The Lake House

by Christie Barlow

  The whole night whizzed past in an absolute blur. Ella was in awe of Dolores, her energy and stage presence keeping everyone captivated the whole time. Each artist provided a story that had the audience in stitches regarding Dolores, and she sang duets with each and every one. The Lakehouse was alive, and back on the map. This night was going down in history, not only for Dolores and The Lakehouse but for Ella too. It was truly a sensational night and she never wanted it to end.

  ‘I need to congratulate you, this night is amazing, you should think about this as a full-time job.’ Charlie took a couple of glasses of champagne from the passing waiter and gave one to Ella. ‘Cheers.’

  ‘Cheers,’ replied Ella, thinking about Charlie’s words. She’d enjoyed every second of making this evening happen and she was going to chat to Flynn about further events. Ella was excited for her future at The Lakehouse and in Heartcross.

  Dolores stood in the middle of the stage with the spotlight shining right on her. ‘I have had the most fantastic career, and been blessed with the most fantastic son,’ she blew a kiss across to Hamish, ‘and the most fantastic friends. This night has meant the world to me,’ she gave a look of admiration towards Charlie, ‘and I can’t thank Ella enough for organising tonight, and Roman for all the technical stuff. Now, I have one special performance left before everyone joins me back on stage.’

  Ella looked towards Roman, she didn’t know about any other special guests, what was going on?

  ‘Please welcome Roman Docherty on to the stage!’

  The room erupted in applause as Ella watched Roman take Dolores’ hand before he sat down at the piano.

  ‘What’s all this?’ asked Ella, looking at Charlie. ‘I didn’t even know Roman could play the piano.’

  ‘Those two have been practising for the last week, this is going to be magical.’ Charlie cupped her hand around Ella’s and all eyes were on the stage.

  ‘This is one of my favourite songs of all time, “Somewhere over the Rainbow”.’ Dolores nodded towards Roman.

  Everyone’s heads turned towards the piano, the glow from the candles revealing a magnitude of warmth and love in Roman’s eyes, He turned his head slightly towards Ella and the smile he gave her melted her heart. As his fingers began to glide effortlessly over the keys, she closed her eyes. She felt breathless, as Roman played the notes, weaving a story – their story. As soon as Dolores began to sing, everyone gasped. She was still a superstar, and no one could take their eyes off her. Ella held up her arm towards Charlie. ‘Goose bumps.’

  Charlie mirrored her actions. ‘Snap.’

  There wasn’t a dry eye in the place. Even Gianni was dabbing his eyes with a napkin as he joined Callie at their table.

  No one uttered a word through the performance, the whole room watching Dolores Henderson perform the last song all by herself, this magical moment capturing everyone’s heart.

  Just as Ella knew Roman had completely captured hers.

  As soon as the song came to an end everyone was up on their feet. Roman joined Dolores centre stage and they both looked towards Ella and Charlie as they took a bow together before gesturing for them both to come up on the stage. They all hugged each other, before Dolores put the microphone to her mouth. ‘Hamish, my son, as much as you don’t like the limelight, please come up and join me for one very last song.’

  Hamish didn’t object and proudly took his mother’s hand.

  As the band took their places, Dolores announced, ‘Please welcome back on stage all my special guests tonight for one last song. Next month it’s Christmas…’

  Everyone filed back on to the stage holding hands. As the band struck up the melody for ‘Last Christmas’, snow began to fall all over The Lakehouse. The whole audience were up on their feet embracing the artificial snow. This was a magical end to Dolores’ last ever performance and she deserved nothing less than a standing ovation.

  ‘I think we both have our happy ever afters,’ Charlie whispered to Ella.

  ‘I think we do.’ Ella smiled. ‘And when did you learn to play the piano? That blew me away,’ she whispered to Roman.

  ‘I’ve been playing since I was five years old,’ he replied as he slipped his arm around Ella’s waist. As the song came to an end the scene in front of them was like a magical winter wonderland. As the applause rang out Dolores was emotional, tears streaming down her face. ‘Thank you all for letting me sing one last time. Tonight it was me and you, and our “Trip Down Memory Lane”. And if it’s okay with you, I’m officially announcing my retirement!’

  The applause never stopped as everyone still stood on stage, hanging on to this special moment.

