Tuesday, January 4, 2011

The Lake of Dreams; Kim Edwards

Title: The Lake of Dreams
Author: Kim Edwards
Publication Year: 2011
Publisher: Viking
Edition: Hardcover
Source: Publisher
Date Completed: 1/4/2011
Setting: Fictional town of Lake of Dreams, New York
Rating: 4/5 stars
Recommend: Yes 

I was anxious to read Kim Edward's latest release after having enjoyed her debut novel The Memory Keeper's Daughter, some five years earlier.  In her latest novel, Lucy Jarrett, the novel's protagonist, had been living in Japan with her boyfriend Yoshi, an architect.  Some ten years earlier, the summer before Lucy was leaving for college, her father had drowned in a boating accident back home in Lake of Dreams, New York.  Lucy has blamed herself from time to time for her father's death, because he had asked her to go fishing with him at the time, but she chose to spend time with her boyfriend Keegan instead.  Why her father drowned is still somewhat of a mystery.

Over the last ten years, college, grad school, and several different jobs has kept her busy and away from the family home.  Currently unemployed, when Lucy learns that her mother was injured in an accident, she realizes that it is time to go home. 

When Lucy arrives back in Lake of Dreams, she sees that the sprawling family home, in the family for some 100 plus years, is in need of some serious repairs.  She is glad to see her mother and her brother Blake, and it isn't long before she is reconnecting with the first love of her life, Keegan Fall. Keegan is now a talented stain glass artisan.  While rediscovering the family home, Lucy finds some mysterious papers among her father's effects, that she is puzzled by. Curious to find out more, Lucy soon uncovers remnants from years gone by, and soon learns about some amazing relatives that had never been spoken of.

The Lake of Dreams is a multi -faceted story that I enjoyed. What appealed to me most was the author's talent for detail, which included -- very beautiful, vivid imagery of the Finger Lakes area of New York, as well as terrific detail about the art of stained glass.  I just love stories where bit by bit family secrets are revealed in a well thought out manner. On the other hand, the one thing that seemed less than perfect for me was the fact that the entire story took place in just about a two week period.  There was a lot going on in this novel, and it just seemed to me like the time frame and all that took place in the two week period seemed rushed and occasionally forced at times. Despite this, I believe that this story will have wide appeal.
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37 comments:

  1. Natalie~Coffee and a Book ChickJanuary 4, 2011 at 9:49 PM

    Two weeks does seem like an incredibly odd way to reflect on two weeks of time, especially when it isn't a thriller. But, this sounds like another good book that I'm going to have to pick up.

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  2. MelodyJanuary 4, 2011 at 9:52 PM

    I really look forward to reading this after reading The Memory Keeper's Daughter and enjoyed it!

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  3. Michelle (Red Headed Book Child)January 4, 2011 at 9:53 PM

    I never read Memory Keeper's Daughter, sadly I only saw the LIfetime movie. ! This one sounds intriguing.

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  4. The Book ChickJanuary 4, 2011 at 9:58 PM

    I enjoyed this one as well, but agree that a LOT happened in two weeks! I found the ending a little draggy too, but all in all, a definite book to recommend to people!

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  5. SukoJanuary 4, 2011 at 10:06 PM

    I read The Memory Keeper's Daughter a few years ago. This one sounds really intriguing. Wonderful review!

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  6. Michelle Stockard MillerJanuary 4, 2011 at 10:41 PM

    Great review! I've been wanting to read this one.

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  7. AmusedJanuary 5, 2011 at 12:08 AM

    I was excited to see you review this book because I too loved her previous book and wanted to know what her this book was like. I'm glad to see this one was good!

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  8. Brian's Home BlogJanuary 5, 2011 at 6:17 AM

    Thanks for telling us about Kim, we had not seen any of her books.

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  9. VeensJanuary 5, 2011 at 6:31 AM

    The Memory Keeper's Daughter has been in my wishlist forever :)
    Great review, I look forward to getting one of the books by this author.

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  10. bermudaonionJanuary 5, 2011 at 7:48 AM

    I've been excited about this book because I loved The Memory Keeper's Daughter. I'm glad to see you enjoyed it in spite of the fact that it took place during such a short time frame.

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  11. serendipity_vivJanuary 5, 2011 at 8:35 AM

    I haven't read the first one yet. I am so behind. Has it really been out five years now? This one sounds lovely.

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  12. JillJanuary 5, 2011 at 9:12 AM

    I just picked this up from the library...can't wait to start it! I loved The Memory Keeper's Daughter

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  13. SwapnaJanuary 5, 2011 at 9:51 AM

    This book sounds great. Your review makes me excited I have it sitting in the next room waiting for me. Thanks for the review!

