Actually 2.5 stars
At the young age of eleven, Adelaide MacNeill is distraught to leave her beloved Prince Edward Island and go to a school in Connecticut named Lakeside Ladies Academy. She quickly befriends a girl named Dorothy at the academy, who quickly heals her homesickness. However, their friendship is tested when they both love a German American man. When an explosion erupts in Halifax Harbor, Adelaide cuts off her friendship with Dorothy and forges a new name of Rosalina Murray. One day, Rosalind receives a phone call from Dorothy inviting her to attend the Lakeside Academy’s graduation. This makes Roseline ponder her life and identity.

This story is told from Adelaide’s perspective. I could not connect with her. She was very selfish and childish. She never grew up in the novel. I also did not like some of her actions. Some of them were ruthless. I also did not believe her friendship with Dorothy was deep as the novel tried hard to portray. Their friendship was broken because of their love for another man. This proved to me that their friendship was never strong to begin with. If it was, then a man would not have gotten in the way of their friendship. Therefore, I was not invested in Adelaide or her friendship with Dorothy.

Overall, this novel is about forgiveness, sisterhood, and identity. The message of this book is to forgive those who have done you wrong. I did not care for the characters, and they seemed very flat, especially Dorothy. Dorothy was childish, and I could not relate to her. I detested the love triangle and thought it was very silly. The love interest had no personality or depth. I did like the writing style of this book. However, it was filled with unnecessary drama. I do recommend this novel for fans of Melanie Dobson, Kristy Cambron, and Susan Meissner. Still, Ladies of the Lake is a forgettable novel with insufferable characters. I did like the narrator. She did a wonderful job! However, she could not save the story.

Ladies of the Lake is a beautifully written, multi-layered historical novel that completely captivated me from the first page. Cathy Gohlke masterfully weaves together a story of friendship, loss, resilience, and redemption, all set against the backdrop of the early 20th century.

The bond between the women in this book was powerful and deeply moving. Their journeys—both individual and collective—were filled with heartache and hope, and I found myself fully invested in their struggles and triumphs. The way the story unfolds, shifting between past and present, kept me completely engaged, and I loved the rich historical detail that brought the setting to life.

Gohlke’s storytelling shines in how she crafts characters with real depth—flawed, strong, and incredibly human. The themes of faith, courage, and the enduring power of friendship resonated deeply with me. This is the kind of novel that lingers in your heart long after you’ve turned the last page.

A compelling and beautifully written story, Ladies of the Lake is perfect for readers who love historical fiction that delves into the complexities of relationships and the power of second chances. Highly recommend!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book. All opinions are my own.

A Beautiful, Heartfelt Journey – 5 Stars

*Cathy Gohlke’s* *Ladies of the Lake* is an absolutely stunning historical novel that captivated me from the first page. Set against the backdrop of World War I, this book is a rich tapestry of friendship, love, betrayal, and the enduring bonds that can form between women. From the emotional depth to the unforgettable characters, I couldn’t put it down.

The story revolves around Adelaide Rose MacNeill, who, after the death of her parents, is sent to Lakeside Ladies Academy where she forms an inseparable bond with three other girls – the "Ladies of the Lake." The friendship that blossoms between these young women is both beautiful and heartbreaking, and Gohlke perfectly captures the complexities of their relationships, full of love, jealousy, and rivalry. The deep connection between Adelaide and Dorothy, in particular, is so poignant, and I found myself rooting for them, even as life and war conspire to tear them apart.

The narrative shifts between Adelaide’s past and Rosaline Murray’s present, seventeen years later, as she is pulled back into the past after receiving an unexpected call from Dorothy. Rosaline's journey is one of painful reflection, regret, and the slow process of healing, and I was drawn in by her emotional journey. The events surrounding World War I and the Halifax Explosion are skillfully woven into the plot, adding both historical depth and personal weight to the characters’ stories.

Gohlke’s writing is beautifully evocative, and she crafts a compelling and immersive world where the characters' experiences are raw, honest, and deeply human. I was particularly moved by the way the author explores themes of love and loss, and the way friendships are tested by time and circumstance. This is a story about how our choices define us and the lasting impact those we love can have on our lives.

The audiobook, narrated by *Stephanie Richardson*, was exceptional. Her voice brought each character to life with such nuance, and I found myself completely absorbed in the story. She captured the emotional undercurrents of the plot beautifully, making each twist and turn feel even more poignant.

