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A Proper Romance #5
The Lady of the Lakes: The True Love Story of Sir Walter Scott
One is his first love.
The other is his best love.
Which will be Walter’s true love?
Walter Scott has three passions: Scotland, poetry, and Mina Stuart. Though she is young and they are from different stations in society, Walter is certain their love is meant to be. For years, he has courted her through love letters. She is the sunshine of his soul.
Though Mina shares Walter’s love of literature and romantic temperament, it’s hard for her to know if she truly loves him or if she has only been dazzled by his flattery. When she meets the handsome and charming William Forbes, her heart is challenged. Who will she choose?
But as every poet knows, “the course of true love never did run smooth,” and on a windy morning in the lake country, Walter meets Charlotte.
At twenty-six, Charlotte Carpenter believes she will never find love. After all, she is a Catholic-born Frenchwoman living in London with a family history shadowed by scandal. Though quiet, practical, and determined to live a life of independence, her heart longs for someone to love her and a place to call home.
Passion and promises collide as Walter, Mina, and Charlotte must each decide the course for their futures. What are they each willing to risk to find love and be loved in return?
The other is his best love.
Which will be Walter’s true love?
Walter Scott has three passions: Scotland, poetry, and Mina Stuart. Though she is young and they are from different stations in society, Walter is certain their love is meant to be. For years, he has courted her through love letters. She is the sunshine of his soul.
Though Mina shares Walter’s love of literature and romantic temperament, it’s hard for her to know if she truly loves him or if she has only been dazzled by his flattery. When she meets the handsome and charming William Forbes, her heart is challenged. Who will she choose?
But as every poet knows, “the course of true love never did run smooth,” and on a windy morning in the lake country, Walter meets Charlotte.
At twenty-six, Charlotte Carpenter believes she will never find love. After all, she is a Catholic-born Frenchwoman living in London with a family history shadowed by scandal. Though quiet, practical, and determined to live a life of independence, her heart longs for someone to love her and a place to call home.
Passion and promises collide as Walter, Mina, and Charlotte must each decide the course for their futures. What are they each willing to risk to find love and be loved in return?
336 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2017
87 people are currently reading
2721 people want to read
About the author
Josi S. Kilpack
66 books2,055 followers I wrote my first book while on bed rest with my third child in 1998 and haven't stopped. My most recent books have been Historical Romance through the Proper Romance line with Shadow Mountain Publishing.
I currently live in Willard, Utah with my husband, and children.
I currently live in Willard, Utah with my husband, and children.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 368 reviews
February 27, 2017
The Lady of the Lakes: The True Story of Sir Walter Scott by Josi S. Kilpack is a 2017 Shadow Mountain publication.
I loved watching this couple fall in love. I loved the deep feelings of friendship that became the basis for that event, and knowing the couple made a wonderful match, and a good life together. Theirs was not that all consuming passion that fairy tales are based on, but it was so much more special and real. I absolutely loved it.
This is a clean historical romance, recommended for anyone and everyone who loves romance!
4.5 stars
This review is the copyrighted property of Night Owl Reviews.
To read the full review, click on this link: https://www.nightowlreviews.com/v5/Re...
I loved watching this couple fall in love. I loved the deep feelings of friendship that became the basis for that event, and knowing the couple made a wonderful match, and a good life together. Theirs was not that all consuming passion that fairy tales are based on, but it was so much more special and real. I absolutely loved it.
This is a clean historical romance, recommended for anyone and everyone who loves romance!
4.5 stars
This review is the copyrighted property of Night Owl Reviews.
To read the full review, click on this link: https://www.nightowlreviews.com/v5/Re...
July 12, 2018
Delightful!
Now, as you all know, I don't read a lot of romances. At least, not ones written in this century, anyway. I have nothing against them, just not my thing, you know? So I was vaguely aware of this book, because I know Josi, and was like, Ah, how nice for her, but also thought, Hey, not my thing.
What a FOOL I was!
As we were traveling through Scotland a couple of weeks ago, my sister brought up that she had just read this book, and really enjoyed it. And there we were in Edinburgh Castle (where he discovered the missing crown jewels!), and visiting the Writer's Museum at Lady Stair's House (which has a whole floor dedicated to him!), and there I am, the biggest fan of Ivanhoe, suddenly going, Ya know, I really WOULD like to know more! Because I literally know nothing about Sir Walter Scott's life.
But now I do! Because this isn't just a romance based on real women whom he loved in his life, but it's also terribly well-researched, with excellent notes at the end, and a timeline, and a bibliography, and other things that really made it just My Thing!
So if you like historical fiction, or romance, or Sir Walter Scott, please, please read this! It's wonderful!
Now, as you all know, I don't read a lot of romances. At least, not ones written in this century, anyway. I have nothing against them, just not my thing, you know? So I was vaguely aware of this book, because I know Josi, and was like, Ah, how nice for her, but also thought, Hey, not my thing.
What a FOOL I was!
As we were traveling through Scotland a couple of weeks ago, my sister brought up that she had just read this book, and really enjoyed it. And there we were in Edinburgh Castle (where he discovered the missing crown jewels!), and visiting the Writer's Museum at Lady Stair's House (which has a whole floor dedicated to him!), and there I am, the biggest fan of Ivanhoe, suddenly going, Ya know, I really WOULD like to know more! Because I literally know nothing about Sir Walter Scott's life.
