The Lake Club: A Novel

by Lina Patton

"Juicy and tense, insanely readable and surprisingly tender—you need this one in your beach bag." —CAROLA LOVERING, bestselling author of Tell Me Lies

A sizzling, soapy summer debut, in which two women in a wealthy lakeside suburb clash over a cute male nanny, pulling the town’s darker secrets to the surface.

DRAMA LOVES A DEEP END

When Danika Crawley attends events at the Aldon Lakes Country Club, heads turn. Danika has it all—beauty, money, a successful husband, and two perfect children. She plans on making this summer her best season yet and has a secret weapon to secure the envy of her neighbors.

Augie Elling has lost it all. Reeling from a post-grad scandal amidst her now-former life in New York, she returns to Aldon Lakes with her tail between her legs. Augie wants to keep her head down, save money, and find a way to leave her hometown for good, but someone keeps distracting her.

Danika and Augie have one thing in they are both a little obsessed with Chat, the male nanny Danika hired for the summer. But, unbeknownst to either woman, Chat’s appearance in town sets off a chain reaction that threatens Aldon Lakes' carefully maintained ecosystem. As the heat rises between the three of them, the truth behind a long-buried scandal comes to light, and everyone at the club must reckon with the consequences.

The Lake Club is both an addictive, rollicking beach read, and a stylish, deft exploration of a lesser-known region of American wealth.

"The ultimate summer escape. Stylish, smart, and utterly unputdownable." —GEORGIA CLARK, author of Play It Again

Genres: Fiction

Kindle Edition

Expected publication June 16, 2026

About the author

Lina Patton is a writer, illustrator, and teacher. Originally from Maine, she moved to Minnesota at thirteen, trading the ocean for 10,000 lakes. She holds a BA from Elon University and an MFA from George Mason University. Her work has appeared in ELLE, The Cut, Narrative Magazine, and Driftwood Press, among others. After seven years living abroad, she and her husband currently reside in Washington, DC, with their two very good, very bad dogs. The Lake Club is her first novel.

Reviews

[Sowmya Viswanathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I expected this to be a fluffy palate cleanser between more serious books—boy, was I wrong. This book has it all—a voyeuristic glimpse into the lives of wealthy suburbanites, romance, unsolved mysteries, and much more. The characters were well developed (although I would have enjoyed more background on characters such as Teuta and Leah). And I never would have guessed the insane plot twist—did not see that one coming. It’s giving midwestern lake community White Lotus vibes.

[Madyson Hart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Danika is just getting back into home design thanks to her husband, and is excited for everyone at the Lake Club to see Chat. Her new “Manny” as they call him, is now here to help Danika take care of her two kids. He is young, and handsome and she is excited for everyone at the club to start talking about him.

Augie left last year to go to New York to work. This failed miserably and she is now back working at the Lake Club for her sixth year, Augie also knows Chat, who was a hookup last year that she wants to forget about.

As they both become more obsessed with Chat, tensions start to arise and cause problems. Secrets start coming out.

This felt like reading a thriller, and watching gossip girl at the same time. I was loving it, i flew through this book and honestly was exited to keep picking it up. Definitely recommend to thriller and drama lovers.

Thank you to Netgalley and William Morrow for sending me an Arc to read and review!

[Ellen Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved how packed full of drama this book was. A feisty look at suburban life with all its drama and secrets, I couldn’t put it down! Each character was so fascinating and I could relate to different quirks of each one. Loved the male nanny aka manny Chat and how Augie and Danika are both obsessed with him. Augie was a very likeable character and I was really rooting for her. This book has plenty of scandal and shocking twists between the 3 main characters. An ideal summer read, I will be reading this one again and again simply because the drama is so juicy! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kelsie Gilkey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lake Club
Publication date: June 16, 2026

