Lakeshore Secrets

The McAdams Sisters #1

by Shannyn Leah, Sue A. Fairchild (Editor)

Kate McAdams was forced six years ago to leave her beloved hometown of Willow Valley, leaving behind her family and the only man she’s ever loved, Marc Caliendo. Although she has created a new life for herself away from the drama, secrets and stress of the small town, she must return upon her grandmother’s death. Her return brings back wonderful memories, especially of Marc, but also horrible fears from the past.

When fate throws her and Marc together once again, how can they ignore the everlasting love and desire between them? Will Kate stay and face her demons or will the deceit and secrets of the past destroy any future they may have and force her to leave again

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Amazon, Ebooks, Second Chance, Second Chance Romance

207 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 2, 2015

About the author

Choose Your Own Romance & 3 FREE books

https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...

USA TODAY Bestselling romance author Shannyn Leah loves olives, lip gloss and reading (and writing) romance novels.

Currently you'll find her lost in her writing cave as she's co-writing an 8-book YA Fantasy series with her nine-year-old nephew, C.S. Cowell. They are launching a Kickstarter May 3rd, 2022 where you can purchase their eBooks, paperbacks, RARE hardcovers, and Imperium-themed swag!

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/...

Her love of words started at an early age and soon grew until, during her teenage years, she’d started writing her own novels. When her mom pushed to finally publish some of the stories, she quickly amassed a collection of romance series.

In 2018, she joined romance author Kelly Moore and together, they co-wrote the first season of The CRD series.

Alongside Connie Dave, Brea Viragh, and Nikki Lynn Barrett, Shannyn is one of the four founder's of a Cinnamon Bay Romance. Readers can immerse themselves in love stories based in a small-town book world centered around a Matchmaker Trio and mythical love spice. You never know what the Trio of Trouble will do next.

Shannyn is a Sponsorship Event Co-Ordinator with Ignite Your Soul Book Signing in London Ontario where not only local authors, but authors from all around the world gather for a fantastic greet and meet, pictures, and building friendships.

When she's not writing books into the early hours of the morning, Shannyn can be found antiquing with her two favorite people, her momma and sister, in their picturesque London, Ontario hometown.

Shannyn would love to get to know her readers as you get to know her (just don’t send her any carrots!)

To be notified when new books, exclusive excerpts and contests are released, join her mailing list here: http://www.shannynleah.com/contact.php

For extras, check out Shannyn’s webpage here: www.shannynleah.com 

If you enjoy Shannyn’s books, please join her Facebook page here to share the love: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Shanny... 

And if you would like to contact Shannyn directly, email her at Shannynleah@gmail.com

Reviews

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

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She left her home and family years before, carrying the weight of secrets, a broken heart and a determination to make something of herself in the world. When Kate must return after the death of her grandmother, she harbors sadness, fond memories and the secrets of her past.

Marc only knew that the magic of young love he shared with Kate became a curse, the day she ran, the day she left him, lost and in the dark with a broken heart. Now face to face, the bitterness surfaces and they pick at each other, making verbal snipes and sparring around the truth. They are still in love, they have been denied a past to share, but Kate’s full disclosure may destroy the tentative second chance they are hoping for.

Is there anything better than a GREAT second chance romance with the monsters of the past threatening to destroy everything? Lakeshore Secrets by Shannyn Leah has hit my Hidden Gem pile! Ms. Leah takes a tried and true, swoon worthy romance and gives us characters that have actually matured enough to share the good and the bad, the ugly is a little tougher to handle, but any love worth having isn’t always easy. Filled with characters that go from charming to troubled, the story comes alive with the day to day dramas that we all could face. Kick in the romantic heat and this is near perfection in reading! Well written, detailed, with amazing dialogue and full of side twists, Ms. Leah gave me a wonderful reading experience that left me feeling all squishy inside!

I received this copy from Shannyn Leah in exchange for my honest review.

Series: By the Lake #1 - The McAdams Sisters #1
Publication Date: May 5, 2015
Publisher: Shannyn Leah
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Print Length: 248 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com

[Pelusa Rivera · Rating 3 out of 5]

Received an ARC at no cost to author..I am a little upset with myself that I waited so long to get to book, but I got it to it and am thankful that I did. Well as the title states we have secrets and due to these secrets it made life and reconnection difficult for Marc and Kate. The book sucks you in til the end, you continue to turn the pages until you find out what happened and will marc and Kate get their HEA. well I am not going to tell you, you need to read.. Enjoy!

[Ann-Maree · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a few of Shannyn Leah’s books sitting on my kindle and can’t believe it has taken me this long to read one. I have recently read her book with Kelly Moore called “Dare To Enter: The Crazy Rich Davenports: Season One: Series Pilot (The CRD Series Book 1)” that is released in just a few days’ time. I enjoyed that book so much I when looking at more books by both authors and was happy to find I had already purchased a few. This book had me straight away and their where twist and turns that I just did not see coming why still grabbing my humorous side as well.

I very much look forward to reading the other books in this series and learn more about Kate’s sister and family. When you get to the end you will have a more understanding and care for the wonderful characters that this author has given us.
This is book one in I am hoping to be a wonderful series that I can really get hooked into. Its full of drama, secrets, lies, love, family fighting, broken hearts, intertwining plots, crazy family members
Kate McAdams has returned home after 6 years away but the journey home to Willow Valley is not a happy note. With the recent death of her beloved Grandmother, she must help her family with their loss. She is very torn to be back in town with her family but with so many memories both good and bad she will have to fight to keep her feelings a bay. Especially from the one person that she hurt the most when she left town years away.
Marc Caliendo knows the one person he would love to hate will be back in town he will need to keep his distance. How can that happen when she is staying at his family’s resort that he now runs? When their paths cross can he learn the truth as to why she left him and her family? Can he forgive her and maybe give them a second chance?
Will fate give these two a second chance as they both realise the love they both have for each other again/still? But Kate as many demons and has kept secrets from the ones she loves and Marc will also learn others have been keeping secrets as well.
Will the true set them free?

[Rebeca Buril · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very captivating story but sometimes I felt angry because of the choices she makes.
This book shows that, when It comes to relationships, It is not always Black and white but, in the end, everything Works out for those who love each other.

[Shannyn Leah]

Get Lakeshore secrets for only .99 and start a sweet, small town romance !

[Barb Jaszai · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
I have to say I loved these characters. I felt the sadness of the two main characters, and in turn I felt sad for them. I rooted for them to finally end up together, but with each turn there was always something that secret knocked them back. You end up holding your breath and then releasing with a sense of disappointment. There was always something.
It's a great read and the outcome is satisfying.

[Karin · Rating 4 out of 5]

After the death of her beloved grandmother Kate goes back to one place she thought she wouldn't return Willow Valley. There's reasons behind Kate's sudden departure and leaving behind the love of her life Marc that come to surface. There's lots of drama, secrets and intrigue that made this a really good second chance love story.

[Rita Kayla · Rating 3 out of 5]

**Copy received from the author for an honest review

I loooooved the plot
The sisterly moments were the best! And let's just say that if I wanted to choose a favorite character, I would go for Peyton... We'll see what's coming her way.

I loooooved how the truth unraveled slowly. With every uncovered bit I was shocked, literally bouche-bée, jaw dropped...
I have to admit though that I was expecting the last secret.
And if I wanted to describe the book in one word, I would have said CUTE. Actually TWO words: DRAMA + CUTE. Don’t ask how those two fit together, just go read the book. I read it overnight.

However, something was bugging me all along. Something didn’t feel right.
Kate had many chances to tell Marc the truth.
She could have spoken and let all hell break loose!
But she didn’t!
Why? I mean really like why?
And Marc! He’s too… nice? Forgiving? That’s too much man, just too much

This story is too civil. Everyone is too polite for my taste.

Oh but that doesn’t mean I am not interested in the rest of the series. This is my first read by Shannyn Leah and I don’t think it is going to be my last. I am curious to know what happens next with all of the characters, especially Peyton, now that I “accidentally” read Jackie Wright’s review on Lakeshore Legend

P.S: Did Marc’s mother let anyone else think of Moira Queen? And I really hoped Carl would turn out to be evil

[Dilushani Jayalath · Rating 3 out of 5]

In order to cover up one lie, one must say hundred more. This was a running theme in the story. So many secrets and lie stacked one upon another. I have not yet read a book that literally strived in secrets as much as this. The amount of secrets were overwhelming. It was as if everyone held one secret or another. Is it the small town or is it the circumstances of families? Because I have never met anyone with so many secrets. Yet.

The plot is moving fast and keeps you guessing as to what actually happened. Through out the book I was actually feeling bad for Marc. He seemed the only one who was normal and had been dealt a bad hand. His forgiving nature seemed almost too god to be true. But he was Just a forgiving person. Kate actually made me mad. I wished she was more open. Did she have to do that to him but I am happy with the conclusion. Finally they got their HEA. Finally Marc got the ending he deserved.

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first book in the series about your McAdams sisters. Kate has not been back home since she left to go to college and make a life for herself. Six years after leaving she returns for the funeral of her much loved grandmother.

She left with secrets and has no plans of addressing those secrets with anyone. Especially Marc. He was her boyfriend up until she walked out of his life.

Kate returns to find her sisters in various situations that she did not expect. She is reminded of how she had tried to fill her mothers shoes after her death. This is not the time to find herself attracted to Marc again.

This story is a great story about going home again and family bonds. I can't wait to read the next book In the series.

