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    Dream Lake
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    Dream Lake
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    Dream Lake
    Audiobook (abridged)5 hours

    Dream Lake

    Written by Lisa Kleypas

    Narrated by Jeff Cummings

    4/5

    ()

    Currently unavailable

    Currently unavailable

    About this audiobook

    Alex Nolan is as bitter and cynical as they come. One of three Nolan brothers who call Friday Harbor home, he's nothing like Sam or Mark. They actually believe in love; they think the risk of pain is worth the chance of happiness. But Alex battles his demons with the help of a whiskey bottle, and he lives in his own private hell. And then a ghost shows up. Only Alex can see him. Has Alex finally crossed over the threshold to insanity?

    Zoë Hoffman is as gentle and romantic as they come. When she meets the startlingly gorgeous Alex Nolan, all her instincts tell her to run. Even Alex tells her to run. But something in him calls to Zoë, and she forces him to take a look at his life with a clear eye and to open his mind to the possibility that love isn't for the foolish.

    The ghost has been existing in the half-light of this world for decades. He doesn't know who he is, or why he is stuck in the Nolans' Victorian house. All he knows is that he loved a girl once. And Alex and Zoë hold the key to unlocking a mystery that keeps him trapped here.

    Zoë and Alex are oil and water, fire and ice, sunshine and shadow. But sometimes it takes only a glimmer of light to chase away the dark, and sometimes love can reach beyond time, space, and reason to take hold of hearts that yearn for it….

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherBrilliance Audio
    Release dateAug 7, 2012
    ISBN9781455886197
    Unavailable
    Dream Lake
    Author

    Lisa Kleypas

    New York Times Lisa Kleypas graduated from Wellesley College with a political science degree. Her historical romance and contemporary women’s fiction novels are published in forty different languages, and are bestsellers all over the world. Currently she lives in Southern California with her husband Gregory.

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    Reviews for Dream Lake

    4/5

    157 ratings20 reviews

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    • 4/5
      -Re-Introduction to an Enthralling Series-I've read this author's work several times before, but it's been a while. The re-introduction to me reading her novels was through the Dream Lake novel in the Friday Harbor series. Alex was a tortured hero (believably so), and he and Tom's rapport was often entertaining and unexpectedly heartfelt. Dream Lake touches on Alex's battle in fighting off addiction and masterfully takes the reader through his recovery whirlwind in a convincing and affectionate manner. Zoe had a heart of gold-perfect match to Alex's frosty nature. She cares for her ailing grandmother and gained my respect for her strength in dealing with her passive-aggressive father. Readers will appreciate Dream Lake for the exceptional characters, minor and major, and most of all-for the humanity written into this lovely novel of love lost, love gained, and lasting love. - Laurie - bookescapereviews.wordpress.com
    • 4/5
      I enjoyed this.

      The only thing that I had a issue with was a spot near the end, I won't spoil it for everyone but as of right now I don't see the relevance of it at all. It was like 'ha I can surprise you BAM".

      This was the third book in the series the story of Zoe and Alex. I like how it overlaps some of the previous book as it things happen at the same time in both books but you don't know it till you read it in both books. (hope that makes sense)
    • 5/5
      Love, love, love this book!! It's two loves stories tied into one. Zo Hoffman is beautiful, kind-hearted and optimistic. She's a natural care giver and pours love into the delicious foods she cooks. She always sees the best in others, but hasn't had much luck with men. After a divorce which hurt her, she's stayed away from guys for fear of getting hurt again.

      Alex Nolan is a cold, distant man who would prefer to believe the worst in others than be hurt by having life not meet positive expectations. After a tough childhood as the youngest son of two alcoholic parents, Alex has closed himself off emotionally to others. After a bitter divorce, he vows never to marry again. His life is spiraling downward as his drinking sky rockets.

      When Alex meets Zo, sparks fly although they both know they'd be better off staying away from each other. Alex has nothing to give to a relationship and Zo knows her first try at romance should be with a less damaged man than Alex. However, despite their beliefs they may be just what each other need.

