What do you think?
Rate this book
Lakeshore Chronicles
Lakeside Cottage
If you trust your heart, you'll always know who you are . . .
Each summer, Kate Livingston returns to her family's lakeside cottage, a place of simple living and happy times -- a place where she now hopes her shy little boy can blossom. But her quiet life gets a bit more interesting with the arrival of an intriguing new neighbor, JD Harris. Although she is a confirmed single mother and knows little of JD's past, Kate is soon drawn into the sweetness of a summer romance and discovers the passion of a lifetime.
JD has good reason for being secretive. In a moment of sheer bravery the Washington, D.C., paramedic prevented a terrible tragedy. Overnight the intensely private man became a national hero. He's hardly able to remember who he was before the media frenzy . . . until he escapes to this lovely, remote part of the Northwest. Now Kate Livingston and her son have rekindled the joy of small pleasures and peace, something he thought he'd never have again. But how long will his blissful anonymity last before reality comes banging at his door?
416 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 1, 2005
1354 people are currently reading
5154 people want to read
About the author
Susan Wiggs
169 books7,419 followersSusan Wiggs's life is all about family, friends...and fiction. She lives at the water's edge on an island in Puget Sound, and she commutes to her writers' group in a 17-foot motorboat. She serves as author liaison for Field's End, a literary community on Bainbridge Island, Washington, bringing inspiration and instruction from the world's top authors to her seaside community. (See www.fieldsend.org) She's been featured in the national media, including NPR's "Talk of the Nation," and is a popular speaker locally and nationally.
According to Publishers Weekly, Wiggs writes with "refreshingly honest emotion," and the Salem Statesman Journal adds that she is "one of our best observers of stories of the heart [who] knows how to capture emotion on virtually every page of every book." Booklist characterizes her books as "real and true and unforgettable." She is the recipient of three RITA (sm) awards and four starred reviews from Publishers Weekly for her books. The Winter Lodge and Passing Through Paradise have appeared on PW’s annual "Best Of" lists. Several of her books have been listed as top Booksense picks and optioned as feature films. Her novels have been translated into more than two dozen languages and have made national bestseller lists, including the USA Today, Washington Post and New York Times lists.
The author is a former teacher, a Harvard graduate, an avid hiker, an amateur photographer, a good skier and terrible golfer, yet her favorite form of exercise is curling up with a good book. Readers can learn more on the web at www.susanwiggs.com and on her lively blog at www.susanwiggs.wordpress.com.
According to Publishers Weekly, Wiggs writes with "refreshingly honest emotion," and the Salem Statesman Journal adds that she is "one of our best observers of stories of the heart [who] knows how to capture emotion on virtually every page of every book." Booklist characterizes her books as "real and true and unforgettable." She is the recipient of three RITA (sm) awards and four starred reviews from Publishers Weekly for her books. The Winter Lodge and Passing Through Paradise have appeared on PW’s annual "Best Of" lists. Several of her books have been listed as top Booksense picks and optioned as feature films. Her novels have been translated into more than two dozen languages and have made national bestseller lists, including the USA Today, Washington Post and New York Times lists.
The author is a former teacher, a Harvard graduate, an avid hiker, an amateur photographer, a good skier and terrible golfer, yet her favorite form of exercise is curling up with a good book. Readers can learn more on the web at www.susanwiggs.com and on her lively blog at www.susanwiggs.wordpress.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 307 reviews
November 30, 2020
I really just enjoy Susan Wiggs writing. I'd put her in the same category that I put Nora Roberts. Her novels are just a nice palette cleanser. Susan Wiggs novels are just low key and soothing.
Lakeside Cottage is about Kate a single mother to a 9 year old who has recently lost her job and is spending her summer at her family's "Cottage". There she meets JD who is running away from the world after doing something that made him a national hero overnight.
They obviously fall in love but the story is about so much more than that. Kate meets a young girl who really needs a family. It's just a fun chill read that although it takes place in the summer, it has Christmas vibes.
I highly recommend that you pick a Susan Wiggs novel if you haven't.
Lakeside Cottage is about Kate a single mother to a 9 year old who has recently lost her job and is spending her summer at her family's "Cottage". There she meets JD who is running away from the world after doing something that made him a national hero overnight.
