Cider - Shop now
Buy new:
-50% $8.97
FREE delivery Tuesday, May 13 to Nashville 37217 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Ships from: Amazon.com
Sold by: Amazon.com
$8.97 with 50 percent savings
List Price: $18.00
Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime FREE Returns
FREE delivery Tuesday, May 13 to Nashville 37217 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Or Prime members get FREE delivery Tomorrow, May 9. Order within 3 hrs 39 mins.
In Stock
$$8.97 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$8.97
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Ships from
Amazon.com
Amazon.com
Ships from
Amazon.com
Sold by
Amazon.com
Amazon.com
Sold by
Amazon.com
Returns
30-day refund/replacement
30-day refund/replacement
This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt.
Payment
Secure transaction
Your transaction is secure
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
$8.30
Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime FREE Returns
Used book in good and clean conditions. Pages and cover are intact. Limited notes marks and highlighting may be present. May show signs of normal shelf wear and bends on edges. Item may be missing CDs or access codes. Ships directly from Amazon. Used book in good and clean conditions. Pages and cover are intact. Limited notes marks and highlighting may be present. May show signs of normal shelf wear and bends on edges. Item may be missing CDs or access codes. Ships directly from Amazon. See less
FREE delivery May 18 - 22 to Nashville 37217 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Or fastest delivery May 15 - 19
$$8.97 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$8.97
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Access codes and supplements are not guaranteed with used items.
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

Meet Me at the Lake Paperback – May 2, 2023

4.1 out of 5 stars 22,551 ratings

on 1 when you buy 2 Shop items
{"desktop_buybox_group_1":[{"displayPrice":"$8.97","priceAmount":8.97,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"8","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"97","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"csPNyXBNyJ9ONGjJp3pGBP1rT4Qm0jY3uUE0Tn%2BlNJ1UQIGYmA%2FLSz6zYqtOivBaRZ4oq%2BxStJbkvYKp6nweLnAeBhkaLNmxhI%2Bhkq4l4QUKJXPjWk9LjMt9ymnu%2FKq38QIAW2sXf%2F96rPMSK44nVw%3D%3D","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"NEW","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":0}, {"displayPrice":"$8.30","priceAmount":8.30,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"8","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"30","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"csPNyXBNyJ9ONGjJp3pGBP1rT4Qm0jY3ELF70E1ZQRTdou%2FF5%2FQgbvj7GAEvgfgqeYouiLUsydVHC8e4nrYr4JS8H7dsLh73oqFFnTu9sMpMmaNcBkQbJdPRW7QVWgybVeWaLlOiqoE4skU2RzYXQl6iwT3trIve0B6%2Fue2Lh1Oc%2F7dPZtgphkDdNBwvX%2FiH","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"USED","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":1}]}

Purchase options and add-ons

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER ∙ A random connection sends two strangers on a daylong adventure where they make a promise one keeps and the other breaks, with life-changing effects, in this breathtaking novel from the New York Times bestselling author of Every Summer After.

Fern Brookbanks has wasted far too much of her adult life thinking about Will Baxter. She spent just twenty-four hours in her early twenties with the aggravatingly attractive, idealistic artist, a chance encounter that spiraled into a daylong adventure in the city. The timing was wrong, but their connection was undeniable: they shared every secret, every dream, and made a pact to meet one year later. Fern showed up. Will didn’t.

At thirty-two, Fern’s life doesn’t look at all how she once imagined it would. Instead of living in the city, Fern’s back home, running her mother’s lakeside resort—something she vowed never to do. The place is in disarray, her ex-boyfriend’s the manager, and Fern doesn’t know where to begin.

She needs a plan—a lifeline. To her surprise, it comes in the form of Will, who arrives nine years too late, with a suitcase in tow and an offer to help on his lips. Will may be the only person who understands what Fern’s going through. But how could she possibly trust this expensive-suit wearing mirage who seems nothing like the young man she met all those years ago. Will is hiding something, and Fern’s not sure she wants to know what it is.

