Ladies of the Lake in Clearly Christian Readathon

Mar 10, 2023 DevotedToHope rated it it was amazing

Shelves: completed

Ladies of the Lake earns a rock-solid five-star rating! Readers who love L. M. Montgomery and Louisa May Alcott will fall in love with the well-developed characters, the storylines, and the writing style. The skillful author, Cathy Gohlke, spins principles of love, forgiveness, war, communication, acceptance, bullying, hope, fears, and spiritual and emotional panoramas of relationships.

The author’s passion for women to cultivate women-sisterhood through friendships, mentoring, and companionships Ladies of the Lake earns a rock-solid five-star rating! Readers who love L. M. Montgomery and Louisa May Alcott will fall in love with the well-developed characters, the storylines, and the writing style. The skillful author, Cathy Gohlke, spins principles of love, forgiveness, war, communication, acceptance, bullying, hope, fears, and spiritual and emotional panoramas of relationships.

The author’s passion for women to cultivate women-sisterhood through friendships, mentoring, and companionships while looking at the beautifully painted ties we see in the Bible and in literature is on full display in this fantastic book!

From the beautiful cover to the introductions and growth of the charming characters to the intertwined storylines, this novel is a spiritually uplifting and emotionally engaging masterpiece with many heart-captivating moments. I genuinely lost hours of sleep because I wanted to keep reading!

To avoid spoilers, I do not give story details. With that in mind, let me just say that I genuinely believe that God orchestrates a “Mrs. Simmons” into each of our lives -- or makes us the “Mrs. Simmons” in another’s life -- in His perfect timing. For that, I am eternally grateful!

I so greatly appreciate how Scripture is included. There is nothing missing from this inspiring, God-honoring fictional novel which includes tidbits and inspiration from true historical events and the author’s family stories.

Surrendering all to God, loving Jesus, obeying Him, and treating others as we would like to be treated are the first steps in cultivating the best and enduring relationships. Like the author of Ladies of the Lake, I pray that each reader of Ladies of the Lake be reminded to “thank our Heavenly Father for another day, for breath, for ears to hear, for eyes to see, and for those we love.”

I received an eArc of Ladies of the Lake from Tyndale House Publishers through NetGalley.com. I am not required to write a review nor am I paid to do so. The words above are my honest review of this fantastic book. ...more

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May 26, 2023 Carrie Turansky rated it it was amazing

Ladies of the Lake is a beautiful story about the value and of friendship, the power of secrets, and love that last. I have loved all of Cathy Gohlke's books. Each time I finish one, I think, "This is my favorite, her best so far!" I'm never disappointed. Instead I'm encouraged, challenged, uplifted, and grateful to see aspects of life in a new light. I love the way she wove faith into the story in a true and inspiring way that adds depth and meaning. This novel is a true treasure! I wish I coul ...more

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Aug 29, 2023 Becka rated it it was amazing

4.5⭐️

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Nov 01, 2023 Jeanette Durkin rated it it was amazing

Wow, wow, wow! This is my favorite book thar I've read this year! It's beyond fantastic! The story is unique, and it touched my heart. I connected with the characters so much. The theme of friendship resonated with me.

The characters are amazing! Addie deals with so much loss, and she perseveres. Dot harbors a secret that changed two people's lives. Stephen loses so much and remains true to his heart. Ruth and Susannah are true friends. Portia is my hero. She deals with tremendous loss and people ...more

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Apr 01, 2023 Barbara Campbell rated it it was amazing

Shelves: christian-fiction, 5-star-reads

Beautiful story about love... yes some romantic love, but honestly this is not a romance. This is a book about women. It centers greatly around a group of friends, specifically 2 in the group - Dot and Addie. But it reaches beyond that group to show women. growing from childhood to grandmotherhood. And it encompasses all we experience.... love, hurt, joy, pain, fear, misunderstandings, forgiveness and more.

The characters are rich and full and the writing follows suit. I experienced this book wi ...more

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Nov 02, 2023 Leslie rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: netgalley-2023, 2023-reading-challenge

Cathy Gohlke's Ladies of the Lake is one of the best books I've read in a long time! In this Split Time Novel, set both in Canada and the US, tells the story of 4 dear friends who met at school and as they grow into women their friendship is almost ruined forever due to decades long secrets. I love the Anne of Green Gables feel that the book had. Ms. Gohlke is such a good writer the way she weaves each of the character storylines and puts twists and turns in to keep the the reader pleasantly sur ...more

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Aug 05, 2023 Melmo2610 rated it it was amazing

This story packs a wallop! It’s an absorbing and entertaining story with a lot of emotional moments and it kept me invested from start to finish. It’s not a light read by any means but it’s extremely well written and one I had trouble putting down.

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