What do you think?
Rate this book
Eclipse Lake
Small towns hold the darkest secrets.
Fifteen years after leaving his criminal past and estranged brother behind, widower Dane Carlisle returns to his hometown on the banks of sleepy Eclipse Lake. Now, a successful businessman, he has kept his troubled past a secret from most everyone, including his seventeen-year-old son.
But memories in small towns are bitter and long.
Ellie Sullivan, a nature photographer for a national magazine, has a habit of ping-ponging across the map. Her latest assignment leads her to Eclipse Lake where she becomes caught up in the enmity between Dane, his brother Jonah, and a vengeful town sheriff. When freshly-discovered skeletal remains are linked to an unsolved murder and Dane’s past, Ellie is left questioning her growing attraction for a man who harbors long-buried secrets.
Fifteen years after leaving his criminal past and estranged brother behind, widower Dane Carlisle returns to his hometown on the banks of sleepy Eclipse Lake. Now, a successful businessman, he has kept his troubled past a secret from most everyone, including his seventeen-year-old son.
But memories in small towns are bitter and long.
Ellie Sullivan, a nature photographer for a national magazine, has a habit of ping-ponging across the map. Her latest assignment leads her to Eclipse Lake where she becomes caught up in the enmity between Dane, his brother Jonah, and a vengeful town sheriff. When freshly-discovered skeletal remains are linked to an unsolved murder and Dane’s past, Ellie is left questioning her growing attraction for a man who harbors long-buried secrets.
254 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 22, 2014
11 people are currently reading
178 people want to read
About the author
Mae Clair
24 books566 followersA member of the International Thriller Writers, Mae Clair is also a founding member and contributor to the award-winning writing blog, Story Empire. Her preferred genre is mystery/suspense, though she flavors her plots with elements of urban legend and folklore.
Mae is married to to her high school sweetheart, lives in Pennsylvania and is passionate about cryptozoology, old photographs, a good Maine lobster tail, and cats. Sign-up for her newsletter at https://maeclair.com/newsletter
You an also discover more about Mae on her website and blog at MaeClair.com
Finally, follow Mae on BookBub for more bookish recommendations and reviews: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/mae-c...
Mae is married to to her high school sweetheart, lives in Pennsylvania and is passionate about cryptozoology, old photographs, a good Maine lobster tail, and cats. Sign-up for her newsletter at https://maeclair.com/newsletter
You an also discover more about Mae on her website and blog at MaeClair.com
Finally, follow Mae on BookBub for more bookish recommendations and reviews: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/mae-c...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
August 12, 2020
Eclipse Lake is the fourth book I've read from author Mae Clair. Previously, I read one of her trilogies, and this time, I decided to check out a stand-alone novel. Like the others, this is a suspense mystery set in Pennsylvania, always an interesting setting for me. Unlike the others, there are no paranormal or sci-fi sub-themes, though even in those earlier books, it was minimal.
In Eclipse Lake, Dane Carlisle returns to his small hometown to deal with a personal matter. He lived there almost fifteen years ago before his stint in prison. When that ended, he cleaned up his act, married a woman with a young son, and built a security company. Unfortunately, his wife passed away, and his life has been fairly solitary since then. When he runs into his older brother, they immediately get into a fight. Little by little, readers learn about a murder that happened there years ago. Was Dane responsible? The sheriff sure believes so, probably because Dane used to date the victim, who happened to be the sheriff's daughter. To complicate matters, Dane stole the girl from his brother. Quite a family mess... but that's only the tip of the iceberg in this thrilling novel.
One of the things I most enjoy about a Mae Clair novel is the solid characterization of all the main players. Each one is vivid and real, as if you've met someone like them in the past already. Her plots are complex and intriguing, and this is definitely one of the stronger ones. Besides the main plot, each character has his or her own sub-plot where we find ourselves growing curious how it will all fit together. When the truth comes out, it is unexpected but makes full sense.
Mae Clair's settings are haunting and tense. I feel like I'm in Pennsylvania, and the small town talk, atmosphere, and values are front and center. While this could feel too traditional, it's really not... when you add in a strong writing style and an affinity for wanting to save some of your favorite characters, the author has penned a winning book. I found myself eager to read each night... I invested in guessing who could be behind the drama... and I wanted romance to win for at least two couples.
I'm glad this one turned out to be just as strong as the last few I've read from the author, and it confirmed I will keep on reading more. She's quite prolific, and I have a ways to go to catch up! But will get there, that's a promise.
In Eclipse Lake, Dane Carlisle returns to his small hometown to deal with a personal matter. He lived there almost fifteen years ago before his stint in prison. When that ended, he cleaned up his act, married a woman with a young son, and built a security company. Unfortunately, his wife passed away, and his life has been fairly solitary since then. When he runs into his older brother, they immediately get into a fight. Little by little, readers learn about a murder that happened there years ago. Was Dane responsible? The sheriff sure believes so, probably because Dane used to date the victim, who happened to be the sheriff's daughter. To complicate matters, Dane stole the girl from his brother. Quite a family mess... but that's only the tip of the iceberg in this thrilling novel.
One of the things I most enjoy about a Mae Clair novel is the solid characterization of all the main players. Each one is vivid and real, as if you've met someone like them in the past already. Her plots are complex and intriguing, and this is definitely one of the stronger ones. Besides the main plot, each character has his or her own sub-plot where we find ourselves growing curious how it will all fit together. When the truth comes out, it is unexpected but makes full sense.
Mae Clair's settings are haunting and tense. I feel like I'm in Pennsylvania, and the small town talk, atmosphere, and values are front and center. While this could feel too traditional, it's really not... when you add in a strong writing style and an affinity for wanting to save some of your favorite characters, the author has penned a winning book. I found myself eager to read each night... I invested in guessing who could be behind the drama... and I wanted romance to win for at least two couples.
I'm glad this one turned out to be just as strong as the last few I've read from the author, and it confirmed I will keep on reading more. She's quite prolific, and I have a ways to go to catch up! But will get there, that's a promise.
June 24, 2014
A shattered camera lens could have been a good luck omen for photographer Ellie Sullivan, doing a shoot outside a scenic small town. Not only was the man responsible for the damage handsome, but he is a warm and caring person who is beginning to charm her in the most subtle ways. Dane Carlisle has come “home”a changed man after fifteen long years of no contact with anyone who knew him and his troubled past. Now a young widower with a teenaged son, Dane needs to find a connection with his older brother, the only person who truly cared about him, but has he burned too many bridges? Will Jonah believe he is no longer the troubled boy who thumbed his nose at authority and the law?
When the long-dead skeletal remains of a young woman are found, will this small town point fingers at Dane, once again? Having kept his darkest secrets from his son, he fears the damage these lies by omission will cause. What about Ellie? Will she believe in the man Dane is today or the rumors from the past? Jonah is already less than pleased to see his wayward brother return, can he not accept the olive branch Dane is offering and see how he has turned his life around? There is only one way to clear his name for a murder he did not commit, to atone for his past, will he stand alone in a town that wrote him off long ago? Some secrets are better left buried, some need to see the light of day.
Eclipse Lake by Mae Clair is powerful reading, a dark plot with shafts of hope shining through. I’m not sure there is an emotion that she didn’t rip right out of me, I was angry, felt sorrow, felt the love between a father and son, the pride between these two and the budding love between two strangers. I think I actually despised a few characters, in spite of their reasoning for being antagonistic. Did some of them redeem themselves? Yes, definitely, but MY emotional toll was high! I may have crossed the veil between fiction and reality for a while, Mae Clair is that good at creating her scenes, building her world and plunging her readers in, heart first. Populated with well-defined characters that feel real, it was easy to pick out my favorites and to hiss at the villains!
