I received this book for free from the library in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Source: the library
Dream Lake
by
Lisa Kleypas
paranormal romance in a paperback edition that was published by Piatkus Books on August 7, 2012 and has 336 pages.
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Other books by this author which I have reviewed include Somewhere I'll Find You, Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor, Rainshadow Road, Crystal Cove
Third in the Friday Harbor romance series revolving around the Nolan brothers. The couple focus is on Alex Nolan and Zoë Hoffman and a parallel with Emma and Tom.
My Take
This story starts back, back before Sam ever bought the house or the vineyard, providing a back history on the old place with a touch of mystery. It’s a backdrop to events in Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor and Rainshadow Road until it picks up its own story, focusing on Alex’s carpentry abilities as he restores Emma’s cottage and the love that Zoë pours into her cooking and her relationships.
This is a sweet, warm read that will make you feel good…and cry for lost love, last loves.
The Story
It’s a ghost trapped in the old Victorian on Rainshadow Road. He has no idea who he is, why he’s stuck here until Alex Nolan shows up. There is a connection between it, and Alex and only Alex can see him.
At first it’s freedom, but it’s one that turns into a prison and makes Rainshadow Road look good. There is something Alex has to do to help the ghost move on and it’s a battle between them.
Zoë has her own battle in caring for Emma, dealing with the sundowning and the continuing ministrokes.
Part of what makes it bearable is the opportunity for Alex to bask in Zoë’s warmth and getting to know Emma. Finding that connection.
The Characters
Alex Nolan is a successful, but cold and cynical contractor at least until his wife divorces him and the economy tanks. Now he’s so deep into the liquor, he almost can’t swim out. His brothers are concerned and supportive: Mark is marrying Maggie while Sam is breaking up with Lucy Marinn. Their parents, Jessica and Nolan, were raving alcoholics and Alex, as the youngest, suffered the most. Darcy is Alex’s cold, scheming, ex-wife-to-be.
Zoë Hoffman is the chef who cooks with love and is her cousin Justine‘s partner in her B&B, Artist Point in Friday Harbor. Byron is her very spoiled white Persian cat. Emma is Emmaline, the grandmother, also known as “Upsie”, who raised her and is now suffering a series of ministrokes, vascular dementia. Gus Hoffman was Emma’s husband. James Hoffman is Zoë’s jerk of a dad who abandoned his daughter to his mother. I know Zoë got the better end of that deal! Phyllis is dad’s girlfriend. Chris Kelly is Zoë’s gay ex-husband.
Aunt Marigold is Justine’s mother, a witch. Literally. Tom Findlay was a P40 pilot in World War II. Jason Black is a video game designer for Inari Enterprises and he’s interested in Alex’s Dream Lake parcel.
The Cover and Title
The cover is spring-like in its new green grasses surrounding the pale blue waters where a woman is crouching, slipping her hand through the waters.
The title is two-fold: Emma wants to slip away in her sleep in the middle of a dream and Zoë fixes up the cottage on Dream Lake Road. The cottage that brings her around Alex.