But now I do! Because this isn't just a romance based on real women whom he loved in his life, but it's also terribly well-researched, with excellent notes at the end, and a timeline, and a bibliography, and other things that really made it just My Thing!
So if you like historical fiction, or romance, or Sir Walter Scott, please, please read this! It's wonderful!
March 27, 2017
What a beautiful, swoon worthy book. I love reading fiction based on true stories and this was just that. It was fascinating reading about the life of Sir Walter Scott. This was a true romance story, love was thought to be found,lost and then true,lasting love was found. So glad I got a chance to read this. The Lady of the Lake is a published work by Sir Walter Scott in 1810.
Pub Date 03 Jan 2017
Thank you to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for a review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Pub Date 03 Jan 2017
Thank you to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for a review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
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October 5, 2023
DNF @7%
I don't know why, but I just couldn't get into this one! It just felt slow and dull compared to her other novels that I read. And I had issues with he fact that every time we were in the MMC's head, he sounded like a woman. It took me the first THREE PAGES of the book to figure out I was in a guy's head. 3! I'm sad that this was a miss, but I'm hoping my next read will be better!
I don't know why, but I just couldn't get into this one! It just felt slow and dull compared to her other novels that I read. And I had issues with he fact that every time we were in the MMC's head, he sounded like a woman. It took me the first THREE PAGES of the book to figure out I was in a guy's head. 3! I'm sad that this was a miss, but I'm hoping my next read will be better!
April 24, 2017
This was a beautiful story about discovering yourself and your heart. If you're looking for a fast paced, fluff read, this is not that book. I savored and slowly enjoyed reading about Sir Walter Scott and the people in his life. In high school we studied several of his works but I don't remember if we talked too much about his life(maybe we did and it's just been too many years to properly remember). I really enjoyed this historical fiction about his journey of falling in love and learning his craft.
The story changes POV between Walter, Mina and Charlotte. I loved reading about these three people and the different experiences in their lives that was shaping their world, their choices and their hearts. It was a sweet journey with some sorrow mixed in. Sometimes what we think is best is not always what is best but we don't know that until we live, try, and unfortunately sometimes don't succeed. But it's so important to try rather than to sit idly by and let life, love and opportunities pass us by.
The writing was well done as per usual for this author and her works. I'm looking forward to her other Historical Proper Romances, the next one coming out is about Harriet Beecher Stowe. I enjoyed the familial relationships she explored while writing about Walter and these two ladies. The dynamics of the families and the time period really shaped this story and gave another great dimension to it.
Here's a quote I really liked in the book about life and love. Walter is talking to a Mr. Grimm, who is talking about his wife who has passed away and their love, as he is giving advice to Walter.
"She died six months ago, and Louisa and I are trying to find the light in our lives again. I've missed her every day since she's been gone, but I take great comfort in knowing that I loved her, and she me, every day that she was here. It was not a fairy tale, it was life-real and raw and grating sometimes-but tangible, deep, and divine through our efforts, not some ethereal vagary."
The words seeped into Walter's chest, true and sharp and, ultimately, hopeful.
Mr. Grimm patted Walter's knee. "Life does not last forever, young man, and it is, ultimately, what we make of it. If this woman has captured your heart, even a little bit, I think she deserves as much attention as your wounds do. I wonder if she isn't your chance to find another way to love."
I can only imagine all the time that went into researching the people, their lives, the settings, the time period for this novel and am very grateful for the final result that I was able to enjoy.
Content: Clean
My own personal copy.
Happy Reading!!!
The story changes POV between Walter, Mina and Charlotte. I loved reading about these three people and the different experiences in their lives that was shaping their world, their choices and their hearts. It was a sweet journey with some sorrow mixed in. Sometimes what we think is best is not always what is best but we don't know that until we live, try, and unfortunately sometimes don't succeed. But it's so important to try rather than to sit idly by and let life, love and opportunities pass us by.
The writing was well done as per usual for this author and her works. I'm looking forward to her other Historical Proper Romances, the next one coming out is about Harriet Beecher Stowe. I enjoyed the familial relationships she explored while writing about Walter and these two ladies. The dynamics of the families and the time period really shaped this story and gave another great dimension to it.
Here's a quote I really liked in the book about life and love. Walter is talking to a Mr. Grimm, who is talking about his wife who has passed away and their love, as he is giving advice to Walter.
"She died six months ago, and Louisa and I are trying to find the light in our lives again. I've missed her every day since she's been gone, but I take great comfort in knowing that I loved her, and she me, every day that she was here. It was not a fairy tale, it was life-real and raw and grating sometimes-but tangible, deep, and divine through our efforts, not some ethereal vagary."
The words seeped into Walter's chest, true and sharp and, ultimately, hopeful.
Mr. Grimm patted Walter's knee. "Life does not last forever, young man, and it is, ultimately, what we make of it. If this woman has captured your heart, even a little bit, I think she deserves as much attention as your wounds do. I wonder if she isn't your chance to find another way to love."
I can only imagine all the time that went into researching the people, their lives, the settings, the time period for this novel and am very grateful for the final result that I was able to enjoy.
Content: Clean
My own personal copy.
Happy Reading!!!
