The first time I held my debut novel, Beneath the Lake, my emotions were over the moon. Like birthing a baby, I’d achieved a childhood dream. Lake Lanier Mysteries was born. But I have to admit, my first five-star reviews set the stage for my writing career. One might think it strange I attribute my trajectory to a random review from a stranger, but a child’s confidence, high or low, can project future success.
My historical self-esteem would take decades to heal, and even as a mature adult, I struggled with validation of performance. To learn more, read my memoir, Wingless Butterfly—Healing the Broken Child Within. Though I’ve evolved over the years, a great review for a year’s work definitely bolstered my confidence. Darlene will never know how much her words meant. I wanted to shout to the world like Rocky Balboa,”Yo Adrienne, I did it.”
Darlene’s review posted originally in her magazine, Still Moments, awarding five beautiful stars to Beneath The Lake.
“An engaging romantic historical story with a time travel theme. At 398 pages, this is a long story, so don’t expect to read it in one sitting. However, you won’t want to put down this book. The opening captured my attention immediately. The story then switches from past to present, but the author does a great job of maintaining a seamless flow throughout. The characters are very interesting and well-developed. As are many of the secondary cast of characters, especially Bobby’s sister, Sandy. The emotion of family and community are compelling. Fascinating unexpected twist and turns. I can’t wait to see what the author comes up with next in the Beneath The Lake Series. This is my first five star read for 2016. I highly recommend this book as a must read! to view the entire post, click here.
DebANight Owl Reviews also reviewed Beneath the Lake with another solid rating.
“Wow! September 22, 2015I read an amazing tale of love that surpassing time and space. A romantic wholesome whimsical tale about second chances, time travel, and rediscovering true love. This may be a long story (398 pages) but it’s so worth it in the end. You’re in for a big surprise. By the time I finished the story, I was so overwhelmed by happy tears. I couldn’t wipe the tears away fast enough. Please make sure to keep a box of tissue handy before you finish the book. Beneath the Lake is the first book in the Beneath the Lake Series by Casi McLean. It deserves 4.5 stars!”
Tome Tender continued the sentiment with her five-star review.
“Sometimes the worst moment of your life can lead you to the future you were meant to live. Lacey was witness to her boyfriend’s infidelity and her flight from the heart breaking will send her careening into the icy bowels of a frigid lake. She awoke in the arms of her future, while discovering she had been hurtled over thirty years into the past.
For Bobby, a successful and well-loved businessman, the woman he found unconscious stole his heart the minute she opened her eyes. Once Lacey realizes she is no longer in the year 2012, she must convince Bobby of events in the future that are about to happen. His huge leap of faith for the intelligent and unusual woman will change his future forever.
For as much as Lacey longs to go home, she realizes home is where her heart is, but there must be a way to return, but how to discover the mystery of the portal is the question. Will she bring devastating changes to the future by being here or was this Fate’s plan all along?
Only time will tell, as two hearts come together across time only to be separated again.
Is there a time for Bobby and Lacey to be together? At what cost to those they love? Will their love bring doom to future generations?
Beneath the Lake by Casi McLean is a fantasy of romance, of true love knowing no bounds and she has captured the spirit of love in its purest form, even as her characters must face the bizarre circumstances they met under. From pain to joy, to disbelief to believing in miracles, Ms. McLean has created a finely woven tale that flows like a satiny sheet across the mind and heart. Her writing will make a believer out of even the most skeptical of non-believers in love. Let go of reality and take a stroll back in time.”
To date, Beneath the Lake has earned 186 ratings with a 4.6 average. Not bad for a debut novel. I’m super proud of the book, but the pressure is on. My readers are my inspiration and their friendship is priceless. Every book I write has a high bar to meet head on. But I love the challenge.
To find out what inspired Beneath the Lake, click here.
Don’t Miss The Entire Lake Lanier Mysteries Series
Beyond The Mist ~ Book Two in Lake Lanier Mysteries
Between The Shadows ~ Book Three in Lake Lanier Mysteries
My entire Lake Lanier Mysteries Series is available in ebook, print, and on Audible
I agree with every word. Well deserved, Casi. Congratulations!