But ten years ago, Will Baxter rescued Fern. Can she do the same for him?
Books with Buzz
Discover the latest buzz-worthy books, from mysteries and romance to humor and nonfiction. Explore more

Frequently bought together

This item: Meet Me at the Lake
$8.97
Get it as soon as Tuesday, May 13
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
+
$11.09
Get it as soon as Tuesday, May 13
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
+
$9.07
Get it as soon as Tuesday, May 13
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
Total price: $00
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Details
Added to Cart
Choose items to buy together.
Popular Highlights in this book

From the Publisher

An exquisite, emotional read — Jill Santopolo

The Quintessential book of summer — Amy Lea

A book to devour in a day — Ashley Audrain

Every Summer After
This Summer Will Be Different
Price $9.07 $11.09
More from Carley Fortune Six summers to fall in love. One moment to fall apart. A weekend to get it right. This summer they’ll keep their promise. This summer they won't give into temptation. This summer will be different.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Fortune explores the aftermath of losing a beloved parent and reclaiming a relationship in this unputdownable, witty, soulful and stirring novel."—GMA

“[Beautiful], charming, witty, poignant, and all the things you could want in a spring read.”
—Katie Couric Media

"[A] beautiful, heart-tugging, love story about secrets, lies, missed connections and second chances. . . . [T]his novel brims with the warmth of summertime and the feeling of home. An exquisite, emotional read."
—Jill Santopolo, New York Times bestselling author of Stars in an Italian Sky

“A breathtaking tale of star-crossed lovers that gripped me from page one.
Meet Me At The Lake is nostalgia, summer breeze, second chances and pure heart.”—Elena Armas, New York Times bestselling author of The Spanish Love Deception

“A perfect summery blend of sexy romance and second chances . . . I fell in love with Will and Fern over and over and over again.”—
Ashley Poston, New York Times bestselling author of The Dead Romantics

“Meet Me at the Lake is a tender, sweet story that captures the joy and sorrow of growing up.”—Elissa Sussman, bestselling author of Funny You Should Ask

“Carley Fortune is the master of the love story, tapping into our most primal needs
to be valued and seen for who we really are. Meet Me At The Lake is story telling perfection."—Annabel Monaghan, author of Nora Goes Off Script

“A completely addicting love story about the ways we find who we are and what we want amidst changing dreams and chances missed. Carley Fortune gives us another perfect summer read brimming with heart, a book to devour in a day, swept away in the nostalgia of young, sexy love."
—Ashley Audrain, New York Times bestselling author of The Push

"Readers experience Carley Fortune's writing with all five senses. . . . This is a beautiful story of letting go of expectations, growing into who you're meant to become, and letting love in when you don't feel you deserve it. The perfect summer read and an excellent follow-up to
Every Summer After. Carley's talent sings on every page."—Iman Hariri-Kia, author of A Hundred Other Girls

"THE quintessential book of summer. Nestled in the heart of Canada's cottage country, Fortune masterfully crafts yet another enthralling tale of love and second chances that will burrow itself deep into your soul long after the last page."
—Amy Lea, author of Exes and O’s

“Carley Fortune's
Every Summer After found TikTok success, and her new romance, Meet Me at the Lake, continues to dazzle.”—Popsugar

“There is no summer without a Carley Fortune novel.”—
BookRiot

“Fortune (
Every Summer After) shines in this beautiful tale of love, loss, and forgiveness. This searing story of hard-won second chances is not to be missed.”—Publishers Weekly

“[An] immersive second-chance love story that will transport readers with its dual evocative settings of stunning rural Ontario and thrilling Toronto.”—
Library Journal (starred review)

About the Author

Carley Fortune is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Every Summer After, Meet Me at the Lake, and This Summer Will Be Different. She is an award-winning Canadian journalist who’s worked as an editor for Refinery29, The Globe and Mail, Chatelaine, and Toronto Life. She lives in Toronto with her husband and two sons.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Berkley (May 2, 2023)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 336 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0593438558
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0593438558
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.44 x 0.88 x 8.22 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.1 out of 5 stars 22,551 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Carley Fortune
Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Carley Fortune is the #1 New York Times and #1 Globe and Mail bestselling author of EVERY SUMMER AFTER, MEET ME AT THE LAKE, and THIS SUMMER WILL BE DIFFERENT. Her fourth novel, ONE GOLDEN SUMMER, is out May 6, 2025. Before becoming an author, Carley was an award-winning journalist and worked as an editor at some of Canada’s top publications. She lives in Toronto with her husband and two sons. Follow her on Instagram @carleyfortune.

Customer reviews

4.1 out of 5 stars
22,551 global ratings

Review this product

Share your thoughts with other customers

Customers say

Customers find this book to be a great summer read with a sweet, feel-good story that's easy to read. They appreciate the character development, with one customer noting how it draws readers into the narrative, and the writing style receives positive feedback for its descriptive quality. The book evokes emotions of unrequited love and loss, and customers find it thought-provoking, with one review highlighting the diary entries from the mother's perspective. The pacing receives mixed reactions, with several customers finding it too predictable.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

119 customers mention "Readability"101 positive18 negative

Customers find the book highly readable, describing it as a great summer read that isn't just sweet.