January 10, 2017
Classics live Ivanhoe and Rob Roy fueled my love for history and deep tempestuous romance. Imagine my delight to see the author of such favorites is the hero of this sweet historical romance. I had no idea the man, Sir Walter Scott, had his own unrequited love story only to get a new chance so when I saw this one I just had to read it. It was a lovely story and the author did a fantastic job marrying fact and fiction.
The story begins with young nineteen year old Walter Scott falling in love at first sight with Mina Stuart. She was even younger and was from a class above his own middle class roots. Walter is a romantic and courts Mina with poetry and heart-felt letters for four years. He thinks she is 'the one' and is forced to re-evaluated love before he can find the love of his life.
Mina delights in the romantic gestures of Walter and tries to match it, but her feelings are changing as she grows into womanhood. Now that she is older, she can see the differences in their situations and temperaments. Her father wants her to allow another man of her station to court her. Mina is torn between her conflicted desires, her family expectations, and tendres toward two very different men.
Charlotte grows up with the stigma of her nationality, the reputation of a mother run off with a lover, death of her father and care of a guardian. As a Frenchwoman living in an England at war with France, no dowry or status, and reliant on a guardian, she never sees herself being the object of someone's love and having her own family for her future.
Alright, this is a story told by three different narrators with Walter Scott being the central figure. I thought the attention to historic detail particularly that of Georgian era Edinburgh and the border country to be well-drawn. I liked how the author portrayed the characters. She was sympathetic to Mina, Walter, and Charlotte weaving a plausible tale of how things came to be. I liked how she had her characters grow and come into their own.
The story hits on Walter's writing talent, but the focus is on his romantic relationships and his incurably romantic personality. He really came alive for me. I liked both the ladies and was glad to see things sort out the way they did.
All in all, this was a lovely sweet romance about a very romantic famous author. Those who enjoy equal parts historical and romance with real-life characters should give this a try.
I received this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
The story begins with young nineteen year old Walter Scott falling in love at first sight with Mina Stuart. She was even younger and was from a class above his own middle class roots. Walter is a romantic and courts Mina with poetry and heart-felt letters for four years. He thinks she is 'the one' and is forced to re-evaluated love before he can find the love of his life.
Mina delights in the romantic gestures of Walter and tries to match it, but her feelings are changing as she grows into womanhood. Now that she is older, she can see the differences in their situations and temperaments. Her father wants her to allow another man of her station to court her. Mina is torn between her conflicted desires, her family expectations, and tendres toward two very different men.
Charlotte grows up with the stigma of her nationality, the reputation of a mother run off with a lover, death of her father and care of a guardian. As a Frenchwoman living in an England at war with France, no dowry or status, and reliant on a guardian, she never sees herself being the object of someone's love and having her own family for her future.
Alright, this is a story told by three different narrators with Walter Scott being the central figure. I thought the attention to historic detail particularly that of Georgian era Edinburgh and the border country to be well-drawn. I liked how the author portrayed the characters. She was sympathetic to Mina, Walter, and Charlotte weaving a plausible tale of how things came to be. I liked how she had her characters grow and come into their own.
The story hits on Walter's writing talent, but the focus is on his romantic relationships and his incurably romantic personality. He really came alive for me. I liked both the ladies and was glad to see things sort out the way they did.
All in all, this was a lovely sweet romance about a very romantic famous author. Those who enjoy equal parts historical and romance with real-life characters should give this a try.
I received this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
January 9, 2017
When I was younger, I loved to read a series about the biographies of famous people in history. I loved learning more about these people and how their lives shaped or contributed to history. As I grew older, I found myself enjoying fiction a lot more and non-fiction a lot less and I hardly ever read those types of books anymore. However, I still find them very fascinating.
This author took on a book about well-known writer, Walter Scott. I don't know much about this man, aside from some of his works, and found it very interesting to learn more about him and his life. If there's one thing I learned about him, it's that he's very passionate, meaning he feels very deeply. The story tells the tale of his one true love and how intense, desperate, and fervent his feelings toward Mina were. Although the romance is gentle, his emotions are strong and tangible. Another romance angle appears, and this one is just as gentle and not quite as zealous.
The characters are done in a way that brings them to life--their hopes, dreams, and disappointments are extremely vivid. I think that's why I enjoyed this story so much--it's more than just facts, but an emotional element is woven in that completely engaged my attention and made it feel more like the fiction books that I love so much. I hope to see more of this type of book in the future.
Content: mild romance.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, which didn't influence my thoughts in any way. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
This author took on a book about well-known writer, Walter Scott. I don't know much about this man, aside from some of his works, and found it very interesting to learn more about him and his life. If there's one thing I learned about him, it's that he's very passionate, meaning he feels very deeply. The story tells the tale of his one true love and how intense, desperate, and fervent his feelings toward Mina were. Although the romance is gentle, his emotions are strong and tangible. Another romance angle appears, and this one is just as gentle and not quite as zealous.
The characters are done in a way that brings them to life--their hopes, dreams, and disappointments are extremely vivid. I think that's why I enjoyed this story so much--it's more than just facts, but an emotional element is woven in that completely engaged my attention and made it feel more like the fiction books that I love so much. I hope to see more of this type of book in the future.
