Sunset Lake Resort by Joanne Jackson
A Fiction Review by James M. Fisher
Sunset Lake Resort (Stonehouse Publishing, May 2024) is the story of Ruby, 63, who recently separated from her husband Steve. They have been married for 35 years, and when Ruby’s father passes away and leaves all his wealth to his trophy bride (second wife), Steve, a policeman whose only goal is to be wealthy, decides that it’s time to separate.
“To Steve, money is the sun that our marriage orbits around.” Ruby laments.
They have three grown children, a son and two daughters. Something that Ruby did get from her late father was $300,000 and a cabin on Sunset Lake, in northern Manitoba.
For years I asked Steve if we could buy a cabin at a lake, but he always balked, saying we could barely afford the house let alone a cabin, and Do I know how much upkeep is required to own a cabin? Maybe now, with Dad’s gift, I can finally have my dream of spending my summers at a lake.
At her father’s funeral, Ruby’s two aunts share their thoughts:
“It’s not like he didn’t leave her anything,” Marjorie says. “He gave her a cabin.” Bernice snorts. “At a lake so far north, she’ll be able to visit Santa Claus on the weekends.”
“He also gave her three-hundred-thousand dollars.”
“Of which that husband of hers will take control. And compared to the millions she was supposed to inherit, that’s practically pocket change.”
When Ruby goes to look at the cabin with a real estate agent, she discovers that is not only an old dilapidated cabin, but a series of cabins, for this was once a popular summer resort her father purchased, unbeknownst to her. And, not only a bunch of rundown cabins but a hundred acres of land around Sunset Lake. The agent estimates that the land alone could fetch up to two million if she were to sell. Shocked, Ruby has a lot to think about. Her dream of having a cabin by a lake has come true, but in its present state, it’s unlivable. In addition, the main cabin that Cecelia Johansen, the former owner (before her father purchased it) has an unfinished second storey because Cecelia died mysteriously while having it built. Ruby has a lot to consider: love it or list it?
Out of character, Ruby decides to love it and sets about using what money she has from her half of the inheritance, and the sale of their home to renovate the main cabin to live there year-round. She obtains the services of Wilson, the gruff local contractor and he tells her what needs to be done, how much it will cost her and upon her agreement, sets to work immediately.1
Interestingly (and this is what kept me reading), there are two mysteries surrounding Cecelia: how she died (either fell or pushed off the second storey) and the rumour that she had hidden money and gold somewhere on the property. There are also Ruby’s experiences with the locals, a bear attack and the seeing of an apparition called “Missy”. Steve also pops back up in Ruby’s life once he learns about the value of the property and the possibility of hidden riches. Naturally, he wants to reconcile their marriage so he can get his hands on half of the money.
Sunset Lake Resort has its strengths and weaknesses. First, it is written in the first person, which is not my favourite perspective and it is dialogue-heavy at times, as the author uses (or misuses) speech to move the storyline along.2 Secondly, too many characters get in the way of the story. Ruby’s story certainly didn’t need her to have three children, as her two daughters play very minor parts in the story and contribute little. Thirdly, there is the tension between Wilson and his son Darren, who is going through a nursing program.3 We didn’t need that distraction from Ruby’s story. Finally, the ending is a little too “neat” and predictable.
As for strengths, I mentioned that it is a good story, and it kept me engaged as I was curious to know how Cecelia died and if Ruby can make a go of it, gaining her independence from her husband and well-meaning children. There is also the mystery of the ghost-figure Missy and the hidden treasure.
This is Ms. Jackson’s third novel, and while I have listed what I consider to be its weaknesses4, it makes for a good summer read at any rate.
Publisher : Stonehouse Originals (May 2024)
Language : English
Paperback : 311 pages
ISBN-10 : 1988754569
ISBN-13 : 978-1988754567
When it comes to my experience with contractors in my neck of the world, the character of Wilson is highly imaginative, but the story must move along.
Also in my experience, people don’t talk in entire paragraphs. Often, they talk over one another or interject.
I sense that Darren’s character is gay, but that aspect of his life isn’t revealed.
It feels like this book could have used a stricter editor, who would have insisted on a better ending if not fewer characters.
I think you'd make a fine fiction editor, Jim.