  ‘I hope we’re like that when we get to that age,’ Ella said, looking into Roman’s eyes.

  ‘I promise life will be plain sailing from now on… no pun intended.’

  ‘Just the quiet life for us both now.’

  ‘Thank God.’ Roman took Ella in his arms and kissed her tenderly on the lips. Overcome with emotion, tears were welling up in her eyes – happy tears. ‘Me, you and Megan.’

  ‘I can’t wait.’ Ella knew she had fallen in love. Roman was her happy ever after and all of her previous heartache had led her to Heartcross for that very reason… Roman.

  Ella looked out over the audience, she felt proud, her eyes filling up with tears. She was happy, Dolores was happy and the whole restaurant was alive. Coming to Heartcross was the best thing she’d ever done.

  ‘You know, when everyone says, once you arrive in Heartcross you never leave,’ Ella said, looking straight at Callie, ‘they’re right. You did this, gave me a lifeline, and I can’t tell you how much I love you.’

  ‘That feeling is mutual. Does that mean you’re staying?’ Callie asked hopefully.

  ‘Of course, I’m staying.’ It had been a hell of a year, but Ella knew this was her future and it began right now.

  Within seconds everyone was up on the dancefloor. The night had been a huge success and The Lakehouse was back on the map.

  And as Roman held Ella’s hand tightly and she looked around the room, she was overcome with emotion. This night was her perfect night. She’d found her reason for arriving in Heartcross and she was never going to let him go.

  THE END

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  Don’t miss Primrose Park, the next heartwarming instalment in the Love Heart Lane series.

  * * *

  Get your copy here!

  A Letter from Christie

  Dear Readers,

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  Firstly, if you are reading this letter, thank you so much for choosing to read The Lake House.

  I sincerely hope you enjoyed reading this story, if you did, I would be grateful if you’d write a review and share your thoughts on social media. Your recommendations can always help other readers to discover my books.

  This is the fifth book in the Love Heart Lane series and my twelfth book to be published. The Love Heart Lane series has become a huge part of my life and I’m really not ready to let go of all the characters just yet. It’s a collection of books I’m super proud of and the good news is there are still a few more books in the series to come!

  So far this year has been a challenge, after filing for divorce and moving out of my family home I began a new adventure. In February, I moved into a ramshackle cottage that didn’t have a working bathroom, with a rundown kitchen and not a decent space to write my books. I felt like I was glamping but with no glamour in my life! Then we were hit by a pandemic, the country went into lockdown and with no service constantly displaying on my phone, continuing power cuts to my old dilapidated shack and no Wi-Fi installed I was then thrown into home schooling on top of writing my books. However, despite living through these difficult times 2020 has taught me a lot in life, you fall out with people you never thought you would. Get betrayed by people you trusted with all your heart. And get used by people you would do anything for. But life also has a beautiful side to it. You will get loved by someone you never thoug
ht you would have. Form new friendships with people that will establish more meaningful and stronger relationships. And overcome things you thought you’d never get over. We all have chapters that end but I take pride in knowing that this year has moulded me into a strong independent woman in charge of my own destiny. I’ve developed as a writer, I’m dreaming big, working hard and staying focussed. The very best part of my book is still be written and I couldn’t be happier.

  This book, The Lake House was sparked from a floating hotel back in my home town of Northwich in the 1980s. The iconic Floatel was built on the River Weaver and saw early success as the only hotel in the town centre. But due to the credit crunch it spelt the end for the unique structure off London Road and demolition took place in November 2009. I was always fascinated by the structure of the hotel and even back then I imagined a hideaway restaurant further up the river and the only way to dine there was travelling by boat – the idea for The Lake House was born many years ago!

  Huge thanks to everyone that has accompanied on my writing journey so far. I truly value each and every one of you and it’s an absolute joy to hear from my readers via Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

  Please do keep in touch and look out for Primrose Park – the next book in the Love Heart Lane series is coming very soon!

  Warm wishes,

  Christie xx

  Acknowledgments

  A book is a huge team effort and even though my name might be on the cover a lot of hard work goes on behind the scenes. As always thank you to the brilliantly supportive cast at One More Chapter HarperCollins UK, you have been instrumental in supporting and promoting my books and crafting this book into the best it could possibly be. Thank you to the wonderful Charlotte Ledger, who cheers me on and always believes in me when I don’t – I’m so grateful to you for turning my stories into books – you are the best!

