😊 Stop Press — March 2022 📚
📚 I am delighted to confirm that Return to the Secret Lake is now out! 📚
Early reviews of this long-awaited sequel, which is full of twists and turns to the end, have been wonderful! It was such a joy to reconnect with the original characters (who had been waiting very patiently for me!) and meet a few new ones…
❤️ 😊 Click or tap here to find out more and read early reviews on Amazon 😊
How to post a review of The Secret Lake
or Return to the Secret Lake
- Scroll down to the comments section, found at the end of the section below called ‘Children’s Reviews’ —its quite a long way to scroll!
- Here you’ll find full instructions on how to post your own review.
- Note that I always reply to reviews – those replies show up in the comments area.
- I then post a copy of the original review higher up in coloured text.
- If you are under age 13 please ask a grown-up to help you, or they can post on your behalf.
Click here to review The Secret Lake on Amazon.co.uk
*5 stars from The Writers’ Advice Centre for Children’s books*
Click here to review The Secret Lake on Amazon.com
*5 Stars from an Amazon Top 1,000 Reviewer*
Virtual School Visits – UK and Worldwide
Parents/Carers: if you think your child’s school might like a virtual school visit, please do ask them to get in touch. Visit the school visits page on my main author website
😊📚Children’s Reviews 📚😊
(You will find my replies to each review at the bottom in the comments area.)
Willow – Age 9 – May 2022
Hi Karen! This is Willow, I am 9 years old, I have read the secret lake!!! it was Fantastic! You are a great writer! I think every one should be able to get a chance to read The Secret Lake! The Secret Lake is my new favorite book! I think you should keep writing, and I for sure would recommend you to All my family and Friends!
Love,
Willow
Juliana – Age 10 – April 2022
This book is amazing! And at the end when they found out […….], I was so surprised!
Avery – Age 9 – April 2022
I just finished book 2, Return to the Secret Lake! It’s so good! If you read the first book you’ll LOVE this one! My favorite characters are Emma, Stella, Lucy and Sophie! Are you going to make a series? This is my favorite book, and I’m definitely going to recommend both books to my friends!
Jonah – Age 9 – April 2022
The Secret Lake is the book we just finished. The book is really awesome. My favorite character is Jack. I think this book is really good! There was a lot of mystery. This book is great! Jonah Age 9
Gavin N – April 2022
I love The Secret Lake. It has tons of mystery. It has someone going to jail. It is fun and exciting book. I feel like everyone should get this book. I love the surprises. It’s kinda weird at the end.
Mia – Age 9 – April 2022
Hi, my name is Mia. I just finished The Secret Lake. I like it a lot. Why do I like it? I like it because it gets me excited. I wonder what might be next? It is a fun book! It is full of mystery and happiness. I am age 9.
Molli K – April 2022
I just love this book. I like Stella. I love the surprises. It’s about a time tunnel. I’m happy I read it. You should read it.
Jake W – Age 9 – April 2022
The Secret Lake was amazing and cool! My favorite character was Lucy. You should absolutely get this amazing book!-Jake age 9
Graham M – April 2022
I loved The Secret Lake. It was an awesome book. It had mystery, excitement, and clues. It also had sadness. It told you where they went and when they went. It was exciting!
Ella R – April 2022
In Mrs. Haigh’s third grade class we read The Secret Lake. I loved this book! The Secret Lake has a lot of twists and turns. There were many adventures. Some of the characters were Mrs. Moon, Tom, Stella, Charlie Green, Lucy, and Jack. The Secret Lake was one of the best books I have ever read!
Jocelyn K – April 2022
I like The Secret Lake. My favorite character is Stella because she is relatable to me. It was funny at some points. Other children must get this book!
Lauren S – April 2022
I loved The Secret Lake. It had lots of twists and turns and it was mysterious. My favorite character is Stella. All of the characters are cool. I would get this book if I were you.
Kinsley Asmus – April 2022
I like The Secret Lake because it is funny, sad, and fun. I prefer this book over “Catstronauts”. It is great. I love it because it has a lot of twists and turns. I love it! Mrs. Moon is my favorite character.
Max (Aged 9) and Sebastian (aged 6) – April 2022
My mum has just finished reading it to my brother and I and we both think it is amazing! We can not wait to read the sequel.
From
Max (9yrs) and Sebastian (6yrs).
