I wish I could give this book more than 5 stars! And I am not usually very generous with my stars…so that says a lot!
Also, this book brings out all the feels. Found myself tearing up multiple times…both for sadness and regret, as well as for love and peace and family and friendship. So…happy tears too!
This is historical fiction with a dual timeline of 1917 and 1935.
Adelaide MacNeill is a young girl living on Prince Edward Island who has lost everything. Her older half-brother decides to send her away to an all girls academy in CT. She does NOT want to go…but has to. It ends up being the best move of her life.
There, she meets her best friends…Susannah, Dorothy and Ruth and they name themselves ‘The Ladies of the Lake’ … as they are attending the prestigious Lakeside Ladies Academy.
They vow to be friends forever and meet up every year at the gazebo to catch up….but that was before.
Before the war.
Before two of them fell in love with the same boy.
Before their lives were changed forever by all that happened…
Now life goes on, but in a very different way for many of them. There are many secrets surrounding this clan…and if some of them come out, well, their lives may never be the same.
But … what if ????
Fast forward to 1935, and Rosaline Murray’s daughter, Bernadette, is graduating from the esteemed academy.
And she is the valedictorian! But Rosaline does not want to attend.
Dorothy is now the headmaster and cannot understand why she won’t come…
And this is when the magic begins…
Loved ALL the characters, and how they all fit together to make up this puzzle!
And, I LOVED the epilogue! Brought so much closure to this beautiful story!
Look for it soon as the release date is July 11th!
Thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ARC of the audiobook.
5+ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for me!
Ladies of the Lake by Cathy Gohlke.

What a sweet story with snippets of Anne of Green Gables peppered throughout. I enjoyed the setting and backdrop of the war. This book is wholesome, sweet and has strong themes of forgiveness and friendship. It was a bit repetitive and could have been shorter, but I enjoyed my time with these ladies.

I really enjoyed this book. I didn't enjoy the retelling of the story several times throughout the story.
I was nervous about keeping the four women straight, but it was easy to know who was who.

Let me just say I thought this was going to be a fun yeah mystery but OMG if this wasn’t the best bona fide thriller! When Addie’s parents died she was to go live with her brother Lamuel who quickly sent her to the ladies of the lake boarding school in Connecticut it was Basley different from her Canadian island home soon after arrival meet instant friends with Ruth Dorothy and Susanna. They were all different Ruth was glamorous and told it like it was, Susanna was southern a delicate flower who didn’t talk much and Dorothy was a hometown girl they would all become young ladies at the school and become blood sisters at their favorite spot the gazebo. The story is about mainly Dorothy and Addie however they both fell in love with Steve a hometown boy who also happens to be German at a time before World War I were things like that were important his family was ostracized but that didn’t stop Dorothy and Addie from loving not only him but his family as well. Unfortunately Addie had to go back to Halifax to await the birth of her niece The night before she left Steve met her at the gazebo at midnight and said he would meet her on 2 December and he had an important question to ask her. She agreed to meet him at the Halifax Gardens but he never arrived and she would spend the next 17 years mourning the loss of him. This is just one thread of a multithreaded plot with many moving parts that culminate in one beautiful happy ending an OMG I love that at times you dislike some of the characters but then you will come to understand them and totally root for them as well. This is a wonderful book narrated by Stephanie Richardson who does a phenomenal job and has a great talent for multi boys books I cannot recommend this book enough this is a total five star read in one I know I will probably listen to again in the future. If you were looking for an epic Christian Thriller with historical events that are accurate such as the Halifax bombing then you definitely need to read the ladies of the lake, you will not be disappointed. I want to thank dreamscape media and NetGalley for my arc copy please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

I must admit, this book took me quite a while to get into. I'm not sure if this was the story itself--- it being a dual timeline with many characters to keep track of, which can often be harder for me to connect with anyway... or if it was because I was listening to the audiobook version, which is not my usual or preferred way to enjoy books typically.... most likely, it was a bit of a combination of the two.

Despite the slow start though, once I got into the story, I absolutely adored it! This was such a beautiful story about friendship and forgiveness.... mixed with great pieces of history and even a love story too. It spanned the course of many years, jumping back and forth between the time the Ladies were children at the school to their adulthood. It had many heartbreaking moments, but also many filled with hope. All of it kept me wanting to read (or listen) on to see what was going to happen next and how it would all end. While quite different from what I have been reading lately, I found it to be a really wonderful story.

If you enjoy historical fiction, this is certainly one to check out.

As mentioned, I listened to the audiobook version of this one. I've only listened to a handful of audiobooks in the past, so I don't have a ton of reference to compare it too... but I definitely thought the narrator did a wonderful job of bringing this story to life. She was enjoyable to listen to and easy to understand. While this still isn't my preferred way to enjoy a book (I find I get distracted more easily), I really enjoyed this one nonetheless.

