The Lake House by Kate Morton

I really love Kate Morton novels! She has a way of getting the reader invested in two or three different stories so that it isn't disappointing or shocking to go back and forth in time. I have to admit though, at the beginning of this book, there were a lot of characters that I had a difficult time keeping track of. Plus, she doesn't explain anything (part of the "mystery") so it can be hard to know what is going on; what is important to remember; who will be the main characters. Fortunately, she reminds us of who everyone is enough times so that eventually I remember most of it. I did keep forgetting the details of Constance's early life and Eleanor's childhood, whose lives and actions were obviously important to the story.

I never believed for a minute that Theo's sisters could or would have caused him harm, whether intentionally or unintentionally. They loved him way too much. Teenagers are so centered around themselves that I figured his disappearance had to involve something more than what his sisters where up to. I thought it was reasonable to think that Anthony could have unintentionally harmed Theo, based on what happened to him in the war. I didn't believe he would though - or that he would have an affair with the nanny. He loved Eleanor too much. His story made me incredibly sad. So much promise. Very realistic portrayal of PTSD. Ben's death also made me sad. My opinion of Ben changed dramatically as the story progressed. Again, Alice portrayed him (and their relationship) much differently than he/it was. Eleanor and Ben's love story seemed genuine. I love that Eleanor stayed with Anthony though. That's the "for better or worse" part of marriage. Plus, they really loved each other. Protecting him, and protecting her children from him, is a huge burden to carry however. And....I was very sad about what happened to Mr. Llewellyn. Why couldn't Constance have just let it go?!

I can't remember exactly when I started understanding what really happened to Theo. KM does take you on a journey full of twists and turns! I did not want him to be dead, so part of it was probably wishful thinking on my part, but a woman protecting her child above all else is something I understand. Eleanor's decisions made sense to me. Constance's decisions did NOT. I really disliked her! 

I didn't understand why Sadie was so ostracized due to her actions. She genuinely believed that Nancy's daughter had come to harm. She believed Nancy when Nancy explained how much her daughter loved her granddaughter. Sadie going to the media jeopardized her reputation and her job? Seems a little harsh to me. Maybe she was too invested - and maybe she didn't follow procedure - and maybe it was time for her to take a "breather", but it's annoying when your gut tells you one thing and it's opposite of what everyone else is saying! I totally understood her investment in this case!

What I absolutely did NOT see coming was Theo's identity! Not even an inkling. Does it seem like too "pat" of an ending to me? Yes, kind of. But in the end, I didn't care. I like happy endings, especially after all the sadness.

Loved it!

Wendy's Rating: *****