Cover Image: Lakeshire Park

Lakeshire Park

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

3.5 stars
Things to love:
- the witty banter (one of my favorite things, always). Peter was incredibly sassy, and Amelia delivered the insults right back to him.
- a wonderfully done enemies-to-lovers trope (well, sort of. Enemies might be a strong word, but Amelia definitely disliked him in the beginning).
- an amazing sister relationship between Amelia and Clara. Even though Clara was not really my favorite character, I greatly appreciated Amelia's loyalty to her sister.

there was just one thing that bothered me...
- you might have a hard time getting through this book if you are a dedicated fan of Austen and the historical time period that she lived in. There were many events that happened in the novel that would have been horribly inappropriate during the time period. (i.e. pretty much every time the two main characters were alone without a chaperone... that would definitely be considered scandalous!)
Honestly, that was the weakest point of the book for me. If you can separate it completely from its time period and their social customs (or you don't really care if those customs are followed) then you will probably have no issues with it.

In the end....
Despite my one criticism of this book, it was a quick, easy, and deliciously romantic read. If you've ever read Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson, I think you'll find this story to your liking!

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Such a sweet book! I loved Amelia and Peter and all of their interactions. Peter made me laugh so hard and was the perfect match for Amelia. They both were driven by the best motivations (to do what's best for their sisters) and I found myself rooting for them both to somehow win - even though that would be impossible. For fans of Edenbrooke. Highly recommended!

Was this review helpful?

I loved Megan Walker’s new book, Lakeshire Park. It was beautifully written with strong, interesting, and intelligent characters. My favorite line—“But I don’t want to be honorable. I don’t want to do what is best for you. I want what is worth fighting for, what makes me the luckiest man alive. And that is loving you.” Seriously. Wow. So good! If you love clean, sweet romance with wonderful endings you’ll love this book.
I received a complimentary copy of the book. All opinions are my own and are expressed voluntarily.

Was this review helpful?

What a great book! I hated putting it down at night and couldn’t wait to start reading each morning. The characters were all so fun to get to know (even the “bad guys”). I loved all the witty banter and the humor between the two main characters. The author did a great job making realistic conflicts for them both. I was very happy with the ending and can’t wait for the author to write more books. Hopefully she will give some of the other characters from this book their own story. This is definitely a book you won’t regret reading!

Was this review helpful?

This was a wonderful read. I finished it in one day because I couldn't put it down. From the very beginning, I could feel the strain on the characters and how much the two sisters loved each other. Amelia only wanted to give her sister Clara what she deserves. Lives become entwined as the wheels of courtship turn and we find out that not everything is as it seems. Loved it.

The review will be live on the Book Confession blog on 4-18-20

Was this review helpful?

For the most part I enjoyed the book. The sisters, Amelia and Clara, are faced with a terrible situation--the loss of their parents, a cruel stepfather, no money, few prospects. They are invited to a house party in the hope that Clara can make a match. There are several reviews that give the details about the plot so I won't go over it. The thing that bothered me was how much time Peter and Amelia spent together without a chaperone. The plot contrivance was that they were each helping their own sister make the match, and thus they got to know each other and fall in love, but it was not in keeping with the era of the book.
I appreciate receiving an ARC from the publisher and NetGalley.

Was this review helpful?

Lakeshire Park is the first book I have read by Megan Walker. I thought it was a delightful little book. I am giving it four stars.

Was this review helpful?

What a lovely story! This touching book kept me up reading into the wee hours of the morning and left me with a sigh and a smile. Perhaps there were some small plot holes and anachronisms.... Honestly, it was so beautifully written that I did not care one bit. I'm not always a fan of first-person narration, but it absolutely worked for this story. The heroine's struggles were completely realistic. The romance was both believable and heartbreaking at times. The secondary characters were so well-drawn that I am hoping for both a prequel and a sequel to learn more about them. This feels like the beginning of what could be an epic saga.

Was this review helpful?

What a delightful, clean Regency romance by new-to-me author Megan Walker! While I don’t usually reread books due to my very large to-be-read pile, this is one that I would consider reading again; it is that good.
This story had it all: trials, angst, hope, love, and humor tied up in a story premise I had not read before, that of siblings scheming to secure their sisters’ future happiness. While there were many laugh-out-loud moments, there were just as many deeply poignant scenes between the hero and heroine that kept me thinking well after I had turned the pages. The budding relationship and romantic tension between Peter and Amelia was so well-written, the emotions felt palpable. The supporting characters in attendance at the Lakeshire Park house party added a pleasing backdrop to the story while the sisters vying for Sir Ronald’s hand contributed to many fractious moments. Amelia’s dedication to Clara’s happiness was admirable and so I found myself a bit disappointed in Clara’s behavior toward the end of the story. That said, there are so many things to love about this smoothly flowing and well-written novel including scenery descriptions that make you feel like you are right out in nature or picking berries with the characters. So do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of Lakeshire Park. You will not be disappointed! I can’t wait to read more from this author. 5 stars!
#LakeshirePark #NetGalley

I received an advanced reader copy from Shadow Mountain Publishing and NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions expressed here are my own.

Was this review helpful?

This book was absolute perfection! For those of us who long for the good old Georgette Heyer days "Lakeshire Park' is a gift. The story is one of disappointment and heartache, but filled with joy and laughter. It is amazing the skill with which this is all accomplished by Megan Walker. I can't wait for more. There is a redemption story in the offing, as well as something more for a certain widower.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Was this review helpful?

