Meet Me at the Lake is a romantic fiction novel by Carley Fortune. It tells the story of Fern Brookbanks, a 32-year-old woman who once shared a magical 24 hours with a man named Will Baxter in her early twenties. They promised to meet again a year later, but only Fern showed up.
Now, years later, after her mother dies, Fern returns to run her family’s lakeside resort—something she never wanted. To her surprise, Will reappears, and together, they face old memories, emotional pain, and the chance for a second beginning.
The story is told in two timelines: the past (when Fern and Will first met) and the present (their unexpected reunion).
Official Age Rating
- Target.com: 22 years and up
- Psichogios.gr (publisher): 18+
- Multiple book blogs: Adult readers only
Recommended Age: 18+ (Young Adults and Adults)
Due to mature themes and emotional depth, the book is not suitable for teens under 18.
Why Is It Rated 18+?
Here’s a simple breakdown of why Meet Me at the Lake is best for adult readers:
Romantic & Sexual Content
- The book contains a romantic relationship with at least one detailed sex scene.
- There is no graphic language, but the moment is described clearly (not “fade to black”).
- Spice level is considered mild to moderate
- Some readers may find the sexual content unnecessary, while others appreciate its emotional connection.
Language
- Contains strong and moderate profanity, including:
- 7 uses of strong words (e.g., the F-word)
- 25+ uses of moderate and mild swear words
- Several uses of religious phrases in vain
Substance Use
- Alcohol use is mentioned in social situations.
- Drug use is noted but minimal.
- These themes are not the focus, but they do appear.
Emotional Themes & Mental Health
This book explores serious life topics that are best understood by mature readers:
Grief & Loss
- Central to the story is the death of Fern’s mother.
- Fern struggles with grief, responsibilities, and memories.
- Emotional depth makes this more than just a romance—it’s about healing and family.
Mental Health
- Covers anxiety, depression, postpartum depression, and suicidal thoughts.
- Will, the love interest, has untreated mental health struggles that affect the story.
- These issues are handled with care, but may be triggering for sensitive readers.
Other Sensitive Content
- Car accident (off-page, involving death)
- Infidelity (minor)
- Gaslighting, abandonment, self-harm, absent parenting, and sick children are mentioned or implied in parts of the story.
Relationship Themes
- Central theme: Second-chance love after 10 years apart
- Also explores: mother-daughter relationships, emotional growth, and lack of communication
- Some readers may find the quick romantic connection (after only one day together) hard to believe, while others enjoy the “soulmate” element
Is It Good for Teen Readers?
Mature Young Adults (18+) may appreciate the book
Not recommended for ages under 18 due to:
- Emotional intensity
- Realistic depictions of mental health
- Explicit relationship themes
- Adult language and situations
The book is best suited for college-age readers and older, especially those who enjoy emotional, realistic romance stories with themes of healing and self-discovery.
Conclusion
Meet Me at the Lake is a heartfelt adult romance that also explores grief, mental health, and the struggles of adult life. While it’s beautifully written and emotionally rich, it includes mature content that makes it unsuitable for younger teens.
If you’re over 18 and love character-driven stories with second-chance romance, this could be a great pick. But parents and readers under 18 should consider a more age-appropriate romance without intense emotional and explicit content.