Class 4J – Rupert House School – March 2022
Dear Karen
We are 4J from Rupert House School. We have just finished The Secret Lake, we absolutely loved it! It was amazing! Our favourite characters were Emma and Harry. Every time we opened the book we were excited to see what was going to happen and we didn’t want to stop reading it. You kept us in suspense! We made lots of guesses about who people were during our reading but we didn’t suspect Mrs Moon would […..] and we didn’t guess who Charlie Green was either! Thank you so much for writing this book, we all loved it and we will be buying the next book in school so that we can read more about Stella and Tom!
best wishes
from 4J
Pinky — March 2022
I LOVED the secret lakes! I hope you make the 2nd book. :))))
Ja’leya – Age 10 – February 2022
I love The Secret lake. I love chapter 18 because I love how it was a suprise. Also, it was really, really sad but in my opinion it was the best chapter and book I ever read.
Fernhurst Primary School Book Club – West Sussex – February 2022
Children at Fernhurst Primary School Book Club have enjoyed reading this book!
The friendships within the book showed loyalty. This was seen as a strength of the book because it teaches you about kindness and the importance of this.
Harry linking the past and present together was an interesting twist! It made us consider if we are even real…
The […..]* at the end of the book was considered unusual in a children’s text.
Overall the children rated this as a five star review and they are looking forward to the sequel!
* Karen’s note, I’ve hidden one word here just in case someone reads this who hasn’t yet read the book – but it’s in full in the comments area at the end of this page, where I also reply
Ruth – Age 7 – February 2022
Dear Karen Inglis,
I really liked The Secret Lake. My favourite character is Stella. What do you like about being an author? I really hope you write a sequel to The Secret Lake. My favourite part is when they figure out […….].* Karen’s note: I’ve hidden a top secret piece of information here just in case someone reads this who hasn’t yet finished the book
From Ruth, age 7
Aadya – February 2022
Dear Karen
Your book was fabulous. I relished it very much. ‘The Secret Lake’ is one of the impressive and delightful books I’ve ever read. I loved the way you have written your book in simple lucid language for the readers to enjoy your spectacular book. It was very exciting and adventurous. I felt like I was right there seeing everything with my eyes. There was an astonishing twist at the end. Loved your book!
Caleb – January 2022
I really liked your book . Please make more books because I really liked this one. Also please make more adventurous books . You are a very good author . I hope I become an author like you when I grow up.
Ella – Age 8 – January 2022
I enjoyed this book because it is interesting and exciting. Tom and Stella are spending summer vacation at Charlie Green’s garden. They have a forgetful and friendly neighbor, Mrs. Moon. Her dog Harry begins their adventure together. You have to read this book!!!
Fiona – Age 8 – January 2022
To Karen,
My name is Fiona. I am 8 years old.
I have read The Secret Lake and it was amazing.
Thank You!
Eva Graves – Age 12 – January 2022
Hi Karen!
I really enjoyed Secret Lake! I have to confess, I just picked it up off of our bookshelf (I think my sister received it for her birthday last year but never got round to reading it). I have highly recommended it to my sister (age 10) You are a talented and creative author. You invented some amazing characters (and my favourite is Jack), and the plot twists are phenomenal! I really did believe that [……*] was […..*] for just a second after I read that part! I love when authors let a character find something out, but don’t tell the readers until later. Thank you so much for this amazing book, I can’t wait for the sequel!!
I hope your family had a relaxing Christmas and a Happy New Year!
*Note from Karen — I’ve hidden a couple of secrets here just in case anyone reading here has not yet read the book 😊
Amelie Patel – November 2021
Dear Karen,
THIS BOOK IS AMAZING! I love the characters and it has a clever twist. You are a very talented writer thank you for this book. Is a classic. Definitely have it on your bookshelf.
Ava – November 2021
I really liked The Secret Lake because the characters are really gripping! I loved the clever twist and I think that this book really makes you think and makes you look at the world differently. It is a perfect classic, which you should definitely have on your bookshelf!
Summer Dawson – October 2021
This was one of the best books I have ever read! I loved how it kept making the mystery more and more intense, and interesting. I could not stop reading it! I loved the characters, and everything about this book!
