like:
🥰Themes of friendship, forgiveness, and regret
🥰Canadian settings or 1900s settings
🥰Wholesome stories of love and loss
☺️The last 100 pages definitely redeemed the slow start, and the ending caused me to bump up my rating.
✝️Note that this is Christian historical fiction, so there are several instances of prayer, and God is mentioned often. I do think that this story can be enjoyed by Christians and non-Christians alike, however.
⚠️Content:
Profanity: None
Sexual: 1/5 (kissing)
March 22, 2024
This was a compelling story of tragedy, friendship, and truth. I admired the sisterhood of the Ladies of the Lake and how their bond played out as a reality instead of a kind of fairytale friendship which tends to happen in the literary world. Lies, jealousy, and betrayal weave themselves into the fabric of their sisterhood, tearing them apart until truth, eventually, sets them free.
Also worth mentioning is the Anne of Green Gables vibe throughout the book. And Portia was my favorite! Something to be said for the people who give tough love when it’s needed.
Also worth mentioning is the Anne of Green Gables vibe throughout the book. And Portia was my favorite! Something to be said for the people who give tough love when it’s needed.
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