Meet Me at the Lake by Carley Fortune

"The Instant #1 New York Times Bestseller" by the author of "Every Summer After" unfolds a captivating tale of missed connections, second chances, and unexpected transformations.

Fern Brookbanks finds herself at a crossroads in her life at thirty-two, far from the aspirations she once held. Instead of pursuing her dreams in the city, she's back home managing her mother's lakeside resort, a responsibility she never planned to shoulder. The resort is in disarray, complicated further by the presence of her ex-boyfriend as manager, leaving Fern overwhelmed and unsure where to begin.

Her life takes an unexpected turn when Will Baxter, an artist she spent a transformative day with ten years ago, suddenly reappears. Their brief but intense encounter had left a lasting impact, marked by promises made and broken. Now, Will arrives at Fern's doorstep, offering his help and seeking redemption for his past actions.

Despite the passage of time and the changes in both their lives, Fern grapples with conflicting emotions towards Will. He appears different from the carefree artist she once knew, now clad in expensive suits and harboring secrets of his own. As they navigate their complex history and present challenges together, Fern must decide whether to trust Will again and unravel the truth behind his mysterious return.

Filled with emotional depth and poignant reflections on love, forgiveness, and self-discovery, this novel promises a compelling narrative that explores the complexities of human connections and the resilience of the heart. Set against the backdrop of a lakeside resort and infused with themes of redemption and second chances, "The Instant #1 New York Times Bestseller" is a story that resonates with themes of hope and the transformative power of love.