Lake House

The acclaimed author of Patterns of Portugal and Patterns of India invites you to soak up the allure and charm of lakeside living through stunning photography and mesmerizing profiles of fifteen iconic lake houses across North America.

From relaxing evenings by the fire to fun-filled days on the water and quiet afternoons in the shade, lake houses have everything you could want in a vacation home: hiking, fishing, canoeing, swimming, or napping. Where locally sourced antiques decorate rooms, well-worn books and board games stand ready to be plucked off shelves, and yards lead to docks tied with rowboats.

Lake House takes you on a lush tour through fifteen private homes in the U.S. and Canada while celebrating the deep-rooted connections the families have to the residence and the surrounding community. Discover The Boat House in Northern Michigan, which was designed to look like a ship's hull with interiors that take advantage of every square foot. On Lake Superior sits Yond Cottage, an all-season home with a color palette reminiscent of the rugged shoreline. And on Loon Lake in New Hampshire, where no speedboats are allowed, you’ll find a previously abandoned house, saved and refurbished by its current owners with a minimalist design to be a peaceful retreat for family and friends.

Throughout, Christine Chitnis features enchanting stories and a diversity of architectural styles, including cozy cottages, wood-clad cabins, and modern farmhouses. These homes are serene retreats for the families that enjoy them—making Lake House a beautiful tribute to the waterfronts that shape our own lives and the enduring love and nostalgia we hold for them.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs