Celebrating the magic of summer on a freshwater lake, as well as a universal invitation to slow down and cherish the beloved and fleeting summer season

Miles and miles of soft sandy shores and pure blue waves, quaint beach towns and nostalgic ice cream shops, fresh-picked blueberries and farmers market tomatoes, beach days followed by bonfires, swimming by day, then watching sunsets on the rippling surface by night, there is truly nothing like a lakeside summer, particularly in the Midwest. ?The magic of summer is emphasized by its brevity here, causing residents and visitors to soak in every second.

Through creative and reflective essays, summertime recipes, inspiring guides, and thoughtful prompts, photographer Tylee Shay, a lifelong Michigan resident, shows readers what a classic summer spent at the lake truly feels like. Readers of Life on the Lake will also be inspired to make the most of their own summer, including bucket lists, unplugging, beachcombing, and more.