Fast-paced, written in Mae Clair’s signature gritty elegance, she combines family, love, mystery and redemption like an artist creating a masterpiece! Highly Recommended reading!
Publication Date: June 21, 2014
Publisher: Mae Clair
Genre: Adult Romantic Mystery
Print Length: 254 pages
Available from: Amazon
When the long-dead skeletal remains of a young woman are found, will this small town point fingers at Dane, once again? Having kept his darkest secrets from his son, he fears the damage these lies by omission will cause. What about Ellie? Will she believe in the man Dane is today or the rumors from the past? Jonah is already less than pleased to see his wayward brother return, can he not accept the olive branch Dane is offering and see how he has turned his life around? There is only one way to clear his name for a murder he did not commit, to atone for his past, will he stand alone in a town that wrote him off long ago? Some secrets are better left buried, some need to see the light of day.
Eclipse Lake by Mae Clair is powerful reading, a dark plot with shafts of hope shining through. I’m not sure there is an emotion that she didn’t rip right out of me, I was angry, felt sorrow, felt the love between a father and son, the pride between these two and the budding love between two strangers. I think I actually despised a few characters, in spite of their reasoning for being antagonistic. Did some of them redeem themselves? Yes, definitely, but MY emotional toll was high! I may have crossed the veil between fiction and reality for a while, Mae Clair is that good at creating her scenes, building her world and plunging her readers in, heart first. Populated with well-defined characters that feel real, it was easy to pick out my favorites and to hiss at the villains!
Fast-paced, written in Mae Clair’s signature gritty elegance, she combines family, love, mystery and redemption like an artist creating a masterpiece! Highly Recommended reading!
Publication Date: June 21, 2014
Publisher: Mae Clair
Genre: Adult Romantic Mystery
Print Length: 254 pages
Available from: Amazon
October 26, 2014
Firstly, I chose to read this book on the Masquerade Crew list because the cover is so elegant and peaceful! However, I was amazed and delighted by the plot - nothing like the cover. The author's skill ensures that this story is a "cut above" the norm, being well written and presented.
Dane, a widower, returns with his adopted son, Jesse, to his home town to make peace with his older brother, Jonah. Although he is now successful and confident, his past comes back to haunt him. Troubled as a teenager, the town is determined to remember him as a thief and trouble-maker who has done jail time.
His brother has nurtured his bitter hatred for Dane, firstly because his younger brother didn't come home to help with his mother's illness or to attend her funeral. Secondly, although Jonah had already broken up with his girlfriend, Brenda, he is harbouring resentment because she zeroed in on Dane later. The disappearance of Brenda has never been solved, and her father, the town Sheriff, is convinced Dane is responsible. His hatred and bitterness burning him up, he is prepared to catch Dane and Jesse for anything he can find, not the least for the murder of his daughter.
Ellie Sullivan, a nature photographer who is working in the area, is caught up in the struggle between the brothers, and uncertain whether she can or should commit to her feelings to Dane, or move on, as has been her habit.
Long held secrets come to light shortly after Dane and Jesse arrive. Jesse, anxious to prove his father's worth, brings the past to a surprising conclusion. I didn't see the solution coming - something which delighted me!
An aspect of this novel that I particularly liked was the depth of the characters. Dane, Jesse, Ellie and Jonah are people in whom one can invest concern. The setting is well shown. Small rural communities in Australia as just as "hidebound" and have as long memories as those of Eclipse Lake. Scandal moved as fast and grudges abounded every bit as realistically as those in my part of the world.
The love story is believable and - thank goodness - the author has not filled the story with endless erotic scenes between the characters. Far too many modern novels are erotica linked with a plot, rather than the other way around. This romance is perfect and a charming part of the whole.
Very highly recommended, an unusual mystery and well worth a reader's time and money
Dane, a widower, returns with his adopted son, Jesse, to his home town to make peace with his older brother, Jonah. Although he is now successful and confident, his past comes back to haunt him. Troubled as a teenager, the town is determined to remember him as a thief and trouble-maker who has done jail time.
His brother has nurtured his bitter hatred for Dane, firstly because his younger brother didn't come home to help with his mother's illness or to attend her funeral. Secondly, although Jonah had already broken up with his girlfriend, Brenda, he is harbouring resentment because she zeroed in on Dane later. The disappearance of Brenda has never been solved, and her father, the town Sheriff, is convinced Dane is responsible. His hatred and bitterness burning him up, he is prepared to catch Dane and Jesse for anything he can find, not the least for the murder of his daughter.
Ellie Sullivan, a nature photographer who is working in the area, is caught up in the struggle between the brothers, and uncertain whether she can or should commit to her feelings to Dane, or move on, as has been her habit.
Long held secrets come to light shortly after Dane and Jesse arrive. Jesse, anxious to prove his father's worth, brings the past to a surprising conclusion. I didn't see the solution coming - something which delighted me!
An aspect of this novel that I particularly liked was the depth of the characters. Dane, Jesse, Ellie and Jonah are people in whom one can invest concern. The setting is well shown. Small rural communities in Australia as just as "hidebound" and have as long memories as those of Eclipse Lake. Scandal moved as fast and grudges abounded every bit as realistically as those in my part of the world.
The love story is believable and - thank goodness - the author has not filled the story with endless erotic scenes between the characters. Far too many modern novels are erotica linked with a plot, rather than the other way around. This romance is perfect and a charming part of the whole.
Very highly recommended, an unusual mystery and well worth a reader's time and money
September 22, 2021
If you enjoy cozy mysteries along with a slow blossoming romance, Eclipse Lake is the book for you. Seeking redemption from his dark past and to hopefully renew a relationship with his estranged brother, Dane Carlisle returns to his hometown of Onyx, which lies on the edge of Eclipse Lake. The talented author, Mae Clair, made sure Dane’s goals weren’t easily attained. She kept me guessing and turning the pages as I believed I had it all figured out. Of course, I didn’t. Family drama, intrigue, a murder investigation, and romance are elements skillfully woven by the author to make Eclipse Lake a must read.
May 8, 2015
Romance, suspense, mystery! Mae Clair has truly outdone herself! The Eclipse Lake is stunning, powerful and emotional! I loved Dane and Ellie, their story warmed my heart!
Onyx, a quiet, peaceful community at first glance, „where residents passed leisurely evenings in high-backed rockers and porch swings. Where farmers herd milk cows in from grazing at the end of a slow dusty day.” But you know the saying -- Appearances are deceptive, don’t you? Terrible secrets, guilt and sins, scandal and old grudge simmer under the appearance of a tranquil small town. As the author states in Chapter Two - Small, rural towns sometimes held the darkest secrets of all. Indeed, Ridge Pointe especially is a place that keeps many dangerous secrets.The reading of the book kept me turning the pages as the twists and turns popped up frequently, making me ooh and aah all the time.
The great thing about the book is that I could relate to the characters, they are believable. The leading one is Dane Carlisle.
Dane, the deadbeat who left the town fifteen years before, has to face the ghosts of his troubled past. Will he persuade his brother Jonah that he’s now a changed man? Will he clean his name of all the accusations, the most serious being that of murder? How will he be able to explain to his teenage son, Jesse, honor roll student and a regional archery champion, that his now a wealthy and respected father spent a year in Wells City Juvie, followed by six months in an adult prison as a teenager himself?
I especially enjoyed the description of family ties, the dynamic of their relationship : Dane – Jonah, Dane- Jesse. Speaking of family dynamic there’s an interesting parallel between the Cralisles and the Sullivans. The former, Dane’s family, a dysfunctional one with an alcoholic mother, the latter, Ellie’s family, a loving one where they support each others and share laughter and fun.
