At first glance, one would expect a retelling of the Robin Hood legend. After all, there are many versions of his exploits described throughout history. However, "Meriden Park" is much more than regurgitated folklore.

This unique tale features hero Robert Markham, a self-professed Robin Hood fan who assists the less fortunate and is determined to have a murderer brought to justice. Due to her mixed heritage and circumstances of birth, lovely heroine Mary Grace generally hides from society because she's subjected to (at the very least) dismissive treatment by others. Their unconventional first meeting sets the tone for the sweet, unhurried romance that develops.

Secondary characters are also interesting. There's Fanny Welling, who's humorously described as a "lesser Welling", or "looking like a broomstick carrying a pumpkin". Apparently, anything can be expressed by quoting Shakespeare, as Robert's mother does more often than not. The author's research here is exhaustive.

Racism, class prejudice and smuggling all play important parts in this novel. The dream interpretation aspect is both touching and effective. Julie Daines' writing style is always a delight. Her descriptive prose flows well, and this book is clean.

Thanks to NetGalley and Covenant Communications for an ARC of this entertaining work.

This story is such a fin twist of the Robin Hood tale. You get suspense, thrills, and romance. Abandoned as a young girl, with no name, in the slums of Calcutta, Mary Grace has spent her entire life knowing that her standing in society lies somewhere between a nobody and lady simply because she was "adopted" and raised by a British Lady. After being raised in Calcutta, Mary and Mrs. Welling, return to England. But Mary cannot stay in the Welling's home. Mrs. Welling is getting older and the possibility of her living much longer is unlikely. Mary must find the courage and bravery to move forward in a society that thinks less of her. Robert Markham is determined to avenge the death of his friend. Inspired by the tales of Robin Hood, Robert seeks to take down the man responsible and, just maybe, win the hand of the beautiful and exotic Mary.

I loved this story. It was a fun read!

What a fun twist to the Robin Hood story. Lots of good twists and surprises. Fun regency romance. It had a bit of everything in it.

Thank you net galley for the advance reader copy of this novel. This was a Robin Hoodesque novel....lots of nods, winks and nudges to that storyline. The author did a great job with the plot twist. A clean romance as well!!!!

This book was cute in a hokey kind of way, I would call it an excellent rainy day read. The characters are interesting and have their own quirks that are endearing, and the plot moves pretty quickly. I appreciated that the length was a little shorter than some of the Summer fiction we've been getting recently, it made it easier to sit down and get through the book without losing motivation. I would definitely recommend to anyone who likes romance and period dramas.

A unique regency romance with echoes of Robin Hood and mystery elements, Meriden Park was a thoroughly enjoyable read!

Julie Daines once again delivers a romance that managed to weave deeper topics like race, class, and disabilities beautifully into an intriguing plot.

I loved the main characters. Mary Grace, a half-Indian companion to an elderly English woman, was world-weary and determined to live her life without drawing more attention to herself than necessary. Even though she faced society's severe options, she came to accept herself as the story progressed. She made a good match with Robert, a charming gentleman with a limiting heart condition. Robert’s noble personality coupled with his hero worship of the famed Robin Hood endeared me to him. And like his hero, Robert would not tolerate injustice and tried to help others in whatever way he could. Robert and Mary’s love story grew naturally and sweetly. Their relationship was one of my favorite aspects of the story!

The setting and side characters also brought in elements to the story which only added to the plot and whimsical undertones only Robin Hood Lore and an ancient forest could.

Overall, I would recommend this regency romance for its unique plot, sweet love story, and underlying message of coming to love yourself as you are.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

I tried very hard to love this book, but it wasn’t for me. The premise was intriguing but the writing was too straightforward and it didn’t create enough intrigue

I just had a really hard time with this one. I didn't connect with the characters. The story line felt odd. It was written in a juvenile way that just didn't work for me. Would I give this too a younger reader absolutely. I think my 12 year old niece would eat this up. It was slow moving and I just didn't buy the romance. I really wanted to love this one but found too much that bothered me.