"...- add this one to your TBR list and move it to the top, it's worth the read!" Read more

"...The plot is predictable but still highly entertaining...." Read more

"...It was steady, not too fast nor too slow and fitting to have the story unfurl slowly, recounting past events and present traumas...." Read more

"...There is a weightiness to this story, and layers that make it feel realistic and believable...." Read more

93 customers mention "Story quality"68 positive25 negative

Customers enjoy this love story, describing it as a feel-good tale with a beautiful happy ending.

"...The characters are stereotypical but lovely. The plot is predictable but still highly entertaining...." Read more

"...It was steady, not too fast nor too slow and fitting to have the story unfurl slowly, recounting past events and present traumas...." Read more

"...I was immediately drawn into this story and could hardly put it down. I found it utterly engaging and what I wanted...." Read more

"...The story is a bit predictable, the reader figures out most of what is going to happen pretty quickly, but there are a few surprises thrown in for..." Read more

38 customers mention "Character development"31 positive7 negative

Customers love the characters in the book, with one customer particularly appreciating their backstories and another noting their healing moments.

"...- I felt like the book was better written, the characters were more likable and relatable and the writing style had improved for sure!..." Read more

"...The characters are stereotypical but lovely. The plot is predictable but still highly entertaining...." Read more

"...There are plenty of things that I loved like: -The set of side characters...." Read more

"...I liked the setting, and I like the secondary characters...." Read more

34 customers mention "Writing quality"30 positive4 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, noting its descriptive style and easy readability, with one customer comparing it to an R-rated Hallmark movie.

"...better than her first book (in my opinion) - I felt like the book was better written, the characters were more likable and relatable and the writing..." Read more

"In the scope of easy beach reads, this one is tops...." Read more

"...but the underlying story of the mother and daughter is just written so authentically and gorgeously...." Read more

"The author is a gifted writer. I absolutely loved her first book, and was really looking forward to reading this book...." Read more

12 customers mention "Emotion"12 positive0 negative

Customers find the book emotionally engaging, describing it as a beautiful, heart-warming read that captures unrequited love feelings. One customer mentions the found family vibe that made them happy.

"...-good story, and though it’s steamier than I’d prefer, it’s beautifully heart-warming...." Read more

"...This book had my toes curling, eyes crying, and laughs rolling." Read more

"...I enjoyed the emotions in this book of instant connection, and the characters made a lot of mistakes which made them feel real to me." Read more

"...about each of the characters, especially Peter, and the found family vibe made me so happy...." Read more

9 customers mention "Thought provoking"9 positive0 negative

Customers find the book thought-provoking, with one customer particularly appreciating the diary entries from Fern's mother and the use of description and anticipation.

"...As you can see, that book has a lot of assets but also missed the mark for me...." Read more

"...It’s a thoughtful, feel-good story, and though it’s steamier than I’d prefer, it’s beautifully heart-warming...." Read more

"...I loved the journal entries from Fern’s mom as well as this added such a rich depth to the emotions of the book that without it, would have been..." Read more

"...As for the story itself, it is well worth the read. It is also educational, particularly after the "Behind the Book" chapter...." Read more

13 customers mention "Pacing"9 positive4 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the pacing of the book, with some loving the setting while others find it too predictable.

"...It was steady, not too fast nor too slow and fitting to have the story unfurl slowly, recounting past events and present traumas...." Read more

"What I liked: Carley Fortune writes lovely imagery; it kept me going...." Read more

"...The characters also lacked so much emotion and consistency that I had a hard time feeling anything...." Read more

"...It is most enchanting and keeps you glued to the pages. A book you have to finish because you can’t put it down!" Read more

13 customers mention "Boredom"0 positive13 negative

Customers find the book incredibly boring.