I cringe when I read spoilers of the story, so I won’t reveal any more of this captivating book. Mae Clair does an excellent job of building emotion and intrigue; the outcome – a riveting story where even the setting is a character in itself.
Onyx, a quiet, peaceful community at first glance, „where residents passed leisurely evenings in high-backed rockers and porch swings. Where farmers herd milk cows in from grazing at the end of a slow dusty day.” But you know the saying -- Appearances are deceptive, don’t you? Terrible secrets, guilt and sins, scandal and old grudge simmer under the appearance of a tranquil small town. As the author states in Chapter Two - Small, rural towns sometimes held the darkest secrets of all. Indeed, Ridge Pointe especially is a place that keeps many dangerous secrets.The reading of the book kept me turning the pages as the twists and turns popped up frequently, making me ooh and aah all the time.
The great thing about the book is that I could relate to the characters, they are believable. The leading one is Dane Carlisle.
Dane, the deadbeat who left the town fifteen years before, has to face the ghosts of his troubled past. Will he persuade his brother Jonah that he’s now a changed man? Will he clean his name of all the accusations, the most serious being that of murder? How will he be able to explain to his teenage son, Jesse, honor roll student and a regional archery champion, that his now a wealthy and respected father spent a year in Wells City Juvie, followed by six months in an adult prison as a teenager himself?
I especially enjoyed the description of family ties, the dynamic of their relationship : Dane – Jonah, Dane- Jesse. Speaking of family dynamic there’s an interesting parallel between the Cralisles and the Sullivans. The former, Dane’s family, a dysfunctional one with an alcoholic mother, the latter, Ellie’s family, a loving one where they support each others and share laughter and fun.
I cringe when I read spoilers of the story, so I won’t reveal any more of this captivating book. Mae Clair does an excellent job of building emotion and intrigue; the outcome – a riveting story where even the setting is a character in itself.
June 14, 2017
Eclipse Lake is one part cozy mystery and one part romance. The story focuses on Dane Carlisle, a teenage lost-cause who grew up and turned his life around to become a multi-millionaire. He returns to his hometown with his adopted son, hoping to make amends with his older brother. But memories of the teenage Dane persist, and the discovery of an old skull raises more suspicions about his past. Set against Dane's dark history and the current turmoil is his fairytale romance with a spunky photo-journalist who's in town shooting pictures of the scenic lake.
The conflict between the three male characters - Dane, his teenage son, and his older brother - was what hooked me on the book. All well-rounded characters, they were emotionally genuine and likable, but also flawed. The relationships were convincingly volatile, and the emotional arcs felt authentic. Clair did a nice job with the cast of secondary characters and the quaint setting - a small mountain town where everyone knows everyone's business. The story moves speedily along during the action and conflict scenes, and slows to a leisurely pace during romantic interludes.
Eclipse Lake is a well-constructed story with clean writing and some unexpected twists. Readers who enjoy mysteries, family secrets, and a strong romantic thread will love this book.
The conflict between the three male characters - Dane, his teenage son, and his older brother - was what hooked me on the book. All well-rounded characters, they were emotionally genuine and likable, but also flawed. The relationships were convincingly volatile, and the emotional arcs felt authentic. Clair did a nice job with the cast of secondary characters and the quaint setting - a small mountain town where everyone knows everyone's business. The story moves speedily along during the action and conflict scenes, and slows to a leisurely pace during romantic interludes.
Eclipse Lake is a well-constructed story with clean writing and some unexpected twists. Readers who enjoy mysteries, family secrets, and a strong romantic thread will love this book.
August 18, 2020
I love Ms. Clair’s books, which means I’m working my way through her catalog. Although there was no paranormal theme like her current books, “Eclipse Lake” had mystery, family dynamics, and some romance, which completely captured my attention. Dane Carlisle had changed since he was a troubled teen. He’s a good father and runs a successful business, but he wants to reconnect with his brother Jonah. The strain between them seemed so real to me I had my fingers crossed they’d work it out. Dane’s son, Jesse, was determined to find out his dad’s secret, and Ellie, the photographer, made an impression on Dane. Then comes the discovery of a dead body and a lawman who had a chip on his shoulder, which added the layers that made this read intriguing. This is a great book to read on a lazy summer day or curled up next to the fireplace. I found it to be a page-turner, wondering what would happen next. The twist at the end completely surprised me. If you like a mystery with action and a budding romance, this is the book for you!
October 11, 2014
This book was one of my summer highlights--that’s how good it was! It’s probably not a secret to those who know me, that I’m a big Mae Clair fan. As much as I’ve loved her other books, Eclipse Lake is my absolute fav! This is one of those books that you want to slow down reading as you near the end to make it last as long as possible but, you just can’t stop yourself. And then after you’ve finished, all these characters and the sense of being there with them in Eclipse Lake just lingers and lingers. Oh, how I missed hanging out with these characters, still do, and I know for a fact, I’ll read this story again just to have that feeling of being with them again. This book should have tons of readers and reviews as it’s absolutely wonderful story telling, Mae Clair has created characters, a place, and a story that masterfully over flows with all the stuff that great stories are made of. Yes, there’s a well-knitted mystery and romance, too (yummy romance!), but lots of books have that. But Eclipse Lake has that other thing, that’s hard to describe, it has to be experienced. A really good writer transports you into their story, and keeps you there by not leaving any loose ends, everything seamlessly falls in place, and the characters become more and more real and in line to who the writer has made them to be (even as tension builds!). You never have to question a single choice Mae Clair has made in gifting us with this book. She knows how to weave a fabulous tale, and as reader you know early you let go and let her take you on an amazing ride.
This story, in a way, is about families. Ellie Sullivan is a spunky and extremely likeable heroine, who comes from one of those great loving families you’d love to spend holidays with, knowing it would be a day filled with fun and laughs. Dane Carlisle is the wounded hero who you immediately fall for. His son, Jesse, is a protective and dynamic teen, who is the very relevant proof of how great Dane is as a father and man. But, Dane will have to reunite with his angry brother, Jonah (who also stole my heart—that’s two wonderfully fleshed-out heroes to crush on in one book!) and he’ll have to reconcile with all the dark past of his youth in Onyx and with Eclipse Lake before that can happen and they all can find their way to healing. There’s another family’s story in the heart of this book, a very dark bitter history, but I’ll let you discover that one on your own.
The carefully crafted townsfolk and their lives (dialogue and stories) also are a great back drop that adds even more color and pop to this great book.
Fantastic read! Not to be missed!
This story, in a way, is about families. Ellie Sullivan is a spunky and extremely likeable heroine, who comes from one of those great loving families you’d love to spend holidays with, knowing it would be a day filled with fun and laughs. Dane Carlisle is the wounded hero who you immediately fall for. His son, Jesse, is a protective and dynamic teen, who is the very relevant proof of how great Dane is as a father and man. But, Dane will have to reunite with his angry brother, Jonah (who also stole my heart—that’s two wonderfully fleshed-out heroes to crush on in one book!) and he’ll have to reconcile with all the dark past of his youth in Onyx and with Eclipse Lake before that can happen and they all can find their way to healing. There’s another family’s story in the heart of this book, a very dark bitter history, but I’ll let you discover that one on your own.
The carefully crafted townsfolk and their lives (dialogue and stories) also are a great back drop that adds even more color and pop to this great book.
Fantastic read! Not to be missed!
December 26, 2015
It 's a mystery very special, different from the usual: the murder to be solved remains a bit in the background, out there are the relationships between the three Carisle and the talk and the memories of a small town.