*Ladies of the Lake* is the kind of book that stays with you long after you’ve finished it. It’s a powerful reminder of the complexities of friendship, the enduring strength of women, and the healing that can come with reconciliation. A perfect read for anyone who loves historical fiction, deep emotional journeys, and unforgettable characters. I can’t recommend it enough – an absolute five-star read.

Beautifully descriptive and stunning story of friendship and perseverance. The narrator helps bring this already incredible story to a richer depth that held me from beginning to end. The characters are all wonderfully developed and it's easy to connect with them through the shared experience of love and loss. Another heartwarming story that will have you laughing and maybe even crying as you discover the depth of friendship and secrets.

This story is brilliant, without the narration. But when added, it brings a whole dimension to the enjoyment, that you had no idea was missing.

My Rating 3.5 stars
(Listened to a finished audiobook copy)
Ladies of the Lake follows several different characters from the time they are in school, till they have become old women. Our main characters are Adelaide and Dorothy, who are very different people but become the best of friends for a period of time. The Ladies of the Lake was formed when four friends met at a boarding school, and supported and were there for one another in a way no one else was during the most important formative years. Adelaide and Dorothy continued to work at the boarding school after graduating and they met two young men who up until WWI started seemed like it was going to end perfectly. But with the start of WWI, rules changing, and people's opinions towards the men they love heritage things get tense at times, and tragedy strikes one of our main characters causing them to not see one another for a long time.


Overall I did enjoy this book, but I did struggle with it at times due to some of the choices the characters were making. Adelaide while I understand why she did what she did in order to protect someone she loved, also made it so other people who loved her thought that she was dead causing them a lot of heartache as well. As for Dorothy I really struggled with her character and went back and forth between liking her or not liking her and at times just plain being exasperated with her because of the choices she was making. The setting behind the time a little before WWI started and going through the start of the great depression was interesting and I enjoyed seeing a different time period in historical fiction for a change.

I think if you like saga's and seeing characters go through different stages of life then this book is for you.


The audio narrator was good. However, at times I did struggle to tell if Adelaide or Dorothy was talking because of how every few chapters we switched pov's.

This is an emotional book about four friends that form a bond while studying at a ladies boarding school in the early 1900’s. The story mainly follows Addie and Dot.
Buried secrets, lies, and chances ruined by jealousy and a war torn world shape the lives of the main characters, leaving them broken physically, spiritually, and emotionally.
Cathy Gohlke weaves a story of forgiveness and heart with such beauty. If you enjoy historical fiction, multiple POVs and timelines then, this book will give you all the feels.

This book was fantastic! I've read several other books by this author, liked them all, but this one is my favorite. Four girls, going to Lakeside Ladies Academy, became fast friends and vow to keep their friendship alive. All for one, one for all. This is friendship that will stand the test of time.

Many thanks to Net Galley and Dreamscape Media for an audio copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed listening to the Ladies of the Lake. It is just what I would expect from Cathy Gohlke. The performance was performance.

Adelaide Rose MacNeill is happily living on Prince Edward Island when her parents are killed and she becomes an orphan. Her brother, who is also her guardian, sends her away to Connecticut to attend the Lakeside Ladies Academy. There she meets three other kindred souls, Dorothy (Dot), Ruth and Susannah. They called themselves "The Ladies of the Lake". They matured and came of age as best friends. When WW1 breaks out there are problems that begin to break the group up based on political beliefs. The last straw is when a young man comes between Dot and Addie. Addie goes home to stay with her brother in Halifax, Nova Scotia and when the Halifax Explosion occurs, it changes her life. Fast forward many years and Addie, now Rosaline Murray's daughter is about to graduate from the Lakeside Ladies Academy. She has been selected valedictorian, but Rosaline can't go without revealing who she really is. Dot is now the head mistress and thinks Addie died in the explosion. The story shared what happened in the past and how it has affected all of their lives in the future.

