I absolutely adored this novel by Megan Walker. As with most novels of this genre, you can guess what the ending might be (or what we hope it will be) from the outset, but getting to the end of this story was so much fun. The witty banter between Amelia and Peter is one of my favorite things. That alone would have kept me reading until the very end.

A wonderfully delightful book! I adored the story line and the way the characters interacted with each other.. This is an enjoyable MUST-READ!

There are books that make you feel good while you are reading them and it is sad to see them end. This was one of those books for me. I fell in love with the characters and the story. It was a hard book to put down! This is her first full-length novel. The book is polished and the voice is fantastic. Megan Walker is an author that I will be looking for in the future.

Amelia Moore and her sister Clara are in dire circumstances. Their stepfather is on his deathbed and will not provide for their future. Soon they will be destitute with nowhere to go. An invitation to a house party takes them to Lakeshire Park where it is vital that one of them make a match. Amelia puts all of her hope into Clara making a good match and is willing to sacrifice her happiness for her sisters. What she didn't count on is Peter.

I don't know if I could adequately describe Peter. He is by far my favorite character of the book. He has a talent for drawing Amelia out of her shell and helping her to see the possibilities for happiness in her future. He is persistent and fun.

There is so much to recommend in this book. It is now a favorite of mine. This may be one that I revisit in the future.

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

From the beautiful cover to the intriguing premise and on to the delectable story, Lakeshire Park is a winner all the way. I’ve heard so many fantastic things about this book, so when I got a chance to read it, I grabbed it and devoured it. All the great things I’ve heard are absolutely true! With rich historical detail and colorful, engaging, carefully-crafted characters, this tale is a delight to read. Peter Wood is a marvelous hero—fun loving, considerate, and caring, and Amelia Moore is a wonderful counterpart with her determination and sense of duty to her sister. The chemistry between Peter and Amelia is perfect, and I loved the witty, clever banter they engage in and the situations they encounter.

Megan Walker is an excellent author, and I’ll be looking forward to more of her stories in the future. This book is one I’ll be happy to reread. It belongs on the keeper shelf!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Shadow Mountain Publishing through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

My Thoughts:
I love this story!
•I’m drawn to stories when there are characters who are sisters and they are close. For example: Sense and Sensibility and Little Women. I have two sisters that I’m extremely close to and I love reading about other close sisters. A strong love is shown between the sisters in their faithfulness and devotion to one another. The older sister, Amelia, is willing to sacrifice her own happiness so that the younger sister is cared for. Their nemesis is the stepfather. His serious illness places an additional burden and hurry to a plan for the sisters. He directs them to an ultimatum. Amelia creates a plan of her own. This points me to an additional reason for loving this story.
•Amelia is an intelligent, wise, charming, crafty (in a good way), talented, and witty person. She is a person of high character. She is a character I admire. She is a character who draws me in to her story, because I must know what will happen to the heroine. Amelia is not perfect. She shows admirable traits, but she also shows weaknesses and mistakes in judgment. She is a believable character.
•The romantic element of the story reminds me of other stories (including in film) of couples who have chemistry. They spar back and forth with clever words; and, there is an atmosphere of intrigue and attraction between the two.
•Overall this is an outstanding story.
Source: I received a complimentary advanced reader copy from Shadow Mountain, but I was not required to write a positive review.

Megan Walker's book, Lakeshire Park, is a new favorite read for me. I love it when I can pick up a book, and instantly I'm transported to another time and place--especially a story where it is so easy to continually turn the page. The setting is so engaging and the characters are so interesting and entertaining. From the beginning, the reader is enticed--wondering where the story will lead. How will Amelia convince Peter to leave her sister alone? And how will Amelia sustain her position in life if all comes crashing down?

These questions run through the mind of the reader, because at first introduction of the main characters, it is easy to feel empathy and understand the plight of these two women, whose world is so devastating. Yet it is equally fascinating to see how all that could possibly change in a moment--how one person's actions could change the course of a life.

If you love historical novels, I recommend reading this book. In fact, I'm excited to read more from Megan Walker in the future. Happy reading friends!


This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the author for my copy.

Well ... I picked up Lakeshire Park at 9 p.m. one evening, thinking I'd read for an hour or so before bed. I finally put it down at 1:30 the next morning, after I'd read the final page. The story was so engaging that I simply couldn't stop reading!