Dane Carisle was a teenager very difficult, now is a successful entrepreneur. He's widower for just over 3 years and has a seventeen year old adopted son, Jesse. He had promised his wife that he would resume contacts with his families, are 15 who does not see his brother and his mother, who has since died. Dane is hunted constantly in trouble and it was always the big brother Jonah him out. After spending several months in a prison Dane had decided to leave Eclipse Lake, abandoning his family. He decides to keep his promise and returns Pennsylvania just as two boys found human bones. Another reason why Jonah hates his brother so much is that Dane had seduced his ex-girlfriend Brenda, after that she is disappeared and has not heard anything about her. Her father, who is now sheriff, is convinced that Dane was involved in her murder. While Dane tries to make amends by his brother and let him know that the guy who knew no longer exists, meets Ellie Sullivan, a photographer who is making a documentary in Eclipse Lake. They begin to attend and was born among them a good story, although Ellie will end up being in the middle of the tension between the two brothers. Jesse is likely to discover the past that his father has always wanted to be silent .....
It 's written really good, with a fast paced and engaging, the characters are very realistic and well characterized. The author is very good at engaging the reader and make him feel and share the feelings experienced by the protagonists: the anger of Jonah, the torments and the attraction of Ellie, torment, repentance and frustration of Dane.
It 's a complete story, full of mystery, suspense and romance, in which the protagonists are the forgiveness and the chance to redeem himself in life.
Dane Carisle was a teenager very difficult, now is a successful entrepreneur. He's widower for just over 3 years and has a seventeen year old adopted son, Jesse. He had promised his wife that he would resume contacts with his families, are 15 who does not see his brother and his mother, who has since died. Dane is hunted constantly in trouble and it was always the big brother Jonah him out. After spending several months in a prison Dane had decided to leave Eclipse Lake, abandoning his family. He decides to keep his promise and returns Pennsylvania just as two boys found human bones. Another reason why Jonah hates his brother so much is that Dane had seduced his ex-girlfriend Brenda, after that she is disappeared and has not heard anything about her. Her father, who is now sheriff, is convinced that Dane was involved in her murder. While Dane tries to make amends by his brother and let him know that the guy who knew no longer exists, meets Ellie Sullivan, a photographer who is making a documentary in Eclipse Lake. They begin to attend and was born among them a good story, although Ellie will end up being in the middle of the tension between the two brothers. Jesse is likely to discover the past that his father has always wanted to be silent .....
It 's written really good, with a fast paced and engaging, the characters are very realistic and well characterized. The author is very good at engaging the reader and make him feel and share the feelings experienced by the protagonists: the anger of Jonah, the torments and the attraction of Ellie, torment, repentance and frustration of Dane.
It 's a complete story, full of mystery, suspense and romance, in which the protagonists are the forgiveness and the chance to redeem himself in life.
September 10, 2014
Slowly blooming romance meets Murder She Wrote
A grisly discovery of a skeleton throws small-town Onyx into a frenzy of gossip. The romantic hero of this book is the primary suspect. He has been living on the opposite coast of the country for fifteen years. In that time, he has reformed his bad-boy ways. Now he has returned to Onyx to renew a relationship with his estranged brother. But an old mystery is renewed instead.
The primary theme in this book is the idea that a bad reputation lives forever in a small town. Poor Dane is a different man than when he left his home town fifteen years ago, but Onyx natives can't see past his juvenile detention reputation. The resident who has the hardest time acknowledging the changed man he has become is his brother Jonah, whom Dane hopes to reconcile with.
Amidst family drama and a murder investigation, Dane falls for a magazine photographer who wishes for more than constant jetsetting to photogenic locations. Ellie can't envision leaving her career to settle down in a traditional relationship, but meeting Dane makes her realize just how empty her life is.
These two start to let love slip through their fingers, but new twists in the old mystery put them in danger and make them realize how much they're willing to sacrifice for each other.
This was a sweet, emotional, and beautifully written page turner. Mae Clair has a knack for putting me in a scene with her characters. Her lush descriptions fill my senses. Her slowly blooming romance made me mentally swoon.
I highly recommend Eclipse Lake for all readers. Whether you love mystery or romance, there's plenty of both in this book. I can't wait to read more from this author.
A grisly discovery of a skeleton throws small-town Onyx into a frenzy of gossip. The romantic hero of this book is the primary suspect. He has been living on the opposite coast of the country for fifteen years. In that time, he has reformed his bad-boy ways. Now he has returned to Onyx to renew a relationship with his estranged brother. But an old mystery is renewed instead.
The primary theme in this book is the idea that a bad reputation lives forever in a small town. Poor Dane is a different man than when he left his home town fifteen years ago, but Onyx natives can't see past his juvenile detention reputation. The resident who has the hardest time acknowledging the changed man he has become is his brother Jonah, whom Dane hopes to reconcile with.
Amidst family drama and a murder investigation, Dane falls for a magazine photographer who wishes for more than constant jetsetting to photogenic locations. Ellie can't envision leaving her career to settle down in a traditional relationship, but meeting Dane makes her realize just how empty her life is.
These two start to let love slip through their fingers, but new twists in the old mystery put them in danger and make them realize how much they're willing to sacrifice for each other.
This was a sweet, emotional, and beautifully written page turner. Mae Clair has a knack for putting me in a scene with her characters. Her lush descriptions fill my senses. Her slowly blooming romance made me mentally swoon.
I highly recommend Eclipse Lake for all readers. Whether you love mystery or romance, there's plenty of both in this book. I can't wait to read more from this author.
October 24, 2014
What can I say that hasn't already been said after reading another novel by Author Mae Clair? Not once have I been disappointed, and again with her latest novel, ECLIPSE LAKE, I have been thrown into another fascinating tale unable to stop flipping the pages of my eReader. The ease at which Mrs. Clair develops her characters and their world seem effortless, and in no time at all I've got a clear picture of the surroundings and the deep seeded emotions swirling around the inside of each of her characters.
With ECLIPSE LAKE, Mrs. Clair drops us right into the thick of it. When the successful businessman, Dane Carlisle, ventures from his big city home in California to where he grew up in Onyx, PA, he has only one objective: Reconcile with his estranged brother, Jonah, after fifteen years. If that wasn't hard enough, add in a freshly-discovered skeletal remains, and Ellie Sullivan, a photojournalist on assignment to photograph Eclipse Lake. Seeing his brother again was hard enough, but it quickly becomes the least of his worries. When Ellie unexpectedly gets wrapped up in the Carlisle brothers’ drama and the towns murder mystery… you’ll have to see for yourself how this wild ride unfolds. If you’re like me, you won’t be able to stop yourself from discovering the truth behind Dane’s troubled past and what exactly happened in Onyx fifteen years ago.
ECLIPSE LAKE is full of mystery, suspense, passion, family drama and much needed redemption. I HIGHLY recommend picking up this quick read. Mrs. Clair excels as always, making her characters believable, giving them a true voice and writing with a beautiful prose that I just couldn't get enough of. I look forward to many more wonderful reads from Mae Clair in the future.
With ECLIPSE LAKE, Mrs. Clair drops us right into the thick of it. When the successful businessman, Dane Carlisle, ventures from his big city home in California to where he grew up in Onyx, PA, he has only one objective: Reconcile with his estranged brother, Jonah, after fifteen years. If that wasn't hard enough, add in a freshly-discovered skeletal remains, and Ellie Sullivan, a photojournalist on assignment to photograph Eclipse Lake. Seeing his brother again was hard enough, but it quickly becomes the least of his worries. When Ellie unexpectedly gets wrapped up in the Carlisle brothers’ drama and the towns murder mystery… you’ll have to see for yourself how this wild ride unfolds. If you’re like me, you won’t be able to stop yourself from discovering the truth behind Dane’s troubled past and what exactly happened in Onyx fifteen years ago.