      What really sets this novel apart is the counter story that goes on with the romance between Alex and Zo. A ghost with no memory haunts the house Alex is helping to restore. A charming ghost with a witty personality and a strong distaste for Alex gets stuck hanging around with him. Alex is appalled at being followed by the ghost and believes he may be losing his mind. He tries to keep from responding out loud to the ghosts whispers when he's around other people including Zo and her elderly grandmother she's caring for. As memories start to come back from a previous life, the ghost begins to understand his purpose and the reason he hasn't crossed over yet.

      The story is beautiful and moving and sweet. I very much enjoyed and would recommend this novel.
    • 4/5
      I started this a few months ago but couldn't get into it. I wasn't in the mood then for a contemporary or a ghost story. I'm glad I decided to try again. It was just what I was in the mood for.

      The mysticism of this series really works for me. I know others are really bothered by the paranormal elements, but I think they set the stories apart. The hints of 'other' add just a touch of whimsy to what might have been dark, emotional stories otherwise.
    • 3/5
      Zoe is a very attractive and talented baker, who's had a hard time with guys and is very wary. Alex is an arrogant, aggressive guy who drinks too much. Alex is also a talented builder, and is employed to work on an old cottage which Zoe and her elderly grandmother are going to move into. Perhaps predictably, there's a very strong attraction between Alex and Zoe, despite their apparent unsuitability.

      Emma, the grandmother, is a very nicely done character... and I should also mention the Ghost, who appears right at the beginning of the story. He is confused about his past, and gradually discovers who he is, through the course of the book.

      While I don't generally like paranormal stories, the ghost part of the book was a very enjoyable read. He is, ironically, the most realistic character in the novel. Unfortunately I didn't feel that either Alex or Zoe were consistent - Alex is a great deal nicer and more chivalrous than his reputation would suggest, and is particularly good with the elderly Emma. Zoe is more outgoing and confident than we are led to believe, too - quite pushy when it comes to Alex.

      This is the third in a series of books about three brothers brought up in a somewhat dysfunctional home. It's not necessary to have read the earlier books - this one stands alone - but may make it more enjoyable, as there are quite a few minor characters who have little relevance to the plot. The writing is good, well-paced and interesting, and I would have given it four stars but for the crudity of much of the language used, and some unnecessarily detailed bedroom scenes towards the end. Little is left to the imagination - and the book is thus rendered unsuitable to recommend to several of my friends who might otherwise have enjoyed it.

