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Troubled Waters #1

The EmmaLee Affairs

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An Amazon Kindle #1 selection for Mystery Thriller and Suspense.

One Grand Ship. Two love affairs, decades apart. An idyllic summer resort town torn apart by class struggles, tragic loss, betrayal and murder. (Formerly published as "The Seasons of the EmmaLee".)

Jonathan McKendry, the son of a local boatyard owner in a 1940’s northern Michigan resort town, is falling in love with Emily Compton, the daughter of a wealthy family who summer in Charlevoix and own the grand ship, the EmmaLee. As class differences and family pressures threaten any hope of the relationship succeeding, a shocking crime shatters their dreams of being together and throws them into a desperate search for a brutal killer.

In a parallel story in present-day, Sally Thomason, a descendant of the Compton’s, is thrilled to join the Charlevoix community in welcoming back the family’s old yacht, the EmmaLee after decades away. When she meets Alex Clark, the new owner of the ship, her life takes a drastic turn that threatens her current relationship and dredges up past memories of a tragic event that continues to haunt her. As Sally and Alex grow closer, they search for common ground to move beyond the past and build new lives together.

The EmmaLee Affairs plays out against a beautiful scenic backdrop and compelling historical context while exploring the deep emotions of tragic love and loss, and the chilling effects of evil that often lie just beneath the surface of our fragile lives.

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First published December 5, 2005

1403 people are currently reading
464 people want to read

About the author

Michael Lindley

50 books112 followers
Michael Lindley is a #1 bestselling Amazon author for "Mystery Thriller & Romantic Suspense" with his debut novel THE EMMALEE AFFAIRS.

His more recent "Hanna Walsh and Alex Frank Low Country Suspense Thriller" series ranked #1 on Amazon for Mystery and Suspense series. The "Hanna and Alex" stories are set in Charleston, Pawleys Island and the fictional Dugganville, South Carolina.

His stories feature love and relationships challenged by the troubled waters of betrayal, tragic loss, and the many dark and unforeseen forces that can lie just below the surface of our fragile lives.

All of Michael's books are set in idyllic locales and often compelling historical contexts. The settings include a remote resort town in Northern Michigan in the 1940's, 50's and present-day; Atlanta and Grayton Beach Florida in the turbulent 1920's as well in current times; and most recently, 1860's and present-day Charleston, Pawleys Island and the fictional Dugganville, South Carolina.

Michael writes full-time now, stepping away from a career in Marketing and Advertising and divides his time between Northern Michigan and Florida. He and his wife, Karen, are also on an annual quest to visit the country's spectacular national parks.

"You will often find that writers are compelled to write what they love to read.

I've always been drawn to stories that are built around an idyllic time and place as much as the characters who grace these locations. As the heroes and villains come to life in my favorite stories, facing life's challenges of love and betrayal and great danger, I also enjoy coming to deeply understand the setting for the story and how it shapes the characters and the conflicts they face.

I've also been drawn to books built around a mix of past and present, allowing me to know a place and the people who live there in both a compelling historical context, as well as in present-day.

Writers like Pat Conroy and Kristin Hannah grace my bookshelves along with Ian McEwen, Dennis Lehane, Amor Towles, Anita Shreve, Lisa Wingate, William Kent Krueger and on and on. I need more bookshelves! ML

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5 stars
362 (49%)
4 stars
231 (31%)
3 stars
98 (13%)
2 stars
26 (3%)
1 star
9 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
Profile Image for Diane Secchiaroli.
698 reviews21 followers
August 16, 2020
This novel is part of the series Troubled Waters received through BookFunnel. It is the story of Jonathan, a poor teenager in a resort town in Upper Michigan, and Emma a rich girl whose family has a yacht named The Emmalee in the 1940’s and Sally who has a gallery in Charlevoix and a wealthy man Alex who has restored the Emmalee years later. It is a “historical mystery thriller and suspense “ with “ two love stories, decades apart and an idyllic summer resort town torn apart by tragic loss, betrayal and murder”. The characters are interesting, intriguing, and well developed. The two storylines blend seamlessly with the overlap between them not evident immediately. This story has all the aspects of mystery and thrills. You do not know how the storylines will conclude because of the twists and turns. I throughly enjoyed this novel and look forward to reading more by this author.
719 reviews4 followers
August 5, 2018
Enjoyed the intertwining of past and present

I really enjoyed reading this book. Being a Midwesterner myself, I could so easily imagine the landscape and the chill of the water. The characters were a bit of a mystery and Sally could irritate me with her emotional turmoil but she was still likeable. Glad to get book 2!
Profile Image for Tony Parsons.
4,156 reviews101 followers
April 30, 2018
1940, Charlevoix, MI. Lake Michigan. George Hansen (husband) waved to Mr. Alex Clark (father, billionaire) & Emma Lee Megan (12, daughter) aboard the Emma Lee (180’ yacht) as they came into the dock area.
Everyone was here for the Venetian Festival.
The Charlevoix HS marching band began playing “America, the Beautiful.”
Sally Thomason (Emily Compton’s daughter, artist/painter) was introduced to the 2 of them.