This was a fascinating book. I had a harder time getting into it, but I did end up enjoying it at the end. Meriden Park is the first book that I have read of Julie Daines. I have heard good things about this author so I was excited to try out this book.
Mary Grace was definitely an interesting character. There were times when she was fearful and there were times where she could face anything. I did have a harder time connecting with her but I think that was just me. Mary Grace had to learn to stand up for herself and stand in the light. She had to figure out if fighting for what she believed in was worth risking her reputation.
I also had a harder time connecting with Robert Markham. I did not dislike him, but he was just harder to understand. He was the second son and did not have much to his name. But he was kind and he wanted to see justice served. He was willing to risk it all in order to bring justice to his friend. I liked Robert’s kind heart, and reading about his interactions with Mary.
The romance between Mary and Rober was sweet. I liked how they were friends first. It did feel a bit slow, but I feel as if it fits the characters. However there were a lot of secrets hidden and secrets have a way of changing everything. Robert and Mary will have to work through their secrets and pasts before they can hope for the future.
Although I did not enjoy everything about this book, I did find the connection to Robin Hood fascinating and fun. It was definitely a cool twist to the story. The story was interesting, but I kept on getting distracted. I did, however, want to see how Robert and Mary were going to figure out the secrets of Sherwood Forest. There was a lot going on and it did get more interesting as I read on. The side characters were intriguing though I do wish they were a bit more fleshed out. All in all, this was an okay book.
Meriden Park was an interesting book with inspiration from Robin Hood. Although I did not love it, I would still recommend this book. It would be a great book for a person who loves historical romance with a bit of mystery and adventure. Meriden Park is a clean historical romance.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.

I just reviewed Meriden Park by Julie Daines. #MeridenPark #NetGalley
I loved this book that mimicked the Robin Hood storyline, I thought it was such a great storyline and I enjoyed every page!

A new twist on the Robin Hood tale
This book calls to all who see injustice and desire to make it right or see it made right. It takes the Robin Hood tale and resets it in another time with twists and turns that will keep you reading. Mary Grace was born to an English mother and an Indian father in Calcutta. She had no memory of her father and the only memory of her mother was of being set on a refuse pile and told to stay there. She had grown up abandoned on the streets until she was found and taken in by Mr. and Mrs. Welling. Upon the death of Mr. Welling, Mary and his widow returned to England. There Mary soon found that she was as unwelcome in England as in India. But things begin to change when she is offered a hot cross bun for a kiss. As Robert sold buns for charity, he always offered one for a kiss, why he had kissed her cheek instead of the hand she offered he wasn’t sure. But he was very glad he had, for that allowed him to meet Mary Grace. With that first kiss Robert and Mary are drawn together as he works to help individuals and families in need, while trying to gather evidence against someone killing all who stood in his way. The path to the truth will not be easy and may bring to light some things they would rather not know. Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the copy. This is my review and all thoughts are my own.

I was enthralled with this story. While Robin Hood is not a favorite story for me, I really enjoyed this book. It isn't really a retelling of the legend but the hero's idol is Robin Hood and he is much like him in wanting to help the disadvantaged and right wrongs. I loved the goodness of the hero and the endless patience of the heroine. I also loved Mary's bravery and how by being brave herself, she helped others stand brave as well. Both Mary And Robert grew over the course of the story and really became stronger together. I also enjoyed the use of dreams to move the story forward. I loved the meet-cute for these two. It was fun. I think the only thing I didn't love is the fact that Robert has heart problems. It was a vital element of the story but by the end of the book, I was so worried that he would die too young some time in the future. Look at me, borrowing problems. ha ha.

Enjoyable read!

Sex: no
Language: no
Violence: yes, some
*I received a complimentary ARC through NetGalley and voluntarily chose to review it.

This is a different Robin Hood-esque story with a few twists. This story takes place near Sherwood Forest, the home of Robin Hood. There are some dangerous things going on in the forest and Robert wants to find out who killed his friend. Enter Mary Grace, a half English/half Indian woman newly immigrated from from India. When she inadvertently gets caught witnessing a murder, life gets complicated. Throw in a cousin wanting an inheritance and a mother who quotes stage plays, and the fun keeps coming.

This was an entertaining read. It was clean, which I totally appreciate. Some of the scenarios were a bit by predictable, but I enjoyed how it proceeded. It is always fun to have a legend part of a story.

Mysterious, intriguing and romantic all at the same time for this historical fiction. recommend diving into this book and adding it to your library!

A mysterious regency Robin Hood story.

Mary Grace was found in the slums of Calcutta, rescued by a British woman and raised in her home. Now they return to England where she's met with animosity by most of the village. Her beauty captivates Robert Markham and they begin a tenous friendship that involves a lot of meandering through Sherwood Forest, where danger, secrets, and dreams abound. Markham endeavors to bring justice to the one who murdered his friend, but tangled in his own secrecy he harms their relationship and his attempts to solve the mystery.

It seems everyone is wearing a mask and hiding from who they really are.

Recommend this for regency readers and those who enjoy Robin Hood retellings!

*Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.