Mrs Lacy’s 6th Grade – USA – October 2021
We loved that this book was packed with adventure and mystery. The development of the characters throughout the story helps you make connections and really get to know each character on a different level. The Secret Lake is full of plot twists, emotion, and blossoming friendships to keep you hooked the whole way through. If you are looking for a story jammed packed with adventure, time travel, and a little bit of magic, we highly recommend The Secret Lake. It was the perfect novel study to begin our year!
Gigi Christiano – USA – October 2021
Hello Karen! I wanted to say how very much I enjoyed reading this book to my son. He actually picked it out himself on amazon — it was his first run through of a chapter book. I have not read a children’s book for many, many years and we such had a great time of it, especially because it was about going back in time. The last time travel book I read was Can I Get there By Candlelight by Jean Slaughter Doty! Still one of my favorites to this day! The Secret Lake really brought back to me some of that childhood sentiment of reading a well written book and absolutely falling in love! Thank you for such a delightful and well-written story! Look forward to reading the continuation!
Donovan – Age 8 – October 2021
i loved this book! i couldn’t stop reading it! im so happy you’re making part 2. :)
Alexandra Campbell – September 2021
Dear Karen Inglis,
Thank you for sharing the Secret Lake with us. It is a good and adventurous book. The surprises make the book really interesting. The problem and solution is a great part of the book. Please publish more books!
Christina Feldkamp – August 2021
I write curriculum for childcare and am now writing the summer camp plans for 2022. Our theme is time travel, so your book popped up in my searches for something for children ages five through about 12. I just received my copy the other day and absolutely loved it! The story is very interesting, the characters are fun to get to know, and I loved the mysteries intertwined within the story. I will include this for our first week of camp and look forward to reading more of your books. PS I think a film of it would be great!
Camille – Age 8 – August 2021
I LOVE THE SECRET LAKE !!!!!!!!!!!!! MY FAVORITE CHAPTER WAS 10 ‘CAUSE IT WAS
EXCITING!!!!!!!!!!!
Jacob – Age 7 – August 2021
It was amazing i liked every thing except when […..] Emma was my favorite character. I got a lot of emotion at the end oh and please make a movie because if there was one I would watch it. I also liked when Stella recorded and shown what crawly had said to Emma. and the magic moles YES I said magic moles because making time tunnels is magic. also I want a sequel where Emma is alive so that’s my comment .
*Note from Karen — I’ve hidden a top secret bit of information here!
Emma – Age 8 – July 2021
This is an awesome book! Emma age 8
Penelope – Age 7 – June 2021
Hello, I loved The Secret Lake. It was mysterious and exciting!
Alma – Age 10 – June 2021
I loved this book! It was amazing! SO. MANY. TWISTS! Please make a series!
Angela – Age 10 – June 2021
To Karen, I have so many things to say I don’t even know where to start! I loved the Secret Lake it may now be one of my favorite books!I really adored the part where Crawley gets […] ,and when they found out that [….]* !Thank you for writing this book,I will advertise it to my friends.
*Note from Karen ~ I’ve hidden a comment here in case anyone reading hasn’t yet finished the book.
Lova – May 2021
I thought the book was really good. And I loved how mysterious the book was.
Niamh – May 2021
I liked it when we found out that Harry had been time travelling back to […]* I think that if there were a book two, I would probably have more of a focus on Sophie and her story because we don’t find out as much about her compared to Emma.
5/5 – I would recommend the book.
*Note from Karen ~ I’ve hidden a comment here in case anyone reading hasn’t yet finished the book.
Teddy – May 2021
I think that I liked Chapter 6 – The Boy Thief. I liked getting to find out who Jack actually is and we discover and wonder who has actually stolen some silver.
We find out it was [….]* in later chapters.
I liked Stella and Tom and how they try and make friends with Jack. There should be a Secret Lake 2 where they get Mrs Moon/Emma from the past and bring her back and go on more adventures.
I want to know if the moles can make another tunnel – probably to another dimension. A future book! What their house is like 100 years in the future?
10/5 rating!
*Note from Karen ~ I’ve hidden a comment here in case anyone reading hasn’t yet finished the book.
Alexandra – May 2021
I really liked the story. I really liked Chapter 18 when Charlie Green wrote a letter and Tom gasped and found out Charlie Green […]*!
I was impressed that my friends had already thought about Charlie Green possibly being […]* at first.
I really recommend this book, I would give it 5 stars.
In book 2, Mrs Moon could come back to life. Chapter 14 – The Forgotten Clue – was also one of my favourites.