ECLIPSE LAKE is full of mystery, suspense, passion, family drama and much needed redemption. I HIGHLY recommend picking up this quick read. Mrs. Clair excels as always, making her characters believable, giving them a true voice and writing with a beautiful prose that I just couldn't get enough of. I look forward to many more wonderful reads from Mae Clair in the future.
February 27, 2015
Small towns have very long memories. Unfortunately, for Dane that is a very bad thing. Dane left his home town a criminal with an even worse reputation. But, he knows to move forward in his life he must tie up loose ends of his past. When Dane decides to make a trip back home he thinks he is prepared for the worst. The memories of this town won’t let him prove he is a changed man. While Dane is desperately trying to repair what is broken he meets a photojournalist with a fiery attitude. She takes him by surprise and together they find they may be able to repair damage done fifteen years ago and move ahead toward a promising life.
This was definitely one page turner that kept me guessing. Just when you had the mystery solved something else popped up and you had to rethink your position on who did what. Though the mystery really kept the story going so did the great characters. Dane is the quintessential billionaire with a dark past. I loved how complex his character really was. You don’t necessarily think he deserves his happy ending at first but by the time your finishing the last page you are rooting for him. Some of the side characters were definitely hard to get around though. Jonah, Jesse and the sheriff were really hard to read at times. It almost became unbelievable until they redeemed themselves or made certain revelations. Unfortunately, even by the end I still couldn’t stand the Sheriff. A great bond of story and characters allows for a page turner that keeps you guess about the mystery and envious of Ellie and Dane’s love affair. Overall, this is another great novel by Mae Clair and I recommend this for anyone looking for a good book with lots of twists and turns.
This was definitely one page turner that kept me guessing. Just when you had the mystery solved something else popped up and you had to rethink your position on who did what. Though the mystery really kept the story going so did the great characters. Dane is the quintessential billionaire with a dark past. I loved how complex his character really was. You don’t necessarily think he deserves his happy ending at first but by the time your finishing the last page you are rooting for him. Some of the side characters were definitely hard to get around though. Jonah, Jesse and the sheriff were really hard to read at times. It almost became unbelievable until they redeemed themselves or made certain revelations. Unfortunately, even by the end I still couldn’t stand the Sheriff. A great bond of story and characters allows for a page turner that keeps you guess about the mystery and envious of Ellie and Dane’s love affair. Overall, this is another great novel by Mae Clair and I recommend this for anyone looking for a good book with lots of twists and turns.
November 10, 2014
REVIEWER: ABHA
3.5 ON THE MASQ SCALE
Dane Carlisle left town fifteen years ago and the only thing that is bringing him back is a promise to his now dead wife. Dane also has a past, a criminal past. After this long of a time he is finally ready to reach out to his brother (Jonah) and try to make amends.
Dane has turned his life around and become a successful businessman, married the love of his life and adopted her young son, Jesse. He takes Jess with him to Eclipse Lake, seeking redemption from his secrets and to re-establish family ties. Even after all this time, people’s memories have not faded and his past has not been forgotten. When teenagers around Eclipse Lake find bones, that’s when the story gets interesting.
I enjoyed the plot line and over all pace of the book, it was a quick and fun read. A story of redemption, new beginnings and second chances that warms your heart. Some parts of the book did seem to drag on but the rest of the book had a definite purpose. If you have some time and want to read a fun book this would be one to pick up.
3.5 ON THE MASQ SCALE
Dane Carlisle left town fifteen years ago and the only thing that is bringing him back is a promise to his now dead wife. Dane also has a past, a criminal past. After this long of a time he is finally ready to reach out to his brother (Jonah) and try to make amends.
Dane has turned his life around and become a successful businessman, married the love of his life and adopted her young son, Jesse. He takes Jess with him to Eclipse Lake, seeking redemption from his secrets and to re-establish family ties. Even after all this time, people’s memories have not faded and his past has not been forgotten. When teenagers around Eclipse Lake find bones, that’s when the story gets interesting.
I enjoyed the plot line and over all pace of the book, it was a quick and fun read. A story of redemption, new beginnings and second chances that warms your heart. Some parts of the book did seem to drag on but the rest of the book had a definite purpose. If you have some time and want to read a fun book this would be one to pick up.
September 13, 2015
When I received this book through a free promotion I knew nothing about the storyline, so I was pleasantly surprised by the underlying mystery. And what a mystery, too. Mae Clair packed so much into one book--long buried secrets, family conflicts, not one romance but two--to create a suspenseful, mysterious ride through Onyx, a small town with a celestial lake. I fell in love with each and every character. Not often can I say that. Before sitting down to write this review I was trying to figure out which one was my favorite, and I honestly can't decide. Did I mention Koya, the dog? Yup, another awesome character. I finished this book two days ago and am already missing my new friends. I hope there's a sequel so I can visit with them again. The mystery involves a decades old murder. As a crime lover, I thought I had it figured out about halfway through, but I was dead wrong! Never did I expect the culprit to be... I highly recommend this book. It's well written, well structured, with a storyline that's sure to delight. I will definitely read more by this talented author. Five stars!
February 28, 2016
This is the first book I have read by Mae Clair but will certainly not be the last. She skillfully created interesting dialogue, memorable characters and an intriguing storyline that kept this reader engrossed.
The main protagonist, Dane Carlisle, has a tortured and sullied past which threatens to dredge up secrets that could destroy him when he returns to his boyhood hometown of Onyx. He returns with his son to try to patch up a rocky relationship he had with his brother. What he finds there is more than he bargained for but he does not give in to the negative vibes he receives from his former neighbors. There is one saving grace in his visit. He meets a lovely woman by chance that could make his visit worthwhile.
I found this book to be an enjoyable read.
The main protagonist, Dane Carlisle, has a tortured and sullied past which threatens to dredge up secrets that could destroy him when he returns to his boyhood hometown of Onyx. He returns with his son to try to patch up a rocky relationship he had with his brother. What he finds there is more than he bargained for but he does not give in to the negative vibes he receives from his former neighbors. There is one saving grace in his visit. He meets a lovely woman by chance that could make his visit worthwhile.
I found this book to be an enjoyable read.
February 19, 2015
As a fan of Mae Clair’s other novels, I was not disappointed with Eclipse Lake. I enjoyed her vivid description of the sleepy town near Eclipse Lake. Although I liked the mystery and suspense, I loved the family dynamic even more. I’m a sappy sucker for a man with a healthy relationship with his son. The funny banter and touching interactions of the Carlisle Clan (Dane, Jesse, & Jonah) made me laugh and cry. Ms. Clair has done a superb job delving deep into the many levels of the Carlisle family. 5-Stars!!
May 3, 2017
I love a good mystery/suspense story, especially with a little romance thrown in. Eclipse Lake did not disappoint. The characters are likable and believable and the story was well written. I've read a lot of mysteries over the years and often guess who the guilty party is before the end of the book. Not so with Eclipse lake. I definitely will read more by this author.
September 27, 2019
Renewing family connections shouldn’t be this hard!
Dane Carlisle is returning home after a fifteen year absence. Many things have changed; he’s a widower, father, and a multi-millionaire entrepreneur- his life couldn’t be more different than when he was a troubled youth. Problem is, his older brother, Jonah, doesn’t want him there.
Jonah wants nothing to do with the selfish delinquent who’d landed himself in jail and disappeared years ago, leaving him to care for an aging alcoholic parent. Dane hadn’t even come home for her funeral, so why should he expect a warm welcome now?