Lake Club takes place in a posh Minnesota town, Aldon Lakes, where the rich enjoy country clubs, golfing, and extravagant dinner parties. One Aldon Lakes resident, Danika hires a male nanny, Chat, to care for her children over the summer. Quickly, it becomes clear that Danika has hired this specific nanny for a reason and she doesn’t want anyone to know why. Another Aldon Lakes resident, Augie, a newly graduated 22 year old, is home for the summer after a scandal caused her to lose her first big city post-grad job. Soon, Augie returns to her high school job at the country club and runs into Chat, whom she is shocked to see after they had a fling the previous summer. Danika makes it known that she dislikes Augie and doesn’t want Chat around her. But why?
I enjoyed this book and am rating it 3 stars although I’d probably put it closer to 3.5.
I found the setting to be fun and unique, mostly taking place within the country club and the homes of the rich. There were a lot of unlikeable characters in the book which made it fun to read but hard to connect with most of the characters, although some had redeeming moments in the end.
The relationship between Augie and Chat felt forced to me, minimal chemistry between the two, although it helped drive the plot. I also felt some of the dialogue between characters was cringey at times.
Besides that, I think the plot was really interesting and new. It felt like a low-ish stakes thriller in some ways. I think it would be fun to read by the pool in the summer!!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my ARC!

[Rebecca Noothed · Rating 4 out of 5]

**ARC**

I don’t know what I was expecting from this book -
maybe an easy beach read - but I was surprised at how much I enjoyed it. As a native Minnesotan, the locations, storylines, and characters are like a nostalgic postcard from my home state. I think a lot of the references will be lost on people who don’t live here but you still get the essence.

The story closely parallels Gatsby with the uber rich who live on the shores of Lake Minnetonka. The secrets are dark and the characters aren’t who they say they are. I couldn’t help picturing the summer parties, the country club, and the absurd wealth gilded world. I really like Augie, the MFC, who is not annoying (always a plus) and our humble, working-class heroine. She’s a great foil to the spoiled, waspish Danika Crawley. Initially I thought the book would be about two women fighting over some mid hockey bro nanny but it wasn’t. Chat is actually sweet and loyal even if he goes about it the wrong way.

I appreciate the way the author wove together separate timelines and gave us the major villain but also many really flawed characters who you despise then root for. The story and background scream F. Scott Fitzgerald (once a resident of St. Paul, MN), but instead of tragedy and characters who get to fade into the background, these characters’ stories end differently.

The expectation was meh. But, surprisingly, I really liked it; definitely recommend.

[Olivia Lanier · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!

The Lake Club was not at all what I expected. It was drama, mystery, suspense, and more all rolled into one. I think this both helped and hurt the plot. On one hand, there it kept me guessing until the end. I did NOT see the plot twist coming regarding the couple who was having an affair. The story of what actually happened on the night of the boat crash did not surprise me though, which was disappointing.
On the other hand, there were so many storylines in this book that it felt a bit confusing and bogged down. I wish that there had been a couple less threads to weave so that the author could focus on really making them richer. The narrative about why Augie specifically left New York didn’t feel useful to me- I would have been content if the actual reason was the merger that was used as cover up, and had the author spend more time discussing Lyle and his family’s grief. It felt like that was really only mentioned when it was convenient to the plot.
I feel like this book would make a great HBO drama/mystery miniseries. If you’re into those kind of shows I think you would probably enjoy this book! It had enough drama and mystery to keep me turning the pages quickly, and it did leave me surprised by the ending!

[Charlotte · Rating 3 out of 5]

*****Thanks to NetGalley for a free e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Solid 3.5, I feel really ambivalent about this

The social tensions were interesting but besides that it was kinda bland….if Leah was the MC I think the boat-murder-mystery plot would have hit harder for the last 25%. Also Augie’s general prickliness and Danika’s “woe is me (rightfully so at times) but I’m rich and have to get drunk” vibes did not work for me

Truly having Augie + Danika as MCs seemed puzzling at times. I felt for their backgrounds but it made no sense to really focus on that in relation to the meandering plot (area women subtlety-but-not-really duke it out for affections of the gym-short-wearing “manny”)

For Danika to be Chat’s almost-aunt there needed to be a LOT less makeout vibes in the first half between them….

Also the Bill + Wyatt reveal just felt like it was thrown in there. Good for them I guess but I didn’t care enough to get a whole POV chapter of them😭😭

So this came down to Augie + Chat, together 4ever, and Danika zooming her ex-Latvian jockey player ex-husband, as the two latter ones tried to out-Truman Show each other?