*Note from Karen ~ I’ve hidden a few comments here in case anyone reading hasn’t yet finished the book.
Harry – May 2021
I thought The Secret Lake was a really good book. My favourite chapter was Chapter 18 – I looked at the part where Tom went upstairs and found out […]* and it was so surprising. It was sad to hear that […]* . I would recommend the book and actually give it 50 out of 5 stars. There should definitely be another book.
*Note from Karen ~ I’ve hidden a few comments here in case anyone reading hasn’t yet finished the book.
Violet – May 2021
My favourite character was Stella because she was adventurous and kind. I liked it when the characters get caught in the house when they are hiding up the chimney. I also liked the part where Tom finds out that the [….]* in the mud was […]*
I would give the book 5/5 stars and recommend it to others.
I think there should be another book for Stella and Tom!
*Note from Karen ~ I’ve hidden a few comments here in case anyone reading hasn’t yet finished the book.
Mattie – May 2021
My favourite character was Tom because he was really kind – he wanted to go back for Jack.
I would give it 5 stars and definitely recommend it to others.
Nancy – May 2021
My favourite part of the book was when we found out that Mrs Moon [….]* – when we had thought she might […]*. There were lots of cliffhangers that meant we kept wanting to read on. If there were a book 2, I would like to find out if Sophie [….] *in the future.
I’d rate the book 10/5!! I would definitely recommend this book.
*Note from Karen ~ I’ve hidden a few comments here in case anyone reading hasn’t yet finished the book. But they are great comments, Nancy!
Nalisha – May 2021
My favourite part of Chapter 12 was when Stella and Tom were trying to tell everyone that Jack was not a thief. Stella and Tom are really kind friends. My favourite character was Stella because she became more and more adventurous!
I would really recommend this book – I would give it 4 ½ stars out of 5.
Anna – May 2021
This book is awesome! I picked this book for my book report and it was a great choice. I really enjoyed the powerful meanings of friendship. Thank you for creating this book!
Freddie – Age 8 – May 2021
I absolutely loved the secret lake, it was probably the best book I have ever read. I loved that it was a bit of a mystery story and I really liked the ending.
Skye – Age 9 – May 2021
I loved this book it was very exciting and adventuress. It is very mysterious witch I really enjoyed. I loved when in the end they find out that Charlie Green [….]* It made me sad when Charlie moved away because […..]* and it was very upsetting. I loved the character Mrs. Moon, and how she told them the story of everything the night before [….]*, it was almost like she new when her time was going to be over *[Note from Karen — I’ve hidden a few top secret comments in case someone looking here hasn’t read the book! 😊 ]
Poppy – Age 10 – May 2021
To Karen,
I really enjoyed the book I definitely rate is 5/5! I loved the time travelling bit (I don’t think I spoiled the book because it’s in the blurb!) I hope everybody gets a chance to read this great book! I hope you get to reply as I would really like to talk to an author! Oooh! And I loved that Charlie Green [….] A-maz-ing!
Hehe!
Bessi – April 2021
I purchased from Amazon based on reviews. I knew my son (8) would enjoy going on an adventure with Tom and Stella. Little did I know, I would become so emotionally invested. Thank you, Ms. Inglis for writing such a beautiful story.
Rodney – April 2021
Hi Karen,
I love The Secret Lake. I give it a 5 out of 5 stars. I like it when Stella and Tom figure out that [….]* Are you going to make another book similar to this one? There were so many twists that I did not expect.
[*Note from Karen — I’ve hidden top secret info from here! 😊 ]
Ruth Bambauer – April 2021
Dear Karen,
This book was so AMAZING! This made want to go back in time and see my ancestors and what it was like back then! I got to read this everyday during one of of my classes! This made the day so much better and go so much faster! My favorite parts of the book were when Tom and Stella figured out that […]*. Also when they followed Harry to the hole and went down. This book was so good because every time I got done reading for that day I had another prediction about what was happening. You should write a Secret Lake 2.0!!You are such a good author! I would love to meet you some time! Thank you for writing such a good book! *
Sincerely,
Ruth Bambauer
[*Note from Karen — Top secret info is hidden just in case you’ve not read the book! 😊 ]
Sara – April 2021
I really love this book! It is very funny. I love the twists at the end! I would give it 5 stars. I definently recommend reading this book. :)
Ellianna – April 2021
I give it 5 stars it was grate. i new that…. [Note from Karen – top secret information is hidden here from Ellianna’s review, just in case anyone reading hasn’t finished the book!…I have explained in my reply to Ellianna that I have to do this sometimes!.]
