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A Lake House Holiday

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MP3 CD Format Sometimes you need to get away to find the place your heart calls home.

Jolene Carter lives in Merrylark Lake, a quaint town where neighbors are like family and vacationers become fast friends. With her dream of opening a downtown storefront on hold, Jolene volunteers wherever she can, whether it be at Cat's Coffee Cart or the town's annual tree lighting. It is while she's tending to her neighbor's vacation rental that Jolene meets Luke, a cowboy with a mustang rescue and a past he's hoping to leave back at the ranch.

Luke Handley isn't one to believe in holiday magic. That disappeared when his winter wedding was called off and his honeymoon was canceled. But the more time he spends in Merrylark, the more he's convinced this magic exists. When Luke's ex unexpectedly shows up as the other half to the lake house reservation, things get complicated. Luke knows all the magic in the world won't clear up this misunderstanding. If he's learned anything from Jolene, though, it's that helping others is the most effective way to show love. With a surprise up his sleeve and a little help from his new Merrylark friends, Luke hopes he's able to do just that.

1 pages, Audio CD

Published March 1, 2021

1368 people are currently reading
748 people want to read

About the author

Megan Squires

27 books540 followers

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5 stars
858 (44%)
4 stars
656 (33%)
3 stars
335 (17%)
2 stars
75 (3%)
1 star
20 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
Profile Image for Lorraine.
1,161 reviews87 followers
December 28, 2018
I have always wished to have a lake house. My mom had one in Maine, and our family spent 20 years celebrating Christmas there. It was grand in so many ways! My feelings about a house or cabin on a lake drew me to Megan Squires’ The Lake House Holiday, and I am glad it did. This is a ‘feel good’ book with a Christmas setting in a small town in the mountains. The two main characters are in different stages of healing from personal tragedies. They gained strength from living in this lake house community as I did when I was going through an extremely difficult time in my life, and my mom asked me to come to her lake home in Maine to stay for as long as I wished. I truly feel that there is ‘magic’ living on a lake. Ms. Squires’ setting of a ‘quaint town’ on lake with ‘holiday magic’ made me feel ‘right at home’. 4 stars.
Profile Image for Leona.
1,771 reviews18 followers
December 23, 2018
I must have a read a different book than everyone else, but honestly I couldn't even finish it.
Profile Image for Marsha Keeper Bookshelf.
4,290 reviews88 followers
November 3, 2018
Reviewed at Heart Full of Christmas

Sometimes I run across a story that is so full of heart that my own emotions flow over while reading it. A Lake House Holiday was such a story for me. A small quaint and quirky town, Merrylark is the perfect place for a little Christmas magic to take place.

Luke has taken a bit of a break from his duties at his family’s ranch. This was supposed to be his wedding week, and this lake front house rental was supposed to be the place of his honeymoon, the beginning of married life. But that didn’t happen when the bride to be picked her career over love and walked away from the wedding. Luke saw no reason to let the house go to waste, and he did need the break. He didn’t expect his heart to be mended, or captured by a woman who holds her own sorrows beneath the surface. Someone who is always there for her friends and family without a second thought. He didn’t expect to fall in love again… or maybe to truly fall in love for the first time. Unfortunately, one action not even encouraged by Luke will set up a barrier to Jolene that he’s not sure he can tear down. Until the perfect plan comes to mind. But he’s going to need some help from Jolene’s friends and family, as well as the new found friends he’s made in this small town.

For the past five years Jolene has been going through the motions of a happy life. Yet, she and most of her friends know that enforced cheerfulness to be not truly Jolene. Yes, she’s a good hearted woman, she’ll do just about anything for a friend, rarely ever says no and believes that sharing cheer and joy will cover her own heartache and loneliness. And for the most part it was working, right up until she met the lake house’s new week long guest. There was an instant liking and bonding when Jolene met Luke. Oh, she couldn’t explain it but certainly felt it. As Luke’s week passed day by day they spent much of each day together. She began to let the past go and look to the future. Until Luke’s past came to town and all her dreams shattered once again. Now it’s up to Luke to prove to Jolene that he did nothing wrong, and that a future together could be very much in their future if they both were willing to take a risk on trusting and loving each other.

A Lake House Holiday is a sweet, clean Christmas Romance that will touch your heart and make you a believer in Christmas magic. Truth is, I could easily see this story as a Christmas movie, it’s lighthearted, funny, tearful, has some drama and a very happy ending. I liked both Jolene and Luke, together they make a believable couple finding their way through the early stages of falling in love. Jolene’s friends, family and the townsfolk make interesting secondary characters that bring this story alive. I enjoyed myself very much in this world and would not hesitate to recommend it to any reader of Romance who enjoys a good love story, believable characters and a setting that is straight off of a Christmas card.

