What do you think?
Rate this book
Lost Lake #0.5
Waking Kate
From New York Times bestselling author Sarah Addison Allen comes Waking Kate, a haunting and luminous short story about a young woman who soon will face an unforeseen change in her life. One sticky summer day as Kate is waiting for her husband to come home from his bicycle shop, she spots her distinguished neighbor returning from his last day of work after six decades at Atlanta's oldest men's clothing store. Over a cup of butter coffee, he tells Kate a story of love and heartbreak that makes her remember her past, question her present, and wonder what the future will bring. A magical story on its own, Waking Kate is also a short fiction tie-in to Allen's 2014 bestseller Lost Lake.
38 pages, ebook
First published December 3, 2013
678 people are currently reading
11250 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Addison Allen
40 books18.2k followersNew York Times Bestselling novelist Sarah Addison Allen brings the full flavor of her southern upbringing to bear on her fiction - a captivating blend of magical realism and small-town sensibility.
Born and raised in Asheville, North Carolina, in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Allen grew up with a love of books and an appreciation of good food (she credits her journalist father for the former and her mother, a fabulous cook, for the latter). In college, she majored in literature - because, as she puts it, "I thought it was amazing that I could get a diploma just for reading fiction. It was like being able to major in eating chocolate."
After graduation, Allen began writing seriously. Her big break occurred in 2007 with the publication of her first mainstream novel, Garden Spells, a modern-day fairy tale about an enchanted apple tree and the family of North Carolina women who tend it. Booklist called Allen's accomplished debut "spellbindingly charming." The novel became a Barnes & Noble Recommends selection, and then a New York Times Bestseller.
Allen continues to serve heaping helpings of the fantastic and the familiar in fiction she describes as "Southern-fried magic realism." Clearly, it's a recipe readers are happy to eat up as fast as she can dish it out.
-From B&N.com
Her published books to date are: Garden Spells (2007), The Sugar Queen (2008), The Girl Who Chased the Moon (2010), The Peach Keeper (2011), Lost Lake (2014), First Frost (2015) and Other Birds (2022) and Paper Ghosts (2026).
Born and raised in Asheville, North Carolina, in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Allen grew up with a love of books and an appreciation of good food (she credits her journalist father for the former and her mother, a fabulous cook, for the latter). In college, she majored in literature - because, as she puts it, "I thought it was amazing that I could get a diploma just for reading fiction. It was like being able to major in eating chocolate."
After graduation, Allen began writing seriously. Her big break occurred in 2007 with the publication of her first mainstream novel, Garden Spells, a modern-day fairy tale about an enchanted apple tree and the family of North Carolina women who tend it. Booklist called Allen's accomplished debut "spellbindingly charming." The novel became a Barnes & Noble Recommends selection, and then a New York Times Bestseller.
Allen continues to serve heaping helpings of the fantastic and the familiar in fiction she describes as "Southern-fried magic realism." Clearly, it's a recipe readers are happy to eat up as fast as she can dish it out.
-From B&N.com
Her published books to date are: Garden Spells (2007), The Sugar Queen (2008), The Girl Who Chased the Moon (2010), The Peach Keeper (2011), Lost Lake (2014), First Frost (2015) and Other Birds (2022) and Paper Ghosts (2026).
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 728 reviews
February 10, 2017
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Source: Free Kindle book!
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00F...
Kate sits in wait for her husband to come home from work and ends up having a conversation with a neighbor. His tale is of heartbreak and loss but of hope as well.
Waking Kate was a fabulous albeit quick introduction to Kate and sets the scene fantastically. It left me highly anticipating the upcoming release of Lost Lake (and also made me extremely curious about Butter Coffee!)
http://www.foodwoolf.com/2013/06/butt...
Source: Free Kindle book!
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00F...
Kate sits in wait for her husband to come home from work and ends up having a conversation with a neighbor. His tale is of heartbreak and loss but of hope as well.
Waking Kate was a fabulous albeit quick introduction to Kate and sets the scene fantastically. It left me highly anticipating the upcoming release of Lost Lake (and also made me extremely curious about Butter Coffee!)
http://www.foodwoolf.com/2013/06/butt...