What a beautiful heartwarming story! Amelia and her sister Clara were in a desperate situation. Being invited to a house party of Sir Ronald Demsworth, was the only chance they had to secure their future. She thought only of Clara’s happiness. But fortnight in the presence of Mr. Peter Wood and his sister, Georgiana, would turn their world upside down! The story held so many wonderful twists and turns. It was full of fun banter and witty come backs. The characters were a delight and the story moved along so well, I lost track of time. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a sweet clean regency romance. I received this book from the publisher, though net galley, for and honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Amelia Moore is in a bad situation. Her mother has passed away, leaving them in the care of their stepfather who wants to wash his hands of both Amelia and her sister. She has one last chance to save them both by encouraging an attachment between Clara and Sir Ronald. Luckily, Sir Ronald invites them to a house party which is the perfect opportunity to cement the match. Unfortunately, the arrogant Mr. Peter Wood also wants a match between Sir Ronald and his sister. It becomes a sort of competition and Peter and Amelia are thrown into some circumstances that are fun and funny!

I thought the author did an amazing job with the wit between the characters and still held true to the society rules and expected decorum of the regency period. I loved the chemistry between Amelia and Peter and the building attraction between them. There is a good character arc as Amelia realizes that her judgments may not always be correct and Peter also sees things in a different way the longer he knows Amelia. I really enjoyed the ending and all the twists and turns Amelia had on her journey to love, as well as her sister Clara. The secondary cast was well-rounded and there were several characters that I hope to see in future books. Ms. Walker is definitely an author I would love to read again! Don't miss this one!

Was this review helpful?

Lakeshire Park is a beautiful love story about two people who are searching for something greater in their lives and trying to do the right thing. I wish we’d gotten more of the hero’s backstory, however. Things were touched upon lightly, but I felt the author could have delved deeper. A nice new voice in clean romantic fiction. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

Oh my, this was divine. A regency romance at its best! I loved the characters, the wit, the banter, the story and the ROMANCE. Every time I put it down, I couldn’t wait to pick it back up. I only wish there had been an epilogue! But those letters at the end...*happy sigh*

I actually hope Georgiana gets her own redemptive story. Maybe with Mr. Pendleton like Peter’s letter suggested? :)

To anyone who is a fan of regency romance—do NOT miss this story!

Was this review helpful?

With her stepfather's death imminent, Amelia is determined to secure her sister's future when she accepts the invitation for a house party at Lakeshire Park. If she can encourage Sir Ronald to offer for Clara, all will be saved. However, Mr. Peter Wood ahs the same intention with his sister. COmpetition may just turn to love, but will love win in the end?

This is the kind of Regency story I expect from Proper Romance Series. It was brilliantly written, with Amelia's character jumping off the page. From the start, we are sympathetic to the position she is in. Though everything is against her, she is not morose. She puts all her effort into achieving the solution to the impossible situation she is in.

I really liked that Amelia and Peter are at odds but they are antagonistic. They do not snip at each other to hurt each other. There is an attraction from the start, but their relationship is allowed to grow through conversation. My only nitpick would be just how quickly Amelia thinks of him as 'Peter' and not as Mr. Wood. The informality did not seem quite true to the era.

The pace is good. The interactions between all the characters were fun and interesting. Realistic is a word I would definitely use.

I would recommend this to any reader looking for a clean, sweet Regency romance.

Was this review helpful?

Oh the yearning. Two sisters need to find security one way or another. Their step-father is on his death bed and will not provide for them after his passing.
A positive outcome seems assured when they are invited to a house party. Two chaperoned weeks with other eligible guests will surely yield an offer, hopefully for younger sister Clara. Rules of the ton put specific constraints on all concerned making decisions clear but also overwhelming for most involved. I loved the characters, the repartee, a house party ending with a ball and some spectacular drama that would have the ton gossiping for ages. It all made for a fun, romantic read - just what I wanted.

Was this review helpful?

#LakeshirePark #NetGalley

Two sisters, Amelia and Clara,are at their stepfather's mercy, but he is unkind, and sends them to Lakeshire Park to a house party. If one of the two sisters, fail to make a match,, they will be penniless, with nowhere to live. Clara has her heart set on winning over Sir Ronald and Amelia is content with living in her sister's shadow and being a spinster. Peter Wood is the enemy, since his sister Gergianna is also trying to win Sir Ronalds hand. Jealousy abounds, and Amelia is caught in the middle of it all. A well written novel, that I enjoyed.

Was this review helpful?

When Amelia's stepfather makes it clear that she and her sister will not inherit a dime after his looming death, she has only one goal: to see her sister safely married. When they are invited to a house party of Sir Ronald, she hopes to a betrothal between her sister and their host.
But one other guest, Peter, has this same goal set for his own sister.
Amelia and Peter start a competition where the winner takes it all - even their own hearts?

Was this review helpful?

I absolutely loved this book! It was witty, romantic, and had a captivating plot that kept me turning the pages. There were so many layers to the characters and their romance was slow building and absolutely swoon worthy. I loved the unique approach to a regency house party romance. I cannot wait to see more from this author.

Was this review helpful?

Lakeshore Park has a somewhat novel approach to the “need to marry to secure the future of a beloved sister” plot. The characters are well developed and I was compelled to keep reading to the end to see how the complications to happily ever after would be resolved. However, I think the book would benefit from some fairly liberal editing. There are unnecessary details, internal monologues that could be pared down, and there are phrases and sentiments expressed seem a bit modern (for instance, characterizing a conversation as “real”) for the setting. I thought some of the side plot with the horses was a bit unrealistic. In short this book isn’t perfect but it was pretty enjoyable, shows potential., and I might read a sequel.

Was this review helpful?