Meet Me at the Lake

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 new 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? Praise for Carley Fortune 'A sweet story about second chances, and how the future we imagine for ourselves is never quite what it turns out to be. - Jodi Picoult, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Book of Two Ways and Wish You Were Here 'Carley Fortune perfects the nostalgia of young summer love and the choices that change us forever in Every Summer After, a smart and delightful novel that will tug on your heartstrings, and more than satisfy fans of Emily Henry. This is your next must-read beach-read from an exciting new voice. A total joy to devour!' - Ashley Audrain, #1 bestselling author of The Push 'Set in Ontario's idyllic cottage country, Carley Fortune's debut Every Summer After follows a couple-Persephone (Percy) and Sam-as they navigate loss, broken promises, and unrequited love. In a "then/now" narrative spanning nearly two decades, Fortune deftly explores the push and pull of a relationship burdened by past mistakes and misunderstandings, and how it's as much about choice as it is fate. Evocative and nostalgic, this novel is perfect for those who covet steamy summer dock days and second-chance love stories. I devoured it!' - Karma Brown, #1 bestselling author of Recipe for a Perfect Wife 'Just like summer, I didn't want this epic, nostalgic tale of youthful romance all grown up to end. Set in Ontario's cottage country, one of my favourite places on earth, this tantalizing debut is a perfectly gorgeous summer love story fans of Jojo Moyes and Emily Henry should add to their wish lists immediately!' - Marissa Stapley, bestselling author of Lucky