Dream Lake (2012) (edit title/settings)

• Rated 5 stars

“This was a fast read, and a sweet story about a ghost, a man, a woman and memories. I loved it.”

• Rated 4 stars

“I listened to the book on CD and I have to agree with another review that I read here. The narrator was a terrible choice for this book. Still the book was touching and enjoyable. I can't wait for Justine's book! And am I the only one who thinks Dwayne the biker should get a book too? :)”

• Rated 4 stars

“Pretty good, and I just recentlly read Rainshadow Road - same chareacters, for the most part. Good, but not great. ”

• Rated 5 stars

“Alex and Zoe”

• Rated 4 stars

“I had mixed feelings about this story. It started out pretty slow but I liked how it dealt with dementia. I didn't care for the hero or the progression of the romance. His dry out and shadow never felt believable. Baker Zoe hires construction worker Alex to restore her house but she is concerned about his drinking too much.”

• Rated 4 stars

“Another great book by Lisa Kleypas. She never disappoints.”

• Rated 5 stars

“To this date, I have read each and every one of Lisa Kleypas's books. And granted, there are books that I prefer more than others, books that are stronger in plot and characterisation than others, but still...I have yet to find a book that I do not like.

Dream Lake is no exception. For some reason, this entire series has been a favourite of mine. Perhaps it isn't her best writing or her best work, but I personally loved their uniqueness. The magical touch she added, with a hint of fantasy and otherworldly characters made for a very endearing story. I might've said this before when I reviewed Rainshadow Road, but her new style reminds of Cecelia Ahern's books, who is one of my favourite authors as well.

Alex Nolan is a broken man, an alcoholic, one who has hit rock-bottom and didn't know it yet. Whereas, Zoe is the complete opposite. She's a breath of fresh air. Successful in her business, loving, open, honest, and so very caring. However, they both shared a divorce in common, and a broken family background. Lucky for Zoe though, she had her grandmother Emma to take care of her and raise her when her father and mother both bailed on her. Alex had his brothers and sister, but no one was able to salvage the damage that had already been done by their parents.

Zoe is a spectacular cook, and Alex is an incredible carpenter. Circumstances lead them to each other, and from there all hell breaks loose. Magic's in the air, sparks are flying everywhere, and the impossible is about to happen.

There's more though. The bizarre, otherworldly factor enters when a ghost haunts Alex. A ghost who apparently has a connection with Zoe. In fact, the story begins with the ghost narrating the events. In my review of Rainshadow Road I said the excerpt of Dream Lake reminded me of A Christmas Carol what with the ghost hovering and helping Alex become a better person, and it was kind of true. However, it also reminded me of Ghost - the movie. Especially with the whole ghost love story happening simultaneously.

This is a wonderful book, and once again - for me - Lisa Kleypas delivers. I cannot wait for the next installment. ”

• Rated 4 stars

“Great book - series”

• Rated 3 stars

“Zoe is a very attractive and talented baker, who's had a hard time with guys and is very wary. Alex is an arrogant, aggressive guy who drinks too much. Alex is also a talented builder, and is employed to work on an old cottage which Zoe and her elderly grandmother are going to move into. Perhaps predictably, there's a very strong attraction between Alex and Zoe, despite their apparent unsuitability.

Emma, the grandmother, is a very nicely done character... and I should also mention the Ghost, who appears right at the beginning of the story. He is confused about his past, and gradually discovers who he is, through the course of the book.

While I don't generally like paranormal stories, the ghost part of the book was a very enjoyable read. He is, ironically, the most realistic character in the novel. Unfortunately I didn't feel that either Alex or Zoe were consistent - Alex is a great deal nicer and more chivalrous than his reputation would suggest, and is particularly good with the elderly Emma. Zoe is more outgoing and confident than we are led to believe, too - quite pushy when it comes to Alex.

This is the third in a series of books about three brothers brought up in a somewhat dysfunctional home. It's not necessary to have read the earlier books - this one stands alone - but may make it more enjoyable, as there are quite a few minor characters who have little relevance to the plot. The writing is good, well-paced and interesting, and I would have given it four stars but for the crudity of much of the language used, and some unnecessarily detailed bedroom scenes towards the end. Little is left to the imagination - and the book is thus rendered unsuitable to recommend to several of my friends who might otherwise have enjoyed it.

Three and a half stars would be fairer. ”

• Rated 5 stars

“Kleypas has definitely hit her mark with this third book of her Friday Harbor Series. It was a heart warming and delightfully funny book with amazing characters.”