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3.52 AVERAGE
3.52 AVERAGE
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Sweet Lake is a cozy name in itself. There is nothing I love more than a cozy romance with some drama and a bit of suspense mixed in. The characters are so relatable. The way Christine writes easily allows you to become part of the story. Her descriptions of the setting allow you to really envision Sweet Lake. I can't wait to read Sweet Lake #2!
This book was way too long, dragged quite a bit. The premise and characters were fine, just needed to be edited down.
Sweet Lake is the first in a new series by Christine Nolfi. Sweet Lake tells the story of Linnie, her small Ohio town, and the inn she is left to manage after her brother mysteriously leaves and her parents retire to Florida.
Perhaps the most fulfilling aspect of Sweet Lake is Linnie’s journey to self-discovery. At the beginning of the novel she seems to believe she has it all figured out, but as we dive deeper into the plot, it is apparent that she isn’t as pulled together as she would like to be. As she confronts her family issues and deals with her town’s expectations, Linnie also finds time to fall in love. There wasn’t anything groundbreaking about Linnie and Daniel’s relationship, but its growth from friendship to more was endearing to read.
The disconnect Linnie experiences with her family is uncomfortably authentic. Sibling dynamics are difficult to navigate, with Linnie and Freddie being no exception. As Linnie comes to understand her brother and his true motives, she realizes that although he harmed her in the past, she may have also been at fault.
Throughout the novel we are introduced to a revolving door of characters who, at many times, are difficult to keep track of. Among the most difficult to distinguish from each other are the members of Sweet Lake’s group of middle age+ women, the Sirens. The Sirens take away much of the story’s charm with a number of outlandish subplots. The one exception to this was Frances, the Siren who adds warmth and wisdom to the group. Frances helps Linnie process her long repressed feelings about her family and the legacy they may or may not have left her. She offers Linnie advice that I suspect many readers needed to hear as well. “Do you ever put yourself first? I don’t mean horning in on another’s good fortune or marching over the people you love for material gain. We’re speaking of spirit. On the ethereal plane, do you put yourself first?”
At times, the language and dialogue seem forced and inauthentic. For the most part, there is nothing wrong with the writing, but at several points the natural flow of a sentence is interrupted by a poorly chosen word. This is most obvious when outdated slang is used, such as using “java” instead of “coffee.” Nofli’s writing shines the most when it is effortless.
Despite my small criticisms, Sweet Lake was a very sweet read. Although overcrowded with characters and subplots, this book tells a heartwarming story of love, friendship, forgiveness, and family. I look forward to reading future installments of this series.
3 out of 5 stars. I was kindly provided with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I hope you enjoy.
Perhaps the most fulfilling aspect of Sweet Lake is Linnie’s journey to self-discovery. At the beginning of the novel she seems to believe she has it all figured out, but as we dive deeper into the plot, it is apparent that she isn’t as pulled together as she would like to be. As she confronts her family issues and deals with her town’s expectations, Linnie also finds time to fall in love. There wasn’t anything groundbreaking about Linnie and Daniel’s relationship, but its growth from friendship to more was endearing to read.
The disconnect Linnie experiences with her family is uncomfortably authentic. Sibling dynamics are difficult to navigate, with Linnie and Freddie being no exception. As Linnie comes to understand her brother and his true motives, she realizes that although he harmed her in the past, she may have also been at fault.
Throughout the novel we are introduced to a revolving door of characters who, at many times, are difficult to keep track of. Among the most difficult to distinguish from each other are the members of Sweet Lake’s group of middle age+ women, the Sirens. The Sirens take away much of the story’s charm with a number of outlandish subplots. The one exception to this was Frances, the Siren who adds warmth and wisdom to the group. Frances helps Linnie process her long repressed feelings about her family and the legacy they may or may not have left her. She offers Linnie advice that I suspect many readers needed to hear as well. “Do you ever put yourself first? I don’t mean horning in on another’s good fortune or marching over the people you love for material gain. We’re speaking of spirit. On the ethereal plane, do you put yourself first?”