When a skeleton is uncovered along the shores of Eclipse Lake it sends the two brothers on a road of self-discovery. Will long-buried secrets destroy any chance of reconciliation, or will it finally bring peace to Eclipse Lake?
This is my kind of story; family turmoil, mysterious events, romance- it was hard to put down!
I give Eclipse Lake 5 lovely kisses- Mystery meets family saga in this page-turner!
Dane Carlisle is returning home after a fifteen year absence. Many things have changed; he’s a widower, father, and a multi-millionaire entrepreneur- his life couldn’t be more different than when he was a troubled youth. Problem is, his older brother, Jonah, doesn’t want him there.
Jonah wants nothing to do with the selfish delinquent who’d landed himself in jail and disappeared years ago, leaving him to care for an aging alcoholic parent. Dane hadn’t even come home for her funeral, so why should he expect a warm welcome now?
When a skeleton is uncovered along the shores of Eclipse Lake it sends the two brothers on a road of self-discovery. Will long-buried secrets destroy any chance of reconciliation, or will it finally bring peace to Eclipse Lake?
This is my kind of story; family turmoil, mysterious events, romance- it was hard to put down!
I give Eclipse Lake 5 lovely kisses- Mystery meets family saga in this page-turner!
September 21, 2016
This is the second book I’ve read by author Mae Clair and once again, she does not disappoint! Dane Carlisle grew up in Onyx and Eclipse Lake and was basically a young criminal in his teenage years. Fast-forward fifteen years and Dane has become a very successful business owner of a security company, adopted Jesse when he was six and has been a widower for three years. Before she died, his wife urged Dane to return home and make peace with his brother Jonah, so Dane and his son Jesse fly from San Diego to Pennsylvania on a mission to return to Eclipse Lake and face Dane’s old ghosts. The problem is that Dane never gets the nerve to tell Jesse about his past before getting there.
Ellie is on assignment to photograph Eclipse Lake but quickly witnesses the unearthing of someone’s skeletal remains and meets Jonah, Dane’s estranged brother. A few days later, Dane and Jesse have arrived and are staying in the cabin beside of Ellie’s but she meets Dane when he is in the woods and knocks over her tripod, destroying an expensive lens. Offering her dinner, and the cost of the lens, Dane and Ellie find themselves quickly falling for each other, but that also leaves Ellie caught up in all of the repercussions of Dane’s past and his return to Eclipse Lake. Dane struggles with rebuilding a relationship with Jonah, Jesse struggles with coming to terms with his Dad’s past and both Dane and Ellie struggle with their newfound relationship and new feelings.
This was such a fantastic book that I sat down to read and did nothing else until a few hours later when I finished it. Mae has an incredible style of writing that pulls you into the plot and makes her books impossible to put down until finished. Her characters are relatable and realistic,struggling with situations or fears that any of us could have. A parent who doesn’t want his son to know about his misspent youth? Yes, I get that completely. Someone estranged from their family that fears returning home to try to make amends? Oh yes, I completely get that! As I was reading this I was thinking that although she wrote this book long before we met, I felt like there was a personal message just for me saying I should try to make amends with family I no longer speak with. Obviously, that’s not the case, but this novel is one of those great reads where you don’t feel as if you are on the outside looking in, but feel as if you a part of the story.
“Eclipse Lake” is fantastic in that it embodies Mae’s suspenseful, mysterious writing but also includes a realistic romance with a widower and a photographer, neither of which know what to do about their feelings, and includes trials of having a teenage child, family ghosts, and more. There is something for every reader in this novel and definitely one that I would recommend to anyone.
*Disclaimer: I received this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Ellie is on assignment to photograph Eclipse Lake but quickly witnesses the unearthing of someone’s skeletal remains and meets Jonah, Dane’s estranged brother. A few days later, Dane and Jesse have arrived and are staying in the cabin beside of Ellie’s but she meets Dane when he is in the woods and knocks over her tripod, destroying an expensive lens. Offering her dinner, and the cost of the lens, Dane and Ellie find themselves quickly falling for each other, but that also leaves Ellie caught up in all of the repercussions of Dane’s past and his return to Eclipse Lake. Dane struggles with rebuilding a relationship with Jonah, Jesse struggles with coming to terms with his Dad’s past and both Dane and Ellie struggle with their newfound relationship and new feelings.
This was such a fantastic book that I sat down to read and did nothing else until a few hours later when I finished it. Mae has an incredible style of writing that pulls you into the plot and makes her books impossible to put down until finished. Her characters are relatable and realistic,struggling with situations or fears that any of us could have. A parent who doesn’t want his son to know about his misspent youth? Yes, I get that completely. Someone estranged from their family that fears returning home to try to make amends? Oh yes, I completely get that! As I was reading this I was thinking that although she wrote this book long before we met, I felt like there was a personal message just for me saying I should try to make amends with family I no longer speak with. Obviously, that’s not the case, but this novel is one of those great reads where you don’t feel as if you are on the outside looking in, but feel as if you a part of the story.
“Eclipse Lake” is fantastic in that it embodies Mae’s suspenseful, mysterious writing but also includes a realistic romance with a widower and a photographer, neither of which know what to do about their feelings, and includes trials of having a teenage child, family ghosts, and more. There is something for every reader in this novel and definitely one that I would recommend to anyone.
*Disclaimer: I received this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review.
September 12, 2014
What started off as something that looked to be quite intriguing, gradually became mundane and quite predictable as the story progressed. A sigh of relief when I reached the end which was not much of one. Everything coming up to the moment of the big revelation, the ta-dah! at the end lacked any impact we were to feel. It fizzled.
I really did like the two brothers, Jonah and Dane, and found the family dynamic, their relationship quite engaging. My issue was the romance between Dane and Ellie, and all the fluff that went with it, which took away any feelings of suspense the main story might've been striving for. I'm so not a fan of instant "I love you," or "Marry me," when the H/h have just met, and like so many authors, this one doesn't deviate from the song and dance routine, which more often than not makes the romance between the H/h come across as unrealistic. The two protagonists in this novel came across as just that - unrealistic.
"What was it about this girl he found appealing?"
Dane just met Ellie, and she was mad because he broke something of hers. It wasn't even that big of a heated discussion and already he has these thoughts going thru his head? (Rolling my eyes) Give me a break! Everything about their relationship was ridiculous. The author has the couple falling in love within days of meeting, which is soon followed (like couple of days) with a proposal of marriage. (I lost count the number of times I rolled my eyes.) What a boring couple. There was absolutely no spark, sizzle, or chemistry between the two.
What? You're peeved at me because I spoiled it for you? How can I spoil it for you when so many novels follow this formula of insta-love?
I should also mention here that I wasn't a fan of the heroine, Ellie. There was absolutely nothing remotely interesting about her. In fact, there were times she came across as immature; even shallow; more a teenager than an adult. Whatever it was, I just wasn't a fan of hers.
Read it, don't read it. While I may not have enjoyed the novel, there's a chance you will. To each his/her own.
I really did like the two brothers, Jonah and Dane, and found the family dynamic, their relationship quite engaging. My issue was the romance between Dane and Ellie, and all the fluff that went with it, which took away any feelings of suspense the main story might've been striving for. I'm so not a fan of instant "I love you," or "Marry me," when the H/h have just met, and like so many authors, this one doesn't deviate from the song and dance routine, which more often than not makes the romance between the H/h come across as unrealistic. The two protagonists in this novel came across as just that - unrealistic.
"What was it about this girl he found appealing?"