Molly – Age 11 – April 2021
I have read this novel multiple times and each time I read it it makes me want to laugh, cry and smile all at once. Packed with shocking and stunning scenes, I would recommend this to any budding writer or reader to show what true writing is. This book is 100% one of my favourites and I would love Karen to write some more books, perhaps one for slightly older children? This novel is one for children who aren’t avid readers as it inspired me to read more, and now (unsurprisingly) I love reading as much as my dog! Thank you for reading my review!
Hailey – Age 13 – April 2021
Hi! I’m Hailey and I am 13 years old. I love to write books and The Secret Lake was a great read! I did not expect the twists at the end! Please write more books about Stella and Tom, maybe they get transported to a different timeline in each book. Please keep writing, as I would love to keep reading.
Jakob – April 2021
Hi, Im jakob this book was Stunning I will 100% read this again Karen ill also buy more of your books!
AA – age 8 – April 2021
Dear Karen Inglis,
Ever addictive chapter made me want to read for hours of this suspenseful story, full of friendship, and adventure. I suggest many people should purchase this fabulous book.
– AA, age 8
Janae – March 2021
Dear Karen Inglis, I think your book The Secret Lake is an amazing book. It is very interesting, and I love how you did the cover of the book. When I saw it, I knew it was going to be very interesting. I love reading, and reading always made my day better! Thank you for making this book, and stay safe! By Janae.
Shritika – Age 9 – March 2021
Hello!
hi, It is Shritika. I can’t believe that I am talking to an author! I really liked this book. I love time traveling. One day, my mom bought me this book, and I thought it would be bad. Turns out, I loved it, and it was amazing! (Fantabulous!!!!!) You must absolutely get this book if you like time traveling!!!! Out of 10, I would give this book 10 stars! ‘Twas nice talking to you! Bye!
Ellie – Age 10 – and Hannah – Age 8 – March 2021
Thank you Karen Inglis for writing The Secret Lake. We really enjoyed it! Please write more adventures of Stella and Tom!
Andy – March 2021
Good book!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Harper – Age 8 – February 2021
Dear Karen,
My grandmother gave me this book for Christmas. I loved this book! It felt like I was actually there when I read it. it was a great mystery. This is the longest book I have ever read. I hope to read more of your books.
Love,
Harper Hamm, age 8
Janiel – February 2021
It was ghood but one thing I don’t like is Charlie Green being rude to Tom
Emily – Age 7 – February 2021
Hi Karen my name is emily from liverpool in England and I am 7 years old. This was my first chapter book and I read it with my dad. I thought it was a 5 star book and loved it so much I was wondering if you was thinking about doing the secret lake 2! We would love it if you could. Thank you for a great book.
Anonymous – February 2021
i really like the book and like the part when stella and tom find out […..] Note from Karen — I’ve had to hide this bit I’m afraid just in case someone reading here hasn’t read to the end of the book! I hope you understand
Anees – February 2021
I enjoyed the mystery of the book. The main characters are Tom, Stella, Jack and Emma.The mystery of Jack’s son was interesting. I liked the part when Tom and Stella rescue Jack.
Great story. I would recommend for you to check this book out because it has a lot of surprises.
Kenneth – whose 3rd grade daughter read The Secret Lake to him… February 2021❤️ 😊
I bought this book for my 3rd grade daughter’s book report. I must say what an amazing book this was. I had her read it out loud so I would know that she was following along and understanding what was going on. We were both hooked! What an amazing story and the twists, outstanding. I couldn’t believe I was so intrigued! My daughter wanted to say thank you for writing such an amazing book! Best wishes!
Dominic – Age 9 – February 2021
My name is Dominic and this book is so awesome!
It has so much action and surprises. Also, my favourite part was when Tom and Stella save Jack.
I would recommend you to check this book if you haven’t.
It is a very cool book with full of surprises.
Alex – Age 8 – February 2021
I really enjoy this book and give it a 10/10 specially in chapter 7 I was really surprised. My teacher introduced me too this book and now I really want to read more but there isn’t a other one.