They obviously fall in love but the story is about so much more than that. Kate meets a young girl who really needs a family. It's just a fun chill read that although it takes place in the summer, it has Christmas vibes.
I highly recommend that you pick a Susan Wiggs novel if you haven't.
February 4, 2012
So, this is the fifth Susan Wiggs book I've read and I realized that what I LOVED about her at first, is exactly what I'm beginning to find tedious and predictable about her writing now.
The storylines are quiet, simple, truthful, and almost pure. The first book I read was Just Breathe. I thought it was so refreshing. I loved it for its honesty and lack of big misunderstandings, unnecessarily florid sex scenes, etc. But now I'm finding the exact same elements--boring. Unreal. Unnatural. Too pure. I would like Susan Wiggs' characters to have a bit more of an edge. Her heroines are always so good. Both the hero and the heroine always think every move out for SO LONG. It's not normal, or interesting to read about.
Also, I'm getting tired of all the heroines being so against junk food and TV. I hate it when I can hear an author's personal feelings bleed through into her protagonists' feelings. So Susan Wiggs is all about TV is evil and preservatives are the devil.
She also apparently thinks homeschooling amounts to a "lack of education." As a former homeschooler, I resent this type of stereotype being perpetuated by people that really don't know what they're talking about. This is the second Susan Wiggs novel I've read that refers negatively to homeschooling. I wish she would do a bit more research. Because if a child that was homeschooled has no access to society or lacks an education....well NEWSFLASH! They weren't homeschooled. They've been neglected, but not homeschooled. It's difficult enough for homeschoolers to overcome prejudices, but to have authors throw out their personal opinions, that have obviously been based on misinformation, into the general public like this causes a constant uphill battle for the kids whose parents are just trying to do the right thing for them.
The storylines are quiet, simple, truthful, and almost pure. The first book I read was Just Breathe. I thought it was so refreshing. I loved it for its honesty and lack of big misunderstandings, unnecessarily florid sex scenes, etc. But now I'm finding the exact same elements--boring. Unreal. Unnatural. Too pure. I would like Susan Wiggs' characters to have a bit more of an edge. Her heroines are always so good. Both the hero and the heroine always think every move out for SO LONG. It's not normal, or interesting to read about.
Also, I'm getting tired of all the heroines being so against junk food and TV. I hate it when I can hear an author's personal feelings bleed through into her protagonists' feelings. So Susan Wiggs is all about TV is evil and preservatives are the devil.
She also apparently thinks homeschooling amounts to a "lack of education." As a former homeschooler, I resent this type of stereotype being perpetuated by people that really don't know what they're talking about. This is the second Susan Wiggs novel I've read that refers negatively to homeschooling. I wish she would do a bit more research. Because if a child that was homeschooled has no access to society or lacks an education....well NEWSFLASH! They weren't homeschooled. They've been neglected, but not homeschooled. It's difficult enough for homeschoolers to overcome prejudices, but to have authors throw out their personal opinions, that have obviously been based on misinformation, into the general public like this causes a constant uphill battle for the kids whose parents are just trying to do the right thing for them.
September 23, 2013
Otro concepto totalmente. Muy enfocado a sentimientos, situaciones cotidianas y paisajes reales y hermosos. Un buen mensaje sobre la diabetes tipo B también.
September 6, 2016
This story was totally my cup of tea! I’m such a difficult person when it comes to the romance genre. I like to alternate moods & genres, but when it comes to the romance, I'm often disappointed. Although I have to say that this one had all the ingredients that I like: an amazing backdrop (Crescent Lake on Olympic Peninsula, WA), a thoroughly endearing family, a humble and self-effacing hero - but, first and foremost, not too much silliness! I quickly get tired of all that goofiness in today's rom-coms. Here, although still light, there were more serious themes and original angles that compelled me: single motherhood (by choice), diabetes, unwanted fame, paparazzi rudeness, foster children, unfit parents, to name a few.
I adored the family dynamics, I was especially pleased that the author gave the younger kids credible voices, and that they were heard. Both main characters, Kate Livingston and JD Harris were certainly likable, and I could empathize with their personalities & points of view. Still, what I will remember best about this book is that the romance is more than 2 people – it’s about a family embracing each other and letting love in.