From the moment Amelia and Peter met and re-met (in two really fun scenes), I knew I was going to love them together! Their flirtatious banter was so fun, and I loved the way Peter slowly won Amelia's affection. She was so focused on the task at hand—securing a proposal for her sister and thereby saving them from poverty—that it took her a while to see what (or who!) was right in front of her. Theirs is a swoony-yet-chaste romance, which is exactly what I want to see in a Regency!

I also have to mention Peter's sister Georgiana. Though she is ... pretty much terrible for most of the book, I actually would love to see her story continue! She shows flashes of humanity a few times, which makes her a compelling villainess, one who I think could be reformed and have a great story of her own.

Lakeshire Park is perfect for fans of Regency romance—it's romantic, humorous, and captivating. I highly recommend it!

Lakeshire Park by Megan Walker

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

______________________________________________________________________________

Story Notes

Megan Walker offers up a Regency Romance that will make readers smile while they read a story of romance that begins with a bargain to help siblings and ends with an unexpected finding of love.

Regency Romance covers such a wide variety of topics it can be either a favorite with readers or one to avoid. Authors like Megan Walker are those who invite readers to make it a favorite with their witty characters, well developed plots and wonderful descriptions. While I’ve not read a story by Ms. Walker before, I will now certainly see what else she has to offer and look forward to her future stories. This lovely story begins with two sisters who are in the cruel care of their stepfather in Brighton. They have no fortunes of their own and have been promised that there will be no fortunes left to them upon his imminent death. So they must quickly find a way to secure their futures. Accepting an invitation to a house party at Lakeshire Park that comes at the opportune moment is their last hope to stay off the streets. Amelia Moore knows that she can take care of herself but her dreamy-eyed sister is another story. Clara has been used to a sheltered life and will not do well in poverty. Clara’s remaining hope is that she can marry young Ronald Demsworth, Baronet, who is looking for a wife. But there is another young woman who is vying for Sir Ronald’s hand and she has the advantage of knowing him from childhood. Amelia is determined that Clara should have an equal chance at winning her new love and promises to help in any way she can. Her promise will lead her to another bargain with the young woman’s brother who is also hoping his sister will marry the young baronet. So begins a reluctant friendship between Amelia and Peter Wood. Peter requires that Amelia not interfere with Sir Ronald’s choice if Peter is to leave off his interference, and she must also commit her afternoons to activities with him. Amelia is not happy with the arrangement but agrees to give Clara her chance. As the days pass and Amelia and Peter spend more time together, they will discover that although they are both stubborn people, they really have very good hearts. However, Amelia has already determined to never allow a man a hold on her, even if he is the very handsome and likeable Peter Wood. Time will tell if Amelia will allow herself to be happy and if Peter will prove to be the man to win this lonely lady’s bruised heart. I really enjoyed this story as it had a familiar plot but also some unexpected additions. The first person narrative by Amelia was an interesting take on storytelling. I had a love/hate relationship with it throughout the story as I would have liked to have read Peter’s thoughts but without that inclusion the story had an element of mystery. The reader had to discern Peter’s intentions and feelings through the lens of Amelia’s thought processes – an unusual way of writing but one that worked well here. The main characters were very likable and their interactions with others were well written. I loved the tension between Clara and Georgiana that gave the story more depth and character; it allowed for the relationship of Peter and Amelia to be tested and proven by the end of the story. I will certainly recommend this story to others in the hope they will enjoy it as well as I did. I’m very much looking forward to reading more from Ms. Walker very soon.

I received this temporary complimentary E-book from Shadow Mountain Publishers via NetGalley in order to provide a fair and honest review. I will receive no fiscal compensation for this review and the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.

Lakeshire Park is the perfect read for right now. Yes, it has some conflict and some drama, but overall, it's light and romantic, and I think I read it in two days which, for me, is fast!

It all starts with sisters, Amelia and Clara, being miserable in their stepfather's home. Since their mother passed, he has been...less than great. But luckily, they're able to get away from him for awhile because they've been invited to stay at Sir Ronald's home, Lakeshire Park. Clara caught his eye during their season in London and Amelia hopes like hell that he'll marry Clara so they can get out from under their awful stepfather.

But when they get to Lakeshire Park, they find that Clara has a bit of competition in Miss Georgiana Wood. The sisters take an almost immediate dislike of her, but Amelia focuses most of her anger at Miss Wood's brother, Peter. Why? Because he is doing everything in his power to ensure his sister and Sir Ronald have time together at expense of Clara.