Later, Mayor Martin Holloway helped welcome guest aboard to see the fabulous restored yacht.
Other prominent guests are: Elizabeth Hansen (wife), & Mary Alice Gregory (Grosse Pointe).
The Coast Guard Cutter Acacia was docked down at the Coast Guard station.
Flashback: The Helm. Connor Harris (Emily’s BMF, Northwestern U), & & Emily Compton (Michigan St.) were going have dinner/drinks & go see a movie.
Forward, Emma Lee: Mary Alice had brought Alex a bottle of wine.
Sally brought him 1 of her paintings & introduced him & Megan to Gwen Roberts (41, Sally’s Art gallery partner).
Sally had promised to show Alex & Megan all the memorabilia & pictures of the historical Emma Lee.
Flashback: Johnathan McKendry (son/brother) was going to give Emily Compton (Connor’s GF) & Louise Kelly (Emily’s BFF) a ride in his Chris Craft boat clear up to Horton Bay.
Later that evening out & about he introduced the 2 girls to Catherine Hansen (George’s younger sister, Johnathan’s GF).
Connor Harris confronted Johnathan, it did not end well for him.

Luke McKendry (22, eldest son/brother) had been arrested.
Later Jonathan McKendry was also.
David Krupp (attorney) would represent him.

Warning: This book contains extremely graphic adult content, violence, or expletive language &/or uncensored sexually explicit material which is only suitable for mature readers. It may be offensive or have potential adverse psychological effects on the reader.

I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one. All thoughts & opinions are entirely my own.

A very awesome book cover, & great font/writing style. A very well written romance thriller book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great romance thriller movie, or better yet a mini TV series. To be continued. A very easy rating of 5 stars.

Thank you for the free Sage River Press Book; Bookfunnel; Author; PDF book
Tony Parsons (Washburn)
Profile Image for Christine Polli.
173 reviews4 followers
February 13, 2019
I chose to read this book since I got it as a free download after reading Grayton Winds by the same author. I hesitated reading it because I wasn't excited about Grayton Winds, but I didn't have anything else to read... and it was free.

This story had more substance to it than Grayton Winds. There are two story lines in this book, one from the past and one the present. The story revolves around a boat, the EmmaLee, owned by a rich family that vacations in the summers on Lake Michigan. There is a beautiful teenage girl on the boat and a curious teenage boy from the town. That is the story from the past. There are several characters and twists that keep you reading. The present involves the new, rich owner who has restored the EmmaLee to her previous glory and the daughter of beautiful teenage girl. Some parts of the story are a bit predictable, but mostly there is enough variety to make the story interesting.

One of the main reasons I didn't give it four stars is the structure of the writing. I don't know if this book is self published, but there are just too many grammatical mistakes. That drives me crazy. I don't know if that is the editor's, the proofreader's, the author's or spell check's fault. It seems in this day and age these kinds of mistakes shouldn't happen as often as they did in the book. Improper use of commas (or none) sometimes make the sentences confusing. Missing words, wrong words, over use of the word "and," restating last names of characters that have been mentioned previously, italicizing yes and no when a character nods, or poor sentence structure contributed to my frustration.

