Dream Lake is the love story of a melancholy ghost of a WWII jet fighter who can’t remember who he is or why he is trapped and walking around in an old house. When Sam Nolan buys the house, the ghost realizes that he cannot be seen or heard by Sam. But when Sam’s brother, Alex, shows up to help restore the house, the ghost realizes that not only can Alex see and hear him but that he can follow Alex out and away from the house.

Alex is a cantankerous, boozing cynic who is moving through a divorce but still has an unhealthy dependence on his ex-wife for sex. Sweet Zoe Hoffman is getting over her own divorce but still hopeful for a successful and loving relationship. She and Alex do their best to fight their attraction to one another. While Alex is busy trying to help the ghost uncover the clues to his past, Zoe is busy restoring the home of and moving in with her ailing and confused grandmother, Emma. It soon becomes apparent that the ghost and Emma have a common bond.

Author Lisa Kleypas’s characterization of the ghost is intriguing and palpable. His quest to discover his purpose is credibly drawn out and uncovered. His connection with Emma is also quite enchanting, as the effects of love brings out clarity in her otherwise forgetful mind. Alex and Zoe sometimes come across a little stereotypical at times—for example, with Alex’s battle with alcoholism and Zoe’s saccharin sweetness—but this is easily overlooked because Kleypas effectively captures the growing tension, sexual and otherwise, between Alex and Zoe and keeps the story moving smoothly between the characters.

Dream Lake is a bewitching tale that weaves together two very different love stories.