Story Spotlight: “That Lake House Summer” by Deb Logan
In “That Lake House Summer,” Deb Logan sends a restless teenager to her family’s old vacation house—where no electricity, no Wi-Fi, and one ghost girl turn a reluctant getaway into something unforgettable.
Amanda expected boredom when her parents dragged her to a remote lake house with no signal. But a ghost girl hiding in a cupboard, memories of summer past, and a flicker of first love change everything. A sweet and gently spooky YA story about discovery, connection, and what it means to be seen.
I inhaled deeply and tried to calm the butterflies in my belly. No joy. They tumbled and whirled like they were dancing on the edge of a tornado. “Honestly, Mom,” I said, my voice much steadier than my stomach, “I’m not trying to cause trouble. I just have a really bad feeling about this place.” I hurried on before she could interrupt. “It wasn’t so bad while Evan was here—like it was hiding its intent from him, but the minute he left I felt it again. It’s like the house is alive, and it wants us gone.”
Mom had been frowning until I mentioned Evan’s name, then her face cleared and a smug expression quirked her lips and danced in her eyes. “Oh, I see,” she said. “You feel safe when Evan’s here, but don’t think your father and I can protect you.”
“No!” I said, raising my voice more than I’d intended. “I mean, he seems like a nice guy and all, but you’re missing the point. It’s not me, it’s the house! It wanted him gone so it would have us to itself.”
About the Author
Deb Logan specializes in tales for the young—and the young at heart! Author of the popular Dani Erickson series, Deb loves the unknown, whether it’s the lure of space or earthbound mythology. She writes about demon hunters, thunderbirds, and everyday life on a space station for children, teens, and anyone who enjoys young adult fiction.
Find Deb at: deblogan.wordpress.com
What Lingers After the Last Line
With a blend of warmth and haunting, this story captures the timeless coming-of-age moment when the world quietly turns. It’s a ghost story, yes—but more than that, it’s a story about recognizing life in the silence.
Read the Story
“That Lake House Summer” appears in Haunted Places, available now from Blackbird Publishing.
📚 Buy the book from your favorite store
If you liked…
- The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon by Stephen King—for introspective teen protagonists navigating the uncanny
- The Lake by Natasha Preston—for summer secrets, trapped emotions, and YA ghost story vibes
…then you’ll enjoy “That Lake House Summer”—a soft, wistful haunting with heart and just enough bite.
📘 Also featured in Haunted Places: “Haunting Chloe” by James Pyles, another emotionally grounded ghost story about connection, loss, and what’s left unsaid.