If you want a quick, interesting story to read, this is a good choice. Probably a good beach or lake book. If you are looking for in depth literature, this won't make you happy.
103 reviews3 followers
November 9, 2020
This was an e-book, and I much prefer reading from a hand held book, but that didn't take away from this enjoyable book. There were two main characters from different stories so to speak, yet they came together nicely with the other characters in the story. Basically it is a love story, but it had a good mystery in it too. I have to say I really felt sorry for Luke McKendry even though he was the "bad guy" in the tale. He had a disability and always felt the underdog because he was taunted and couldn't do a lot of things others could. Being the oldest boy, his father had expected him to be able to help with and take over the boat building business someday. Johnathan was his younger brother and fully capable, so he was the one who got all the attention and could help out with the family business. Johnathon was seeing Catherine, the sister of his best friend George Hansen but when Emily Compton whose family used to own the "Emmalee" got his attention, that was the end of that romance. Alex Clark admired the "Emmalee", bought it and had it refurbished. Sally Thomason and Gwen Roberts had an artists shop in town and had been lovers for some time, but when Sally and Alex met, things took a different turn. There are many twists and turns that keep you interested, and I suggest you read the book. You won't be sorry.
74 reviews2 followers
August 17, 2020
The author immediately set the stage in the prologue when a young woman is found dead amongst the shallows of the rocks along the lake by a young boy and his dog…….. the author then takes you to the lake and the famous yacht, Emmalee. As the Emmalee approaches in all her glory, now refurbished after being gone 70 years she is welcomed by most of the town. Alex is the new owner and arrives with his 12 year old daughter Megan. .The welcome is a massive celebration and the author’s vivid details made me feel I was there.
The history of the Emmalee is brilliantly told by the author with stories of her past, prior owners and the family dynamics of years ago filled with love, loss, betrayal and so much more.The author leaves no stone unturned and I was present in every scenario.. This history is tied to the present as then and comes together with intrigue, secrets, love, loss and hope unfold ,. Fascinating. The author is quite skilled in detailing life from 100 years ago as it is tied to the present. Each life time in history of the Emmalee and all of its owners and all those touched by her presence and travels is so detailed that I truly was in two worlds. If you enjoy
history and how it is so connected to the present this book is for you. The Emmalee is a legend.
Profile Image for Trick Wiley.
961 reviews5 followers
August 20, 2018
A MUST READ!

I just don't know where to start!! I couldnt read fast enough on this story! Two stories going on at once and such a fantastic read at that! I don't tell the story in my reviews because then you know about it then you don't take the time to read and this is written so well and he knows about what he It's writing about.The people in this story jump out at you and comes alive!You begin to know these.people. You won't be able to put it down. This is a two book story,you don't have to read the second,the first book tells the story,I have started on the second book and I am just as excited about it as the first but the second does explain some things that you read about in the first book!! Enjoy!! Looking forward to reading more of his books!
Profile Image for J.
1,000 reviews
May 2, 2025
I was super excited to read this much-hyped book, but the typos and grammar errors were so abundant I stumped through the sentences and eventually abandoned it. It sounds like a really interesting premise but it needs serious editing before it is readable.

I got my copy from the library, but maybe it was a bad advanced copy? It was seriously RIDDLED with errors.

Sample of Errors in my copy:
(Back Cover) "This compelling novel from Michigan Lindley..." (Michigan Lindley instead of Michael Lindley - they misspelled the author's name!)
(All on Page 4) "EmmaLee printed in the front n bold" (n instead of IN)
"He squeezed her hand thought of her mother" (instead of AND thought of her mother)
Profile Image for Jay Williams.
1,718 reviews33 followers
November 13, 2018
This book is all about the things I love and places I know, so I was pleased to find it. The characters are realistic and well-defined. From the beginning you know what is going to happen, but the road to the result is extremely heart-warming. The book takes a while to get the story set up, and I found my interest flagging. However as I got further into it I became very emotional involved with all the people involved in both the present and the past. I immediately went into the sequel and it is also keeping me engrossed.
773 reviews15 followers
August 21, 2020
The EmmaLee is a beautiful ship that has a history. The wealthy owners of this ship spend their summers at the resort town of Charlevoix, Michigan. The locals need the business and welcome the visitors. In spite of the class difference, love can occur as well as tragedy. The EmmaLee returns to Charlevoix 70 years later after bring restored to her original glory. Another love story takes place involving the daughter of the original owners of the ship. This novel beautifully describes Charlevoix, luxury life on a ship, fly fishing and renewal.
667 reviews26 followers
May 6, 2019
This book is so interesting. It has a great history and present day story that goes back and forth throughout the book. I love how the author draws you in and keeps you captivated throughout the book. The plot is wonderful and unique. I love the characters and how you figure out how they are intertwined together as the book goes on. I am impressed with this author and his writing!
Profile Image for Lesley Kay.
292 reviews66 followers
December 3, 2019
This book was pretty cute. There is a murder, but nothing graphic at all. Sort of a cozy mystery, set in a quaint little town. I liked the characters, and the way the story alternated between the past and the present. I think my one critique would be how often the characters said each others names, in almost every sentence. I would be interested in reading the rest of the series.
19 reviews
February 12, 2020
Totally confused