**I received a complimentary copy for consideration. All opinions are my own.

Farmington, CT 1905-1935

Lovely tale centered around four friends that meet at boarding school. Their backgrounds are diverse and the bonds they form are strong. And then there is dissension...dissension because Adelaide and Dorothy are in love with the same young man. Layered on top of that are the ill feelings of many against German Americans. The young man both are in love with, Stephen, was born in America to parents that immigrated from Germany. The Meier family is loyal to America but that matters little to the residents of Farmington and provides a way for Dorothy to insert a wedge between Stephen and Adelaide. Stephen loves Adelaide and Dorothy is willing to go to extreme measures to keep them apart.

The novel is told from two separate timelines that converge at the end. In the second timeline, Adelaide and Dorothy are 20 years older. Both have made life altering choices. Will happiness and forgiveness be possible?

Engaging story line that held my interest from beginning to end. The end was a pleasant surprise.

Without giving away any details or spoilers I really need to read the book. I apparently missed some very important clues. Other than that this book was so well written and narrated. So many misconceptions and misinformation. The story was exceptionally woven. An emotional and very satisfying read!

"Ladies of the Lake" is an enthralling novel that takes readers on a journey through the lives of four remarkable women, bound together by secrets, betrayal, and a shared love for the idyllic lake that serves as their refuge.
The strength of "Ladies of the Lake" lies in its compelling character development and intricate plot. Each woman's story is skillfully interwoven with the others, creating a web of interconnectedness that keeps readers guessing and turning the pages. The author delves deep into the internal struggles and desires of the protagonists, exploring themes of love, loyalty, and the consequences of one's choices. The narrative is layered with suspense and surprises, ensuring that readers remain engaged and invested until the very end.

Overall, "Ladies of the Lake" is a gripping and thought-provoking novel that effortlessly combines elements of mystery, romance, and drama. With its evocative prose and well-drawn characters, it is a book that will appeal to fans of contemporary fiction and those who appreciate stories with depth and emotional resonance. Whether you're looking for a book to transport you to a tranquil lakeside retreat or seeking a compelling tale of secrets and redemption, "Ladies of the Lake" is sure to satisfy.

I just feel bad that World War II looms in their fictional futures.

Epic, emotional, #historicalfiction #christianbook #ladiesofthelake by #cathygohlke read by #stephanierichardson #halifaxexplosion #wwI #boardingschool #connecticut #sisterhood #reunions Thanks to #NetGalley & @dreamscape_media for the #eaudioARC

After losing her parents in a tragic accident, Adalaide Macneal is sent to Lakeside Ladies Academy. Shortly after her arrival she meets Dorothy and the two quickly become best friends. Along with two other girls, they become the Ladies of the Lake and vow to be there for one another no matter where life takes them. But that was before Adalaide and Dorothy fell in love with the same man and WWI turned all of their lives upside down. Seventeen years later, Adalaide is presumed dead and Dorothy is the headmistress of Lakeside Academy. When Dorothy calls a parent to invite them to graduation she sets off a series of events that will open old wounds but might also lead to healing.

The Ladies Of The Lake is a heartfelt and uplifting story about friendship, love, and belonging. The story features a dual timeline and is told from the alternating points of view of Adelaide and Dorothy. Both women face many obstacles but I enjoyed seeing them work through them and redeem themselves from the mistakes of their past. This story is very uplifting and hopeful but there were still elements of the story that created a high level of suspense. I had so many questions and was racing to the end to find the answers. This novel is propulsive and engaging while providing a thoughtful commentary on friendship, love, and faith.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Love love loved this audiobook. Great story of friendships and the bonds women share.
Written well and narrated well. Amazing book.

Heartfelt and deeply touching, the ladies of the lake is a beautiful tribute to forgiveness, growth, friendship, and true love. It follows two of four close women who were childhood friends, who’ve grown into very different women. It’s has dual timelines, and it’s a really interesting story. I had the pleasure of listening on audio, and the narrator was great, I was able to differentiate the voices of the characters, and enjoyed the story more for her narration. Very well done.