Well...Amelia will not have that. She's willing to sacrifice herself if it means getting Peter away from Sir Ronald and the two ladies.

What does that mean exactly? According to the deal she makes with Peter, it means she must spend the afternoon with him every day for the length of their stay. At first, Amelia is pissed that she has to be in his company, but as her sister and her are desperate to get away from their stepfather, she figures it's worth her sister getting more time with Sir Ronald.

But (of course) as time goes on, Amelia and Peter become closer and closer and soon discover they have quite a bit in common.

There are a few slip ups and a bit of a scandal along the way, but eventually, Peter and Amelia fall in love (this is a romance!!).

OMG I loved this book! Amelia and Clara's relationship is perfect. How much they support each other is so nice to see. I also could not get enough of Peter and Amelia. They have chemistry for days and I couldn't wait to see their next interactions together. There's a scene where they take care of horses together that is so utterly lovely. I don't even have the proper words to describe it. 

I'm giving Lakeshire Park 4 out of 5 stars. If you love historical romances or just need a something light and fun to read, this is definitely worth checking out!

Lakeshire Park by Megan Walker is available now!

Utterly Charming!

I was first drawn to this book by its beautiful cover. It's very inviting, warm and makes you want to go exploring the beautiful grounds. And you know, some book just call to you, begging to be read. I felt early on that I would enjoy this book and even had to start recommending it to friend when I was only about halfway through!

I was quickly sucked into the story and connected with our heroine, Amelia early on. She is a likable lead, she'll do anything to secure the happiness and security of her sister, even if it costs her own. I thoroughly enjoyed when Amelia and Peter meet for the first time, I'm a sucker for a good "meet cute" and thought theirs was great. The chemistry between them was swoon-worthy and it was fun watching their feelings develop. The pacing was nice, believable and just enough tension to keep things interesting and kept me grinning throughout. Lots of great scenes in this one.

I enjoyed Ms. Walker's writing style, the story has an easy flow to it that makes you forget you're reading and get carried away in the story. This was the first book I've read of hers, but I eagerly look forward to reading more. Reminiscent of Edenbrooke, so if you enjoyed that book you'll want to give this one a try.

Highly recommend to everyone!

This book was an absolute delight to read! It had it all for me- conflict, sacrifice, humor, yearning, and interestingly complex dynamics. The relationship between Amelia and Peter started with friction- more antagonistic on her side because of a debacle over a pair of gloves. It was fun to see how their interactions altered over time as she got to know him better and see more layers to his personality. Peter reminds me a bit of Philip from Edenbrooke- charming, loves to laugh, teasing, and full of longing for his secret love, bringing a sense of vulnerability as well. The dynamics of those in the house party kept me on my toes as Amelia struggles to forge a future of security for her and Clara. She has to decide between a guaranteed practicality or a risky choice of love, which she has never believed in due to her parents' example. I loved how everything builds up to the climax and ending where I was satisfied with the resolutions for all my favorite characters.

Highly recommend to fans of sweet Regency romance, especially those who enjoyed Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson.

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

I absolutely loved this book! You feel the desperation of Amelia and so want her to have the security she desires. Peter could not have been more perfect for her, but their constant battle to put their sisters ahead of one another continues to pull them apart. The nightly games they held were so entertaining. My heart nearly broke for Clara and Sir Ronald, that they might not be able to be together. Megan Walker wrote a story that you'll long to come back to and read over and over!

Escape to Lakeshire Park Where Everything is Brighter!

This was a five-star read for me. Reading Lakeshire Park by Megan Walker started my 2020 reading off with a bang and a sizzle, and Lakeshire Park sets the standard for all other Regency Romances I will read this year. I totally enjoyed escaping to Lakeshire Park! It was clean, fun, sparky, romantic, and it had a unique plot with very entertaining scenes in it --- the pony chasing scene, blind men’s bluff, the smiling game, the mud scene, and many more. It is a very clean romance also, which is important to me.

