Ladies of the Lake is just what I would expect from Cathy Gohlke. I thought it was another great book she has written. I loved it. Five stars.

I absolutely loved this novel. I was hooked from the first chapter. Without giving away any spoilers, I can only say that there are so many suspenseful threads and need-to-know questions between the story in the 1930s and the earlier years (1910s - 1917) that I couldn't put it down. I'm a huge fan of L.M. Montgomery and Anne of Green Gables and loved the way that author and novel were included. I've visited Prince Edward Island and Halifax twice and enjoyed the way those settings were brought to life and lovingly described. The childhood/school years with the girls' building friendship were exceptionally well done as was the Halifax explosion and its aftermath, a huge turning point in the plot. What a page-turning tale! And the author spun it so well and so craftily that the twist took me by complete surprise-- I wondered how she was going to pull off a happy ending but she DID! This is a brilliant story by an author at the top of her game, full of heartache and pain, joy and laughter, lessons learned, personal growth, and a lovely connection to God. I enjoyed it so much I'm going to read it again. 5 stars! Thanks to Netgalley and Tyndale House publishing for the advance copy. I posted a review on my blog and on Facebook.

Ladies of the Lake is a dual-timeline novel that begins in May of 1933 and centers on friendship and childhood memories. It had been simple to toss aside the engraved invitation to the Lakeside Ladies Academy graduation, but it had been more difficult to disregard Bernadett’s continuous letters pleading with Adelaide/her mother to come to the “most important event” of her life, so the story unfolds. I was hooked.

1903 takes readers back to the day, when eleven-year-old Adelaide Rose MacNeill finds an unexpected friendship with three girls stuck in the middle of a sudden, violent storm between the mainland and Prince Edward Island.

This story follows the life of these four friends as they mature and experience a horrific tragedy that rips apart their bond and friendship. Due to the many unexpected twists and turns the novel takes, I found myself captivated by very page. I was surprised to hear that the tragedy was based on real events in the books’ note to readers it states that the Halifax Explosion of December 6, 1917, actually occurred, and the Lake Side Academy was modeled after a genuine school, Miss Porter’s School in Farmington, which many famous people, including Jacqueline Bouvier (Jackie Kennedy Onassis), had attended.

I like what the author says (and shows in the story) about friendship, “Friendships require honesty, trust, nurturing, investments of time and means, and sometimes sacrifice. Often deep friendships are formed during our growing years, as were those of my characters.”

If you like stories that are based on true events, female friendships, and the historical aspect of WWI. This book is for you. It’s an engaging, heart-felt read you won’t soon forget.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I requested and received a copy of this book by the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog https://psalm516.blogspot.com/

In all honesty, I picked this up because I loved the idea of the friendship of these ladies, and how could Prince Edward Island not also grab my attention? But I didn't finish it. It's a good story, and my not finishing is, with the realization it's a cliche, all about me not the book. Goodness knows Cathy Gohlke is a very skilled, award-winning author. And if you enjoy historical fiction set in the WW1/pre-WW2 eras, particularly how it was in America, you should check this out. There's 4 very different women and you see this web of dynamics between them and those they love (two love the same man at one point) and how they change over the years.

But emotionally and mentally it's no light read, and when weighed against the other books I wanted to focus on, this one kept losing to the point I needed to admit I wasn't going to finish this.

Check out the reviews of those who did; sounds like it is a favorite with a lot of layers and a surprise ending.

Cathy Gohlke is quite a popular author on the Avid Readers Facebook Group, so when I got the opportunity to read one her books I jumped at it. Ladies of the Lake is such an achingly suspenseful book. Not even 30% in and I simply couldn't wait to find out how this story would unfold. With each new chapter I was so eager to learn what more must still come to light. Each chapter flowed beautifully into the next, be it years later, or even in another person's point of view. Exceptionally done. This story is gripping and insatiable until the very end. I absolutely loved it. It is one of the most suspenseful books I've read in a long time, while at the same time being enjoyable and laden with history which makes you savour each chapter... each paragraph...
I am eager to read more by Cathy Gohlke.