[Sara Oxton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lakeshore Secrets by Shannyn Leah a fab four star read. This is my first book by this author and It was great, I can’t wait to read the rest of the series as this is the first book in the By The Lake series. We meet the McAdams sisters and what a family, they make mine seem almost normal!! It was a great story, there was so much drama and fun in this story, you will get sucked in and you won’t be able to put this story down. It really does seem like this is going to be a great series

[Debra Floyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely amazing

I had read a couple of books in this series and this book didn't let me down. I loved everything about this book. Can't wait to read the rest of the series.

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lakeshore Secrets is the first book in the McAdams series. The author offered a copy in exchange for an honest review. Not having read anything by Shannyn Leah before, I wasn't sure what to expect, but I'm really glad I gave it a chance.

After the death of her grandmother, Kate return to her hometown, and ends up staying at the resort owned by her ex-boyfriend, Marc. Having been forced out of town six years earlier by Marc's father, she's hesitant to see him again. Marc, for his part, initially doesn't want anything to do with the woman who broke his heart, yet he can't stay away.

It seems like almost everyone has a secret, with Kate and Marc's mother's being the largest. It was entertaining watching them being revealed piece by piece. I did find Marc to be a little too forgiving towards his mother and uncle. I would have expected more anger there than what was revealed. I also thought Kate probably should have had more anger towards Marc's mother and uncle. They both knew what Marc's father did to her, yet they kept it a secret and didn't try to make things right until, in my opinion, it was too late. If they had stepped up and taken a stand earlier, so much heartbreak could have been avoided.

I enjoyed Marc and Kate together. I also like how well Marc got along with Kate's sisters. It was clear she was close to her siblings, and I'm looking forward to reading their stories as well. I would also like to see how things turn out with Marc's siblings as well.

I would recommend it, especially to readers who enjoy second chance tropes.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book

Kate has had a rough life. She has taken care of her sisters most of her life. She has always put them first. Marc is now a big businessman. He has always wanted an explanation will he get it this time.

[Aaly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lakeshore secret was a good first installment in The MacAdams sister's family.
Two families entwined for years and in between Marc and Kate, high school sweethearts, until Kate ran away.

As you might guess, there was definitely more than a breakup between Marc and Kate. Something heavier involving their families. With a family saga like this, you got obviously some drama, secrets, sexual tension, a hint of sassiness and humor.


The banter was quite good, the characters charming, endearing and the storyline has a great way to capture the reader’s attention. The idea of this secret about Kate involving their families was interesting and intriguing.


However, this important part of the plot was a bit dragged on, between Kate’s stubbornness and how she dealt with her secret, Marc trying to find some answers and resentful, their families playing their part, it was at times messy and confusing.

I guess that this book gave a great part about discovering two families and to settle the mood. Totally got it, but I wish some parts were more expanded, especially when it came to the main characters. I wanted more Marc and Kate and I felt they were sometimes neglected. The first part was great, the middle a little long and the end too rushed.
If you love families sagas entwined with secrets, this book is for you.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in the McAdams series and while I really enjoyed it, I regret that I didn't start with this series first. Having read the first book in the Caliendo Resort series, Sunset Thunder, I already knew some of Marc and Kate's story. However, even knowing some of the big secrets of their story, I still enjoyed seeing how these two childhood sweethearts found their way back to one another. Just because I knew what the secrets were didn't diminish the story at all. Shannyn Leah has written a great contemporary romance in what looks like will be a fantastic series as we get to know more of the McAdams family.

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Plenty of twists and turns!

Interesting story of a love shared from teen years between Marc and Kate and the ensuing problems. Well written in three distinct emotional periods however it did start to drag but progressed in the closing chapters of the book. Poor editing here and there really bothered me “breaks” instead of “brakes” to mention just one of them. Plus their are so many siblings at times they gave me a headache and the villain of the piece Melissa could have been better developed. I know this goes into a series but it has not piqued my interest sufficiently to follow it. Read it for yourself and make up your own mind 3 Stars from me!

[Jennie Fortna · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Lakeshore Secrets is book 1 in the McAdams Sisters series a what a way to start a series and crossover to the Caliendo Resort series!

Kate McAdams, the oldest McAdams daughter ( has a twin sister, Peyton) left Willow Valley years ago after being forced to leave or secrets would be revealed so she left her family, the love of her life and started over. Now she has returned after the death of her grandmother and who does she run into but the man she left behind, Marc Caliendo, the love of her life but somethings have changed...

Can she finally open up to why she left, open her heart again to love, and let Marc show her that they always belonged together??

[Tracy Sylvester · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate McAdams and Marc Caliendo were best friends and lovers. Kate was from the wrong side of the tracks and Marc was from a rich family. Marc's dad was a ruthless businessman and had unscrupulous was of doing things. He wasn't above threats or worse. So when he tells Kate she must leave Willow Valley and Marc and not come back, she does. Kate feels leaving her family and her first love would be better and safer for them. After the death of her Grandmother she decides to return to Willow Valley, but things aren't the same. This story has romance, intrigue, excitement and great characters!