Ismail – February 2021
This book was really fun and I wish it could go on TV and my favorite part was they can travel in time. I wish I could read it again but I don’t have the book and I am sad. My favorite character was Stella.
Madison – Age 8 – February 2021
I really enjoyed this book because it has so much action. Action books are my favourite kind of books, so for me it was PERFECT! My favourite part was when they found out Charlie Green’s secret and my favourite character was Emma because she is adventurous and pretty. I hope that the readers enjoy this book as much as I did!
Alexus – Age 10 – February 2021
I thought this was fabulous and more then fabulous it’s wonderful I just love it I can not say how much I love it. Alexus said age 10
David – February 2021
Hi my name is David, I read your book, and I find it is one of my favorite books. I love the suspense throughout the book, and all the excitement I had reading it. I love all the characters, they all tell a background story about them. I also noticed that Stella and Tony’s friendship, I can tell hey have a really strong connection. I have a friendship like them, his name is Kenujan and we’ve been friends for 6 years. I recommend this book to everyone. Thank you
Nikko – Age 9 – February 2021
Dear Karen,
Hi Karen Inglis I am Nikko age 9 this book was really good because there were really cool twist I have one question Why did you come up with this book ??? Who ever does not like this book is weird because this book is one of my favorites Stay safe Karen and hope you reply!!!! (Make more books because these are the best books)!!!!
Sincerely, Nikko
Cindy Romero – retired teacher – February 2021
I am a retired teacher in California and have been reading this book to my just turned 12 year old grandson every night before bed via Facetime. We loved the book! I would finish a chapter and have him beg me to continue so we could see what was going to happen. Very intriguing story about time travel, great characters and he had already guessed the ending mid-way through the book. He couldn’t figure out who the gardener was though…lol! Thank you for writing such an entertaining book that we both enjoyed. Waiting for another please!
Tyler – January 2021
I LOVE this book and how Jack and Stella go back in time through the tunnel. I also liked the book because I couldn’t put it down why I couldn’t put it down was how much detail there was. I adore this book because of all the characters usually I don’t like books that have two or three characters because there isn’t as much action as there is with a lot of characters. Thank you sooooooooooooo much for this book! I loved this book and I think you will too!
Hayden – Age 8 – January 2021
Wow I can’t believe how good this book is my name is Hayden and I am 8 and I just love this book if I was rateing it from 1 the worst and 10 the best I would rate it a 10. It’s just so awesome I love the book so much my favorite part is when Stella and Tom find the time tunnel and find out where Harry is going I toatally recommend this book if you want to get one I think you should get this book. I had no books to read only one I read I have so many books but they all are ones I don’t want to read AGEIN. So I love this book and thank you for making it!!!
Lisa – January 2021
I bought this book for my 10 year old daughter during the lockdown. I read the first chapter with her ,then Got so hooked I took the book and read it over 3 nights… Took me back to all the books I used to read as a child. Loved it x
Sophia – Age 9 – January 2021
I wasn’t really interested at first, but as I got deeper into the book, I liked it so much that I didn’t want to stop reading. My favorite character was Harry, because he was a dog and I pictured him as puppy. I hope you write another book like this.
Madie – January 2021
Hi,
I really love this book, at first I thought this would be a bit young for me, considering the size but don’t judge because I read it all in one night! I literally couldn’t put it down! I want to see a part two! When They meet Emma again in the future!
Chloe – January 2021
I absolutely love this book!! you should get it. it is so fun to read when i saw the title and picture i thought i wasn’t gonna like this book but seriously don’t judge a book by it’s cover! i am in love with this book im glad santa got me this book! you should get this for real it addicting to read! thank you for making this book! its amazing i have so much to say!! but thanks its sooooooooooooooooooo good!!!!!!
-Chloe
Vidhathri – Age 9 – January 2021
Dear Karen,
A very Happy New Year !!
I am 9 years old and my mother is helping me write.As I live in Germany I don’t have access to many English books here at the library , my Mom saw very good review about this book and ordered it from Amazon and she is very Happy about her decision .
I just loved your book so much , each night we would read this as my bedtime story , infact when we reached chapter 14 , I could not resist to finish it the same day , the end was very interesting , I enjoyed reading it with my mother.
Some how jack’s accent was a bit difficult to follow .
Have you written or plan to write more books like Secret lake , if not I would request you to please make Secret lake part 2 , it will be fun to meet Tom , Stella and Emma once again.