I adored the family dynamics, I was especially pleased that the author gave the younger kids credible voices, and that they were heard. Both main characters, Kate Livingston and JD Harris were certainly likable, and I could empathize with their personalities & points of view. Still, what I will remember best about this book is that the romance is more than 2 people – it’s about a family embracing each other and letting love in.
October 4, 2020
Una historia sencilla sin giros sorprendentes ni nada, Kate es una periodista, madre soltera, tratando de salir adelante con un niño de 9 años con problemas de ira, acaba de perder el empleo y como cada verano, decide pasar sus vacaciones en la casa junto al Lago que pertenece a su familia, Allí conocerá a su vecino, al sargento y héroe nacional J.D. Harris, quien ha huído al mismo lugar en busca de tranquilidad, ya que de la noche a la mañana se ha vuelto famoso y odia que su vida se haya trastocado tanto, no desea involucrarse con nadie, pero apenas se conocen se sienten atraídos. Kate encontrará escondida dentro de su casa a Callie, una niña que está huyendo de abandono y maltratos recibidos, aceptándola y apoyándola como un familiar más, creándose entre ella y su hijo una hermosa relación, esta realmente es la parte que más me ha gustado, buenos diálogos internos de los protagonistas, pero llegando a ser repetitivos, cuando crees que pon fin verás algo de romance entre los protagonistas, la autora salta de imprevisto a otra escena, ha sido muy frustrante, personajes agradables pero más nada,un romance que no llega a conmover.
Le doy 2.5. #RetoRita 4.
Le doy 2.5. #RetoRita 4.
April 7, 2020
It was okay...not a Wiggs favorite.
June 30, 2022
Knygos rekomendaciją radau "Skaitytojų klubas" grupėje : lengvas meilės romanas vasarai.
Paėmusi skaityti knygą to ir tikėjausi.
Vieniša mama su vaiku, praradusi darbą išvyksta vasaros atostogų į vasarnamį prie ežero, kuriame vasaras leidžia jau kelios šeimos kartos. Tik šįkart ji atvyksta viena su sūnumi. Visa šeima išsikraustė į kitą Amerikos pakrantę.
Čia ji žinoma sutinka gražų, sportišką vyrą, kuris jai tikrai krinta į akį. Ji jam žinoma irgi.
Istorija kaip ir visiškai nuspėjama: patiks vienas kitam, susitikinės, įsimylės ir galiausiai laiminga pabaiga.
Tačiau aš nesitikėjau ,kad šioje , iš pirmo žvilgsnio, atrodo paprastoje meilės istorijoje bus nagrinėjama opi (kaip autorė aprašė pabaigos žodyje) problema Amerikoje. Nieko pasakoti negaliu, kadangi knygos aprašyme nieko apie tai nerašoma, todėl nenoriu sugadinti knygos tiems, kurie jos dar neskaitė.
Mano lentynoje guli dar viena Wiggs knyga, todėl bus įdomu ar ir ji mane nustebins?
Paėmusi skaityti knygą to ir tikėjausi.
Vieniša mama su vaiku, praradusi darbą išvyksta vasaros atostogų į vasarnamį prie ežero, kuriame vasaras leidžia jau kelios šeimos kartos. Tik šįkart ji atvyksta viena su sūnumi. Visa šeima išsikraustė į kitą Amerikos pakrantę.
Čia ji žinoma sutinka gražų, sportišką vyrą, kuris jai tikrai krinta į akį. Ji jam žinoma irgi.
Istorija kaip ir visiškai nuspėjama: patiks vienas kitam, susitikinės, įsimylės ir galiausiai laiminga pabaiga.
Tačiau aš nesitikėjau ,kad šioje , iš pirmo žvilgsnio, atrodo paprastoje meilės istorijoje bus nagrinėjama opi (kaip autorė aprašė pabaigos žodyje) problema Amerikoje. Nieko pasakoti negaliu, kadangi knygos aprašyme nieko apie tai nerašoma, todėl nenoriu sugadinti knygos tiems, kurie jos dar neskaitė.