"...conflict, the author ties the end of the story together in an unexciting manner. I scrolled through the last pages...." Read more

"...the groundwork for the plot line, but it was vague and boring for the first 50% of the book. I found myself just pushing to get through...." Read more

"...was great, but the book wasn’t my favorite, it was slow and not that interesting." Read more

"...Moving on - Meet Me at the Lake was incredibly boring and very underdeveloped." Read more

Absolutely perfect
5 out of 5 stars
Absolutely perfect
I was so excited to read one of my most anticipated books of the year and it absolutely did not disappoint! Fern is working in Toronto when she finds out her mother is killed in a car accident. Her mother, Maggie owns and manages a resort in the lake region of Ontario. Fern grew up here and knows a lot, but she hasn’t been recently. So she’s thrown back into the resort when she sees someone who she had met many years ago… who changed her life. Will is working as a business consultant and it leads him to the Brooksbank resort. He knows Fern immediately because they spent a magical and whirlwind 24 hours together over 10 years ago. They met when they were both living very different lives in Toronto and each was both dating different people. They make a plan to meet up in a year and it never happens. Fern and Will’s relationship was complicated as they were both complex characters grieving for different reasons. Fern is obviously grieving for her mother, but also for her life that she has had to give up to run the resort. Will is struggles with anxiety and depression and that feeling of not being good enough. I loved watching them grow together and discover more about each other, both when they were younger and now as full adults. Fern and I have a lot in common. I also grew up at a (much smaller) lake and eventually left first for Boston for college and then to NYC. I totally understand she feels torn between her peaceful quiet hometown and the bustling city. I personally love the city and I visit the lake to see family.
Thank you for your feedback
Sorry, there was an error
Sorry we couldn't load the review

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on May 23, 2023
    This one was so much better than her first book (in my opinion) - I felt like the book was better written, the characters were more likable and relatable and the writing style had improved for sure! I almost didn't get this book because I didn't care for the first one, but this one changed my mind about this author.

    The story is a bit predictable, the reader figures out most of what is going to happen pretty quickly, but there are a few surprises thrown in for them throughout the book. The story does flow quickly and the reader can't help but zoom through the pages as they don't want the story to end, but they also need to know what is going to happen...it's a hard decision to make for the reader to read it all in one sitting or to stop reading it and take their time.

    This one is more "the book of summer" than her previous book - for me anyway - add this one to your TBR list and move it to the top, it's worth the read!
    8 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on June 2, 2024
    In the scope of easy beach reads, this one is tops. If I was ranking, I think Fortune’s previous book (Every Summer After) is definitely my favorite but this one is great!

    The setting is a Dirty Dancing-esque resort in Canada, which is so fun (especially if you loved that movie as much as I did). The characters are stereotypical but lovely. The plot is predictable but still highly entertaining.

    For all the romance readers…I recommend this go on your Summer 2024 Beach Reads list. It’s quick, easy and pleasing.

    P.S. If you haven’t read Every Summer After…definitely add to your list. I think it’s my favorite beach read ever.

    P.P.S. Fortune has a new book out…This Summer Will Be Different. I’ll be reading it!
    6 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on May 28, 2023
    3 stars

    Do you ever feel bad for the author when writing a less than perfect review? Because that’s how I feel right now especially after having read the author’s notes in which Carley explains that she really struggled to write this one.

    But I swore to always be honest in my reviews so here we go, no matter what.

    Is that book bad?

    No.

    There are plenty of things that I loved like:
    -The set of side characters. From Fern’s best friend looking like an overenthusiastic puppy to the Roses, the old eccentric guests making cocktails, to Peter’s solid and discreet presence, they all helped me see that world, make it real.

    -The setting. A resort alongside a Canadian lake. I could see myself swimming or hiring a canoe. I heard the birds in the trees, saw the dining room with guests etc. It felt like being on holiday.

    -The pacing. It was just right for the story. We switch between past, when Fern met Will and now, ten years later. It was steady, not too fast nor too slow and fitting to have the story unfurl slowly, recounting past events and present traumas.

    -The meet cute. Fern and Will’s day in the city ten years ago was the perfect romantic meet. It felt like a bubble in time where everything is ripe with possibilities. Will was the promising and handsome artist, Fern was prickly and undecided yet about her future. Both on the brink of a new life.

    -Fern. I think Carley Fortune wrote Fern very realistically. She is full of doubts, is looking for her path in life. Past Fern had her demons, understandably so and went through a wild phase. New Fern is more mature but still struggling after her mother’s death. She will grow a lot in the story.

    -The ending. Thank god we had these last 10 percent! That helped explain a lot about Will’s decision and had me feeling a smidge better.

    But

    I am a reader and reviewer very much driven by my emotions and feelings.

    And what I felt very often was extremely frustrated!