Dane just met Ellie, and she was mad because he broke something of hers. It wasn't even that big of a heated discussion and already he has these thoughts going thru his head? (Rolling my eyes) Give me a break! Everything about their relationship was ridiculous. The author has the couple falling in love within days of meeting, which is soon followed (like couple of days) with a proposal of marriage. (I lost count the number of times I rolled my eyes.) What a boring couple. There was absolutely no spark, sizzle, or chemistry between the two.
What? You're peeved at me because I spoiled it for you? How can I spoil it for you when so many novels follow this formula of insta-love?
I should also mention here that I wasn't a fan of the heroine, Ellie. There was absolutely nothing remotely interesting about her. In fact, there were times she came across as immature; even shallow; more a teenager than an adult. Whatever it was, I just wasn't a fan of hers.
Read it, don't read it. While I may not have enjoyed the novel, there's a chance you will. To each his/her own.
August 27, 2015
I am a huge of fan of books with second chances and a lil bit of redemption. This one did not disappoint. Dane was a bad boy made good. As a teenager, he was into just about everything, drinking, drugs, breaking and entering, theft, and the list goes on. He even spent over a year in jail for his crimes. Once he was out, he left the area and met up with someone that helped him turn his life around. 15 years later he is back. He owns a HUGE security company (using his skills as a thief to make security systems). He returns to Eclipse Lake with his 17 year old son Jesse wanting to renew a relationship with his brother. Things are not easy for Dane. People still hold a grudge, especially his brother Jonah.
Dane lost his wife a few years ago, and isn't ready for a relationship...or is he? After a bit of fumbling, Dane makes an impression on Ellie (and not a good one at first). But as most romances go, things change. Emotions fly, desire blooms, tensions flair, and love develops rather quickly between these two.
Ellie is a photographer on assignment. She isn't looking for anything to tie her down. She travels from place to place and doesn't need anything permanent. Dane finds a way to get under her skin. After a few false starts, love blossoms between these two.
There was heartache, deception, redemption, romance, and of course falling in love. This was written as a multi pov. Great storyline, good dialogue between characters and good descriptions to detail.
All in all, a great read.
Would I recommend this book? Yes
Would I read more from this author? Yes
Sassy Beta Reading & Review
Dane lost his wife a few years ago, and isn't ready for a relationship...or is he? After a bit of fumbling, Dane makes an impression on Ellie (and not a good one at first). But as most romances go, things change. Emotions fly, desire blooms, tensions flair, and love develops rather quickly between these two.
Ellie is a photographer on assignment. She isn't looking for anything to tie her down. She travels from place to place and doesn't need anything permanent. Dane finds a way to get under her skin. After a few false starts, love blossoms between these two.
There was heartache, deception, redemption, romance, and of course falling in love. This was written as a multi pov. Great storyline, good dialogue between characters and good descriptions to detail.
All in all, a great read.
Would I recommend this book? Yes
Would I read more from this author? Yes
Sassy Beta Reading & Review
August 27, 2015
Eclipse Lake was a great read, there was so much packed into these pages, yet nothing got lost. The family dynamic was awesome, the troubled relationship, the bitterness between Jonah and Dane, the chance for second chances, it was a very powerful look at resolving past issues. There was so much misunderstanding and resentment coming from Jonah that for most of the book I actually hated him, even while I could see his point of view.
It was hard for me to image Dane as he was described in the past, I couldn't move past the man he was now. He was an upstanding citizen, a wonderful father and I fell in love with the way he courted Ellie. I adored the relationship between Dane and Jesse, family is so much more than blood, and the bond there was heartwarming.
I enjoyed the way Dane and Ellie met, it was so sweet and yet awkward. The whole relationship was slow and sweet and didn't overpower the suspense story. I often felt that I was reading to separate, but expertly entwined books, the romance of Dane and Ellie and the suspense story of remains found in Onyx. Neither 'story' took away from the other, they complimented each other very well.
Overall, this was a fabulously written story which I enjoyed very much. I would recommend this to any romantic suspense fan out there!
It was hard for me to image Dane as he was described in the past, I couldn't move past the man he was now. He was an upstanding citizen, a wonderful father and I fell in love with the way he courted Ellie. I adored the relationship between Dane and Jesse, family is so much more than blood, and the bond there was heartwarming.
I enjoyed the way Dane and Ellie met, it was so sweet and yet awkward. The whole relationship was slow and sweet and didn't overpower the suspense story. I often felt that I was reading to separate, but expertly entwined books, the romance of Dane and Ellie and the suspense story of remains found in Onyx. Neither 'story' took away from the other, they complimented each other very well.
Overall, this was a fabulously written story which I enjoyed very much. I would recommend this to any romantic suspense fan out there!
December 23, 2018
Eclipse Lake by Mae Clair holds all the usual elements of a mystery – an unsolved murder, a suspect who seems to hide the darkest secrets, a villain and horrendous memories. But besides mystery, this book says much more. It focuses on relationships, which have always intrigued me. Clair has handled them deftly, pointing out glaring errors that parents make in raising a child and expect him to be perfect.
Dane was one such son who couldn’t get enough affection and the right attention from either of his parents and even his older brother Jonah, who tried to handle a delinquent adolescent failed miserably. No wonder brothers can never replace parents unless they learn to love unconditionally! Dane returns to his hometown to expunge the ghosts of his past but gets mired deeper into it.
His brother cold shoulders him, Jesse is indignant that his dad had never shared his past and people of Onyx still eye him with suspicion. Clair handles the broken trust and emotions in an admirable manner, making a subtle comment on how well he had raised his son.
The sub plot of a fairy tale romance drags the story a little just like comic relief in a Greek tragedy. Though Ellie contributes significantly to the development of the main plot but appears to be superfluous as she distracts the readers from the seriousness of the theme.
Dane was one such son who couldn’t get enough affection and the right attention from either of his parents and even his older brother Jonah, who tried to handle a delinquent adolescent failed miserably. No wonder brothers can never replace parents unless they learn to love unconditionally! Dane returns to his hometown to expunge the ghosts of his past but gets mired deeper into it.
His brother cold shoulders him, Jesse is indignant that his dad had never shared his past and people of Onyx still eye him with suspicion. Clair handles the broken trust and emotions in an admirable manner, making a subtle comment on how well he had raised his son.
The sub plot of a fairy tale romance drags the story a little just like comic relief in a Greek tragedy. Though Ellie contributes significantly to the development of the main plot but appears to be superfluous as she distracts the readers from the seriousness of the theme.
May 4, 2017
If I knew nothing about this book, I'd want to read it based on the cover alone - isn't it the perfect picture of tranquility? But don't be misled because, as it also says on the cover, 'Small towns hold the darkest secrets.' And that is so true of the town of Eclipse Lake.
Mae Clair captures the atmosphere of small towns so well - the gossip, reputations that are never forgotten, nosy neighbors, etc. But she also creates characters that lure you into that small town, asking you to stay awhile and learn their hidden secrets and scandals. And that's why I found it so difficult to put this book down.
Most people who read this will be charmed by the romance between Dane and Ellie - and I was, but the relationship that wormed its way into my heart was between Dane and Jesse. I loved how they were so protective of each other and the way Jesse's respect for his father grew even more (eventually) upon learning about his past. As an animal lover, Koya also stole my heart.
When the mystery is revealed - I sure didn't see that one coming. Thought I had it figured out all along - wrong!
Well-paced, both captivating and unlikable characters, clashing family dynamics - Eclipse Lake offers mystery and suspense as well as a good redemption story.
Mae Clair captures the atmosphere of small towns so well - the gossip, reputations that are never forgotten, nosy neighbors, etc. But she also creates characters that lure you into that small town, asking you to stay awhile and learn their hidden secrets and scandals. And that's why I found it so difficult to put this book down.