Content: mild romance.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, which didn't influence my thoughts in any way. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
January 5, 2017
There is something wonderous about this book. I was so completely enthralled with it and as I sit here thinking about the whole story, I find that outside of two very slow moving romances, there was not really a lot going on. No danger, no big heart pounding moments of suspense and no heart wrenching scenes of tragedy and dying. It's a simple tale of a man with a romantic heart, falling in love. Josi Kilpack has done an amazing job of crafting a story, so simplistic in it's base form, into something I was completely enthralled by. I really couldn't put it down.
I'll admit I don't know much about Walter Scott. I've never studied the man or his works. I know who he is in the most base form and that's it. I really enjoyed learning more about how his works and writings came to be, and his journey as a man.
The characters in this book are fully developed and I felt like I knew them intimately. I understood their struggles and felt the tugs of empathy and compassion toward them. I love when that happens!
This was such an enjoyable book! From start to finish. I'm so glad I got to read it. Josi Kilpack has really refined her craft in her last few books. I enjoyed her earlier books, but these last few books are really her crowing jewels. They are full of substance and so rich. I can't wait to see what comes next!
Content: Clean
Oh, and I LOVE this gorgeous cover!!
- I received a copy of this book from the publisher. A favorable review was not required and all opinions expressed are my own.
I'll admit I don't know much about Walter Scott. I've never studied the man or his works. I know who he is in the most base form and that's it. I really enjoyed learning more about how his works and writings came to be, and his journey as a man.
The characters in this book are fully developed and I felt like I knew them intimately. I understood their struggles and felt the tugs of empathy and compassion toward them. I love when that happens!
This was such an enjoyable book! From start to finish. I'm so glad I got to read it. Josi Kilpack has really refined her craft in her last few books. I enjoyed her earlier books, but these last few books are really her crowing jewels. They are full of substance and so rich. I can't wait to see what comes next!
Content: Clean
Oh, and I LOVE this gorgeous cover!!
- I received a copy of this book from the publisher. A favorable review was not required and all opinions expressed are my own.
January 6, 2017
The Lady of the Lakes is another fantastic book by Josi Kilpack. These Historical Proper Romances are a wonderful way to get to know the people they are based on. Of course, they aren't true biographies, but I liked how Josi was able to take parts of what was known of Walter, Mina, and Charlotte and create a very compelling story. I enjoyed getting to know each character when the story would change point of views. I enjoyed the progression of the story, showing bits and pieces from each character, helped moved the story along perfectly. At times, though, I would scream out in my head to Walter, "Mina is not right for you, why can't you see that!" It was a great example of only seeing what you want to see in a person, not seeing that they are completely wrong for you. I absolutely adored Charlotte, I instantly loved her character. I appreciated how she wanted to be her own person and wanted to learn how to support herself. I also enjoyed the end of the book, the details of what was actually known about a certain event, and what was added by the author.
Received a complimentary copy, all views and opinions expressed are my own.
Received a complimentary copy, all views and opinions expressed are my own.
February 6, 2017
I love historical fiction. When there is an emphasis on the history, it makes it a little more interesting.
This story is about the romances of Sir Walter Scott. I love to read, so I am familiar with his name, but I was not familiar with his life. I love that this book made him more real to me. He isn't just a name anymore. He was a man with hopes and dreams. At the beginning of the book his hopes revolve around Mina. She was from a "higher" social class than he was. She was the daughter of gentry, while Walter's father was not.
The book simultaneously tells the story of Walter and Charlotte. Walter was in love with Mina and Charlotte was trying to figure out a life that she thought would be spent alone. Both of their stories are interesting. Their struggles and dreams were brought to life for me. Eventually the stories come together as Walter and Charlotte meet and discover unexpected dreams.
This is a clean romance. I love Josi Kilpack's writing. I have loved every book of hers that I have read. I feel that I can't go wrong picking up one of her books!
This story is about the romances of Sir Walter Scott. I love to read, so I am familiar with his name, but I was not familiar with his life. I love that this book made him more real to me. He isn't just a name anymore. He was a man with hopes and dreams. At the beginning of the book his hopes revolve around Mina. She was from a "higher" social class than he was. She was the daughter of gentry, while Walter's father was not.
The book simultaneously tells the story of Walter and Charlotte. Walter was in love with Mina and Charlotte was trying to figure out a life that she thought would be spent alone. Both of their stories are interesting. Their struggles and dreams were brought to life for me. Eventually the stories come together as Walter and Charlotte meet and discover unexpected dreams.
This is a clean romance. I love Josi Kilpack's writing. I have loved every book of hers that I have read. I feel that I can't go wrong picking up one of her books!
February 6, 2017
This one caught my eye at the library, and I felt lucky to get it. I've read others in the "Proper Romance" series, but not the other Historical one. (It's on my list to read.) This one wasn't quite as satisfying as the others I've read, but was still enjoyable! Sir Walter Scott and his love troubles made for good reading. He was a man who felt deeply, and was a romantic at heart. That might've been to his detriment, but I'll let you decide:) Read it to see what you think...
As usual, it was clean and fast reading also.
As usual, it was clean and fast reading also.
June 6, 2019
First sentence from the prologue: I believe in God and Christ and long-suffering, but I do not feel that all three must be so densely mashed together as they are for a Calvinist Sunday sermon.
First sentence from chapter one: Walter did not try to hide the fact that he watched the door with focused attention. Mina--his muse and his future--would be entering at any moment, and he was determined to be the first set of eyes she saw.