December 5, 2013
A short little e-book as a lead in to her upcoming "Loon Lake" release." And yes, I have now googled "Butter coffee", it is real and I now have to try it. Good little pre story, hope to read more about Kate. Also included a short preview as well.
August 3, 2023
Sweet little story with a nice message about giving love a second chance. I read this story in twenty minutes right before bed.
Goodreads review published 02/08/23
Goodreads review published 02/08/23
November 3, 2015
“Lost Lake?” Kate repeated. “I know that place! My great-aunt Eby owned that place. I went there, years ago.” She stared at the photo thoughtfully, trying to remember. So much time had passed.
“I almost kissed someone there.”
“I did kiss someone there.”
That made Kate smile as she handed the photo back to him.
A lovely little short story:)
It had a dreamlike quality to it and was very sweet in parts :). I liked Kate and Mr. Donbeet in the short time we get to spend with them... although I feel like I know him better than Kate, even though they both had about equal time in the story.
Would recommend, Definitely will be reading the book now:)
Note: It stops at 51% (at least on mine)... the rest is a preview for one of her books.
“I almost kissed someone there.”
“I did kiss someone there.”
That made Kate smile as she handed the photo back to him.
A lovely little short story:)
It had a dreamlike quality to it and was very sweet in parts :). I liked Kate and Mr. Donbeet in the short time we get to spend with them... although I feel like I know him better than Kate, even though they both had about equal time in the story.
Would recommend, Definitely will be reading the book now:)
Note: It stops at 51% (at least on mine)... the rest is a preview for one of her books.
December 5, 2013
ARRRRGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is SO unfair!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have to wait until February?!?!?!
Ok, the story Waking Kate is a perfect little microcosm of everything good about Ms. Allen's work. I got it for free, but if I'd known how good it was I'd have been happy to pay for it (and I almost never pay for e-shorts by anyone). I'm quite sure Lost Lake will stand alone just fine for those who never read Waking Kate, but I think it probably adds some depth more quickly. And it was a well-executed teaser for the book.
But the addition of the first chapter with the e-short was just cruel. I loved it, and I'm completely horrified that we have to wait nearly 3 months for the book to be available.
This is SO unfair!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have to wait until February?!?!?!
Ok, the story Waking Kate is a perfect little microcosm of everything good about Ms. Allen's work. I got it for free, but if I'd known how good it was I'd have been happy to pay for it (and I almost never pay for e-shorts by anyone). I'm quite sure Lost Lake will stand alone just fine for those who never read Waking Kate, but I think it probably adds some depth more quickly. And it was a well-executed teaser for the book.
But the addition of the first chapter with the e-short was just cruel. I loved it, and I'm completely horrified that we have to wait nearly 3 months for the book to be available.
November 9, 2022
A very short story. The story which showed perfectly why I must try a full novel by Sarah Addison Allen.
I have glanced here at Allen's moving storytelling, charming characters, whispers of wisdom.
So, I am definitely going to read Lost Lake in the future.
I have glanced here at Allen's moving storytelling, charming characters, whispers of wisdom.
She wasn’t sure exactly when it happened, when she had realized that she could only make one of them happy. She only knew that she had chosen him.
So, I am definitely going to read Lost Lake in the future.
January 26, 2015
A great beginning - I liked the glimpse into the past. I think it should be included in the book. I hope there is another book soon! Maybe something from the SUGAR QUEEN? :D
December 14, 2013
I just wish this prequel to "Lost Lake", had been longer!
Reading a Sarah Addison romance, or a short story, is like meeting a dear old friend.
Someone you may think of occasionally, but it's only when you come face to face with that person, that you realize how much you've missed her or him!
I just love the way the author interwovens those small magical details in the everyday life.
I know this has been said ad infinitum, but it continues to be so, so i just have to say it.
Once again!!
Thank you for this small treat!
Oh, and i loved the excerpt from Lost lake!
Made me wish, it was January already.
