2024 the best of me character descriptions review

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(as of Nov 12, 2024 14:17:22 UTC - Details)

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A random connection sends two strangers on a daylong adventure where they make a promise one keeps and the other breaks, with life-changing effects, in this breathtaking new novel from the New York Times bestselling author of Every Summer After.

Fern Brookbanks has wasted far too much of her adult life thinking about Will Baxter. She spent just twenty-four hours in her early twenties with the aggravatingly attractive, idealistic artist, a chance encounter that spiraled into a daylong adventure in the city. The timing was wrong, but their connection was undeniable: they shared every secret, every dream, and made a pact to meet one year later. Fern showed up. Will didn’t.

At thirty-two, Fern’s life doesn’t look at all how she once imagined it would. Instead of living in the city, Fern’s back home, running her mother’s lakeside resort—something she vowed never to do. The place is in disarray, her ex-boyfriend’s the manager, and Fern doesn’t know where to begin.

She needs a plan—a lifeline. To her surprise, it comes in the form of Will, who arrives nine years too late, with a suitcase in tow and an offer to help on his lips. Will may be the only person who understands what Fern’s going through. But how could she possibly trust this expensive-suit wearing mirage who seems nothing like the young man she met all those years ago. Will is hiding something, and Fern’s not sure she wants to know what it is. 

But ten years ago, Will Baxter rescued Fern. Can she do the same for him?

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More from Carley Fortune
Six summers to fall in love. One moment to fall apart. A weekend to get it right. This summer they’ll keep their promise. This summer they won't give into temptation. This summer will be different.

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Berkley (May 2, 2023)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 336 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0593438558
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0593438558
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.44 x 0.88 x 8.22 inches
Reviewer: Stephenee
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Much better than her first book!!
Review: This one was so much better than her first book (in my opinion) - I felt like the book was better written, the characters were more likable and relatable and the writing style had improved for sure! I almost didn't get this book because I didn't care for the first one, but this one changed my mind about this author.The story is a bit predictable, the reader figures out most of what is going to happen pretty quickly, but there are a few surprises thrown in for them throughout the book. The story does flow quickly and the reader can't help but zoom through the pages as they don't want the story to end, but they also need to know what is going to happen...it's a hard decision to make for the reader to read it all in one sitting or to stop reading it and take their time.This one is more "the book of summer" than her previous book - for me anyway - add this one to your TBR list and move it to the top, it's worth the read!

Reviewer: Carpool Book Club
Rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Good, Not Great
Review: In the scope of easy beach reads, this one is tops. If I was ranking, I think Fortune’s previous book (Every Summer After) is definitely my favorite but this one is great!The setting is a Dirty Dancing-esque resort in Canada, which is so fun (especially if you loved that movie as much as I did). The characters are stereotypical but lovely. The plot is predictable but still highly entertaining.For all the romance readers…I recommend this go on your Summer 2024 Beach Reads list. It’s quick, easy and pleasing.P.S. If you haven’t read Every Summer After…definitely add to your list. I think it’s my favorite beach read ever.P.P.S. Fortune has a new book out…This Summer Will Be Different. I’ll be reading it!