Mano lentynoje guli dar viena Wiggs knyga, todėl bus įdomu ar ir ji mane nustebins?
May 1, 2024
3.5 Predictable, but still an enjoyable read.
June 4, 2014
If you're looking for lush, this is it: lush descriptions of the setting, lush characters fully developed and worth getting to know in all their detail, a lush, complex story that blends the past and present issues of Kate Livingston, single mother and wannabe free-lance writer with JD Harris, an American hero desperate to hide from the public in order to reclaim his life.
He has no desire to be enchanted by Kate, even before he discovers she's a reporter. She doesn't trust herself with men, certain that any such relationship will end in disaster for her, but especially for her I-want-a-dad son, Aaron, himself a delightful kid.
Then there's runaway Callie whose medical emergency cements her position in Kate's heart, and Aaron's. She figures out who JD is, but he makes her promise not to tell, though she feels that's a mistake, especially where Kate is concerned.
How these characters begin to build and rebuild their lives is well worth exploring. I hated to see the end of this story. Perhaps there will be a sequel?
He has no desire to be enchanted by Kate, even before he discovers she's a reporter. She doesn't trust herself with men, certain that any such relationship will end in disaster for her, but especially for her I-want-a-dad son, Aaron, himself a delightful kid.
Then there's runaway Callie whose medical emergency cements her position in Kate's heart, and Aaron's. She figures out who JD is, but he makes her promise not to tell, though she feels that's a mistake, especially where Kate is concerned.
How these characters begin to build and rebuild their lives is well worth exploring. I hated to see the end of this story. Perhaps there will be a sequel?
April 25, 2014
I hate to admit it, but I think I'm getting to old to truly enjoy this type of novel. With Medicare card in hand, the life and loves of younger (much younger) women looking for love has begun to pall. I will say, that Wiggs gets her points across about physical love without going all "50 Shades of Grey" (which to me was just cringe worthy). If you're looking for something for summer reading, this one will fit the bill nicely..chick lit with intelligence.
October 25, 2022
5⭐
Šios autorės jau 3 į lietuvių kalbą išversta knyga ir man lygiai taip pat patiko ir buvo jautri, romantiška, jausminga. Vienas ežeras, viena vasara, 4 skirtingi gyvenimo ir likimo „aplamdyti“ žmonės, kurie nori ir meilės, ir supratimo ir artimo žmogaus, bet turi viduje daugybę paslapčių, kurias bijo atskleisti, nes negali pasitikėti kiti visu 100 proc, tik savimi. Labai jautriai ir subtiliai paliesta paauglystė ir kūno sudėjimo tema, mamos ir vaiko santykiai. Turbūt pagrindinis dalykas kuris visus vienijo - troškimas turėti šeimą, būti šeimos dalimi ir patirtį tą paprastą šeimos gyvenimą, kurį mes priimame kaip kasdienybę ir buitį. Mums tai įprasta, o kas to nepatyrė ir neturi - tai jų siekiamybė.
Šios autorės jau 3 į lietuvių kalbą išversta knyga ir man lygiai taip pat patiko ir buvo jautri, romantiška, jausminga. Vienas ežeras, viena vasara, 4 skirtingi gyvenimo ir likimo „aplamdyti“ žmonės, kurie nori ir meilės, ir supratimo ir artimo žmogaus, bet turi viduje daugybę paslapčių, kurias bijo atskleisti, nes negali pasitikėti kiti visu 100 proc, tik savimi. Labai jautriai ir subtiliai paliesta paauglystė ir kūno sudėjimo tema, mamos ir vaiko santykiai. Turbūt pagrindinis dalykas kuris visus vienijo - troškimas turėti šeimą, būti šeimos dalimi ir patirtį tą paprastą šeimos gyvenimą, kurį mes priimame kaip kasdienybę ir buitį. Mums tai įprasta, o kas to nepatyrė ir neturi - tai jų siekiamybė.
September 23, 2019
A non traditional romance but with many traditional romance elements....really a story of a modern family’s love.
April 20, 2012
A fairly typical contemporary romance set in the Pacific Northwest, Susan Wiggs’s novel features Kate, a single mom, and JD, a reluctant American hero. Add in a summer lake house, a teenage runaway, and some good summer grilling, and you’ve got yourself a novel.