Anne Shirley fans - her spirit, the locations, the friendships, the dramas: this book is a good fit for you. Gohlke must love her too. Ladies of the Lake is the story of four kindred spirits - Addie, Dot, Ruth, and Susannah (I listened if I got the spellings wrong!) After Addie is orphaned at a young age, her half brother Lemuel packs her off the boarding school - where she and the other girls become fast friends, standing against the mean brood of older girls and working through the highs and lows of maturing into young ladies in the early 1900s. We learn their story through the adult voices of Addie (now Rosaline) and Dot. We know that with the backdrop of WWI and the Halifax explosion looming along with the jealousy that comes with young love, some tragedy has destroyed the bond shared by the girls. We yearn for some resolution for them because Gohlke has created characters and a world with whom we quickly fall in love.
Not because they are so classically lovable, but because they are so complex. Faced with difficult decisions, Addie and Dot both disappoint the reader on occasion. Gohlke portrays their humanity so effectively that we find ourselves hurting with them and rooting for them. Stephanie Richardson captures their spirits in such a lovely way contributing to their relatability. She also evokes that spirit of Anne Shirley in her performance - just reminding me of the many Annes whom I have loved over the years. L.M. Montgomery is featured as a correspondent to budding writer Addie.
If, like me, you love Montgomery’s characters you will want to get to know Addie and Dot and their friends.
I have been lucky enough to visit both Prince Edward Island - where I did all of the Anne of Green Gables and L.M. Montgomery sites and Halifax where I learned of the explosion at the museums there. Gohlke is faithful to the spirit and history of these locations. If you love history and setting, you will want to dive into this book. If you have lived long enough to appreciate the intricacies of maintaining friendships over time, you will want to walk through the journey of these four friends with them. The lessons of both friendship and faith are beautifully rendered. I am inspired to value my friendships more intensely and to respect my faith more fully.

This is an ARC review courtesy of Netgalley and Tyndale Publishing.
Audio book format. 10 Hrs.
When she is forced to leave her beloved Prince Edward Island to attend Lakeside Ladies Academy after the death of her parents, the last thing Adelaide Rose MacNeill expects to find is three kindred spirits. The "Ladies of the Lake," as the four girls call themselves, quickly bond like sisters, vowing that wherever life takes them, they will always be there for each other.
Life, however takes over. We hear how Adelaide's and Dorothy's friendship becomes strained due to jealous the two closest of the girls.
WW1 changes their world and suspicion is aroused on the man they both love, a German American.
An explosion in Halifax drives these friends apart.
17 years later they meet again.
This is a beautiful book about friendship, love, joy and hope.
The narration was superb, the narrator really drew me into this book and I couldn't stop listening to it.
The author captures perfectly the era passed and shows us what life was like. Truly nostalgic. The characters are all likeable and extremely well defined. I really felt a pull towards all of them.
I've never visited the places in this book, however now I feel inspired on my next UK visit.
Looking forward to reading more books by this author.
Kerry Kennedy Author

The story of four girls who grew up as the best of friends. But it is also a heart-wrenching story with layers upon layers of grief. Despite everything though, there is also hope. I don’t want to give any spoilers, but it is a book to read or listen to the end! It also has several connections to Anne of Green Gables which was really sweet!

I am impressed with this heartfelt story of Friendship, Love, and Loss.
A young girl lost and without direction arrives to a new country scared and alone. She quickly formed a lifelong bond with 3 other young women. As the early 1900s unfold with tragedy and loss each woman needs to forge ahead.
Set during the depression WWI-WWII. One of the Ladies of the Lake has fallen to great tragedy.
As the story unfolds each girl now women actions play a part in a lifelong secret. Deception, lies, death, all while the world is torn apart by war.
I highly recommend this book to anyone that likes Contemporary or Historical Fiction and Romance. I listened to the audiobook version of this book. I was so deep into this book I barely noticed it was being read to me. The narration was amazing. If you love books that take you to another place and time, feel the emotions of each character, and unpredictable. This is for you. 5 stars are not enough!

This was a pleasant surprise! I wasn’t sure what to expect from this novel but I will be looking into Gohlke’s many other books.

Upon the educational success that is Bernadette, we delve into the life of her teacher, Dorothy, her own history at their school and how she connects to her student, Bernadette.

I was engulfed in the camaraderie shown when looking back at young Dorothy’s School days with Addie and 2 other close girlfriends. I was shocked to find how their own secrets led some of them down a complicated path that would be difficult to step out of. Gohlke gives a Christian perspective of forgiveness and provides a historically background-something I personally love. This was a win for me!

GREAT JUST GREAT!! WHAT A BOOK THIS IS!! I’m amazed!! The story, the characters, the balance between the different time zone all sew so perfectly written! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!! 5 stars
Also I loved the narration! It made the story more real ❤️

One thing I felt that I should mention even though I gave it 5 stars is that I would loved it more if the ladies of the lake were mentioned more. The story soon narrowed to two of the characters only leaving the other two girls.

5 stars doesn't seem like enough! This is now on my favorites list. Beautiful story, wonderfully written, and the narrator of the audiobook was INCREDIBLE. Cathy Gohlke is now on my favorite authors list! Her detail in each character and their backstory, and the storyline... Gah. Beautiful! I loved every single character and was shocked at the twist towards the end. My jaw hit the floor and I squeezed. I didn't want it to end and I struggled to push pause! I will most definitely be purchasing the physical copy of this and plan to encourage all of my family and friends to read this!

What an absolute treasure this book was. I don’t even know what part might have been the best. I was entranced with all aspects of this story and the author had me crying my eyes o it multiple times. I fully expect this to be a top 10 read of 2023 for me.

Thank you so much to netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read and review this book. All opinions are my own.