January 6, 2021
Waking Kate is a super short story, not even as long as a novella, that gives you a glimpse of what the remainder of the Waverly/Lost Lake series has in store for you. With a bit of magical realism, Kate has an experience that opens her eyes to a new life that could be available to her OR did she just dream the interesting exchange with her neighbor? Read the story to see... it made me want to know more!
December 5, 2013
I thoroughly enjoyed this very short prequel to Lost Lake. I liked meeting Kate and learning a bit about her, and loved her conversation with elderly Mr. Donbeet. I thought the way the author described Kate as viewing the world as a child was charming mad magical. I am highly anticipating reading Lost Lake.
March 12, 2018
If you love Nicholas Sparks, you'll love Waking Kate. It's a heart-felt story of the meaning of love and life. I thoroughly enjoyed it and kind of wished it was longer.
My Rating: 4.5
My Rating: 4.5
October 16, 2023
This was a short prequel to Lost Lake. I love this author.
June 9, 2017
I was half-way through Lost Lake when I noted on GoodReads that there was a little prequel story. I trotted over to Amazon to download this freebie and plunged right in thinking I'd missed something I should have gotten before starting Lost Lake.
Much to my relief, Waking Kate actually worked better, I think, reading it after I started Lost Lake, because I think it made better sense to me that way. I knew who the characters were and their significance to the story coming right after it. I enjoyed it as a peek back into the past and I'm not sure it would have held much significance to me reading it before Lost Lake because it is a vignette- a snapshot in time- more than a fully developed story.
To summarize, I enjoyed this short piece, but it really did work better after at least getting a significant portion of the Lost Lake story first.
Much to my relief, Waking Kate actually worked better, I think, reading it after I started Lost Lake, because I think it made better sense to me that way. I knew who the characters were and their significance to the story coming right after it. I enjoyed it as a peek back into the past and I'm not sure it would have held much significance to me reading it before Lost Lake because it is a vignette- a snapshot in time- more than a fully developed story.
To summarize, I enjoyed this short piece, but it really did work better after at least getting a significant portion of the Lost Lake story first.
October 2, 2014
As usual, Kate is waiting for her husband to come home from work when she spots her neighbor walking home. His home is on the market since he is losing his job after sixty years. She decides to check on him. Over a cup of copy Kate hears a story that makes her question everything she thought about her life.
This is a charming tease to Allen's follow up book Lost Lake. This is a brilliant marketing move, as Waking Kate is offered on Kindle and Nook at no charge. Waking Kate leaves you begging for more. I immediately downloaded Lost Lake and read it in one sitting. If you are planning to read Lost Lake don't miss out on reading this one as well.
This is a charming tease to Allen's follow up book Lost Lake. This is a brilliant marketing move, as Waking Kate is offered on Kindle and Nook at no charge. Waking Kate leaves you begging for more. I immediately downloaded Lost Lake and read it in one sitting. If you are planning to read Lost Lake don't miss out on reading this one as well.
July 30, 2015
This was a nice little story, but kind of sad to me. I know it was meant to just be a little teaser. Definitely makes me eager to finally get to Lost Lake!
December 5, 2013
THIS ONLY MAKES MY NEED FOR THE NEW BOOK EVEN STRONGER! I LOVE SARAH ADDISON ALLEN'S WRITING!! MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITE AUTHOR!!!!
February 14, 2014
What a teaser!!! A lot shorter than I expected but now I can't wait to read Lost Lake.
August 4, 2024
My only complaint was that it was too short! Which I realize is the idea behind a short story...
September 11, 2018
One of those short stories that I don't think really add to the story of the main book. Lost Lake can be read without it.
Pretty pointless IMHO, but easy to read so I am giving it 3 stars.
Pretty pointless IMHO, but easy to read so I am giving it 3 stars.
October 20, 2019
Super short story - free on Amazon
December 6, 2013
This is a small story with a HUGE punch. Note: the story is short but KEEP READING beyond it please.
Kate and Matt, and their daughter Devin live in Kate's mother's house. Matt has chosen to distance himself from his family because of what they represent, and runs a small bike shop. They are very happy. Then Kate meets an elderly gentleman who has just clised his store. His stiry changes Kate in ways she has yet to comprehend.....