      Three and a half stars would be fairer.
    • 5/5
      I loved the beginning chapter. I like for a book to be interesting enough that it hooks me in the beginning. Dream Lakes continues to tell the story of the Nolan brothers but it is also easily a stand alone book. Lisa Kleypas does a great job to continue some parts from the previous book so reader feels like they remembered that so they feel even more a part of the story. Without letting too much out of the bag, the magical realism used in dream lake is great. My mother has dementia so the authors inclusion of this was appreciated and made the story real life. Zoe's personality, habits, collections were real to me. This author is still new to me and I will be reading more from her.
    • 4/5
      Loved Zoe Hoffman's personality and Alex...I have read the other Friday Harbor books and nice continuation of the Nolan brothers. Zoe Hoffman, an innkeeper (being in boutique hotel business, always love the setting) who has all but given up on love is a gentle, romantic soul, but has been so hurt in the past that she dare not trust her heart with anyone. Especially not Alex Nolan, who is the most haunted of all the Nolan brothers. He drinks to keep his demons at bay and not only has he given up on love, he has never, ever believed in it. Zoe and Alex are oil and water, fire and ice, sunshine and shadow. But sometimes, it takes only a glimmer of light to chase away the dark. Liked the ghost aspect and how the story related to past history and love affair with Zoe's grandmother and her illness and struggle with Dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Looking forward to Crystal Cove, which read teaser and sounds like it will be more about Justine, Zoe's Inn partner and possible a little witchcraft!
    • 4/5
      I had mixed feelings about this story. It started out pretty slow but I liked how it dealt with dementia. I didn't care for the hero or the progression of the romance. His dry out and shadow never felt believable. Baker Zoe hires construction worker Alex to restore her house but she is concerned about his drinking too much.
    • 5/5
      This is one of those series I had the misfortune of reading out of order. Now I will say you can read it out of order, but I always prefer to read Kleypas' series in order if possible. I felt like Dream Lake and Rainshadow Road could probably be read at the same time, since they both occur around the same time. After reading Crystal Cove, I was a bit apprehensive about reading this one, I mean I knew I would most likely enjoy it. But I have felt with this series, it doesn't have the same spark as with her other books. However I can occasionally be wrong (I know, a impossibility right?) Well I absolutely loved this one.It begins with seeing Alex come to Friday Harbor, and starts living with his brother Sam. It starts off with Alex first hearing of his wife desiring a divorce, and this is where he starts drinking enough alcohol to kill ya in a week. Drinking is pretty much all that he does for quite some time, until he meets Zoe. Now Zoe is the type of girl to even go for the Alex Type. She wants love, devotion and passion. Alex knows that Zoe is one the most beautiful women he has ever laid his eyes on, but he feels he would just ruin her goodness. So he endeavors to try to stay as far from her as he possibly can. Well Zoe is a bit stubborn and she knows that even though nothing real could come from a relationship with Alex, she has never felt such a strong connection with anyone. Then we have the ghost enter the scene. He first is at Sam's house, but when he notices Alex he is able to go where he goes, and Alex for some odd reason can see this ghost, when no one else can. Alex knows that he and Zoe are as different as oil and water, but he can't deny his attraction to her, and at first its just sex to him. But as he truly see Zoe for who she really is, he starts to soften, and desires the whole kit and caboodle---love, passion, marriage and a family.I found Alex to be the normal type of hero that Kleypas has in her books-at least for the most part. He is a bit self destructive, way too cynical, especially for Zoe--who is beyond sweet and gentle. Not his type, but opposites do attract. These two may be so different from each other, but they are attracted to each other like a moth to flame. Zoe is tender hearted and vulnerable at times, but I liked seeing these two interact, and how Alex doesn't take advantage of her( even though you kinda expect him to at some point). There are so many small layers to this couple, and as you get further into the book, you scrape more through the layers, and there is so much depth at times.I found Dream Lake to be a truly wonderful and fully satisfying read, that when you are finished (you have the kind of feeling of "Well Done"). I truly admired this couple, and all the hurdles they had to cross, and there were a surprise here and there, that keeps the reader on their toes. There is no predictable situations, its all written in a certain way, it holds your attention from the beginning. Deep emotions, sweet magical story, and richly developed that its better than a box of chocolates. (And I am a lover of chocolate) Full of witty humor, a riveting story, purely enchanting!!!
    • 4/5
      Now this book approaches the greatness of Lisa Kleypas of the Hathaways, Wallflowers and Travis series -- not quite as good as those, but definitely much better than the first two in the Rainshadow Road series.

      This book was fun, good, and sexy. I loved it. I listened to the audio and it was read by a very sexy sounding male narrator. My one complaint is how the narrator read the female voices, but in the end ... the story was written so well and performed so well it was forgivable.

      The first two in the Rainshadow Road series are good but not great, not Kleypas great. They were entertaining though and they did show promise. Well, the promise was completed with Dream Lake. This book has a secret from the past that must be discovered, a wounded hero struggling to overcome his own past and a touch of magic. Sweet sexy fun, Kleypas has delivered. If you gave up on this series, I recommend giving it one more chance.