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  14. UnknownJanuary 5, 2011 at 9:55 AM

    It is good to know that you enjoyed this one - I just need to read The Memory Keeper's Daughter now :-)

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  15. Felicity Grace TerryJanuary 5, 2011 at 10:20 AM

    What a lovely cover. I wasn't overly impressed with The Memory Keeper's Daughter but I'm keen to give this one a try, thanks for your honest review.

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  16. AnonymousJanuary 5, 2011 at 10:21 AM

    Looking forward to reading this one. I liked MEMORY KEEPER'S DAUGHTER when I read it a few years ago. I'm very interested in reading about stained glass!

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  17. AnonymousJanuary 5, 2011 at 10:50 AM

    I didn't read the Memory Keeper's Daughter though I keep meaning to get to it. It sounds like I'll have to add this to my list as well.

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  18. ZibileeJanuary 5, 2011 at 10:52 AM

    I didn't really enjoy The Memory Keeper's daughter all that much because it was sort of bland at times, and at others too melodramatic. We read it for book club a couple of years ago, I think. I am not really sure if I would read this book or not, but the inclusion of the stained glass does sound rather interesting. Great review on this one though!

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  19. TiJanuary 5, 2011 at 11:10 AM

    I am attracted to the setting of this story. I didn't care for The Memory Keeper's Daughter though. I had issues with the character development in that one but Edwards was great at giving the reader the tiny little details that make you want to linger within the story.

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  20. TamiJanuary 5, 2011 at 1:16 PM

    This book is next in line for my reading so I was anxious to read your review. Sounds intriguing. Thanks for the great review.

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  21. Rebecca RasmussenJanuary 5, 2011 at 2:19 PM

    This looks great. I'm looking forward to the writing :)

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  22. CandaceJanuary 5, 2011 at 5:01 PM

    This book looks really good!

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  23. Sue JacksonJanuary 5, 2011 at 5:44 PM

    I've also been looking forward to this book because I enjoyed Memory Keeper's Daughter...I'm even more interested after reading your review!

    I didn't realize it was set in the Finger Lakes - I grew up there - even more reason to read this novel!

    Sue

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  24. IlianaJanuary 5, 2011 at 6:26 PM

    Great review Diane. I'm glad to hear you liked this one. I also liked her first novel and will be looking for this one.

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  25. YvonneJanuary 5, 2011 at 9:38 PM

    Great review! Sounds like something I'd like.

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  26. Kim (Sophisticated Dorkiness)January 6, 2011 at 12:21 AM

    My sister and I read The Memory Keeper's Daughter last summer, and I remember she loved it more than I did -- I just thought it was ok. I will have to tell her about this book, since I didn't know the author had a new one coming out. I'm glad it's good!

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  27. Leslie (Under My Apple Tree)January 6, 2011 at 12:56 AM

    I picked up a copy of The Memory Keeper's Daughter at the last library sale. This new book sounds good too.

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  28. Beth FJanuary 6, 2011 at 6:34 AM

    I *still* haven't read Memory Keeper's Daughter and now I have this to look forward to too. And like you said, it fits in nicely with the new Tiffany book.

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  29. Laurel-Rain SnowJanuary 6, 2011 at 10:59 AM

    I loved The Memory Keeper's Daughter, so I was thrilled to hear about this one. It sounds wonderfully compelling, despite the issue of the time period. I love descriptions, too, especially when they bring us right into the story along with the characters. This one sounds like a "must read."

    Thanks for sharing....

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  30. DarleneJanuary 6, 2011 at 11:54 AM

    I loved her first book and can't wait to read this one!

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  31. Dawn @ sheIsTooFondOfBooksJanuary 6, 2011 at 1:59 PM

    I have this on my TBR - good intentions to read it before pub date :)

    The Finger Lakes (and faux Finger Lakes) are getting some nice attention in novels - Ilie Ruby's book took place on Canandaigua Lake.

    I do plan to read THE LAKE OF DREAMS, and will keep your slight reservations in mind ... thanks!

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  32. Iowa Gardening WomanJanuary 6, 2011 at 2:31 PM

    I too enjoyed Memory Keeper's Daughter........looking forward to reading this one.

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  33. KimJanuary 6, 2011 at 6:14 PM

    I enjoyed the Memory Keeper's Daughter, too, and will look forward to this one. Thanks!

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  34. StaciJanuary 6, 2011 at 6:52 PM

    I loved your thoughts on this one and so can not wait to read and experience this one for myself!!

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  35. KathleenJanuary 7, 2011 at 6:51 PM

    I really enjoyed The Memory Keeper's Daughter so will add this one to my list also.

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  36. nomadreaderJanuary 9, 2011 at 10:56 AM

    I haven't read her other novel, but the premise of this one intrigues me. I've requested it from the library and look forward to it!

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  37. The Book WhispererJanuary 16, 2011 at 7:04 AM

    I really enjoyed Memory Keepers Daugher when I read it years ago so I am looking forward to this one too.

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