Download this story! I will be searching out everything this author has written and cannot recommend her lyrical style highly enough
Kate and Matt, and their daughter Devin live in Kate's mother's house. Matt has chosen to distance himself from his family because of what they represent, and runs a small bike shop. They are very happy. Then Kate meets an elderly gentleman who has just clised his store. His stiry changes Kate in ways she has yet to comprehend.....
Download this story! I will be searching out everything this author has written and cannot recommend her lyrical style highly enough
December 21, 2013
How am I gonna make it till January! So good
December 7, 2013
This is the first Sarah Addison Allen book I've read and it has me begging for more. Can't wait to read lost lake!
March 15, 2015
☺ a nice start... looking forward to read Lost Lake
October 24, 2017
It made me cry, I like it
March 27, 2022
3.5 stars. Finally got around to reading this. Weirdly, I read Lost Lake years ago, but forgot to read the prequel short story.
It's a good short story, and a good set-up to a novel. Unfortunately, I got to the end, and was suddenly reminde that I didn't actually end up liking Lost Lake all that well, which sort of soured the story for me.
On its own, it's quite charming though.
It's a good short story, and a good set-up to a novel. Unfortunately, I got to the end, and was suddenly reminde that I didn't actually end up liking Lost Lake all that well, which sort of soured the story for me.
On its own, it's quite charming though.
April 2, 2019
Wake up kate
This is a great little short story leading up to list lake! I can't wait to re-read list lake! I love Sarah Addison Allen
This is a great little short story leading up to list lake! I can't wait to re-read list lake! I love Sarah Addison Allen
October 17, 2016
It's astonishing that only in just a few pages, Sarah Addison Allen is able to create so much atmosphere. Yes indeed, this is only a short story, a teaser really, however it does have impact in delivering wonderful characters and genuine emotions.
I can't wait for the next book!
Actually, I want to re-read every of Addison's books.
I can't wait for the next book!
Actually, I want to re-read every of Addison's books.
March 21, 2023
This is a small prequel that I read before starting Lost Lake and I'm not sure I understand what's happening. As always Sarah Addison Allen keeps the whimsy as part of the story. I'm hoping once I get in to Lost Lake I will understand this part of the story more.
December 14, 2014
4 Stars
I found this free short story on Amazon and decided to read it prior to reading Lost Lake. The story is very short, 38 pages according to Amazon. The majority of the kindle book is a excerpt from Lost Lake.
In this short story we meet Kate and learn a bit about her marriage. She is intrigued by a TV news report she sees and believes that the elderly man looks familiar. She is surprised to find that man walking down her street and introduces herself to Mr. Donbeet. They have a conversation over a cup of butter coffee before Kate returns home.
I loved the writing in this story and it made me eager to read Lost Lake. I believe that this short story gives some insight to Kate's character but it is not necessary to read this piece to enjoy Lost Lake.
I would recommend this short story to anyone planning to read Lost Lake. I would also recommend this to anyone who is thinking about reading some of Sarah Addison Allen's work. It is a nice example of her style of writing. I have already read Lost Lake and plan to read additional titles by this wonderful author.
I found this free short story on Amazon and decided to read it prior to reading Lost Lake. The story is very short, 38 pages according to Amazon. The majority of the kindle book is a excerpt from Lost Lake.
In this short story we meet Kate and learn a bit about her marriage. She is intrigued by a TV news report she sees and believes that the elderly man looks familiar. She is surprised to find that man walking down her street and introduces herself to Mr. Donbeet. They have a conversation over a cup of butter coffee before Kate returns home.
I loved the writing in this story and it made me eager to read Lost Lake. I believe that this short story gives some insight to Kate's character but it is not necessary to read this piece to enjoy Lost Lake.
I would recommend this short story to anyone planning to read Lost Lake. I would also recommend this to anyone who is thinking about reading some of Sarah Addison Allen's work. It is a nice example of her style of writing. I have already read Lost Lake and plan to read additional titles by this wonderful author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 728 reviews