Premise/plot: This historical romance novel stars SIR WALTER SCOTT. The prologue is set in 1791 when Sir Walter Scott first meets the lovely Mina. The first chapter is set four years later, 1795.
For Walter Scott, it was LOVE at first sight. He wooed the young Miss Stuart with words, words, and more words. Their meetings were infrequent--private meetings especially--but his letters to her, well, they were something special. Was it love at first sight for Mina? Decidedly not. She fell for his words and perhaps not his person. After all, he couldn't dance. And Mina, well, she loved to be the belle of the ball. She loved to dance every dance. But his words, well, they captivated her....at least until they didn't.
Charlotte Carpenter is a French immigrant, an orphan, a spinster. She's "on the shelf" or "over the hill" at age twenty-five. She's under the care of a kind guardian--but kindness only goes so far when his wife is pressuring him to find her a match or else. Miss Carpenter rejects--perhaps rightfully so--the one match that is arranged for her. What she would like is to be an independent woman who has her own house/household, manages her own money/budget. She's not exactly penniless, but she's far from an heiress. No man is going to be hunting her down and marrying her for her fortune.
Charlotte and Walter Scott meet in 1797, one year after his heart has been crushed, obliterated by Mina. He is NOT looking for love. I repeat, he is NOT looking for love. Scott is convinced that LOVE has done him wrong. That he'll go down to the grave loving Mina and only Mina. That chapter in his life is over and done with. Woe to the friend, the companion, the brother that tries to "fix" or "mend" his heart. BEWARE. But Charlotte is unlike any woman he's ever met before. She's honest, genuine, forthright...true to herself. She isn't wearing a mask. Scott is CLUELESS, ABSOLUTELY CLUELESS, that he feels anything until the day she's set to leave town--her vacation being ended.
Scott follows her--of course, he does. But what he proposes next...well...it's a bit unconventional.
Will Walter and Charlotte make a match of it and get married?
My thoughts: I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED, LOVED this one. I tolerated Mina, I suppose. But I never saw Mina through Walter's eyes--never saw her as being the dazzling, oh-so-perfect, only-one-in-the-world-worth-having woman. I loved Charlotte. From the moment Charlotte is introduced in this one--and it's several years before they meet--I loved her. I loved her character and her sense. I loved her spirit or attitude. The scenes with Walter and Charlotte were my absolute favorite. I adored the last half of this one. It was enjoyable and satisfying.
I would definitely recommend this one. It is a clean read being in the "proper romance" publishing line. Though there is quite a steamy hand-holding scene when he removes a glove while they're listening to a musical concert.
First sentence from chapter one: Walter did not try to hide the fact that he watched the door with focused attention. Mina--his muse and his future--would be entering at any moment, and he was determined to be the first set of eyes she saw.
Premise/plot: This historical romance novel stars SIR WALTER SCOTT. The prologue is set in 1791 when Sir Walter Scott first meets the lovely Mina. The first chapter is set four years later, 1795.
For Walter Scott, it was LOVE at first sight. He wooed the young Miss Stuart with words, words, and more words. Their meetings were infrequent--private meetings especially--but his letters to her, well, they were something special. Was it love at first sight for Mina? Decidedly not. She fell for his words and perhaps not his person. After all, he couldn't dance. And Mina, well, she loved to be the belle of the ball. She loved to dance every dance. But his words, well, they captivated her....at least until they didn't.
Charlotte Carpenter is a French immigrant, an orphan, a spinster. She's "on the shelf" or "over the hill" at age twenty-five. She's under the care of a kind guardian--but kindness only goes so far when his wife is pressuring him to find her a match or else. Miss Carpenter rejects--perhaps rightfully so--the one match that is arranged for her. What she would like is to be an independent woman who has her own house/household, manages her own money/budget. She's not exactly penniless, but she's far from an heiress. No man is going to be hunting her down and marrying her for her fortune.
Charlotte and Walter Scott meet in 1797, one year after his heart has been crushed, obliterated by Mina. He is NOT looking for love. I repeat, he is NOT looking for love. Scott is convinced that LOVE has done him wrong. That he'll go down to the grave loving Mina and only Mina. That chapter in his life is over and done with. Woe to the friend, the companion, the brother that tries to "fix" or "mend" his heart. BEWARE. But Charlotte is unlike any woman he's ever met before. She's honest, genuine, forthright...true to herself. She isn't wearing a mask. Scott is CLUELESS, ABSOLUTELY CLUELESS, that he feels anything until the day she's set to leave town--her vacation being ended.
Scott follows her--of course, he does. But what he proposes next...well...it's a bit unconventional.
Will Walter and Charlotte make a match of it and get married?
My thoughts: I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED, LOVED this one. I tolerated Mina, I suppose. But I never saw Mina through Walter's eyes--never saw her as being the dazzling, oh-so-perfect, only-one-in-the-world-worth-having woman. I loved Charlotte. From the moment Charlotte is introduced in this one--and it's several years before they meet--I loved her. I loved her character and her sense. I loved her spirit or attitude. The scenes with Walter and Charlotte were my absolute favorite. I adored the last half of this one. It was enjoyable and satisfying.
I would definitely recommend this one. It is a clean read being in the "proper romance" publishing line. Though there is quite a steamy hand-holding scene when he removes a glove while they're listening to a musical concert.
September 28, 2017
I listened to this on audible and loved the various accents the narrator used--from Scottish, to French, to English. Well done. I loved the character of Walter Scott and his over-the-top personality (ah, those creative types). And I loved how his true "true love" was able to ground him rather quickly. I listened to the chapter notes a couple of times, and loved the additional details they offered. Exceptionally written and made me want to go read all of Sir Walter Scott's books!
September 29, 2016
I was so drawn to this book! I couldn't wait throughout the day until I could pick it up again and read. It is such a compelling story. Love given. Love taken. Love lost. Love found. SO GOOD!
I think it is the best story Josi S. Kilpack has told to date!
And to know it is based on the true love story of Sir Walter Scott makes it all the more captivating. LOVED. LOVED. LOVED. IT!
I think it is the best story Josi S. Kilpack has told to date!
And to know it is based on the true love story of Sir Walter Scott makes it all the more captivating. LOVED. LOVED. LOVED. IT!
February 11, 2017
I always feel kind of harsh giving less than three stars, but this book just wasn't for me. It was kind of slow and just didn't hold my attention.
March 17, 2018
Before reading this story, the two things I knew about Sir Walter Scott were that he had written Ivanhoe, which I read when I was about 13 and really only remember the Anthony Andrews/Sam Neill film version of, and that Mark Twain had hated Scott's type of writing and therefore named a wrecked steamboat in Huckleberry Finn "The Walter Scott." Whilst perusing the end materials of this book and the timeline and notes, and after reading the book and becoming wildly curious about him, I was shocked to discover the sheer volume of work that Scott produced and was charmed to find out that he had discovered the crown jewels/"Honours of Scotland" hidden in Edinburgh Castle. (I had always believed that he was "Sir" Walter Scott because of his writings, but it was because he convinced the Prince Regent to let him open a chest that hadn't been opened in 100 years and - voila! - there were the jewels. Sort of silly, not that Scott was, but that everyone else believed they were lost or stolen.) I vaguely remember that characters in Regency romances are often reading "Waverly," but hadn't thought about the fact that Scott wrote it. I thought this fictionalized account (but sounds like fairly well-informed through letters and research) of Scott's first love and his early life was a delightfully fun page-turner and I thoroughly enjoyed reading the story.
April 10, 2017
It has been great learning about the real people behind these stories that Josi writes. We've all heard of them but I really wasn't very familiar with Henry Longfellow (her first Historical romance book Forever and Forever) or with Sir Walter Scott. The books themselves, while they had added embellishments to necessitate the flow of the story, were informative but I also have enjoyed doing a bit of my own research to understand these men and their role in history.
These are real stories, not fairy tales, where people have tempers, make mistakes, and they aren't always rich in the end. I like that it was real (at least mostly). I'd recommend this book but be prepared to read about real heart break and how that heart break can change some things about you for the rest of your life. Life isn't all sunshine and roses, but as it is said we must know bitter to know sweet. I'm glad he found his sweet.
These are real stories, not fairy tales, where people have tempers, make mistakes, and they aren't always rich in the end. I like that it was real (at least mostly). I'd recommend this book but be prepared to read about real heart break and how that heart break can change some things about you for the rest of your life. Life isn't all sunshine and roses, but as it is said we must know bitter to know sweet. I'm glad he found his sweet.
September 30, 2022
Sir Walter Scott is convinced he will marry Mina Stuart even though as his father very succinctly put it, “Marriage on unequal grounds will niver be steady.”
For the first part of this story, I wasn’t crazy about but I think it was largely because I wasn’t a fan of Mina, such as Sir Walter Scott was. He had a zest for life about him, and it was something that I did not get from Mina. He was in love with an illusion.
Charlotte Carpenter is bold, outspoken, and everything that Walter is looking for though still heartsick of Mina, he doesn’t see it at first. I would be really upset if they hadn’t ended up, then history had already played itself out, so it’s just my fancy that I agreed with a history that already played out well for Charlotte and Walter. Very enjoyable.
For the first part of this story, I wasn’t crazy about but I think it was largely because I wasn’t a fan of Mina, such as Sir Walter Scott was. He had a zest for life about him, and it was something that I did not get from Mina. He was in love with an illusion.
Charlotte Carpenter is bold, outspoken, and everything that Walter is looking for though still heartsick of Mina, he doesn’t see it at first. I would be really upset if they hadn’t ended up, then history had already played itself out, so it’s just my fancy that I agreed with a history that already played out well for Charlotte and Walter. Very enjoyable.
February 4, 2017
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher.*
I didn't know much about Sir Walter Scott or his personal life, so this book was interesting simply for learning about this famous author, even if the story felt predictable. I did like out the author developed the characters and their conflicts, but I was disappointed in the quality of the writing - I kept wanting to encourage the author to make slightly different vocabulary choices and to develop a richer atmosphere to draw the reader in (to be fair, all of these is easier said than done). Overall, this was a decent novel based on Sir Walter Scott's early life and those familiar with his literary works would likely enjoy it.
I didn't know much about Sir Walter Scott or his personal life, so this book was interesting simply for learning about this famous author, even if the story felt predictable. I did like out the author developed the characters and their conflicts, but I was disappointed in the quality of the writing - I kept wanting to encourage the author to make slightly different vocabulary choices and to develop a richer atmosphere to draw the reader in (to be fair, all of these is easier said than done). Overall, this was a decent novel based on Sir Walter Scott's early life and those familiar with his literary works would likely enjoy it.