    I was angry with Will. He never showed up nine years ago and now that he is back, he gives no explanation, no excuses. And Fern chooses to go with it???
    Sorry but if you don’t show up and you make a mistake, you GROVEL!
    You explain and hope it’s a fantastic explanation to beg for forgiveness.
    Not knowing what happened had me keeping Will at arm’s length. I didn’t trust him and didn’t warm up to him, even if he was kind of a baby whisperer. And I didn’t understand Fern in her decision to take a risk, knowing that her heart could be crushed again. Even if at the same time I admired her bravery.
    As a character driven reader, not liking Will really dampened my enjoyment and is the main reason for my low rating alongside the lack of groveling.

    What I would have liked to see more of was grief.
    Fern just lost her mom. We get passing mentions that she misses her mom and see her reading her diary but I think the story would have gained even more depth if we focused more on the grief stages. I don’t mean to make it a sob story or the core of the book but it was nearly brushed under the rug. Or at least, that’s how I experienced it.

    As you can see, that book has a lot of assets but also missed the mark for me.
    Does that mean that Carley Fortune is a “one book” author like she feared? Certainly not as she has proven that she can write. I just hope for her that her next story will “spill out” of her like Every Summer After did.

    Also, I haven’t looked at any review yet so I might be in the minority here. So go check other opinions (like I’ll do now 😉 ).
    82 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on June 21, 2023
    4.75 stars
    Meet Me at the Lake is the latest release from Carley Fortune, and an absolute winner for me! I was immediately drawn into this story and could hardly put it down. I found it utterly engaging and what I wanted.

    Fern and Will meet early in their twenties when they are both trying to find their own path in life. Both are tasked with a heavy sense of obligation to family, but have aspirations of their own. They spend 24 hours together touring the town and there is a click of recognition, a spark that ignites unlike any before. But life takes them in different directions and they promise to meet up in one year.

    Fast-forward ten years, life has not been easy for either one, as is often the case, and they are thrust back into one another’s lives. After the unexpected death of Fern’s mother, she comes back home to take over the family resort, not her first choice, and in walks Will…a decade late. He’s there with the purpose of helping the resort thrive and get back on it’s financial feet, and though the two resurrect their relationship, Will is still battling his own demons. The two have a lot to sort through, but Will is slow to open up.

    In a way, this is a coming of age story. It’s about discovering what you really want and how to balance your own needs with those of others. The romance felt authentic and fraught with real life struggles. There is a weightiness to this story, and layers that make it feel realistic and believable. It’s a thoughtful, feel-good story, and though it’s steamier than I’d prefer, it’s beautifully heart-warming. I’ve loved both of this author’s books and look forward to whatever she writes next. (And you can’t beat her gorgeous covers!)
    8 people found this helpful
    Report

Top reviews from other countries

  • RICART
    5.0 out of 5 stars Really good book
    Reviewed in France on June 11, 2024
    I loved it, it looked so real.
    The plot was si nice !
    Thanks for this !
    I need more I was hoping something and I found better
  • Rachel
    5.0 out of 5 stars Wholesome & Fun
    Reviewed in Canada on March 17, 2025
    I couldn’t put this down! It has the perfect amount of spice and wholesome romance. It also has sweet family moments throughout. Highly recommend!
  • Erin Kirsty
    5.0 out of 5 stars Meet Me At The Lake
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 24, 2024
    I was really late to the party with Carley Fortune! For some reason it took me ages to get to reading her first novel Every Summer After so I decided to not wait quite so long to read her next release (although I’m still a bit late!).

    This one follows the story of Fern Brookbanks who has temporarily moved home to her family’s holiday resort following the death of her mother. An unexpected guest arrives at the resort bringing up more of Fern’s past.

    The dynamic between Fern and Will is strained in the beginning, partly due to everything Fern is dealing with and partly due to their shared history. Fern is at a crossroads and has a lot of life decisions to make which is explored throughout the story.

    There is a dual timeline throughout which helps to build up the beginning of Fern and Will’s relationship. It is an emotional journey from start to finish so prepare yourself for that!

    There are definitely some similarities with Every Summer After so if you enjoyed Carley’s debut then I’m sure you’ll enjoy this one too. I will absolutely be rereading this again, infact I think I might try the audio!
  • Alice
    5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful
    Reviewed in Italy on June 1, 2024
    I have read both Meet me at the lake and Every summer after and i can definitely say that Carley Fortune is an amazing writer! Ferm and Will fall in love in just one day but life events take them apart. Years later they find each other again. They are not the same people they used to be. Will their love overcome their life struggles ?
  • Ella
    5.0 out of 5 stars Good read
    Reviewed in Germany on March 8, 2025
    I really liked the language and style of the story. I could fully empathize with the characters. The only thing I didn't really understand until the end was Will's behavior. Nevertheless: A book I recommend.