      I cannot wait to read the next one in the series.
    • 3/5
      Alex Nolan is haunted by the legacy of his childhood growing up with alchoholic parents. He's also recently started being haunted by a literal ghost who can't remember who he is or why he's there but seems to be tied to Alex. While grappling with whether he's actually cracking up, Alex meets Zoe Hoffman who is the complete opposite of Alex. He knows the best thing for her is to keep himself far away from her but her sparkling personality and general aura of love and kindness may be too much for him to resist.Meh. I usually enjoy Lisa Kleypas's novels but this one fell flat for me. The slight paranormal aspect to the novel here isn't particularly compelling and while I liked Zoe, I didn't care much about Alex. In this case, the predictability of the novel wasn't reassuring as it often is in romance novels, but rather mildly irritating. I also didn't care much about the hints of what lies ahead in the next novel in the series for one of the secondary characters in this novel. Not recommended.
    • 5/5
      This was, I'm embarrassed to admit, my first Lisa Kleypas novel. What was I thinking??? This contemporary romance laced with a ghost story is addictive from the first line on: "The ghost had tried many times to leave the house, but it was impossible."Although we begin our journey through the eyes of a trapped, confused ghost, we move on to meet the main characters of the book, Zoe Hoffman and Alex Nolan. Zoe is the sweet, cheerful chef at the local Bed and Breakfast. Although she's suffered a divorce, she's still optimistic enough to believe in true love. Alex Nolan is a local carpenter, a bitter, damaged alcoholic whose childhood and recent divorce has him convinced of the opposite. And he's convinced he's crossed over to alcoholic insanity when he finds himself attached to the ghost.But neither Zoe or Alex can deny the sparks between them. When Zoe hires Alex to refinish her grandmother's lake cottage, Alex knows it's the absolute wrong thing to do. But he takes the job anyway, ghost in tow, a spirit who's determined to teach Alex the meaning of true love.I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and will be going on to read the others in the Friday Harbor series. NOTE: I listened to the audio version of this book, and noticed that a number of comments rated the narrator poorly. I think he did an excellent job, especially with the voices of Alex and the ghost. I think he tried a little too hard with Zoe's voice, which may have turned off some listeners. No matter—it's a minor point and should not discourage readers from listening to this edition of Dream Lake.
    • 5/5
      Absolutely breathtaking - lush, lyrical prose. I am amazed with how beautiful her words are.
    • 4/5
      About the book written by Lisa Kleypas:This addition to the Friday Harbor series made for an enjoyable read. Usually, I am not fond of stories with paranormal aspects, but Alex's ghost was entertaining and added some poignancy to the story. Alex and Zoe's story is timely in the topics it covers and told in a sensitive, mature fashion. This story deserves 4-1/2 stars, but the unabridged, audio version suffers greatly from a poor narration. (see below) About the narration by Jeff Cummings:Mr. Cummings 'read' of this story was poor. His characters' voices were grating, inconsistent, and did not convey the necessary nuances that helps differentiate each character.The following questions, kept popping into my thoughts, while listening:Did the reader receive any coaching or direction? Was the finished tape listened to before going into mass production? Why would Brilliance Audio release such a poor reading of a story, written by a popular author? Does BA think listeners are so unsophisticated, we'd not notice the issues (or complain)?I'm unsure who shares the blame for the lack of quality in this story's audio version, but it surely can't be ALL Mr. Cummings fault. The audio version rates 1 star, at maximum.
    • 4/5
      I liked this more than I expected to -- the hero's alcoholism made me hesitant to start it, but that part was resolved in a way that worked for me (his actual recovery was heavily reliant on magical realism, but his reasons for wanting to recover seemed believable to me). It was a light story with a dream-like tone, family-based angst, and a nice blend of romance and character development.The only real problem I had was the car accident scene at the end, where the author used the magical realism that had been present throughout to provide a cringe-inducing bit of deux ex machina.
    • 5/5
      Dream Lake
      4.5 Stars

      A simply wonderful story with engaging characters and some truly heart-breaking moments.

      Several reviewers dislike the inclusion of a ghost in the book, however, as a fan of ghosts and ghost stories, not only did this not bother me in the slightest but it added an extra layer of meaning to both the primary and secondary romances. Another enjoyable aspect of the plot are the allusions to Nicholas Sparks' The Notebook and the film Simply Irresistible - both of which make my list of all time favorite romance movies.

      While the first two installments in the series are fun reads, neither managed to knock my socks off. Dream Lake, in contrast, hit all the right buttons from the ghost's heart wrenching story of love lost and found to the tortured hero in need of love and redemption.

      Alex is a damaged man with a tortured past and a difficult lifestyle. He has steeled himself against loving and being loved but his softer side is slowly revealed through his relationship with the ghost and the parallels in their back stories as well as in his almost palpable passion for Zoe.

      Zoe is a sweet and gentle heroine, the exact counterpoint to Alex's hardness, which makes their intense chemistry and emotional bond even stronger.

      Highly recommended for fans of Lisa Kleypas and those in need of a sweet and charming story.
    • 5/5
      [Saturday, August 04, 2012] Now that I'm done with Rainshadow Road, I really want to see Alex fall in love, and none other then Zoe -Betty Boo- the amazing cook and Lucy's friend. Can't wait to get the book this month.

      [Friday, November 09, 2012] I started reading the book yesterday and again... I'm deeply in LOVE with Lisa Klepas's world!! This woman knows how to write... I LOVE her style. And Dream Lake is so close to a story I'm living right now, I was shocked to read some stuff, it was like re-watching a scene I lived.