I read this title through my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
Profile Image for Elizabeth Edwards.
5,548 reviews9 followers
November 9, 2018
new 2 this author, i always know i will love a holiday read, give me a holiday read any time of the year, love the cover ...love how they just are all crisp, happy and fun!! great all-around fun read. & who doesn't love a small town romance, i am curious would it work in the real world? could you stand every one in your business and what not??! maybe? maybe not??! not sure.
1,116 reviews23 followers
December 11, 2018
I enjoyed this holiday story by an author I'd never read before. I will definitely be checking out her other work. Jolene lives in Merrylark Lake. When Luke moves in next door she's a bit surprised because she'd prepared the cottage for a honeymoon couple. It seems Luke's bride-to-be called things off at the last minute. Like decided to come to the cottage anyway to think things over while nursing a broken heart. What he doesn't count on is meeting someone like Jolene and he finds himself drawn to her in spite of the circumstances. But what happens when his so called ex shows up hoping to make things right with Luke. Will Jolene be the one nursing a broken heart instead?

Liked the characters in this one and especially liked the magical ending to the story. Very romantic and just right for the holidays.
Profile Image for Sarah TheAromaofBooks.
955 reviews9 followers
December 12, 2023
Reading other reviews for this book is kind of making me feel like a grinch haha But in all honestly, I found this book to be kind of a mess. It was all over the place, the instalove was completely ridiculous. Sometimes it felt like this author hadn't talked with real people. The male MC meets another guy who IMMEDIATELY starts calling the male MC "brother" and continues to do so at a rate of 1-3 times per page ("Thanks, brother. Hey, brother, when do you think you'll get here? I'm telling you, brother, you're making a mistake.") I found myself wondering if this character had forgotten the male MC's name and now felt too awkward to ask...???

The whole "we need quirky secondary characters" bit felt over-the-top. The male MC's ex shows up and gives the male MC a gift that just felt so absurd that I couldn't buy it at all

I also just... I get it that Jolene is supposed to be this really sweet, wonderful character who loves everyone and wants to help out. But she's also in like, her 20s and doesn't have a job because she's been living off her savings since her fiance died five years ago??? I totally understand taking, say, a year to kind of get your bearings and recenter your life, but five years and now the money is running out and you still have literally NO PLAN for your future?! I guess it IS convenient that a man swoops into town and sets you up with your literal dream business, isn't it!?

This one was just way too far out of the realm of believability for me to get into it so even though it makes me a grinch, I just cannot bring myself to rate this one above 2 stars.
Profile Image for Holly (bibliophiles_bookstagram).
697 reviews14 followers
December 16, 2020
Another adorable holiday read! Jolene lives in a lake home and cares for everyone in the community of Merrylark Lake! The community loves and embraces her and everything she is! She does odds and ends to make ends meet, and tending the neighbor lake house is one of her jobs.

Luke was supposed to be here on his honeymoon! Five days before the wedding it was called off, so Luke decides to try to mend his heart by still taking the place for a week, to relax and find out what he really wants!

Jolene just happens to help Luke out as things come up, and they start spending a fair amount of time together!

You know where the lovely is going! Such a fun one this time of year for sure! Let’s be real - ANY time do the year!
Profile Image for Jodi Romero.
2 reviews2 followers
November 2, 2019
I really enjoyed this fun Christmas story!!

I love this author and the way she writes. This book is full of fun characters and lots of feel good moments. I recommend it to anyone who like holiday romance.
5 reviews
December 14, 2018
Loved it

Excellent light hearted read! Really enjoyed the great story line. Wish there was a sequel to this awesome book! Will look for more books by Megan Squires.
Profile Image for jmob.
45 reviews3 followers
December 14, 2018
I’m a sucker for Hallmark movies and this book had all the same wonderful trappings.
Profile Image for Fay.
35 reviews
December 17, 2018
Cheer

If you want a Hallmark movie in a book, this is it. I couldn't put it down, gives you smiles,tears and joy through out the book. I highly recommend it. Give it a try you won't regret it.
Profile Image for Chalay Cragun.
425 reviews
January 11, 2019
This is not the type of book I generally pick to read myself. That being said, this was a quite pleasant quick read. It was pretty much a Hallmark Christmas movie in book form. Everything was perfect, the characters were too good to be true, and everything was perfect in the end. Definitely a feel good book that was short enough none of the characters bugged you before it was over.
Profile Image for Alita Macelhiney.
62 reviews
November 24, 2019
Small Town Romance