  Emily Ruston, my brilliant editor, who brings out the best in me. She is just wonderful to work alongside and bounce ideas off. You have given me many a seed to grow a book from and I love working with you – long may it continue.

  Special thanks to my gang, Emily, Jack, Roo and Mop – you are simply the best.

  My writing partners in crime, Woody and Nellie, as much as you both drive me insane I would never be without you.

  Thank you to my best friend, Anita Redfern, who keeps me sane, you have got me through some proper storms in the last three years – you rock.

  High fives and a glass of gin to these lovely ladies, Bella Osborne, Glynis Peters, Deborah Carr and Terri Nixon for providing continuous laughs along the way.

  Writing can be a solitary profession but when your book flies out into the big wide world it’s a team effort and I have the most amazing squad of loyal readers who pre-order my books before they are even written. It’s because of you I am lucky enough to do the job I love so much. Please do keep sending all your lovely messages, tweets and comments, they mean the world to me – I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

  Much love goes out to all the terrific bloggers and reviewers for getting behind my books in such an overwhelming way. I am eternally grateful for your constant sharing of posts and your support for my writing is truly appreciated – thank you.

  I have without a doubt enjoyed writing every second of this book and I hope you enjoy hanging out with Ella and Roman. Please do let me know!

  Thank you for reading…

  We hope you enjoyed The Lake House!

  Do leave a review if so on all your preferred platforms to help spread the word!

  Dying to find out what happens next?

  * * *

  Treat yourself to the next irresistible instalment in the Love Heart Lane series by Christie Barlow with the enchanting Primrose Park!

  You can get your copy right here!

  You can also catch up on the rest of the series here…

  And why not try one of Christie’s heartwarming standalones?

  * * *

  The Cosy Canal Boat Dream is a laugh-out-loud romantic comedy set in the idyllic safe harbour of Little Rock marina, where Nell came to escape, never expecting that she would meet a charming Irishman who would change her life along the way.

  Get your copy right here!

  A Home at Honeysuckle Farm is a bewitching story of family secrets and second chances following the rocky journey of Alice Parker when she returns to her quiet rural home of Brook Bridge to tend to her beloved Grandie thirteen years after first leaving for the bright lights of New York City.

  Get your copy right here!

  Be sure to follow Christie on Twitter @ChristieJBarlow, on Facebook also @ChristieJBarlow, and check out her website at christiebarlow.com for all the updates on her latest work.

  You will also love…

  In the mood for even more incredible fiction?

  You will adore The Dog Sitter by Zara Stoneley, a hilarious and heartwarming romantic comedy about how one dog can lead two human hearts to tie more than one kind of knot.

  Get your copy here!

  You will also fall instantly for Love at the Little Wedding Shop by the Sea by Jane Linfoot, an utterly delightful summer romance set in the cosiest of Cornish villages where friendships are made for life and it’s always cocktail hour somewhere!

  Get your copy here!

  And don’t miss Before the Crown by Flora Harding, which immortalises the story of the secret engagement between Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip in the tempestuous wake of WWII.

  Get your copy here!

  Happy reading!

  Christie Barlow is the author of twelve bestselling romantic comedies. She lives in a ramshackle cottage in a quaint village in the heart of Staffordshire with her four children and two dogs.

  * * *

  Her writing career came as a lovely surprise when she decided to write a book to teach her children a valuable life lesson and show them that they are capable of achieving their dreams. Christie’s dream was to become a writer and the book she wrote to prove a point went on to become a #1 bestseller in the UK, USA, Canada and Australia.

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  When Christie isn’t writing she enjoys playing the piano, is a keen gardener and loves to paint and upcycle furniture. Christie is an ambassador for the @ZuriProject alongside Patron of the charity Emmerdale’s Bhasker Patel. They raise money and awareness for communities in Uganda.

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  Christie loves to hear from her readers and you can get in touch via Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

  christiebarlow.com

  Also by Christie Barlow

  The Love Heart Lane Series

  Love Heart Lane

  Foxglove Farm

  Clover Cottage

  Starcross Manor

  * * *

  Standalones

  The Cosy Canal Boat Dream

  A Home at Honeysuckle Farm

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