Amelia and Clara Moore have two weeks to secure their future at a house party that they have been invited to. Their stepfather, who holds no love for them, is sick and will soon pass away, and he assures them that he has left nothing for them. One of the sisters must find a husband. Clara has previously met Sir Ronald in London, and as a result of their association in London, the sisters have been invited to the House Party at Lakeshire Park. As they travel to the house party, Amelia loses her short gloves, and Amelia tries to procure a pair in a small village store. It is there, trying to buy gloves that she runs into Mr. Peter Wood, who just purchased the last pair of gloves for his sister. Both Clara, Amelia’s Sister, and Georgiana, Peter Wood’s sister, have set their sights on Sir Ronald, and this meeting sets up the fun premise of this story, which is Peter and Amelia both working behind the scenes, and in opposition to each other, to secure their sister’s fortune with Sir Ronald. Amelia is just a delightful plain- spoken woman who can get a bit snarky. The dialogue between Peter and Amelia is clever and witty,

****SPOILER IN THIS PARAGRAPH: I practically swooned when Peter said in French, no less, that “all is more bright “when she is around. I really enjoyed the love letters at the end of the book – so charming! The relationship between Peter and Amelia sparkles as does this new novel by Megan Walker. I need to close this review to brighten up the lives of my loved ones!

I received an ARC copy of Lakeshire Park from Net Galley. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Book Review of Lakeshire Park, by Megan Walker

Matchmaking MC's battle for the happiness of their respective sisters.

This is my first book by this author, and I have to say I'm very impressed by the quality of her writing. 


I was surprised to learn that this is only her second book, the first being A Beautiful Love. 


Yes, I went after her backlist. It was that good!


The book tells the story of Amelia, a young woman who lived with her ailing step-father and her sister, in Brighton, England. 


The relationship between the girls and their step-relative was very problematic, and upon his imminent death, both sisters would be destitute.


In a last attempt to marry them off, their step-father sent them to a house-party in Lakeshire Park. The invitation came in a very opportune moment, as their host had paid particular attention to Amelia's sister during her only London Season.


Amelia, a dutiful older sister, went to the party bent on matchmaking and saw on Sir Ronald the answer to all their problems. Unfortunately, her intentions were opposed by those of Mr. Peter Wood, a friend set on uniting Sir. Ronald to his sister Georgiana.


This is an enemy-to-lovers story, but the relationship between the main characters is romantic, sweet, and full of understanding and companionship.
 
The heroine is strong and principled, but she is also loyal and kind, and I loved her from the first pages. The hero is a tender, funny, and loving brother. Definitely marriage material.


The book is gentle and lovely. It is a clean romance that focuses on small gestures, inner beauty, personality, and disposition of the characters. A truly heartwarming story of family and love. 


Highly recommended!


Disclosure: I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

A delightful debut. There is more to this sweet love story than a simple romance. Amelia is a loving big sister who would do just about anything to see her sister’s future secured. Escaping a hateful step-father, they have but one chance left to find freedom and security. Enter Peter. The friction between Amelia and Peter is immediately engaging and palpable. As their friendship unfolds, so does the truth behind Amelia’s desperate need for security. Both protectors have to learn that fighting for and protecting their own heart’s desires is always worth the cost. Honesty, hope, and redemption are key themes in this clean, regency romance.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and all opinions expressed are my own, freely given.

This was such a delightful and charming read. I couldn't believe that this is the author's debut novel. Very well done! It is definitely one of my favorite Regency reads this year. Along with Heidi Kimball's, Where the Stars Meet the Sea.

The opening scene gives the reader a brief glimpse and understanding of what Amelia and Clara's lives are like. With little time left for them to make a match and secure their future, Amelia is determined to do all in her powers to help her sister's suit for Sir Ronald. As they set out for Lakeshire Park for the house party Sir Ronald and his mother have invited them to, little do they know what is in store for them. I dare say that some of the other members of the house party are aware of what's in store for them either.

My reading time was very limited but every chance I could find, you were sure to see me with my nose stuck in this book. I couldn't get enough. It took me several days to finish it and I was really trying hard not to set aside everything else so that I could be on this journey with Amelia and Clara. I was so hopeful for them and then my hopes would be dashed only to rise and fall again and again. The more learned about their family life and circumstances the more I ached for them and increased my hope.

I loved these characters and cheered them on. I couldn't help but want for them to find joy and love. I must admit that although Amelia didn't find it humorous, I found her first meeting with one Mr. Peter Wood quite delightful and humorous. And each subsequent meeting just added to that humor and delight. Their bargain and budding friendship was charming. Now, don't get me wrong, amid all that humor and delight and charm there were definitely moments of frustration, uncertainty, alarm, fear, sorrow, and hurt. But combined all together, they created a lovely journey that I can't wait to enjoy again and again as I return to this book.