Reviewer: Sophie
Rating: 3.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Missed opportunity.
Review: 3 starsDo you ever feel bad for the author when writing a less than perfect review? Because that’s how I feel right now especially after having read the author’s notes in which Carley explains that she really struggled to write this one.But I swore to always be honest in my reviews so here we go, no matter what.Is that book bad?No.There are plenty of things that I loved like:-The set of side characters. From Fern’s best friend looking like an overenthusiastic puppy to the Roses, the old eccentric guests making cocktails, to Peter’s solid and discreet presence, they all helped me see that world, make it real.-The setting. A resort alongside a Canadian lake. I could see myself swimming or hiring a canoe. I heard the birds in the trees, saw the dining room with guests etc. It felt like being on holiday.-The pacing. It was just right for the story. We switch between past, when Fern met Will and now, ten years later. It was steady, not too fast nor too slow and fitting to have the story unfurl slowly, recounting past events and present traumas.-The meet cute. Fern and Will’s day in the city ten years ago was the perfect romantic meet. It felt like a bubble in time where everything is ripe with possibilities. Will was the promising and handsome artist, Fern was prickly and undecided yet about her future. Both on the brink of a new life.-Fern. I think Carley Fortune wrote Fern very realistically. She is full of doubts, is looking for her path in life. Past Fern had her demons, understandably so and went through a wild phase. New Fern is more mature but still struggling after her mother’s death. She will grow a lot in the story.-The ending. Thank god we had these last 10 percent! That helped explain a lot about Will’s decision and had me feeling a smidge better.ButI am a reader and reviewer very much driven by my emotions and feelings.And what I felt very often was extremely frustrated!I was angry with Will. He never showed up nine years ago and now that he is back, he gives no explanation, no excuses. And Fern chooses to go with it???Sorry but if you don’t show up and you make a mistake, you GROVEL!You explain and hope it’s a fantastic explanation to beg for forgiveness.Not knowing what happened had me keeping Will at arm’s length. I didn’t trust him and didn’t warm up to him, even if he was kind of a baby whisperer. And I didn’t understand Fern in her decision to take a risk, knowing that her heart could be crushed again. Even if at the same time I admired her bravery.As a character driven reader, not liking Will really dampened my enjoyment and is the main reason for my low rating alongside the lack of groveling.What I would have liked to see more of was grief.Fern just lost her mom. We get passing mentions that she misses her mom and see her reading her diary but I think the story would have gained even more depth if we focused more on the grief stages. I don’t mean to make it a sob story or the core of the book but it was nearly brushed under the rug. Or at least, that’s how I experienced it.As you can see, that book has a lot of assets but also missed the mark for me.Does that mean that Carley Fortune is a “one book” author like she feared? Certainly not as she has proven that she can write. I just hope for her that her next story will “spill out” of her like Every Summer After did.Also, I haven’t looked at any review yet so I might be in the minority here. So go check other opinions (like I’ll do now 😉 ).

Reviewer: Stefanie
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Second Chance Romance With Dirty Dancing Vibes
Review: When I love a book (or anything, really) I cannot shut up about it. Enter: Meet Me at the Lake by Carley Fortune. In her sophomore release, two characters meet by chance in Toronto and spend the day together, making plans to see each other again one year later. When Fern shows up and Will doesn't, she's left heartbroken and wondering what could have been — until he shows up 9 years later at the resort she's taken over from her mom.Meet Me at the Lake is equal parts funny and tender. I loved the way Fortune brought the characters to life, giving each of them quirks that complicated their relationship and, ironically, drew them together in the end. Both characters are loyal and committed to the things and people they love, and it's these characteristics that almost threaten their HEA. (Don't worry! You'll get one!)Fortune's descriptions are also worth mentioning, as she has some truly great one-liners that made me giggle alone in an empty room:"I don't know why I find his ankles so compelling. I'm like a Regency Era viscount hoping for a flash of flesh." (As a historical romance reader, I CACKLED)"'You are officially cut off,' I say, trying to act like it doesn't bother me that Will's ex is as hot as a Jonas brother wife.'"So far, I've posted all about this book on my socials, texted my friends about it and bought it as a birthday gift. I loved it so much that I'll probably read it again before the year is over. I bet if you give it a shot, you will too.This book is for anyone who loves:👙 Vacation reads🔥 Steamy open-door scenes⛺ Summer camp resort / Dirty Dancing vibes🗣️ Dual timelines, including a day-long, love-at-first-sight meet-cute🎨 "A business dude with the soul of an artist"💕 Mutual pining, second chance romance, and men in aprons (IYKYK)💊 Mental health visibility👑 A satisfying happily-ever-afterNote: As a trigger warning, please be aware that this text has a storyline that includes grief, anxiety and an off-page death of a parent.Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for allowing me the chance to read and provide an honest review of this book! I've posted this review on GoodReads and across my social platforms, as well as Amazon and B&N listings.

Reviewer: Darlene Lake
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title:
Review: Excellent author

Reviewer: Ulli
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title:
Review: Nach dem ersten Buch dieser Autorin, das ich verschlungen habe, konnte ich mein Glück kaum fassen, dass es noch zwei weitere gibt und wurde nicht enttäuscht. Ich liebe ihren Schreibstil einfach!!

Reviewer: RICART
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title:
Review: I loved it, it looked so real.The plot was si nice !Thanks for this !I need more I was hoping something and I found better

Reviewer: Alice
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title:
Review: I have read both Meet me at the lake and Every summer after and i can definitely say that Carley Fortune is an amazing writer! Ferm and Will fall in love in just one day but life events take them apart. Years later they find each other again. They are not the same people they used to be. Will their love overcome their life struggles ?

Reviewer: Amazon Customer
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title:
Review: I'm so glad I found this book , such a great storyline with lots of twists and turns. I will definitely be looking for more books by Carley.