At times, the language and dialogue seem forced and inauthentic. For the most part, there is nothing wrong with the writing, but at several points the natural flow of a sentence is interrupted by a poorly chosen word. This is most obvious when outdated slang is used, such as using “java” instead of “coffee.” Nofli’s writing shines the most when it is effortless.
Despite my small criticisms, Sweet Lake was a very sweet read. Although overcrowded with characters and subplots, this book tells a heartwarming story of love, friendship, forgiveness, and family. I look forward to reading future installments of this series.
3 out of 5 stars. I was kindly provided with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I hope you enjoy.
This was the perfect spring read! I grew up in a small town and could really understand the setting. The Sirens are hilarious, and I love quirky characters. Linnie's journey to figure out life was definitely relatable. Overall I loved this book and would recommend it. Can't wait to read the next in the series!
This book was a lovely summer time book to read. I loved the plot, and the characters who now are like friends to me. Everything seemed to come together in such a warm and lovely manner. The story of a family broken apart by misunderstandings, unrealized expectations, and hurt feelings coming together again to heal and move forward. I particularly loved the group of people called the Sirens and wished I could meet all the citizens of Sweet Lake in real life. This was such an enjoyable book I can't wait to read what happens next in Sweet Lake.
This is the perfect beach or summer read if you enjoy family/friend drama, a fun setting, and sweet romance. It reminded me a little of The Divine Secrets of the Ya Ya Sisterhood because of the Sweet Lake Sirens' deep friendship, camaraderie, and hint of mysticism. The author says she specializes in inspirational fiction, and I have to agree; after reading this book, I was left feeling uplifted and happy. This is the first in a series, and I'm definitely looking forward to the next installment. Thanks to a giveaway from the author, I received a complimentary copy.
There were so many wonderful characters. Most were very likable some were not so likable. Yet even those who were not likable were interesting. Linnie, Jada, and Cat were working hard to keep Linnie’s family inn open. It seemed that with every good thing that happen something else happen to counter it.
Linnie’s brother, Freddie, comes to town and throws everything in an upheaval. He is selfish, rude, and undeserving of anyone’s forgiveness. I felt like he was never held responsible for his actions and the problems those actions caused. He was not likable but he was Linnie’s brother so she still cared about him. I liked that Linnie did not just give up on him. He forced her to push him to be responsible or at least take some blame for his actions. While Freddie was not a “good guy” he wasn’t all bad and he did make Linnie stand up for herself and push to get what she deserves from her family.
My favorite character was Daniel. The feelings between Linnie and him were a big part to the story. While keeping a big secret, he still kept Linnies best interest in mind. He went beyond what was expected of a friend and lawyer to help Linnie keep the inn open and get what she deserved. The relationship between these two was sweet. It was an easy, no pressure friendship with an undertone of more than that. Daniel knew he couldn’t push too hard but that he had to nudge Linnie in the right direction.
I recommend picking up your own copy of Sweet Lake.
Linnie’s brother, Freddie, comes to town and throws everything in an upheaval. He is selfish, rude, and undeserving of anyone’s forgiveness. I felt like he was never held responsible for his actions and the problems those actions caused. He was not likable but he was Linnie’s brother so she still cared about him. I liked that Linnie did not just give up on him. He forced her to push him to be responsible or at least take some blame for his actions. While Freddie was not a “good guy” he wasn’t all bad and he did make Linnie stand up for herself and push to get what she deserves from her family.
My favorite character was Daniel. The feelings between Linnie and him were a big part to the story. While keeping a big secret, he still kept Linnies best interest in mind. He went beyond what was expected of a friend and lawyer to help Linnie keep the inn open and get what she deserved. The relationship between these two was sweet. It was an easy, no pressure friendship with an undertone of more than that. Daniel knew he couldn’t push too hard but that he had to nudge Linnie in the right direction.
I recommend picking up your own copy of Sweet Lake.
The best part of this book is Fancy and Puddles.
Hard to finish
Hard to get into hard to get in the middle of it. Just a hard read all together. The characters were cute though but that’s about it.
Hard to get into hard to get in the middle of it. Just a hard read all together. The characters were cute though but that’s about it.