Category: Contemporary Fiction

Title: Lakehouse Secrets
Author: Jodi Allen Brice
Series: Laurel Cove #2
Location: Hopeton
Main Character: Hannah
Other Characters: Carolina. Alex, Albert, Terri, Fred, Gregory, Betty
Pets: Phoenix
Rating: 5

Jodi Allen Brice’s Lakehouse Secrets is a captivating mix of heartfelt storytelling and suspense that keeps readers engaged from beginning to end. The story centers on Hannah Reece, who is navigating her first Christmas without her late husband, James. Her world is turned upside down when she receives an anonymous letter accusing him of embezzlement.

Brice’s writing shines as she crafts a tale of mystery, friendship, and self-discovery. Hannah’s determination to uncover the truth, aided by her friend Carolina, is both inspiring and relatable. I admire Hannah’s determination to uncover the truth while also wanting to safeguard her grown children’s memories of their father. Hannah is both relatable and refreshingly honest, and her emotional journey is as captivating as the mystery she uncovers.

 The small-town setting of Laurel Cove provides a cozy yet intriguing backdrop, making the story immersive and vivid.

The themes of resilience, courage, and complex relationships are beautifully explored, leaving readers with a sense of hope and admiration for the characters. Brice’s skill in balancing emotional depth with a gripping plot makes Lakehouse Secrets a standout read.

This is ideal for fans of second chances, and heartwarming stories infused with a touch of intrigue. I couldn’t put it down, and I’m eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series!

If you’ve read this book, please share your thoughts in the comments.

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Happy Reading!

Title: Lakehouse Promises
Author: Jodi Allen Brice
Series: Laurel Cove #1
Location:  Hopeton
Main Character: Carolina
Other Characters: Thomas, Beatrice, Janice, Chris, Lydia, Kylie, Rebecca, Jennifer, Getty
Pets: Phoenix
Rating: 5

“Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you and pray for those who mistreat you and persecute you. ~Matthew 5:44

I was engrossed by this book from the very start. Carolina’s ex-husband infuriated me with his treatment of her, and then her ex-mother-in-law entered the scene, intensifying my anger. I couldn’t put the book down, eager to see what would happen next and how Carolina would navigate the challenges thrown her way.

Jodi Allen Brice’s Lakehouse Promises is a beautifully crafted story that captures the essence of starting over and discovering strength in adversity. The protagonist, Carolina Johnson, is both relatable and inspiring as she faces the challenges of rebuilding her life following a devastating betrayal.

Carolina faces her greatest challenge when she discovers that her husband is having an affair with a woman nearly half his age, who is also pregnant. The situation becomes even more painful when she realizes that her so-called friends were already aware of this and chose not to tell her. In her forties, she is having to start over. She receives the Lakehouse as part of the divorce, prompting her move there to start fresh. With minimal funds and having not worked in nearly 20 years, she now faces the challenge of finding a job. To complicate things further, the Lakehouse is uninhabitable, so she must find a way to transform it into a home.

I admire Carolina’s resilience and determination. She works tirelessly to overcome obstacles and seeks to make her life meaningful. As she builds friendships in her new hometown, she discovers the true essence of friendship.

Laurel Cove provides a cozy and picturesque backdrop for Carolina’s journey, immersing readers in the charm of small-town life. The characters, including Carolina’s difficult neighbor and her outrageously rude former mother-in-law, are vividly portrayed, adding depth to the narrative.

Brice’s storytelling excels as she delves into themes of resilience, self-discovery, and the necessity of releasing bitterness to embrace happiness. The emotional depth and relatable challenges make this book essential for anyone who enjoys tales of second chances and personal growth.

This story is about starting over, overcoming obstacles and learning the true meaning of friendship. If you enjoy heartfelt contemporary fiction that explores themes of starting over and self-discovery, I highly recommend this uplifting story of transformation.

My favorite quotes from the book:

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” ~Phillipians 4:6

“Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you and pray for those who mistreat you and persecute you. ~Matthew 5:44 ”

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” ~James 1:5

Happy Reading!