      Since I was introduced to grandma Emma, I knew that the guy she wanted to dance with was the ghost, the fun part is to see how would the story unfold. All through the story I imagined Zoe looking like Scarlett Johansson and Alex like Richard Armitage.
    • 5/5
      I loved this book! This is definitely becoming one of my favorite series. I have enjoyed all three books so far so much. I was skeptical when I first started the book if I would be able to enjoy the ghost, but I ended up finding him a fit companion for Alex, who happened to be in desperate need of a friend. Zoӫ was utterly delightful and I loved hearing about all the interesting things she cooked up in her kitchen.

      I really enjoyed watching Alex come to terms with his feelings for Zoӫ. At some point in the book Zoӫ says something about how Alex is a better man that he knows he is. I could not have agreed with that statement more. He was a good person, but it took the right woman in his life for him to really show it.

      Overall, a wonderful read that may not be for everyone, but absolutely worked for me. I can't wait to read Justine's book!
    • 5/5
      Dream Lake by Lisa KleypasThis book is about the house where the ghost lives. The ghost attached himself to Alex who's now broken up with his wife and he has no idea why. The story not only follows the ghost, Alex but his other brothers and others on the island as they rebuild a cottage on dream lake road.After just being introduced to Zoey, Alex Nolan starts having visions of a picnic lunch on Dream Lake with her.The ghost was stuck with Alex and it was time for him to make his move so he could break free of the alcoholic. He starts talking to him and he is able to see him now and they talk.Lucy, a glass artist had gotten sideswiped and was recovering at Sam's house when Zoe came to help her.Justine runs the local B&B and Zoey does the cupcakes and desserts. Artist's point sounds just the right thing to turn into the Bed and Breakfast in Friday Harbor.Alex helps the ghost find out who he is so he can maybe free himself. With letters and other things found at the dream lake cottage that Alex is renovating, they do find some clues...Zoey has opened up to Alex about her marriage...Love all the chat about her cooking and his work on the cottage, such details!She also has told him of her taking care of Emma, her grandmother with all her health declines.As Emma's life became more difficult he was there to aid her, she did remember him and their time together.Hot steamy sex add a great deal, but I really love the chat about the baking ingredients, vanilla, the real good stuff, new things to learn about.They see the glass that was made and it all came together, the winter tree...it sparks the full memory of what happened to Emma and her man..
    • 4/5
      I have really enjoyed all of the books in this new series by Lisa Kleypas and Dream Lake is no exception. The book tells the story of the third Nolan brother, Alex, a troubled man who is fast becoming an alcoholic. Alex is recently divorced and his bitterness about life and love makes him an uncomfortable to be around. He is on the brink of losing his business and agrees to take on the job of renovating a cottage for Zoe Hoffman. Zoe is a baker and is friends with Lucy who is the girlfriend of Sam Nolan, Alex’s brother.Zoe is moving into the cottage with her grandmother, Emma, who has recently been diagnosed with dementia. Zoe is instantly attracted to Alex and him to her but he is convinced that he is a bad bet and warns her off. Zoe ignores the warning and finds herself falling for Alex. Zoe has also been divorced and there is a brief side trip about that but it really doesn’t impact the story.Alex is having an interesting time during the renovation. A ghost has become attached to Alex and gives him a lot of unwanted advice about his relationship with Zoe. The ghost has no idea who he is or why he is stuck with Alex. When they get to the cottage, the ghost realizes that he is connected to Emma but is not sure of the circumstances. Alex, in the meantime, decides to quit drinking and discovers himself relying on Zoe and the ghost for support during the tough times. What is interesting about this book is that Alex really is a bad bet in the romance department as his marriage was extremely dysfunctional mostly due to him. Alex is the child of alcoholics and has all of the issues that go with that type of upbringing. Zoe has parental abandonment issues as well but has taken a different path when it comes to relationships, thanks to the loving support she had from Emma. There is a vignette with a family dinner including Zoe’s father that is painful to read. The major message of the book is that it is never a mistake to love someone but it requires strength and even courage to keep the love alive during tough times.All of these books have parts in common and this book also sets up the next one ,which will obviously feature Justine, Zoe’s cousin. It should be a nice wrap up to the series.