Lake News

By Barbara Delinsky

Book Overview

Barbara Delinsky's powerful New York Times bestseller of hope and redemption introduces the unforgettable Blake sisters: strong, spirited Lily, and the resilient Poppy, the heroine of Delinsky's acclaimed novel, An Accidental Woman.

After an unscrupulous reporter falsely accuses Boston lounge singer Lily Blake of having an affair with a newly appointed Cardinal, she's hounded by the press, fired from her job, and robbed of all public freedom. The humiliation and violation of privacy leaves her no choice but to retreat to her rural hometown of Lake Henry, New Hampshire. In search of refuge, Lily forms an uneasy alliance with John Kipling, a former Boston reporter with trust issues of his own. Now editing Lake Henry's local newspaper, John cannot ignore Lily's appeal or her plight -- even at the risk of taking on his former colleagues. Surprising and deeply satisfying, Lake News offers an intimate look at the complex relationship between an enigmatic man and a vulnerable woman, both struggling to find a new sense of community in a place they once called home.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1416579575
• ISBN13: 9781416579571
• Release Date: August 1970
• Publisher: Pocket Books
• Length: 528 Pages
• Weight: 1.02 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.4" x 5.5" x 8.3"

Customer Reviews

Barbara Delinsky's Lake News

This was my firest B.D. book Itwas a good story and well written. I enjoyed her writing, and look forward to reading more of her stories!

A wonderful story - very timely

I've never read a book by Barbara Delinsky I haven't enjoyed. So why did it take me nearly two years from the time I bought LAKE NEWS to read it? I'm not sure, but I am sorry I didn't read it sooner. This is a fabulous story and very timely. Lily Blake has had a longterm friendship with Father Francis Rosetti. When he is elevated to Cardinal, an unscrupulous newspaper reporter, in his attempt to dig up some dirt, accuses Lily and Father Rosetti of having an affair. This results in a media frenzy, Lily losing her jobs (music teacher and a singer/piano player at a private club) and having to flee her Boston home. Unable to afford an attorney to help clear her name, she seeks refuge in her hometown of Lake Henry, New Hampshire. Although she hides out at first, Lake Henry takes care of their own. Befriending her is John Kipling, the editor of the local newspaper, THE LAKE NEWS. John has always wanted to write a book and with the news of Lily's alleged affair he feels he has the perfect subject. When he discovers her pleas of innocence, he decides the theme of her story can be the misuse of power by the press and paparazzi (which at one point in the story are called "princess murderers). But as he gets to know Lily and begins to fall in love with her, it's clear that his goals have to be something a bit different. He attempts to exonerate Lily by discovering what made the reporter want to exact revenge on Lily and/or Father Fran in the first place.This is a compelling read, absolutely unputdownable. I was up until nearly 3 AM in the morning finishing it. Delinsky is a wonderful writer and storyteller! Both John and Lily have issues with their parents to deal with in an attempt to get to know themselves better. There's a wonderful little secondary romance between Lily's younger sister and a writer who is also attempting to write a book on the brouhaha. I also loved the way Lily dealt with her 10-year-old niece, Hannah, an awkward child who just needs some extra TLC.And how, do you ask, do you follow-up such a wonderful read? By reading another Barbara Delinsky book, of course! I'm off to grab THE VINEYARD off my TBR pile!Maudeen Wachsmith, Charter Member Reviewers International Organization (RIO)

Very Surprising! I am now a convert!

I normally read heavy fiction, such as paleo-Indian stories by the Gears, or hard core sci-fi. I needed a book for an upcoming surgery and I chose Lake News only because it was one of the few books that did not appear to be one of those menial, trashy, poorly written, poorly plotted, highly predictable, Fabio covered romance rags. Hehehe. Well! I was so engrossed in the amazing depth of the characters, the scenery, the sociology, and the politics, I hadn't even realized until the end it was a romance novel! I LOVED it! I have been bumming that it is over. I regretted coming back to reality. If there are any towns like this New England town, I envy those fortunate enough to be there. Just ordered 8 more of Delinskys' books! Awesome writting. Convincing, intriguing and warm. BUY IT!

Timely and a Good Read

LAKE NEWS is one of those rare books that is able to engage you in the story on a few different levels at once. On one level, I was interested in Lily, in Lily and her family, in Lily and John, in John, and in John and his family. On another level, the story brought to light the media's dark side, and the issue of privacy, or rather, the lack thereof these days. And Delinsky's descriptions of Lake Henry, on another level, brought the New Hampshire area into my living room each night as I read. A story whose setting, characters, and plot all work together and keep me involved is one I will read again and again.

Warm, touching story

This was my first book I've read by Barbara Delinsky and I kept wondering why I haven't read her before. She's great!Lily Blake's life is shattered when an ambitious newspaperman spreads lies about her having an affair with a newly appointed Cardinal. Her life is immediately turned upside down by reporters, lies, and talk shows. In disgrace, she goes back home to Lake Henry, NH, a place that doesn't hold fond memories.Lily must face the past and patch things up with her mother. She meets John Kipling, the local newsman and publisher of Lake News. Initially hesitant, Lily finally warms up to John and the two face the allegations together. Barbara Delinsky has written a warm and touching story that readers will always remember, and more importantly, try to get their hands on all of Ms. Delinsky's previous and future novels.