Interesting premise and bones but it just lost steam by the 60% mark

[Marianne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I appreciated how the author indulged the reader’s senses by giving a peek into how the wealthy live, and how life can be more tolerable when you have the kind of money to surround yourself in beautiful things. I had to look up what some of the dishes of food were, and those sounded wonderful too.

There was a love triangle between a wealthy mother (Danika), her manny (Chat), and a local girl (Augie) trying to find her way out of her small, affluent town. The characters were pretty formulaic. Danika was bossy and controlling. Chat was charismatic, attractive, and an all around great guy. And Augie was scrappy, pretty and hiding secrets about her past.

The problem is that the plot didn’t have enough meat on its bones. When I got to the ending I felt like I was missing something. The big reveal about what happened to Augie in New York and the nature of Chat and Danika’s relationship wasn’t jaw dropping or controversial. I kept wondering,”is that it?” Judging by the description I was expecting fireworks, but it ended up being more of a sparkler.

Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for the eARC.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was an enjoyable read. It has a lot going for it, particularly the writing style as a whole - mystery is hard, when the author knows the twists but doesn’t want to a) give it all away too soon or b) treat the audience like they’re stupid. Lina Patton does neither- she genuinely had me guessing at the different threads the whole way and I never felt like the characters were catching on more slowly than I was. I was a little bummed that I guessed at the members of the affair that is teased from the beginning. I think if we had gotten 1 or 2 fewer scenes of that, I could have been surprised by the outcome. Her main characters are also very engaging. Augie and Danika are 3 dimensional. They are very dislikable at times but also garner my sympathy at others. They felt very believable and were fun to read. Chat was also intriguing. I think the main limitation was that the story is entertaining, but not lingering. I don’t know that there was a lot to take from it other than a good time. Though it definitely was a good time.

Thank you NetGalley and William Morrow for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lit Fiction meets a mild mystery.

Danika, Augie and Chat will all collide for a summer that will change everyone's life. Set against the backdrop of a picturesque Minnesota events from both Danika and Augie's pasts will play out as they both vie for Chat's attention.

Tension builds in the story from the beginning both sensual and interpersonal. I enjoyed the first half of this book as the dynamics of the people developed. Interspersed throughout the book are flashbacks. In the beginning it's hard to discern who these are about but it doesn't take long to figure it out- I won't spoil this for you!

It takes on sort of a weird arch as the two women decide how Chat is going to fit into their lives. I'll have to say the author does a tremendous job in painting just how unhappy Danika she is. There is no other word to describe her other than hateful.

Several twists and turns happen before the book comes to a mostly satisfying end.
I did feel the book became a little sluggish in the middle and skipped a few chapters to finish up reading the book and didn't feel like I had lost anything in the skipping.

Overall, its a nice debut by this author.

Thank you to Net Galley and William Morris for the ARC edition of this book!

[Kelly Baldwin Chaplo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was such a delight from start to finish! I absolutely loved the unique setting—a small, wealthy town in Minnesota with all the charm, secrets, and lake-life vibes you could want. It made the whole story feel fresh, cozy, and just a little glamorous.

From the very first chapter, the drama between the characters had me totally hooked. There are so many layers, twists, and tangled relationships that I truly couldn’t put it down. Every time I thought I knew where things were heading… nope! More chaos.

And the storyline about the “manny” added such a fun twist and made for an irresistible love triangle that kept me intrigued throughout the book.

Overall, this is the perfect summer beach (or lake!) read—juicy, fast-paced, and just plain fun. If you’re looking for a book to devour, this is it!

[Gina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three and a half stars rounded up to four.

The Lake Club was an enjoyable read and I love the cover! As a midwesterner myself, I loved the Minnesota setting and always find it interesting to "peek behind the curtain" of how the wealthy live. The writing was very solid and I enjoyed trying to figure out the secrets before they were revealed. That being said, I really disliked Danika as a character and found her actions quite annoying. Augie was much easier to root for, so I preferred when the story focused on her. Overall this is a fun book perfect for reading lakeside on a beautiful summer day.