Best Wishes and Regards,
Vidhathri.
Domenica – January 2021
I really like this book! It is mysterious at the end of the book when they find out *[…….] secret. It is very interesting when they time travel. This book was very good so I read it in 3 or 4 days! My favorite character is Emma Gladstone because she is very kind and likes to go on adventures.
•[…Karen’s note: I’ve masked a couple of clues here, just in case anyone coming to this page has not read the book yet. However, I’ve left them in at the bottom of the page where I reply to the reviews!]
Umama – Age 11 – January 2021
Hi Karen, I hope you are doing good. I loved “The Secret Lake”, it was so mystery filled. So enjoyable to read. My Aunt gave the book to me on my Birthday (December 22nd 2020). I had turned 11 at that time so now I’m 11! I’ve read a few more kid’s reviews and I totally agree that you should make a “The Secret Lake 2”! Also when I was reading the book Jack’s part was the most hard to read because he speaks like I might say in an accent:) Mrs.Moon was my favorite character. Again I want to say great job on the book and keep up the hard work.
Madyson – Age 10 – January 2021
Hi my parents are helping me write this and I really like this book! My mom gave it to me for Christmas and I reread it because I like the book a lot. Also Happy New Year!
Bradley – Age 7 1/2 – January 2021
hello my name is Bradley. I am 7 1/2 years old. my grandad is helping me write this. I liked The Secret Lake because it makes me want to keep turning the pages and I was sorry when we got to the end.
Binyamin – Age 13 – January 2021
Oh my god what a short book written by a master teller it was so good that it had suspense that had a flow from start to finish so was the short chapters. Way too good. So suspenseful I read it in one sitting and that should win a book of the year for suspense. Please write a sequel (reason being because you are a good writer) and add me to your mailing list.
I love this book because it was really mysterious .
Please could you write a secret lake 2 ?
My favorite character is Harry beacause when he plays it sounds a lot of fun.
Theo aged 7
Dear Karen,
I am leaving a review for your book, The Secret Lake because I want to tell you how good it is, I am amazed at how your book hooked me in and the cliff hangers at the end of most chapters, which kept me exited and sad that the chapter had ended. You are an amazing author and how you keep your books exiting and nerve racking is incredible! of your book. I liked reading this book with my mum and it was so amazing . Thank you for sharing this book with everyone. I would love to have a sequel to describe what Tom and Stella do in the future, because Mrs Moon says that she sees Tom and Stella in the future. So it sounds like their are more adventures to be had. My favourite character is Tom because I love how cheeky he is and always getting in trouble! I also loved how Harry remained with Mrs Moon that was a lovely part of the story too,
Please write another book about these characters because I would really like to read it!
From Oliver
Aged 9
Hi Karen! This is Willow, I am 9 years old, I have read the secret lake!!! it was Fantastic! You are a great writer! I think every one should be able to get a chance to read The Secret Lake! The Secret Lake is my new favorite book! I think you should keep writing, and I for sure would recommend you to All my family and Friends!
Love,
Willow.
May, 2022.
Hello, Willow
What a lovely name you have! It reminds me of Wind in the Willows, which my mother used to read for us when we were little. I’m sure that the magical moles in The Secret Lake were partly inspired by that classic children’s story!
Thank you so much for taking the time to let me know how much you enjoyed The Secret Lake — and thank you for offering to recommend it to your family and friends ❤️ . Every little mention of The Secret Lake helps it to find more readers, and we authors are so grateful when children tell their friends and teachers about our books. 😊 📚
I shall definitely keep writing. And hearing from my readers certainly spurs me on to keep doing that. Like many authors, when I sat drafting the story of The Secret Lake I used to wonder if anyone would ever read it! I can hardly believe that almost half a million children have now read it in English around the world, and that it’s been translated into nine languages with a 10th coming soon! Children really are the best judges of a good story!
As you may know the sequel Return to the Secret Lake is now out — and if you are reading this message on The Secret Lake website’s review page you will see that I have now posted a picture of me taken a couple of weeks ago with both books. This was taken at the magical ‘Still Pond’ in London’s Richmond Park, which inspired the front cover and the lake in The Secret Lake. As you can see the crimson pink azaleas are truly stunning, just like in the story. I hope you enjoy the picture!