Any further descriptions of the plot make me feel fairly silly, but the novel itself was pleasant enough (though not so pleasant that I’ll be picking up any more of her titles). Earnest, moving, and carefully plotted, this will work for readers looking for a gentler romance (we have a fade-to-black approach to any and all sex scenes). The weirdly didactic social issues were off-putting for me but will work for readers who like a touch of reality to their romances.
Any further descriptions of the plot make me feel fairly silly, but the novel itself was pleasant enough (though not so pleasant that I’ll be picking up any more of her titles). Earnest, moving, and carefully plotted, this will work for readers looking for a gentler romance (we have a fade-to-black approach to any and all sex scenes). The weirdly didactic social issues were off-putting for me but will work for readers who like a touch of reality to their romances.
January 2, 2013
No romance, no mystery, to much narritive and just plan boring. This is one of the worst books I have read in a long time. This is my first and last Susan Wiggs book. This was a freebe from the library, I am so glad I didn't pay for it.
June 5, 2015
This is the first book I have read by Susan Wiggs was not disappointed. Great read with good characters.
Read
October 1, 2022Look, it's just not going to happen lol. Sorry to the sweet old lady in my book club who said she had already read this one, but was happy to read it again for Book Club.
DNF.
DNF.
May 23, 2023
This was such a light , feel good read. Totally enjoyed it. Didn’t have to think too much
February 7, 2024
Very good, it was a perfect beach read in Costa Rica!
October 2, 2023
Meet Kate Livingston. She goes to her family lake house for the summer to find herself. Kate has just been fired from her job and her son is becoming increasingly unruly. During this summer at the lake house, she finds true love and new family members and her and her son grow together. Typical romance novel. Good read.
September 29, 2019
My honey gave this to me as a surprise 'gift' after a day of treasure hunting with our son. I don't think he had any idea it was a romance, and that doesn't matter...the thought of him getting me something I love...a book...any book is what matters.
The fact this was a romance made it all that much better.... what a good story . Life leads people down so many different paths, sometimes it takes crossing over into someone else's lane to get things right...even when the journey seems like too much.
This was a nice romance with a story about life of all ages and all stages and issues. Don't set you mind to just one idea, setting or issue - there is a lot going on here and it all works well together.
The fact this was a romance made it all that much better.... what a good story . Life leads people down so many different paths, sometimes it takes crossing over into someone else's lane to get things right...even when the journey seems like too much.
This was a nice romance with a story about life of all ages and all stages and issues. Don't set you mind to just one idea, setting or issue - there is a lot going on here and it all works well together.
February 26, 2012
I had to read this novel for my reader's advisory class. It's not what I would expect a romance novel to be. It is contemporary, and I guess the idea is everything in the world isn't all roses. I enjoyed the way Wiggs wrote the book. The inner dialog of the characters was interesting. That being said I didn't really appreciate the tangent on diabetes and thought the book was about 100 pages too long. In the end, I have to admit it was better than I expected it to be. It's not my style though and wouldn't read it on my own.
August 8, 2014
Lakeside Cottage by Susan Wiggs was a wonderful read. I loved the lake in all its moods. I loved the characters even with all the quirks. Kate Livingston and JD Harris are so awesome together. I love how open Kate accepting is with Callie. I love how she is determined to give Aaron the best summer she can, even tho the rest of her family is not there. I think what I like best of all is the feeling and mood of the book. As hard as life is and can be with patience and acceptance everyone has a place.
April 18, 2021
I turn to Susan Wiggs when I need a break from terror or too much thought-provoking deep reading. Sometimes I just need an escape from the trials and tribulations of the world in general. I can count on Susan Wiggs to give me that break, with problems that can be solved and a happy ending in sight. I need an author like this so I can enjoy escaping into a manageable world with love and drama and heartache, yes, but hope and happiness as well.
January 26, 2014
A sweet, summer read. Liked the information about diabetics and the yummy recipes for cottage life.....