Most people who read this will be charmed by the romance between Dane and Ellie - and I was, but the relationship that wormed its way into my heart was between Dane and Jesse. I loved how they were so protective of each other and the way Jesse's respect for his father grew even more (eventually) upon learning about his past. As an animal lover, Koya also stole my heart.
When the mystery is revealed - I sure didn't see that one coming. Thought I had it figured out all along - wrong!
Well-paced, both captivating and unlikable characters, clashing family dynamics - Eclipse Lake offers mystery and suspense as well as a good redemption story.
Read
June 27, 2016I read Eclipse Lake in just a few hours. In fact, I stayed up into the wee hours of the night to do it. I couldn’t put it down. It’s another riveting story by Mae Clair.
I was hooked from the very start. It’s primarily set in Pennsylvania, which is where I’m originally from, so that intrigued me. The setting is beautifully described, but not overdone with purple prose. The plot grabs you right away. A guy and his son are heading home to deal with some ugly family history. What is it? We don’t know. Their trip just happens to coincide with a body being found at the lake. Who is the body? We don’t know. The investigation turns up some fascinating history, though. Throw in a photographer, a few budding romances, family drama, town scuttlebutt, long-standing rivalries and animosities… all this with a mystery to solve and a relationship to repair? I couldn’t stop turning the pages. And when you find out who the killer is? I didn’t see that one coming. And it takes a lot to surprise me.
This story has everything. Mystery, suspense, romance, action. I’d happily read another just like it. Five well-deserved stars.
I was hooked from the very start. It’s primarily set in Pennsylvania, which is where I’m originally from, so that intrigued me. The setting is beautifully described, but not overdone with purple prose. The plot grabs you right away. A guy and his son are heading home to deal with some ugly family history. What is it? We don’t know. Their trip just happens to coincide with a body being found at the lake. Who is the body? We don’t know. The investigation turns up some fascinating history, though. Throw in a photographer, a few budding romances, family drama, town scuttlebutt, long-standing rivalries and animosities… all this with a mystery to solve and a relationship to repair? I couldn’t stop turning the pages. And when you find out who the killer is? I didn’t see that one coming. And it takes a lot to surprise me.
This story has everything. Mystery, suspense, romance, action. I’d happily read another just like it. Five well-deserved stars.
September 13, 2016
Mae Clair is an exceptionally reliable writer. You always know that when you open one of her books, you will find something well-executed and we'll worth your time. Eclipse Lake is no exception. It gives you mystery, family drama, and romance along with interesting locales and well-drawn characters.
Dane is a bad boy made good, come home to try to make peace with his estranged brother, Jonah. He is accompanied by his teenage son and a whole lot of baggage. He soon meets Ellie, a successful photographer who captures his heart as easily as she does the perfect shot. In the midst of their percolating romance, Dane is forced to deal with the unfinished business of the long ago disappearance of a young woman who had once bedded both him and his brother. (Not at the same time. It's not that kind of book.)
I don't even like romance novels, but I couldn't help liking this one. That is a testament to the author’s skill. It is written in a conversational style, and it alternates between the points of view of the four primary characters. It is most enjoyable, and I can recommend it without hesitation to any romantics out there.
Dane is a bad boy made good, come home to try to make peace with his estranged brother, Jonah. He is accompanied by his teenage son and a whole lot of baggage. He soon meets Ellie, a successful photographer who captures his heart as easily as she does the perfect shot. In the midst of their percolating romance, Dane is forced to deal with the unfinished business of the long ago disappearance of a young woman who had once bedded both him and his brother. (Not at the same time. It's not that kind of book.)
I don't even like romance novels, but I couldn't help liking this one. That is a testament to the author’s skill. It is written in a conversational style, and it alternates between the points of view of the four primary characters. It is most enjoyable, and I can recommend it without hesitation to any romantics out there.
October 12, 2018
When you read a Mae Claire novel you can expect that she will deliver a super well-written story with complex, fully developed characters, and some surprise. Eclipse Lake has all of these elements and one that I did not expect. Even though the book is a romantic suspense, I was delighted to find the way the central characters were drawn to each other. Their romantic attraction was so well written that I didn’t even think I was reading what could be considered a romance novel. In my mind, it had all the elements of a suspense novel with a tasteful romance as a bonus. Such is the skill of Ms. Claire. She has also served up some personal hatred, father and son dynamics, a dead body, and a law enforcement officer hell-bent to convict the wrong person. Yes, this one will keep you reading into the night, and once the secret is exposed, you will join the rest of us who never saw it coming.
I would recommend this book to anyone who wants an exciting read and the feeling that it was a good thing to spend time with Mae Claire
I would recommend this book to anyone who wants an exciting read and the feeling that it was a good thing to spend time with Mae Claire
January 26, 2016
Eclipse Lake is a masterpiece of pulling strong family dynamics, amazing settings, and romantic suspense together in a hard to put down read. The tension between the brothers Jonah and Dane were well balanced with the fun interplay of Ellie’s family. But I think my favorite secondary character was Jesse. Mae Clair brought about the full understanding between father and son with a sensitive touch that kept me turning pages to the end.
But the romance between Ellie and Dane is not out shined by the family and intrigue of the story line. Dane and Ellie heat up the pages as the threads of each subplot weave through the book to a complete and satisfying conclusion – with a surprising twist ending that I didn’t see coming.
I am definitely looking forward to reading more of Ms. Clair’s works.
But the romance between Ellie and Dane is not out shined by the family and intrigue of the story line. Dane and Ellie heat up the pages as the threads of each subplot weave through the book to a complete and satisfying conclusion – with a surprising twist ending that I didn’t see coming.
I am definitely looking forward to reading more of Ms. Clair’s works.
June 22, 2016
Eclipse Lake by Mae Clair has it all - mystery, suspense, and romance! Dane Carlisle, a widower, returns to his hometown Eclipse Lake after 15 years to make peace with his past and estranged brother, Jonah. Soon after he arrives, human remains from an unsolved murder/disappearance are discovered. Both Dane and Jonah have ties to the victim. The murder mystery/investigation isn’t at the forefront during the first half of the book, but it’s there linking the brothers to their fractured past, casting doubt and blame.
The author’s writing is flawless, subplots unfold fluidly and later bridge nicely, the character development is impeccable, and the pace is perfect. The suspense will have you guessing until the very end. This is a story of redemption and second chances that I highly recommend!
The author’s writing is flawless, subplots unfold fluidly and later bridge nicely, the character development is impeccable, and the pace is perfect. The suspense will have you guessing until the very end. This is a story of redemption and second chances that I highly recommend!
February 20, 2017
I absolutely loved this book! This author really knows how to make you feel the emotions of each character. And her suspense scenes...wow! She knows how to SHOW the scene instead of explain the scenes, and because I want to lose myself in the story, authors who write like this grab me hook, line, and sinker.
Her characters are very realistic and stay true to their personalities throughout the whole book. The plot masterfully weaves several characters from different backgrounds together and embeds them all in the outcome of this story. I didn't see the climax coming, and that, in and of itself, proves to me just how well this was written because I'm quite good at figuring out the plot of stories.
I do believe I just found another favorite author. I will be looking into everything she writes.
Her characters are very realistic and stay true to their personalities throughout the whole book. The plot masterfully weaves several characters from different backgrounds together and embeds them all in the outcome of this story. I didn't see the climax coming, and that, in and of itself, proves to me just how well this was written because I'm quite good at figuring out the plot of stories.
I do believe I just found another favorite author. I will be looking into everything she writes.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews