Reading Lately – September Book Review
It was a slow reading month in September as I had a hard time keeping my eyes open! Apparently summer wore me out and getting back to a routine zapped all of my energy. Typically I read before bed and have barely been able to stay awake for more than a few pages. The two books I did manage to read, however, are both winners! If you love a good romance with a little drama tossed in, you want to read my September book review.
About: Fern Brookbanks has wasted far too much of her adult life thinking about Will Baxter. She spent just twenty-four hours in her early twenties with the aggravatingly attractive, idealistic artist, a chance encounter that spiraled into a daylong adventure in the city. The timing was wrong, but their connection was undeniable: they shared every secret, every dream, and made a pact to meet one year later. Fern showed up. Will didn’t.
At thirty-two, Fern’s life doesn’t look at all how she once imagined it would. Instead of living in the city, Fern’s back home, running her mother’s lakeside resort—something she vowed never to do. The place is in disarray, her ex-boyfriend’s the manager, and Fern doesn’t know where to begin.
She needs a plan—a lifeline. To her surprise, it comes in the form of Will, who arrives nine years too late, with a suitcase in tow and an offer to help on his lips. Will may be the only person who understands what Fern’s going through. But how could she possibly trust this expensive-suit wearing mirage who seems nothing like the young man she met all those years ago. Will is hiding something, and Fern’s not sure she wants to know what it is.
But ten years ago, Will Baxter rescued Fern. Can she do the same for him?
My Review: I have been waiting for Meet Me at the Lake to hit the shelves since I finished the authors first book, Every Summer After and it did not disappoint. A little love story taking place in a place I associate with summer is always a favorite this time of year. I love the way this author writes and flips back and forth between past and present as well as from the view of two different characters.
About: Harriet and Wyn have been the perfect couple since they met in college—they go together like salt and pepper, honey and tea, lobster and rolls. Except, now—for reasons they’re still not discussing—they don’t.
They broke up five months ago. And still haven’t told their best friends.
Which is how they find themselves sharing a bedroom at the Maine cottage that has been their friend group’s yearly getaway for the last decade. Their annual respite from the world, where for one vibrant, blissful week they leave behind their daily lives; have copious amounts of cheese, wine, and seafood; and soak up the salty coastal air with the people who understand them most.
Only this year, Harriet and Wyn are lying through their teeth while trying not to notice how desperately they still want each other. Because the cottage is for sale and this is the last week they’ll all have together in this place. They can’t stand to break their friends’ hearts, and so they’ll play their parts. Harriet will be the driven surgical resident who never starts a fight, and Wyn will be the laid-back charmer who never lets the cracks show. It’s a flawless plan (if you look at it from a great distance and through a pair of sunscreen-smeared sunglasses). After years of being in love, how hard can it be to fake it for one week…in front of those who know you best?
My Review: Again, another author I love and I patiently waited for this book to become available at the library since it hit the shelves. It is a perfect little summer read as, again, it takes place in a location that feels like it belongs in the summer. I fell in love with this group of friends but especially Harriet and Wyn and could not stop turning the pages of their story. This story bounces back and forth between the pasts and the present as well and it really helps establish all that surrounds the friendships and relationships.
Now it’s back to schedules and putting back into play the habits I become a little lax about in the summer months. I may need to pull out my Atomic Habits book and dust off a few practices. Currently, I’m reading The Pact as it was recommended by my friend Tanya and she always has the best recs. She wraps them up in a blogpost once a month and you can find the latest here.
If you are an Amazon prime member, don’t forget to grab your September free book from first reads. I picked up this one.
What do I need to add to my library hold list? You can find all my pasts book reviews here.