Leeanna Morgan

A Lakeside Thanksgiving by Leeanna Morgan is a 2021 publication.

This is the third book in the ‘Sapphire Bay’ series. I picked this book because the title suggested it was centered around the Thanksgiving holiday. I have not read the previous installments- but hope to go back and fill in the backstory a little someday- but that said, one can glean the gist of things and it is not necessary to have read the first two books to enjoy this one.

Thanksgiving is mentioned several times in this show more book- but if you are thinking this story is in any way a traditional turkey day tale filled with holiday staples and big families gathered around the table with plenty of side drama- then you would be wrong. In this story there is a wedding taking place at Thanksgiving, and planning time is short.

But the main focal point of the story is centered around Barbara. Barbara is in Sapphire Bay for a few more months due to a sitpulation made by her grandmother. She intends to head straight back to San Diego the minute her family obligations are filled. Then she meets Theo- a local radio station owner who also left the big city -but for very different reasons. It seems like the real deal between them until their big city lives tempt them to return to the frenetic lives they had before coming to Sapphire Bay.

I admit to feeling a little disappointed that Thanksgiving itself wasn't more of a focal point in the story - sort of mentioned in passing, really. There are so few novels centered around this holiday, I had hoped to find one that would remind us to push the pause button on all the Christmas commercialism and take time to be with family and friends- count our blessings, and reflect on who and what is important to us.

But, upon further reflection, the message was one that I get on board with- but I must say this, though-

Putting people before careers, slowing down and taking time to find solitude, to help others, to pay it forward are not exclusive to small town living. In fact, I live in a small town and we are just as guilty of working sixty or more hours in a week as those who live in cities. No small town is as idealistic as books make them sound and both have their unique challenges- but whereever you live- you can still adopt a mentality of prioritizing and finding a balance between work and family.

So, overall, I ended up really liking this story, though it was not exactly what I had in mind. It’s clean, pleasant, and while light on the surface, there’s a gentle, but important message there, too.

Happy Thanksgiving!

4 stars show less

This was a wonderful book. I think the language, at times, was unnecessary, but overall, I was pretty satisfied with the progression of the book and its ending. I liked the fact that there was a page turner in regards to Amy's mother.

I did notice that there were still some things unfinished/underdeveloped/unanswered such as: How did the barn catch on fire? Who rescued Nathan? There's some indication of a near-rape incident in Amy's past which makes one question if this was a stand-alone show more incident involving a stranger or was this from someone she trusted? Either way, it definitely would haunt a young girl for years to come. The emotional trauma from both Amy's past and Nathan's burns are fairly obvious.

While the book itself was good, I can't help but think that it would have been a good idea to add more information to the story. show less

Okay, there's a reason for the two stars: drinking and sex. I just can't really promote that kind of read for Christian readers. But to be honest, I thought that the writing was great. The dialogue was very convincing. The characters were realistic and well-built. The story continued at a good pace without feeling rushed or "stunted." It had the elements of a wonderful story, but I just cringe at the whole premarital sex and the wine drinking. I just hope that Ms. Morgan will write cleaner show more books in the future. show less

I can't tell you how much I loved this book. Erin and Jake--there's definitely more than a spark between them and it's fun! While I don't agree with some of their choices, I still acknowledge that it's a very well-written story. Leeanna Morgan allows her characters to be engaging and I appreciate that so much.