First of all, a map of the area at the beginning of the book would have been incredibly helpful. I ended up googling it. Secondly, it was a sweet story with sub stories and a narration. By the end I was totally confused as to who is who and the time frame back and forth in the story. I was so incredibly disappointed. I so wanted to enjoy the ending . Bummer.
171 reviews1 follower
December 16, 2020
Well it may have taken me almost 2 months to read this but not because I didn’t enjoy it❤️❤️❤️
It really was 2 stories in one, back and forth from present to past.
It really kept me thinking if I knew how it was going to end or not. A few incidents in the book caught me by surprise, which is good because that keeps me on my toes.😊📗📕📓📘📒
Profile Image for Karen.
1,604 reviews19 followers
May 5, 2021
A well written storyline with believable and interesting characters taking place in Charlevoix, Mi (Lake Michigan 1940). You have a great descriptions of the area and waters. You have an awesome yaughts. You have two intertwined storylines. This book is a must read with so many twists and turns with an amazing end.
77 reviews
May 6, 2021
Charlevoix

When I was 13, our family camped at what I believe is Fisherman's Island State Park. It was our favorite vacation. We found Petosky stones, fished, and had campfires on the beach. It was where I had my first epiphany equating fire and the cycle of life. I was greatly disappointed to find Shakespeare had done the same centuries before.
168 reviews2 followers
July 8, 2021
Exceptional Storytelling

Lindley paints with words as he describes the Charlevoix Lake area near Lake Michigan. I have never been there but now I can see it clearly. The characters are ones that you get close to and care about as is the EmmaLee, a huge old boat with many secrets it will never divulge.
86 reviews1 follower
May 16, 2022
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via Voracious Readers Only.
Thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The characters are believable and the two storylines decades apart well developed. And the locale... the vivid descriptions of Charlevoix, a summer resort town, are reason enough to want to visit.
Looking forward to reading more books from this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for cyndi.
42 reviews2 followers
February 6, 2018
Wonderful Michigan Story

This story kept me captivated through out the whole book. I envisioned the lake shores and the town's as they were then. I love this area of MICHIGAN and enjoyed the history of the area. What a pleasure this was to read.
549 reviews1 follower
April 30, 2018
Enjoyed reading this book. Beautiful descriptions of scenery around a harbor but never prolonged that it detracts from the storyline. I found it a well written historical fiction that moved along at a nice clip and kept me intrigued from beginning to end.
3 reviews1 follower
July 18, 2018
Couldn't put the book down

I have read many books and this author keeps your attention. He went from one era to another without losing you. I haven't read a book I a long time when I wanted more.
11 reviews
January 25, 2019
Very / predictable

Two stories. Pretty predictable. Lots of surrounding description. This story was a little long for me. Nice story regarding commitment and faith. Also attention to how we Jud g e other.
Profile Image for Debbie.
371 reviews
September 19, 2020
Received an advance reader copy of this book from Library Thing.

Thought this was just an ok read. I really didn’t connect with or care about any of the characters, and felt the descriptive scenery overtook the story,
26 reviews
December 1, 2021
I love Michigan,

,love reading books that take place in Michigan.. I love boats the great lakes, this was very good reading. Hard to put down. The area wrote about was so presice. I related to it in several ways.
13 reviews
February 20, 2022
Just not my genre

I was looking more for a mystery than a romance novel. Well-written for the genre, but too light for me. However, I do know some folks to whom I would recommend this author.
975 reviews5 followers
July 17, 2022
5 Stars

5 stars for The Emmalee Affairs. This is a very moving story of love, loss and family in a beautiful locale that could be called Paradise. But, even paradise has it's troubles.
Profile Image for Phillip Block.
145 reviews
November 11, 2022
Really enjoyed this story, as it's based in Charlevoix, Michigan, a town I've personally visited. It also mentions towns like Leland and Traverse City, where I also have past connections. Even mentions of the Manitou Islands bring glimpses of past memories to mind.
Profile Image for Bonny Millard.
248 reviews5 followers
May 24, 2018
Dreamers

Some dreams do come true if they are born out of love. A beautifully written story, is Emmalee, and a sweet reminder of loves lost, and new beginnings.
95 reviews
June 15, 2018
Memories

I lived in Northern Michigan and traveled to the areas described in the story, it brought back some nice memories or growing up there. Thanks.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews

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