The Lakes

A noble deed, a rash decision and an ordinary day becomes a day one family will never forget. December 1997, Navigator Bay, New Zealand. Eight-year-old Eli Lake has a strong moral compass and a rebellious heart. When he is honour-bound to defend his younger sister Becca by punching the school bully in the playground, he doesn't stop to think about the consequences. Unfortunately the headmaster doesn't seem to understand that Eli is no snitch. While waiting outside the headmaster's office as the school calls his mother, Eli makes a split-second decision to run. Nanna is the one person he can rely on for help but while passing the cemetery on his way to Nanna's house, he spies a girl in a white dress placing wildflowers on headstones. In a single heartbeat, a day that began as ordinary is destined to end in tragedy. How can you forgive when you can't forget? Amanda Dick's new series begins with this prequel novella, an introduction to the Lake family. It's as nostalgic and innocent as it is heart-breaking.