If you enjoyed The Secret Lake I think you will definitely enjoy book 2 — we get to know Lucy much better and the children face nail-biting twists and turns and challenges in both time periods! It’s such fun being a children’s author!
Thank again you so much for writing and I hope you find many more magical adventures to enjoy over the coming weeks and months as we head into summer.
With very best wishes, and keep on reading!
Karen ❤️ .🚣 🌺 😊 📚
This book is amazing! And at the end when they found out […….], I was so surprised!
Dear Juliana
Thank you so much for taking the time to let me know how much you enjoyed The Secret Lake. And my HUGE apologies for my late reply to you — we have been on holiday in Greece and I must have missed the notification before we left. I also hope you don’t mind that I’ve hidden part of your message about the ending. This is just in case anyone reading your review hasn’t yet read the book! (Don’t worry — I’ve had to do this with other reviews in past!)
And, yes, that ending really is a surprise, and one that is very special in so many ways…
I don’t know if you know, but the sequel ‘Return to the Secret Lake’ is now out. If you ask a grown-up to search online they will find it there — you can also order it from any high street bookshop and they will be able to get it in. This link tells you more about the new story which is full of twists and turns and yet more surprises! https://kareninglisauthor.com/2022/03/08/book-launch-return-to-the-secret-lake/
I hope school is going well and that you are finding many more adventures to get lost in during these spring months!
Thank you again for writing!
With very best wishes,
Karen
🚣 🌺 😊 📚
I just finished book 2, Return to the Secret Lake! It’s so good! If you read the first book you’ll LOVE this one! My favorite characters are Emma, Stella, Lucy and Sophie! Are you going to make a series? This is my favorite book, and I’m definitely going to recommend both books to my friends!
Hello, Avery!
I’m just on my way to bed here in the UK but spotted your comment. Thank you so much for reviewing Return to the Secret Lake. You are my very first ‘sequel’ reviewer on here — Congratulations! 😊 I am thrilled to hear how much you enjoyed book 2 and thank you for keeping what happens secret! Also thank you for offering to recommend it to your friends!
It was huge fun to write this second story and reconnect with all the characters again — they had all been waiting very patiently and led me on lots of twists and turns once they got going!
I have a few ideas tumbling around for a third story but I’m not sure how soon they will turn into a book, so it’s another case of ‘watch this space’! If you ask a grown-up to to sign up to my occasional newsletter on http://www.kareninglisauthor.com I will send updates on progress once I make a start.
In the meantime, if they visit my facebook author page at this link https://www.facebook.com/kareninglisauthor/ they will be able to show you a photo of me and both books taken last Sunday at the beautiful pond that inspired the lake in The Secret Lake! It’s also on my instagram account (kareninglis_childrensbooks)
Thank you again so much for writing, and I hope you find many more adventures to enjoy over the summer months!
With very best wishes,
Karen 🚣 🌺 😊 📚
PS: if there’s a chance an adult can help you copy your review to Amazon (or your other preferred online store) it would wonderful as it will help other families and children find the story! Thank you!
The Secret Lake is the book we just finished. The book is really awesome. My Favorite character is Jack. I think this book is really good! There was a lot of mystery. This book is great!-Jonah Age 9
Hi Jonah
Thank you very much for taking the time to review The Secret Lake :) And I’m so sorry that I seemed to have missed the first review you posted the other day!
I’m so glad you enjoyed this magical story, including meeting Jack! He’s quite a character, isn’t he? I always thought he seemed very grown up for his age — and very caring and selfless. First trying to help his father by getting his tools back and trying to clear his name. And secondly by helping Tom and Stella get away by running out into Mr Gladstone’s path when the grown-ups came looking for the children in the garden at night.
And I’m so glad you enjoyed the mystery! It certainly was fun to make up all the twists and turns and keep everyone guessing. (Including myself sometimes — I often had no idea what the characters might do next!)
If you follow this link you will find information about book 2, which has recently come out https://kareninglisauthor.com/return-to-the-secret-lake/ and where you can join the children on another adventure. It took me many years to start writing this sequel, but I’m so glad I did. It was such fun reconnecting with all the characters again, including Jack, who is as big-hearted as ever!
Thank you again for writing and keep on reading!
With very best wishes,
Karen 😊 ❤️ 📚
The Secret Lake is the book we just finished. The book is really awesome. My favorite character is Jack. I think this book is really good! There were lots of mysteries. This book is great! -Jonah Age 9