"The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, worry about the future, or anticipate but to live in the present moment wisely and earnestly." Buddha
"The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, worry about the future, or anticipate but to live in the present moment wisely and earnestly." Buddha
September 12, 2018
The story of Kate and JD is a good one. A single mom working hard to raise her son and do what’s best for her family who chooses the path of an all around American hero. Not only do you get to feel for these two you get attached to her son Aaron and Callie, a young runaway. Learning the trials and triumphs of each of them is what keeps you hooked in reading the book.
Callie’s story pulled so much at my heart strings. I can’t imagine ever going through what she went through. However, I have to say that I was surprised at the outcome of her medical emergency when I was truly believing all alone it was something else entirely. I am so happy it all worked out for her in the end.
Aaron is just an angry young boy who mourns the fact that he wants a dad in his life. He acts act through bad behavior and anger and just learn to control his temper. Acting that way isn’t going to get him what he wants. Aaron is the one who fights for Callie the most and you can see that the bond they share is an amazing one as they begin to fall into the role of brother and sister.
Kate, just wants to be a feee lance writer yet misses the biggest story of all right in front of her eyes. I was so surprised that she didn’t figure it out in her own. She was truly blind when it came to JD, however I think that’s what worked the best in helping their relationship develop into what it became. It reassured JD that her feelings were real and not at all related to his fame.
As for JD who can blame him? He wanted his life to go back to normal and not deal with all the attention from the media. In his eyes he didn’t deserve to be a hero....he was just doing his job. He truly wasn’t one to do something to claim the fame. However I don’t agree with him hiding his identity from Kate, we see his point in it when Kate becomes involved.
I wasn’t ready for the story to end. I wanted to see what the future held for them. I kinda of felt the ending was abrupt and rushed. Other than not being ready for the end this was a great read!
Callie’s story pulled so much at my heart strings. I can’t imagine ever going through what she went through. However, I have to say that I was surprised at the outcome of her medical emergency when I was truly believing all alone it was something else entirely. I am so happy it all worked out for her in the end.
Aaron is just an angry young boy who mourns the fact that he wants a dad in his life. He acts act through bad behavior and anger and just learn to control his temper. Acting that way isn’t going to get him what he wants. Aaron is the one who fights for Callie the most and you can see that the bond they share is an amazing one as they begin to fall into the role of brother and sister.
Kate, just wants to be a feee lance writer yet misses the biggest story of all right in front of her eyes. I was so surprised that she didn’t figure it out in her own. She was truly blind when it came to JD, however I think that’s what worked the best in helping their relationship develop into what it became. It reassured JD that her feelings were real and not at all related to his fame.
As for JD who can blame him? He wanted his life to go back to normal and not deal with all the attention from the media. In his eyes he didn’t deserve to be a hero....he was just doing his job. He truly wasn’t one to do something to claim the fame. However I don’t agree with him hiding his identity from Kate, we see his point in it when Kate becomes involved.
I wasn’t ready for the story to end. I wanted to see what the future held for them. I kinda of felt the ending was abrupt and rushed. Other than not being ready for the end this was a great read!
April 4, 2025
After a life-saving action gave him the title of America’s Hero, Jordan Donovan Harris’s life was never the same. He was hounded relentlessly by the media and escaped to a friend’s cottage by the lake. There he hoped to find peace and solitude but instead he found the love of his life.
Kate Livingston and her son Aaron came to the lake for the summer. Without her other family members, this will be a quiet summer. She thinks she has an intruder and learns the young housecleaner has been staying there. The more she learns about Callie, the more she becomes a part of Kate’s family. She and Aaron get along great.
She first spies JD at the grocery when she doesn’t have enough cash to pay for her groceries and he steps in. She had noticed the handsome man and finds he is staying at the cottage next door. Aaron has never had a father and latches on to the strong man who does not hesitate to toss a few pitches back and forth with him.
It’s not long before Kate and JD have sex and get to know one another but he doesn’t tell her about his fame. She learns when they are on the ferry and he saves a man’s life. He doesn’t talk about it but heads to LA. The next day, she is awoken by the media who storm her house and she realizes what JD had gone through.