[Lori Jorgensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 1 of The McAdams Sisters Lakeshore series. Kate was forced to leave 6years ago. When she left she left behind the only man she would ever love - Marc Caliendo. Will they ever reunite?? Will they ever get the happy ever after?? Kate and Marc have secrets from their past they have to work through hopefully they get to regain their trust in each other!!

[Mary E · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story

A good book to relax with to escape everyday realities. There is conflict but not enough to cause much stress, just enough to keep your attention.

[Birgit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never ending Love
Wow this well-written and entertaining book sucked me up until I saw the last word. Really, I couldn't put it down.

I recommend it to everyone whose looking to curl up and lose themselves for a while.

This really great story-line contains a very, very cruel father, blackmailing, self-doubt, forgiveness,a tiny bit of hope and finally realizing what's important in life -unconditionally LOVE.

I'm so looking forward to the next one in this series.

So go ahead, grab this book and let the story give you a relaxed reading time.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book for a honest review.

[karthiuk2 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lakeshore secret was a good first installment in The MacAdams sister's family.
Two families entwined for years and in between Marc and Kate, high school sweethearts, until Kate ran away.

[Elliebit · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok book. Plot was good, but I felt the book was lacking.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Too much drama! Good storyline, but the deceit is just too much.

[Katherine Philbrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of the book from Carlex Ruby Press via Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. Make sure to read more reviews at Katherine's Book Reviews

Lakeshore Secrets by Shannyn Leah is a romance novel and the first in the By The Lake series. It stars Kate Mcadams, a young lady who manages to break away from her past. Six years ago after graduating college Kate manages to leave home, her family and her old boyfriend Marc Caliendo. As much as she loves Marc, she realizes at the time she has to escape the drama between them. Thinking she would never go back home, she discovers that her grandmother has passed away and must return for the funeral. When she returns she feels nostalgic but also at times feels immense horror, as secrets she thought she left behind keep haunting her. Most importantly, she realizes the connection between her and Mark never fizzled, and she does not know how to carry on. Will she be able to dodge her deceit and secrets, resist Mark and move on with her new life? Or will she realize that Mark is the man who she is supposed to be with forever?

Your inner romantic will swoon over Kate and Marc in Lakeshore Secrets. Both characters are rounded out enough so that you know their backstory, and come to understand why they act the way they do. Kate is an admirable character, although deceiving at times, she does eventually learn her place and understands what it means to treat people with respect. Marc is also mature and I was glad to see him mature even more by the end of the novel. The element of drama is what really won me over in this novel. With every page there is a new secret that made me anxious enough to hold my breath. Their story is messy as it ends up going much deeper than their relationship. You figure out their families are heavily involved in their past and at points it seems like these two are doomed by secrets. These secrets always seem to hold Kate and Marc back but I was happy to discover that eventually they overcame all of their troubles and got their happily ever after.

All in all, I found this book to be really entertaining. I had a hard time putting it down once I started to read it. Shannyn Leah’s writing is admirable, I love the way she manages to create such great characters and uses an authentic voice. You’ll never get bored of this story because it manages to pull you in and never really lets you go. There were some flaws here and there, one I noticed especially was parts of the plot. Although I thought some parts of the plot carried on for too long, I still believe it to be an original and fun story. Also, there were grammatical errors throughout and although it did not bother me, it could potentially bother other people while reading. I would definitely go on and read the other books in the series because I am now attached to Kate and Marc as well as their families and would love to see how their story will turn up. I suggest this story to any person who wants to read a good romance, or is searching for a book filled with lots of drama. This book teaches you that even when it seems like there is no chance of reconciliation, as long as you surround yourself with the people who love you, you will always be able to move and be forgiven.

[Suzanne Giorgione · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes life brings you a second chance. This was a wonderful, captivating story full of love, laughter, family, friendship, secrets, deceit, forgiveness, hot romance, passion and more. I loved this book and can't wait to get the rest of the series! The McAdams and Caliendo families are characters you want to know more about and can't wait to hear each person's story.

[Lorelei Frank · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg

This story is full of surprises! Lots of drama, great characters and a pretty full story line. Can't wait to continue the series!

[Penny Leidecker · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a new series, I highly recommend The McAdams Sisters books. Kate left town many years ago with a broken heart leaving Marc Caliendo with a broken heart, as well. When she returns to Willow Valley, she hopes to not cross paths with him. Well, we know that isn’t going to happen, lol. I truly enjoyed this book and I can’t wait to read more in this series. The secrets that are revealed will totally surprise you. Marc and Kate have both made mistakes, but will they be able to forgive each other and move forward?