March 31, 2017
3.5 stars. This is one of Kilpack's best books! It's the story of Sir Walter Scott's "first love vs best love" story. I enjoyed reading it, and loved the notes at the end. But in reading the notes and seeing how much was made up and assumed I felt so disappointed that it dropped a star. I was hoping he'd left behind enough journals and letters that it was largely taken from his real life, but she really had to guess to fill in the holes of what we do/don't know. She told a very sweet story, so if you don't care about the facts, you might really love it!
October 10, 2016
It's difficult going in to a book knowing you are going to read about heartbreak. But luckily, we also know that there will be great love to come afterwards.
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February 7, 2017
This book touched my heart in different ways. You have love, lost, found and love again all in one book. Though I enjoyed the book there were a few times when the story line slowed down. Overall it was a good read and I recommend if you enjoy Romance & Historical fiction.
June 7, 2018
Scottish poet Sir Walter Scott falls madly in love with Mina when she is a young teenager and he a new adult. Years pass, but never does his determination to marry her wane, despite her higher class, greater wealth, and disapproving parents. But his relentless love is drastically stopped when she announces her engagement to another. Brokenhearted, he finds it impossible to fall in love with another. But perhaps a different, a stronger, more rational kind of love will be what truly makes a marriage. Perhaps French Charlotte Carpenter who is closer to his age will provide that kind of love - if he can ever bear to take that chance.
The Lady of the Lakes by Josi S. Kilpack is the historically accurate story of Sir Walter Scott's love life. According to her notes at the end of the book, the author followed the letters and records left to be found in history to rebuild the story of Sir Walter Scott's journey to marriage. I appreciated the author's attention to historical detail and how accurately this book reflected the real romance.
For the first half of the book, Sir Walter Scott is swept away by his love for Mina, but it is difficult for both him and her to discover if their love for each other is the true, lasting kind or something born of flattery and infatuation. Sir Walter Scott's journey is a difficult one, but it ends happily for him. The lessons he learns about the difference between infatuation and real love are applicable to readers, for which I was grateful.
I enjoyed reading this book, and I especially enjoyed how accurately this book reflected the real events. I recommend it to fans of historical fiction, especially those interested in Sir Walter Scott's poetry.
I received a complementary copy of this book. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for sharing them.
The Lady of the Lakes by Josi S. Kilpack is the historically accurate story of Sir Walter Scott's love life. According to her notes at the end of the book, the author followed the letters and records left to be found in history to rebuild the story of Sir Walter Scott's journey to marriage. I appreciated the author's attention to historical detail and how accurately this book reflected the real romance.
For the first half of the book, Sir Walter Scott is swept away by his love for Mina, but it is difficult for both him and her to discover if their love for each other is the true, lasting kind or something born of flattery and infatuation. Sir Walter Scott's journey is a difficult one, but it ends happily for him. The lessons he learns about the difference between infatuation and real love are applicable to readers, for which I was grateful.
I enjoyed reading this book, and I especially enjoyed how accurately this book reflected the real events. I recommend it to fans of historical fiction, especially those interested in Sir Walter Scott's poetry.
I received a complementary copy of this book. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for sharing them.
September 15, 2018
I felt this was very different from the usual fluff that I read and I liked it. It’s based on the true love story of Sir Walter Scott. I felt like Kilpack did a very good job with it. I felt like the characters felt real and believable.
February 8, 2022
Started off slow, took time to introduced the characters. Took a bit to actually get into, but toward the end it was good! Verrrrry slow burn for love interests
June 22, 2017
Great Scott, a good gentle romance!
Not that gentle romances can't be good. But truth is usually more interesting than fiction, so a fictionalized version of an actual story has a hard row to hoe. Kilpack, however, delivers, sending me back to the library catalog to find #1 in this series.
Walter Scott met Mina Stuart when she was still in her teens, and was instantly gobsmacked. Mina cares for Walter, too, but, alas, she comes from money and a title, so her family expects her to aim a wee bit higher. Scott actually married a Frenchwoman named Charlotte Charpentier (Anglicized to "Carpenter" by her English relatives) later in life, so it's no secret that his love for Mina will go down in flames. The interesting part is watching how Kilpack spins out the tale, contrasting Scott's early love for Mina with his more mature love for Charlotte later on. Because so many historical romance fans are very fond of accuracy, genre fans will appreciate Kilpack's chapter notes, where she explains what was faithful to the record and what was her own invention.
Librarians who have run out of suggestions for their gentle romance fans will appreciate Kilpack's genteel style which includes no swearing or sex. A few indecent topics are referred to, but the context makes it very clear that such behaviors are Very Inappropriate and not approved of by any of the characters (Charlotte's concern for her virtue, on account of the low opinion held of many Frenchwomen at the time, is extra poignant in this regard). It's also really neat to see a male protagonist grapple with his feelings and desires, not because it's fun to watch people suffer, but because we so rarely get to see the man's pov in a heterosexual romance. The style may be a wee bit stuffy for some, but on the whole, this is a solid add where historical romances are popular. Recommended.
Not that gentle romances can't be good. But truth is usually more interesting than fiction, so a fictionalized version of an actual story has a hard row to hoe. Kilpack, however, delivers, sending me back to the library catalog to find #1 in this series.