Thank you to Net Galley for providing an advanced reader copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Brittney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in a wealthy enclave on a Minnesota lake, The Lake Club follows Augie, a 20-something recent grad whose advertising career in New York City fell apart after a major mistake, and 30-something Danika, a wealthy wife, mother of two and interior designer, who clash over Chat, Danika’s “manny.” I don’t want to say more and spoil the story, but this is a well-written novel that has plenty of juicy drama, romance, friendship, rich people behaving badly, a coming-of-age element and even mystery with several surprise twists. I really enjoyed it and recommend!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

[Madeline Church · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars! The Lake Club is one of the books to pick up this upcoming summer! Secrets, drama, and a whole bunch of scandal! I loved being able to see the sides of both women during the whole story. I haven't read a book that centers on a male nanny in this way. It was very interesting to read.

The characters were SO unlikeable. This was in such an engaging way though! I just wanted to learn more about them to understand their ways. The actions made it seem like a thriller. However, I do not think it is technically marketed this way.

Thank you NetGalley, William Morrow, & Lina Patton for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. The Lake Club is released on June 16, 2026!

[Madeline Church · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars! The Lake Club is one of the books to pick up this upcoming summer! Secrets, drama, and a whole bunch of scandal! I loved being able to see the sides of both women during the whole story. I haven't read a book that centers on a male nanny in this way. It was very interesting to read.

The characters were SO unlikeable. This was in such an engaging way though! I just wanted to learn more about them to understand their ways. The actions made it seem like a thriller. However, I do not think it is technically marketed this way.

Thank you NetGalley, William Morrow, & Lina Patton for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. The Lake Club is released on June 16, 2026!

[BHK · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Lake Club by Lina Patton is exactly the kind of juicy and fast paced drama I crave in a summer read! Think glossy lakeside luxury, picture perfect families, and secrets simmering just below the surface. It’s deliciously soapy but also surprisingly sharp, with characters you’ll love to hate. The author nails that mix of scandal, heart, and smart writing, and feels effortlessly cinematic. I flew through it in two sittings and didn’t want to put it down. If you love your beach reads packed with drama, twists, and a little emotional punch, add this to your TBR!

[Corey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I could not put book this book down. I love books about everyone being connected in some way but you’re not sure how, and this book did not disappoint.

A rich family & a young woman returning home are connected by an attractive young manny. Through secrets and lies, friendships and romances, and tragedy, we see how people can grow, change, and eventually find themselves and happiness.

Don’t skip this intriguing read!

Thank you NetGalley & the publisher for the advanced reader copy.

[Tam📖 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and William Morris for the ARC!

When I saw the blurb from Carola Lovering, I requested this right away. It really kept my interest in knowing how all the plot lines were going to come together. It was a very satisfying ending and I think this could be the next tv series pick up with a few more twists for the tv audience to add in!

[JoAnn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A perfect summer read. I tore through this very entertaining book.

The Lake Club, a debut novel by Lina Patton is sure to be seen tucked into many beach bags this summer.

I look forward to more from author Lina Patton.

#LinaPatton #williammorrowbooks

[Nevada Mom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having lived in Minnesota, the references to Lake Minnetonka and the wealth in that area made the book come alive for me. I normally don't love each character, but Danika, Augie and Chat had sympathetic qualities that had me rooting for them to come out on the other side of the drama, mostly unscathed. Great read that had me reaching for this book until finished!

[Vmndetta ᛑᛗᛛ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I expected some heated drama and intense arguments when I started this book, women fighting for a man, but what I got instead was a plot that felt a bit too slow paced for me. I loved the neat and promising writing, and the characters are complex with well developed backgrounds, which I enjoyed. However, the overall pacing just didn't hold my attention enoug. It didn't make me feel excited to keep reading to find out how everything would end. And I hated the name Chat. Like, seriously, Chat?

[Shannon Rochester · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my digital copy in exchange for an honest opinion. I am not entirely sure why I requested this one...I think I thought it was going to be a thriller but it didn't end up that way...at least for me.There was drama, love, and a little bit of mystery/suspense all rolled into one.There were some very catty women, which kind of took away some of the enjoyment for me...
There were so many intertwining story lines that I couldn't always keep up with what I was reading.
If I am being honest, I am not sure there was one character I actually liked and would want to spend time with in real life. Because of that, I couldn't always stay interested or focused. Not that it is a bad book in any way...this is just me and one of my many quirks.