Ladies of the Lake by Cathy Gohlke is a heartwarming story of best friends during pre-World War II and how life gets in the way. Gohlke does a fabulous job at diving into the hurts of Dot and Rosaline and making them realistic for the readers. Readers will enjoy the simpleness of the times, but the turmoil of the looming war that will tear the world and their friendship apart. Gohlke is one of my favorite writers at taking deeply hurting characters and allowing the readers to empathize with their plight. The plot idea with friends and their struggles is nothing new. While the concept is not original, the story is still told in an informative and entertaining way that kept me glued to the pages. The writing style flows nicely, filled with the descriptions of the setting and the personality of the characters. Overall, Ladies of the Lake by Cathy Gohlke is a nicely handled coming of age story with heartache flowing from the hearts of the characters. I recommend this for fans of Gohlke’s other stories and fans of a good story. Also, Rachel Hauck has a story entitled The Best Summer of Our Lives released in June 2023.

I received a complimentary copy of Ladies of the Lake by Cathy Gohlke from Tyndale Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.

Reads like a dual timeline story, a wonderful historical book!

It tells the story of four best friends at the Lakeside Ladies Academy. The story follows the girls lives during their school years and the start of the war - and how people were treated then. As they grow up, they've grown apart but the threat of the Academy closing will bring them all together once again -- even the one they thought wasn't alive. It's a twisty story with a romantic thread. I enjoyed meeting the characters.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for a temporary, digital ARC in return for my review.

Beautiful story about love... yes some romantic love, but honestly this is not a romance. This is a book about women. It centers greatly around a group of friends, specifically 2 in the group - Dot and Addie. But it reaches beyond that group to show women. growing from childhood to grandmotherhood. And it encompasses all we experience.... love, hurt, joy, pain, fear, misunderstandings, forgiveness and more.

The characters are rich and full and the writing follows suit. I experienced this book with all my senses.. I could see, smell, taste, hear and feel it as if I were there. It truly pulled me into a another world and another time. And it moved all my emotions... joy, anger, love, sadness.... the whole gamut!

I greatly appreciate the author's attention to historical accuracy and detail. I love to read a novel where I actually learn something and that happened here.

Excellent read! This one will stay with me for a very long while!

I loved this book! Cathy Gohlke did a great job capturing the ups and downs of friendships of young girls, and later, women.

I enjoyed the setting of the girls’ boarding school, having attended all-girls schools for part of my high school years. I understand the importance of close and lasting friendships. I was rooting for Addie to thrive and have her happily-ever-after, but she had to experience great hardship before that could happen. The hard times are what make us stronger.

I received this book from the publisher via net galley in exchange for an honest review. Five we’ll-deserved stars!

Ladies of the Lake will be one of my top reads for this year. I don't usually read split time stories that both stories are historical, but I have heard praise for Cathy Gohlke's novels. She didn't disappoint in these stories.
Lakeside Ladies Academy is the setting for a friendship between four girls who pledge loyalty for life in the early 1900's. The story follows the girls during schoolyears and after graduation. The split storyline includes famed author Rosaline Murray and her daughter about to graduate from Lakeside Ladies Academy under the guidance of Dorothy Meyer, an original Ladies of the Lake member in 1935. With the threat of the academy closing, the original Ladies of the Lake have to reunite to save it-and find it in themselves to forgive past grievances.
This will be one of my top reads this year. Cathy Gohlke gave me a very surprise ending and I marvel in her writing that she hid it so well in her writing. As a teacher, this is a great book for girl's book club with the story of female friendship and historical aspects of WW 1 and the Halifax explosion.
I received a complimentary copy of Ladies of the Lake complimentary of Tyndale through NetGalley.

Ladies of the Lake by Cathy Gohlke
Publication Date: July 11, 2023, by Tyndale House Publishers
Genre: Christian Fiction, Fiction, Historical
5 Stars!

Ladies of the Lake earns a rock-solid five-star rating! Readers who love L. M. Montgomery and Louisa May Alcott will fall in love with the well-developed characters, the storylines, and the writing style. The skillful author, Cathy Gohlke, spins principles of love, forgiveness, war, communication, acceptance, bullying, hope, fears, and spiritual and emotional panoramas of relationships.

The author’s passion for women to cultivate women-sisterhood through friendships, mentoring, and companionships while looking at the beautifully painted ties we see in the Bible and in literature is on full display in this fantastic book!

From the beautiful cover to the introductions and growth of the charming characters to the intertwined storylines, this novel is a spiritually uplifting and emotionally engaging masterpiece with many heart-captivating moments. I genuinely lost hours of sleep because I wanted to keep reading!

To avoid spoilers, I do not give story details. With that in mind, let me just say that I genuinely believe that God orchestrates a “Mrs. Simmons” into each of our lives -- or makes us the “Mrs. Simmons” in another’s life -- in His perfect timing. For that, I am eternally grateful!

I so greatly appreciate how Scripture is included. There is nothing missing from this inspiring, God-honoring fictional novel which includes tidbits and inspiration from true historical events and the author’s family stories.

Surrendering all to God, loving Jesus, obeying Him, and treating others as we would like to be treated are the first steps in cultivating the best and enduring relationships. Like the author of Ladies of the Lake, I pray that each reader of Ladies of the Lake be reminded to “thank our Heavenly Father for another day, for breath, for ears to hear, for eyes to see, and for those we love.”

I received an eArc of Ladies of the Lake from Tyndale House Publishers through NetGalley.com. I am not required to write a review nor am I paid to do so. The words above are my honest review of this fantastic book. When Ladies of the Lake is released (07.11.23), I will post this review to Goodreads, Amazon, ChristianBooks.com, all my social media platforms, and my blog (Blog | Devoted Hope (luannabubbles.wixsite.com).

#LadiesoftheLake #NetGalley #tyndalehousepublishers #Tyndale #TyndaleHouse #TyndalePublishers #CathyGohlke #ChristianFiction #Fiction #Historical #excellentbook #greatbook #fantasticbook #friendships #women #womenfriendships

This book is a dual time novel surrounding both world wars and events that happened in between. This is a hard book to read, not because of the dual time, but because of the depth of the plot lines. I am not saying it shouldn't be read, I am saying it takes concentration and contemplation and the reward is incredibly satisfying.

Ladies of the Lake
by Cathy Gohlke
Pub Date: July 11, 2023
Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
This is a historical novel about the wonder and complexity of friendship, love and belonging. I wanted to be a part of Ladies of the Lake. The bond these women shared was unbelievable and the caring for each other in hard times was enviable.
Written by a four-time Christy award–winning author!
Ideal for book clubs—contains helpful discussion questions at the end!
Perfect for fans of L. M. Montgomery, Louisa May Alcott, and Lauren Willig’s Band of Sisters.
5 stars

What a lovely dual time novel! The author does an outstanding job of taking the reader through the lives of the main characters. She meticulously shows the effects of holding on to hurts of the past, as well as how letting go and forgiveness can set one free. Taking this journey with the “Ladies of the Lake” is a treat. At certain points you’re starting to wonder how it will all fit together in the end. It’s a substantial book and as I was reading, I kept an eye on the percentage read and it went wonderfully slow. If you’re looking for a quick read, this is not it. If you’re looking for a heartfelt story with life lessons (we can all use) wrapped up in a beautiful setting of friendship, you’re going to love this book.

Many thanks to Tyndale House and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC. All opinions are my own.

Set in the early 1900s and the 1930s, an orphaned girl in finds herself at a boarding school, where she meets new life-long friends. As an adult, she is estranged from those friends, and trying to ignore the pleas of her daughter to come to her graduation at the same school. Interesting story, with a nod to Anne of Green Gables.

This book left me wanting to be part of the Ladies of the Lake. The bond that these four women shared was unbelievable and caring for each other amidst the hard times was enviable. My favorite characters were Portia, Stephen, Bertha and Bernadette.

Thanks so much to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own.

Ladies of the Lake tells the stories of Addie and Dot, two childhood friends whose lives were torn apart by jealousy, fear, and tragedy. Written in dual timelines that follow their childhood/young adulthood and their grown adulthood, the novel shows how friendships grow and change through life’s messiness. I don’t want to write much more than that and risk spoiling any plot elements of this truly beautiful story.

I was captivated, intrigued, heartbroken, and joy-filled while reading this novel. It was very well written with multifaceted characters and well executed story structures. I did guess correctly about where one of the storylines was headed, but the lack of surprise didn’t ruin anything for me. I also appreciated the faith themes woven throughout.

The childhood timeline made me feel seriously nostalgic for my own school years and youthful friendships, and the ending made me consider how grateful I am for the time and relationships by which I’ve been so deeply blessed.

The book certainly presented some mature themes (e.g., loss of parents, suicide, WWI, a fairly descriptive birth account), but there was no swearing or sex. I think it would be a good book for mature teenagers and adults alike.

Favorite quotes:

“I didn’t want to miss another moment of life. Moments were all too few, each one uncertain of the next.”

“He took my arm and my breath at the same time.”

Thank you to Tyndale House and NetGalley for the ARC!

Golden friendships often begin in childhood as it did for the four Ladies of the Lake: namely, Dot, Addie, Susannah and Ruth. They met at a girl's school and over the many years forged their friendship. The wear and tear on the relationships over the years put this bond to the test but would it sustain? The prejudices spawned during the tragedies of abuse, WW1, the Halifax Explosion and their aftermath all have major input in testing the tactile strength of those earlier alliances. Love, romance and faith in Christ also adorn this women's historical fiction that easily translates into relevant reality; at least, in my opinion. This has been another of those "all-nighter, page turner" sort of book for me. I'm super-satisfied with the selection. Certainly, a good one to reread and savor afresh many times over.

5 Stars from me!

~Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger~

February 2023

Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the complimentary review copy sent by NetGalley and the publisher.

I just finished this amazing story! I couldn't put it down until Addie told me all of her story.
I loved that it was told from her pov.
All I can say is wow! Golke has done a fantabulous job with this book!
Yes, I loved this book! Yes, I found myself looking up a certain event that happened in this novel and that tells me this author has done her research well.
Poor Addie! I'm .just flummoxed at all that she has endured. I loved her all the more for it..she's my favorite character.
My favorite thing is how the author shows us that we always will be a work in progress and that we are all God's children no matter what happens throughout our lives. Even though life changing events that we never expect like the one in this book.
I'm just so full of love for these characters! They became my friends too and I'm so glad that there are friendships like that although very rare that stick through time.
I laughed at the girls too. They proved that karma can come quick.
They delighted me throughout this novel.
Of my favorite thing Golke shows us that forgiveness is for peace among ourselves. Not the other person. But, I loved the outcome. Forgiveness isn't easy but even Jesus said that it wouldn't be and he's right!
My heart was left feeling full and satisfied.
This will be my favorite book from this author next to Promise Me This.
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
5 stars! I highly recommend!

Thank you to Tyndale House Publishing and Net Galley for the chance to read and review this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
This book is fantastic! It is a dual timeline story. The first timeline takes place in 1910 when four young girls meet at Lakeside Lady's Academy and become fast friends. Adelaide, Dorothy, Susannah and Ruth call themselves The Ladies of the Lake and promise to always be there for each other. The second timeline takes place in 1935. Even though the friends have promised to stick together, tragedy and WWI has put a great strain on their friendship. This is the heartwarming story of how these friends learn to forgive and reunite. Such a great story! It is very well-written with likeable characters, by a great author! Highly recommend!.