My older children kept asking me for book suggestions while I was reading this one and I kept telling them you have to read Lakeshire Park. I can't wait for them to follow through with my recommendation because I know it will become a favorite for them as it has for me.

Content: Clean.

I received a copy from the publisher, Shadow Mountain Publishing, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!

I loved this book. It is like reading Jane Austen. Amelia and her sister are at the mercy of their step-father who is about to die. When he does, they will be left penniless. They young ladies have been invited to a house party where Sir Ronald is looking for a wife. Amelia wants to secure the match for Clara, her sister. Also at the house party is Peter Wood and his sister with the same goal.

This is sweet and engaging. It kept me turning the pages and was a wonderful escape. It leaves you with a warn feeling.

4.5 stars

I fell head over heels in love with this cover and couldn’t wait to start reading it. The cover reminds me of a Jane Austen novel and the summary boasted a charming and sweet romance—-a tough one to resist for certain!

I picked this one up early one morning and could have easily finished it in one sitting if life hadn’t interfered! As it was, I finished it in two sittings and was scouring the internet looking for more books by this new to me author.

This was just the book that I needed to read right now and I couldn’t be more excited to review it!

Summary
Brighton, England 1820

Amelia Moore wants only one thing—to secure the future happiness of her younger sister, Clara. With their stepfather’s looming death, the two sisters will soon be on their own—without family, a home, or a penny to their names. When an invitation arrives to join a house party at Lakeshire Park, Amelia grasps at the chance. If she can encourage a match between Clara and their host, Sir Ronald, then at least her sister will be taken care of.

Little does she know that another guest, the arrogant and overconfident Mr. Peter Wood, is after the same goal for his own sister. Amelia and Peter begin a rivalry that Amelia has no choice but to win. But competing against Peter—and eventually playing by his rules—makes Amelia vulnerable to losing the only thing she has left to claim: her heart. (summary from Goodreads)



Review
Books like this are one of the reasons I got into book blogging in the first place. This book has been published by a small publishing house and so often in the world of book reviews and blogging, smaller publishing house books get over looked. But just because they get passed over for larger books published from big name publishers, doesn’t mean they aren’t wonderful. This is why I read every review pitch that comes across my desk, because there are always diamond in the rough novels out there that may be over looked and this is one of those books for me!

I wouldn’t have probably ever have heard of this book had I not been part of this book tour, but I am so glad that I did because it was a perfectly sweet romance that left me feeling satisfied and happy and eager for more from this author.

I adored the love interest, Peter. He was genuine and I never once doubted how he felt about Amelia, even if she herself felt unsure at times, his feelings for her shined through any doubt for the reader. I thought Amelia was also likable and someone who I would enjoy being around. She was honorable and yet sassy at times which I loved. I thought the chemistry between the two was well balanced, believable, and while not necessarily ‘electric’, I thought it was swoon worthy and sweet.

The only thing that I thought was a little meah about this one was the ending. The ending seemed a little rushed and without giving too much away, I will say that after the final declaration between Peter and Amelia, I wasn’t sure the book needed to continue but rather wrapped there. Or if the last 25 ish pages or so were going to continue, then I think the book needed to be longer. It just seemed rushed and not as polished as the rest of the book. Overall though this was a minor thing and I was more than satisfied with how things ended.

If you love historical fiction and Jane Austen then this book is definitely going to be for you!

Book Info and Rating
e-copy, 320 pages
Published April 7th 2020 by Shadow Mountain
ISBN 1629727342 (ISBN13: 9781629727349)
Free review copy provided by publisher, Shadow Mountain in partnership with Austen Prose book tour, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and in no way influenced.
Rating: 4.5 stars
Genre: historical fiction, romance

This was my first book by Megan Walker, but it definitely won't be my last. . It was a delightful read. Her words paint such amazing pictures that I felt like I had been transported first to a home in Brighton and then to Lakeshire Park. The characters were varied and wonderful. The story was well written and moved steadily. I am happily anticipating more stories by this author.

The Proper Romance books see sometimes obviously related and sometimes not. However, they have all been read with great satisfaction about the story and the characters. There are more than one author listed for the Proper Romance books. But they have all maintained excellent consistency so I know when I choose one that no matter the characters or the story that I will enjoy it.