Ladies of the Lake is the story of a friendship between four girls who meet at boarding school. They loved one another and supported each other through homesickness, loneliness, bullying, and all the trials that adolescent girls endure. Dot was local and her neighbors, the Muellers become a surrogate family for Addie. Their two sons were the love interests of Addie and Dorothy, sometimes the same one at the same time. Their story was a sad one, being German American when WW1 broke out was dangerous. Adelaide's secret of still being a live and being a famous author was an interesting storyline and I kept wondering if and when she would let anyone know the truth. With actual events in the story (Halifax Explosion, Internment of German Americans, Depression) shaping a lot of the events and decisions, I was invested in the whole story. The was a story of friendship, and all the things that happen when a group of close friends get older, attractions cause problems, secrets are kept and eventually reconciliation. It is also the story of how tragedies shape our lives and how strong and resilient the human spirit is. With a strong and interesting plot, complex and interesting characters, and lifelong friendships I don't hesitate to recommend Ladies of the Lake. Stephanie Richardson does a wonderful job with the narration. With numerous characters having voices of different accents, genders and age she used her voice, tone and expression to make this story enjoyable.

I want to thank Netgalley and the author for gifting me the audio version.
The narrator did a great job. This book was very enjoyable and I couldn't put it down. The cover is beautiful also. If you are looking for a good easy read female friendship novel you will like this one.

My only complaint here is that this book was long! A great read, perfect for those who enjoy Anne Of Green Gables and other such works. A truly heartfelt story!

There is a lot to love about this book about female friendships over the course of a lifetime. I liked the time period and the setting. I liked the connection to Lucy Maud Montgomery and the Anne of Green Gables series. The writing was beautiful.

The reason I am giving this one 3 stars is that I didn't love how much of the plot revolved around lies, deceit, and miscommunication.

Thank you to Netgalley and Dreamscape for the early audio copy of this book! All opinions expressed are my own.

This back and forth, what is happening/happened vibe, reminded me of a Kate Morton novel, but with faith and an overarching theme of redemption. It was a beautiful story. I will say that the first half of the book moved slowly, and I could easily have done without 2 hours worth of the aduiobook and still felt the story moving along. I saw the first major plot twist coming, but I was surprised by the final one at the end...the one that made this book sing to me. A good book leaves you wanting to hug the author, and this one did that for me. Beautiful.

I consider myself a fan of author Cathy Gohlke's work since reading her books Saving Amelie and Secrets She Kept. This story features a different historical time period (WWI), and different themes, but a similarly thought provoking storyline and depth of characterization. I enjoyed watching the girls' friendship develop and change over the course of the book, as well as the way unexpected details were revealed. I expect this title would make a good pick for book clubs, with interesting discussion questions available at the end of the print book, as well as on the author's website. The narrator for the audiobook does a great job portraying the voices and the emotion of the story. Highly recommended.

Thank you to Dreamscape Media for providing a complimentary copy of the audiobook via NetGalley for review purposes.

I loved this book! It may have been my favorite read of the year. I typically do not read historical fiction, but this book grabbed my attention since I’m a lake girl. Then when I stared listening to it, I found out it took place in my home state of Connecticut and I was even more interested. In the beginning of the book, we find out that Rosaline Murray has been asked to attend her daughter’s graduation at the Lakeside Ladies Academy, but she refuses to go, but why? This is a story about love, friendships, jealousy, and betrayal that is set in the 1900’s, at the start of World War I. It touches on how Germans dealt with prejudice and harassment and the effects, struggles, and tragedies of war and how it impacts innocent civilians and soldiers. I couldn’t stop listening to this book! There were two secrets that changed the lives of the friends, and I just had to know what happened. All of the characters were likable, with the exception of Dot, who was an evil conniving woman, which of course, kept the book very interesting. This book also has a bit of a mystery and suspense element to it, and is just all around a good read. The narrator was great, and I really enjoyed listening to this on audio!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to Dreamscape Media and @NetGalley for an advanced copy of another GREAT book!

All for one and one for all: that’s the spirit of who and what they are. The Ladies of the Lake will always stand for one another, no matter what, come what may. Sisters to the last, they vow to meet back at their boarding school gazebo every two years to renew and repledge their sisterhood. The four girls raise their voices as one to the heavens and sign their pledge in blood from pricked fingers…never imagining one of them would pull back her hand.

As Adelaide reflects, friendship is a most precious and delicate thing–a rare gift that must be handled with integrity and care, nurtured throughout a lifetime if it is to flourish; she has experienced the value–and the loss–of such a gift.

Shame. Remorse. Self-pity. Anger. Hatred. Jealousy. Love unrequited. And the foreign delicacy of forgiveness. They’re in this hole together and together they determine to climb out. That’s where freedom is born. It’s easy to let the past remain in the past, to go forward in some stilted way, not a word spoken of all that wedged its way into their sisterhood. But in so doing, they drift away from one another, persuade themselves that little slights and hurts don’t matter, to pretend they don’t need to address them because they’ve “overcome” the most tumultuous rift in their lives, in their relationships. That would be a shame greater than allowing the seventeen year time difference through which the story is narrated, because now they know better and are determined to mend the bullying of their past to forge a friendship as iron sharpeneth iron.

Children grow up and move on with their lives. Husbands become busy with their work. But women need friends, real, true friends, and as women, we’re the best we’ve got. While shedding light on the Halifax explosion and the prejudice and internment experienced by German American citizens during WWI, Ladies of the Lake also pays tribute to the happy memories of growing up years and the gift of dear friendships formed throughout life. Pairs well with melt-in-your-mouth scones–cherry almond, currant, blueberry lemon–homemade butter, jam, lavender honey, and tea, of course, in a rosebud china cup.

Rosaline Murray is asked to attend her daughter's (Bernadette) boarding school graduation in 1935. In the open pages, she cannot fathom attending and risks breaking her daughter's heart. This book also follows the story of Addie McNeal whose parents die in a storm on a boat while on a regular day's errands. Addie's older brother, Lemuel McNeal becomes her guardian. Like Bernadette, Addie is also sent to boarding school around 1914.
Lakeside Ladies Academy becomes the lifeline for Addie. She is essentially a stranger to her considerably older brother, so the tie there is weak. But, the friends she makes at the academy are friends of the heart: Dot, Ruth and Susannah.
Following the stories of Rosaline and Addie, the readers are transported to pre-war WWI and then to the Depression. We learn about the Halifax explosion of 1917, too, and its impact on Roseline.

NOTE: This was my first audiobook from NetGalley. With their app, it played perfectly. Thanks to Tyndale House for providing me an ARC in exchange for a review in my own words.

I struggled with this book even though it was an audiobook which is normally very quicker to finish. By the 40% mark the story became a bit one dimensional and boring. I might read the print version of the book just to see if I did miss out on something since the book has received very positive reviews but I really struggled with the audiobook version.

Ladies of the Lake begins in 1935, with the headmistress of Lakeside Ladies Academy in Connecticut calls to personally invite Mrs. Murray to her daughter’s graduation, even though it is over 800 miles away. Mrs. Murray refuses, and that is the first big question: why?

The story then skips back to 1905, when twelve-year-old Adelaide MacNeill’s parents drown, her older half-brother sends her away from her beloved Prince Edward Island and sends her to the Lakeside. There she is befriended by Dorothy, Ruth, and Susannah, and they refer to themselves as Ladies of the Lake.

The story flip-flops between Adelaide’s growing-up years at Lakeside and the present, where she continues to refuse to travel to the USA. We see her graduate, start work … and fall in love with the same man as Dorothy, her best friend. A man who happens to be a German-American in World War I … yes, there is every indication this isn’t going to end well.

The mystery unfolds as we move further into the novel, particularly as the past story comes closer and closer to the present. There was plenty of tension as I wondered when the present characters would work out what the listener has known from the beginning: that Adelaide is alive. But there were also a couple of unexpected twists, one that was revealed close to the end, providing the piece de resistance to an already excellent story.

The narrator did an excellent job. The first few minutes felt a little stilted, as the story opened with a letter. But once she got into the regular dialogue and action of the novel, the narration moved smoothly. I was particularly impressed with her ability to portray the different voices–child, teen, and adult, male and female.

I’m not always a fan of audiobooks, mostly because they feel slow—I can read a novel in half the time it takes to listen to the audiobook (and I can’t take the audiobook reading speed much past 1.25 times or I start literally losing the plot). But Ladies of the Lake had plenty of mysteries and secrets to keep me engaged and did a masterful job of unravelling the secrets at the perfect pace to keep me engaged and listening.

Of course, the one weakness of audiobooks is that I can’t underline and share any of the great writing or lines I found particularly meaningful. You’ll just have to trust me: there were many.

Recommended for historical fiction fans, particularly Anne of Green Gables fans. Thanks to NetGalley for providing a free audiobook for review.