She, Aaron, and Callie return to the lake to close up the cottage. After the kids are in bed, Kate heads to the dock and JD rows a boat over to her. He tells her how much he loves her and asks her to marry him. She had thought she didn’t know the man who became America’s Hero but realized she had known the real man all along. She loved him and said “Yes” when he popped the question.
Kate Livingston and her son Aaron came to the lake for the summer. Without her other family members, this will be a quiet summer. She thinks she has an intruder and learns the young housecleaner has been staying there. The more she learns about Callie, the more she becomes a part of Kate’s family. She and Aaron get along great.
She first spies JD at the grocery when she doesn’t have enough cash to pay for her groceries and he steps in. She had noticed the handsome man and finds he is staying at the cottage next door. Aaron has never had a father and latches on to the strong man who does not hesitate to toss a few pitches back and forth with him.
It’s not long before Kate and JD have sex and get to know one another but he doesn’t tell her about his fame. She learns when they are on the ferry and he saves a man’s life. He doesn’t talk about it but heads to LA. The next day, she is awoken by the media who storm her house and she realizes what JD had gone through.
She, Aaron, and Callie return to the lake to close up the cottage. After the kids are in bed, Kate heads to the dock and JD rows a boat over to her. He tells her how much he loves her and asks her to marry him. She had thought she didn’t know the man who became America’s Hero but realized she had known the real man all along. She loved him and said “Yes” when he popped the question.
October 2, 2020
I like Susan Wife's stories because although some might complain that this was just another romance, it was so much more.
Kate is a single mom that has raised her son alone since before he was born. She was unfortunately in a relationship with someone that bailed as soon as he discovered she was pregnant.
She has an incredibly close family that have a tradition of spending their summers at a lake house. This year it will only be her and her son.
They arrive to find odd things left around the house and what ends up being a teenage squatter. Callie is the "squatter" that has escaped another bad Foster family. She's had a rough life and has no where to live. Kate, after prompting from her son Aaron, to offer her a place to stay, at least for summer.
Aaron has problems of his own, he has problems with self esteem and controlling his anger, making him act out. This is caused by his lack of a father figure in his life.
JD is a hunk that is borrowing a neighbor's lake house for the summer to escape his sudden thrust into the limelight when he as a military paramedic saved the current president of the United States life. He felt he was only doing his job and wants to go back to his pre-hero life.
Sparks fly in the form of instant attraction but both Kate and JD think there's no way they can have a relationship in the real world, although for completely different reasons.
There was a lot going on and I like how it was all tied up at the end.
Kate is a single mom that has raised her son alone since before he was born. She was unfortunately in a relationship with someone that bailed as soon as he discovered she was pregnant.
She has an incredibly close family that have a tradition of spending their summers at a lake house. This year it will only be her and her son.
They arrive to find odd things left around the house and what ends up being a teenage squatter. Callie is the "squatter" that has escaped another bad Foster family. She's had a rough life and has no where to live. Kate, after prompting from her son Aaron, to offer her a place to stay, at least for summer.
Aaron has problems of his own, he has problems with self esteem and controlling his anger, making him act out. This is caused by his lack of a father figure in his life.
JD is a hunk that is borrowing a neighbor's lake house for the summer to escape his sudden thrust into the limelight when he as a military paramedic saved the current president of the United States life. He felt he was only doing his job and wants to go back to his pre-hero life.
Sparks fly in the form of instant attraction but both Kate and JD think there's no way they can have a relationship in the real world, although for completely different reasons.
There was a lot going on and I like how it was all tied up at the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 30, 2019
Okay, so love the book! Great story line and I loved the characters, though some I wanted to yell at a few times, LOL! There were some great twists and I was able to predict a few things in the story before it came up.
I love that this was set in Northwest Washington! I’m born and raised in Western Washington and though I didn’t travel to the places mentioned in the book often, I have been to all of them! Very cool! I drive past Purdy all the time, have visited Seattle, Bainbridge Island, Sequim, Port Angeles and Lake Crescent! I’ve also ridden on the ferry to Seattle, so it was great to have them all included in a story set in Western Washington! Susan definitely knows her stuff and she should since she lives on Bainbridge Island! *wink*
I definitely recommend this book!