Small town romance at Christmas time. What more can you ask for? Plenty of cheer, two people who fall in love and a community that knows they belong together. Gather up your cup of joe or hot cocoa and your favorite blanket, cozy corner on the couch and enjoy the read. I did!
Profile Image for Kelly Carper.
377 reviews
December 21, 2019
Like reading a well done Hallmark Movie, with some unexpected curveballs. Sweet, sappy and perfect for the holiday season!
1 review
September 12, 2019
Couldn’t put it down

I loved this book from the first sentence. I hope there will be a sequel. Feel like I really know the characters and want to see more of them.
743 reviews
October 9, 2019
One reviewer I saw called this a Hallmark movie of a book. And sometimes that's exactly what you need: simple, kind-hearted, and ultimately happy.
Profile Image for Pamela.
11 reviews
June 29, 2023
Too predictable for me but if you like watching Hallmark/lifetime movies its the book for you!
Profile Image for Hunter Ross.
545 reviews191 followers
December 23, 2023
Preamble: If you like romance novels great, I am happy for you and don't read this. I never read them but the writing on this was not bad to begin with so when I happened to start it I did continue even after finding out it was a romance but then ran into why I do not like romance novels (no, I'm not saying there is anything wrong with it, I just don't like them but this was free on Audible and I was looking for something Christmas and did not check Goodreads but just downloaded it).
1. The narrator was unfortunately not good. Her voice rose and fell to uncomfortable ranges. She made all the guys sound mentally slow. I am not sure what "drawl" she was going for with Luke but it was super annoying (I kept picturing an elderly basset hound clomping along when she did his voice).
2. The characters are all cardboard cutouts and predictable. Being a pathological introvert as I have gotten older, I am sure I am not the best on relationships but they "fell" in love instantly with no background and over a few days and then if something bad happens they act like they have been together for twenty years.
3. The girl lies all the time to him about horses and the make up? Yet she is nice?
4. The girls' brother gets up in Luke's face and jabs him in the chest. Pro-tip, I don't care how nice you are if some dude gets up in your face like that it does not go how the author wrote that scene. Don't jab a guy in the chest unless you want it broken off. That was a cringy scene all around. Remember, no touchy!
5. There are several ways to move a plot forward and create conflict. The author uses the tired, predictable, and to my ears insanely annoying misinterpretation of facts by a character making a snap judgement on a scene. Jolene walked into and caught the very end of a scene between Luke and his ex-fiancé. Conflict because people are being silly to comes across as lame and an annoying. What should the main character do? After knowing a guy for a couple of days? Bawls like crazy, calls her sister then goes to the HOSPITAL TO COMPLAIN TO THE OLD LADY IN THE HOSPITAL WHO IS SICK. You go to complain to a sick old lady? What? Worry about yourself about a guy you knew for a few days over a woman you've known your whole life who needs your support?
6. They way the two of them instantly become clingy and "oh they are the best person in the world and they are instantly in love" seems more like borderline personality disorder and stalky. I am going back to my science books.
Profile Image for PRISCILLA WADE MCWHORTER.
204 reviews3 followers
December 10, 2019
Wholesome Good Romance

The little town in the story reminds me of similar ones used in other stories and on the Hallmark channel, aptly titled " Christmas Town." Although that sounded like a criticism, it wasn't meant as one. I simply pointed out the obvious so that I could explain one reason why I liked the book. I love the Hallmark Channel Christmas Movies as well as all the other heartwarming, feel good movies. There are many others who love them also. For that reason alone, this book should not be passed over. You are guaranteed a happy ending and where else are you going to so easily find that besides in a book?
The characters and the plot are not the exact copy of all the others that I mentioned, so that also is a plus. You are going to run into similarities in books and movies. That just can't be helped though.
I felt the story was original enough to capture my attention. I had no problem getting caught up in excitement of the new love that was sparking right from the get-go. The characters are so down to earth. So much like any person that I myself might know. I like that I can feel like I am right there with them as the story develops. It is rare that that feeling occurs. It shows to me that the author is much like the people in this book. She is someone who lives honestly and doesn't try to act like someone she isn't. She is real and genuine, as are her characters.
I like the fact that true love prevailed in the story, after a near disastrous misunderstanding. Another aspect I enjoyed was the fact that there were no explicit sex and heavy petting scenarios going on. I'm not saying there is anything wrong with that type of story. I am just pointing to the fact that it is nice to read a wholesome story of love and happily ever after.
So, if you enjoy Hallmark movies and PG romance novels, this is a book for you. It is quite good. I feel that this is one of those books that has or will have a second and maybe 3rd book to follow this one.
Good job! I look forward to reading more of your books.
Profile Image for Lena .
224 reviews5 followers
December 31, 2018
I really wanted to read a festive book on the run up to Christmas so I picked this one by Megan Squires. I have read some of her work before and really enjoyed it so I thought it might be good to stick to what I know.