Walter Scott met Mina Stuart when she was still in her teens, and was instantly gobsmacked. Mina cares for Walter, too, but, alas, she comes from money and a title, so her family expects her to aim a wee bit higher. Scott actually married a Frenchwoman named Charlotte Charpentier (Anglicized to "Carpenter" by her English relatives) later in life, so it's no secret that his love for Mina will go down in flames. The interesting part is watching how Kilpack spins out the tale, contrasting Scott's early love for Mina with his more mature love for Charlotte later on. Because so many historical romance fans are very fond of accuracy, genre fans will appreciate Kilpack's chapter notes, where she explains what was faithful to the record and what was her own invention.
Librarians who have run out of suggestions for their gentle romance fans will appreciate Kilpack's genteel style which includes no swearing or sex. A few indecent topics are referred to, but the context makes it very clear that such behaviors are Very Inappropriate and not approved of by any of the characters (Charlotte's concern for her virtue, on account of the low opinion held of many Frenchwomen at the time, is extra poignant in this regard). It's also really neat to see a male protagonist grapple with his feelings and desires, not because it's fun to watch people suffer, but because we so rarely get to see the man's pov in a heterosexual romance. The style may be a wee bit stuffy for some, but on the whole, this is a solid add where historical romances are popular. Recommended.
November 17, 2016
Walter Scott falls in love with Mina Stuart the first time he sees her—and spends the next five years planning their future together. Mina is flattered by Walter’s attention and swept up in his romantic flattery, but she doesn’t know for sure if her heart truly belongs to him...and when her parents encourage her to consider the attentions of William Forbes, she finds herself more torn than ever.
Charlotte Carpenter is a Catholic, French-born orphan, with the added disadvantage of being the daughter of an adulteress, so she doesn’t expect to ever marry. She has made peace with that and is determined to learn how to be an independent woman, managing her own household and life. When she meets Walter Scott, though, she finds maybe she wants more—but is Walter’s heart free to love or does it still belong to Mina?
I wasn’t at all familiar with Sir Walter Scott’s background before reading this book, so it was interesting to find out a little bit about him. I like how Kilpack showed his personality, his romanticism and idealism, contrasted with Charlotte’s more practical nature, while Mina’s hesitancy and doubts were realistic of a young girl figuring out her own heart.
I was captivated by the story; I couldn’t wait to find out who Walter would end up with and how it would all work out. I was really tempted to peak ahead to the end of the book or do some quick internet research to find some answers, which I think is indicative of how well the author pulled me into the story. This would make a great book for discussion—there are some interesting points about true love and whether there is such a thing as love at first sight and how love grows.
I read an ARC from NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
See more of my reviews at http://adriennesbooks.blogspot.com/
Charlotte Carpenter is a Catholic, French-born orphan, with the added disadvantage of being the daughter of an adulteress, so she doesn’t expect to ever marry. She has made peace with that and is determined to learn how to be an independent woman, managing her own household and life. When she meets Walter Scott, though, she finds maybe she wants more—but is Walter’s heart free to love or does it still belong to Mina?
I wasn’t at all familiar with Sir Walter Scott’s background before reading this book, so it was interesting to find out a little bit about him. I like how Kilpack showed his personality, his romanticism and idealism, contrasted with Charlotte’s more practical nature, while Mina’s hesitancy and doubts were realistic of a young girl figuring out her own heart.
I was captivated by the story; I couldn’t wait to find out who Walter would end up with and how it would all work out. I was really tempted to peak ahead to the end of the book or do some quick internet research to find some answers, which I think is indicative of how well the author pulled me into the story. This would make a great book for discussion—there are some interesting points about true love and whether there is such a thing as love at first sight and how love grows.
I read an ARC from NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
See more of my reviews at http://adriennesbooks.blogspot.com/
April 24, 2017
This is based on the true love story of Walter Scott, Scottish poet and author. It’s about first loves and best loves. The author did an AMAZING job weaving history into a heart-tugging tale. I really loved Walter. He’s a passionate soul that wears his heart on his sleeve. He believes in love at first sight, because he has experienced it with Mina Stuart. They correspond long distance for over four years and he believes he will marry her, even though she’s in the upper class, and he’s but a lowly barrister in the middle class. So begins the true-life journey of this amazing, good man. The other character is Charlotte, who is a French woman who is the ward of Lord Devonshire since her parents both died when she was a child. She lives in England and has given up hope of ever marrying. She won’t marry for any other reason than love, and she is too old and on the shelf to find that—in her mid-twenties. But she’s determined to become independent and not rely on her guardian any longer since she is getting on in age. When she meets Walter on a vacation, they both feel that each is a special friend they get along well with. But Walter’s heart was caught and broken once. He does not feel he will ever be able to love again, nor dares he risk it. You must read his story to experience this beautiful journey of his heart. It’s awesome. I was fascinated with his history. This book was super well done. Writing was flawless, with bits and pieces of Scott’s original writings woven into it. Bravo.
April 22, 2018
Do yourself a favor and just skip the entire first half of the book. It was needlessly long and completely pointless to the overall plot seeing as they refer back to what happened with Mina ad nauseam in the second half. I really did enjoy the second half of the book, especially as they explore the connection with Walter and Charlotte. It would have been better to focus more on their relationship than spend half the book with Walter pinning for Mina, when it was obvious that they were not going to get together.
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