Now, I did listen to the unabridged audiobook. I still recommend the book, but be forewarned, I cringed every time the narrator pronounced a place incorrectly. For example, the Strait of Juan De Fuca - Fuca is pronounced (few-ka), but the narrator says (foo-ka). Sequim is pronounced (squa-im) not (see-qum) like the narrator said. I can’t believe someone wouldn’t research the pronunciations for a place they don’t know, but it didn’t take away too much from the story. Just for me, as a Washingtonian, it’s something that bothered me.
I love that this was set in Northwest Washington! I’m born and raised in Western Washington and though I didn’t travel to the places mentioned in the book often, I have been to all of them! Very cool! I drive past Purdy all the time, have visited Seattle, Bainbridge Island, Sequim, Port Angeles and Lake Crescent! I’ve also ridden on the ferry to Seattle, so it was great to have them all included in a story set in Western Washington! Susan definitely knows her stuff and she should since she lives on Bainbridge Island! *wink*
I definitely recommend this book!
Now, I did listen to the unabridged audiobook. I still recommend the book, but be forewarned, I cringed every time the narrator pronounced a place incorrectly. For example, the Strait of Juan De Fuca - Fuca is pronounced (few-ka), but the narrator says (foo-ka). Sequim is pronounced (squa-im) not (see-qum) like the narrator said. I can’t believe someone wouldn’t research the pronunciations for a place they don’t know, but it didn’t take away too much from the story. Just for me, as a Washingtonian, it’s something that bothered me.
March 18, 2017
A Book of Hope
The characters in this book were all so lonely, in their own way, even the child, Aaron. Callie, a young teen runaway, had never known what a nice family life could be. Kate, years on her own a single mother, had forgotten what it might be like not to be just another single mom. JD, all American reluctant hero, had never known a happy life except in his role as a paramedic. Aaron, Kate's young son, had always wondered what life could be like if something existed beyond just him and his. Mom.
Escaping to the lake for the summer must be nice....made ,e a little envious knowing that your family could have a lake house where your family could escape for the summer. There, you could be whoever you wanted to be......which could be a good thing. Maybe the lake is where you could discover the real you.
While it was nice to see the change in all four main characters, the real joy was in watching Calle and Aaron grow as two young people discovering themselves one glorious summer....
A summer which became one of so much personal discovery and love of family....one learning what actual makes a family.
And yes, this is a bit of an adult love story but the love scenes, as such, are handles so well. You just feel the love developing as trust develops with it.
Enjoy......
The characters in this book were all so lonely, in their own way, even the child, Aaron. Callie, a young teen runaway, had never known what a nice family life could be. Kate, years on her own a single mother, had forgotten what it might be like not to be just another single mom. JD, all American reluctant hero, had never known a happy life except in his role as a paramedic. Aaron, Kate's young son, had always wondered what life could be like if something existed beyond just him and his. Mom.
Escaping to the lake for the summer must be nice....made ,e a little envious knowing that your family could have a lake house where your family could escape for the summer. There, you could be whoever you wanted to be......which could be a good thing. Maybe the lake is where you could discover the real you.
While it was nice to see the change in all four main characters, the real joy was in watching Calle and Aaron grow as two young people discovering themselves one glorious summer....
A summer which became one of so much personal discovery and love of family....one learning what actual makes a family.
And yes, this is a bit of an adult love story but the love scenes, as such, are handles so well. You just feel the love developing as trust develops with it.
Enjoy......
October 28, 2019
Well, it was a lot better than I expected:) I don't really like romances, but someone recommended this to me. Overall, the first 3/4 of the book was pretty good. I loved that there was an actually story line and things going on in the characters lives besides a romantic relationship. Maybe it much more realistic and interesting read to me. However, the ending was so random. I feel like they just needed a way to end it and threw something together. The main characters were in the middle of a breakup and they both had good reasons for being unsure about the other and then all of a sudden they are together again without much discussion or working through their differences, it just seemed really weird. The only other thing I didn't enjoy about the book was the main character constantly going on about how she needs a man and her kid needs a father figure so badly. It was just getting annoying, especially since there are perfectly capable single parents or families that don't have "father figures", it just seemed really overdramatic. But, overall really I enjoyed most of the book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 307 reviews