This was exactly what I needed to get me feeling Christmassy. Based in a little town called Merrylark, (even the town name promises a place of happiness) this is a tale of romance that grows around decorating the Christmas tree and turning the town lights on. Jolene and Luke are 2 lovable characters that you instantly like and as their love story develops you can't help but hope they find a way to be together.

I found this to be very predictable, I knew exactly what was going to happen but I wanted something light hearted and warm and that was exactly what this was. I found myself lost in the story and the descriptions are so well written that the story comes to life in your imagination. From the decorations used on the tree and the beautiful town its a place and a story that you want to climb into and be a part of.

I really enjoyed this festive read and would highly recommend to someone just wanting to enjoy the run up to Christmas. Don't get in expecting huge shock twists or anything dramatic and you won't be disappointed. This really reminded me that I like Megan Squires and must read the rest of her work that I haven't quite gotten around to yet.
109 reviews
December 13, 2023
Very cute and cozy hallmark movie-style holiday story. I liked the setting a lot, I’ve never read a small town lakefront story before. I liked the community and the side characters. Some of the things Jolene said were a little cringey… and this was amplified by the audiobook narrator. I wonder if I would have found those bits as cheesy if I was reading it rather than listening. Overall it was a wholesome and heartwarming story that was perfect for the holidays!

I don’t read a whole lot of straight up romance books these days and reading this I was reminded by how much third act break ups annoy me. Had they just talked about it and Luke was given a chance to explain, I’m confident they would have made up. Would that give the opportunity for the grand gesture at the end? No. So I understand why the author took this route, but I still find it annoying none the less 😂
25 reviews
January 30, 2020
Great Clean Inspiring Romance

I loved this book. Heartfelt with pearls of Godly wisdom thrown in. I stopped and meditated on them frequently throughout the story. Causes you to Pause and look for the ways your significant other and loved ones bless you daily. You might be surprised (or not) at how often small gestures equal big love and big gestures mean deep love. I will definitely read more novels from this author!
Great books feed and heal your soul. This one did for me.
Hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
Profile Image for Edie.
328 reviews
February 18, 2022
I found A Lake House Holiday to be a sweet, simple story full of Christmas magic.
The story is about two people who have lost their Sweethearts. Jolene, who lives in Merrylark, lost her fiancé to an accident. Luke, who goes to Merrylark to get away and try to forget that his fiancé just broke up with him just days before their wedding. These two meet and a romance is sparked.
Loved this heartfelt story that was full of the joyful warmth that Christmas brings.
Profile Image for Cheryl.
862 reviews
December 20, 2018
A lovely sweet Christmas story which can be read at anytime during the year. Five years before this story starts Jolene lost her fiancee to a mountain climbing accident. Luke's fiancee called off their winter wedding. The honeymoon was paid for so Luke decided to get away for awhile. Jolene and Luke meet and so behind their story.
124 reviews
December 21, 2018
A Merrylake Cup of Cheer

A Merrylake Cup of Cheer

This is a sweet love story that brought Luke and Joleen together after one huge misunderstanding almost caused them to go their separate ways. Jolene was always ready to help others almost to a fault. Luke found that endearing about her as did her multitude of friends.


Profile Image for Terri Peer.
160 reviews
December 25, 2018
This book reminds me of a Hallmark Christmas movie. It was a sweet, clean romance novel that takes place during December. Jolene and Luke meet when he rents the lake house next door to hers. They become friends and then since it’s a romance novel they fall in love a bit of drama ensues followed by a happy ending.
36 reviews1 follower
December 24, 2019
Wow this is a must read

This story is so well written. It will captivate you from chapter one and continue to the last words. The characters are wonderful. I found myself picturing everyone and all the scenes. This is my new number one Christian fiction author. Looking forward to reading more of her work!
Profile Image for Kim Christian.
15 reviews
October 28, 2020
Christmas romance.

I give, "A Lake House Holiday," 5 stars because I enjoy Christmas romance novels. With the pandemic and the unrest in our world right now, there is nothing better than curling up with a warm blanket and beverage and enjoying a clean, romance novel about two hurting people who find love and a happily ever after.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews

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