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Lakeshire Park
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.
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.
320 pages, Paperback
First published April 7, 2020
348 people are currently reading
10496 people want to read
About the author
Megan Walker
6 books960 followersMegan Walker was raised on a berry farm in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, where her imagination took her to times past and worlds away. While earning her degree in Early Childhood Education, she married her one true love and started a family. But her imaginings of Regency England wouldn't leave her alone, so she picked up a pen. And the rest is history. She lives in St. Louis, Missouri, with her husband and three children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,720 reviews
May 18, 2021
I loved this story. I really, really love a story that shows me exactly why two people fall in love. That is the one thing I miss from Jane Austen's stories, the talking. They hardly talk to each other. Elizabeth and Darcy fall in love only speaking to each other a handful of times. Most of that time is spent saying unkind things to each other. I think because I am such a huge word person I love an author that gives me lots of speaking words. Julianne Donaldson does a good job of this and that is what I am comparing this book to. If you read Edenbrook and loved it, you will like this. Enemies to Lovers troupe worked so well in this story. I fell in love with them both as they fell in love with each other. There was the perfect balance of drama and play, and the conflict was brilliant and then brilliantly resolved! SO happy I got to read this! Thank you Netgally:}
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April 13, 2025
|| 2.5 stars ||
In a way, I did think this was cute, but I also found it to be deeply underwhelming. It just kind of gave me… nothing.
I mean, I truly wanted to love it because the premise and basis of the story were right up my alley, but I just wasn’t feeling it; no emotion, no connection, and no true love.
I also had trouble connecting to, or even liking, any of the characters. I mostly struggled to even understand any of them; it seemed to me like everyone was being incredibly difficult when there was no reason to.
For example, when it was clear to Peter that Amelia returned his affections, why did he not ask for her hand? If he had been paying even the slightest bit of attention, he’d know that’s what she’d need, and yet he just didn’t.
He was supposedly pining for her the entire time as well, but a lot of his actions suggested otherwise, in my opinion. I think the book wants me to think Peter was obsessed with her in the sense of him being totally whipped and smitten, but if that were the case, he truly acted quite stupidly on multiple occasions. A lot of his actions very much did not help any kind of endeavour to make him appear more admirable in her eyes. And so, I just did not feel like he truly tried his best at all times, and he never actually seemed desperate for her approval or her affection in a way I would have expected.
I don’t know, I just found the behaviour in this dynamic hard to read. From both of them, to be honest, because she was incredibly wishy-washy with all her back-and-forth as well.
Any remotely sensible person would have understood he was interested, yet she kept on questioning that fact (which, of course, could have also been easily fixed by him simply making himself ultra clear by asking for her hand, but I digress to my earlier point with that).
Honestly, her inability to just take what she wanted confused as well as grated on me. She was playing the constant martyr to the point where it truly became annoying.
Additionally, even the side characters’ story was impossible to understand as well; why on earth did Ronald wait so long to make his intentions toward Clara clear? If he truly loved her so much, why was he still stringing Georgina along as well? Him postponing to make a choice was just weird, in my opinion, and so I felt unable to care about their romance at all, or even do something as simple as root for them.
All in all, this book could have really been something, but it just wasn’t.
In a way, I did think this was cute, but I also found it to be deeply underwhelming. It just kind of gave me… nothing.
I mean, I truly wanted to love it because the premise and basis of the story were right up my alley, but I just wasn’t feeling it; no emotion, no connection, and no true love.
I also had trouble connecting to, or even liking, any of the characters. I mostly struggled to even understand any of them; it seemed to me like everyone was being incredibly difficult when there was no reason to.
For example, when it was clear to Peter that Amelia returned his affections, why did he not ask for her hand? If he had been paying even the slightest bit of attention, he’d know that’s what she’d need, and yet he just didn’t.
He was supposedly pining for her the entire time as well, but a lot of his actions suggested otherwise, in my opinion. I think the book wants me to think Peter was obsessed with her in the sense of him being totally whipped and smitten, but if that were the case, he truly acted quite stupidly on multiple occasions. A lot of his actions very much did not help any kind of endeavour to make him appear more admirable in her eyes. And so, I just did not feel like he truly tried his best at all times, and he never actually seemed desperate for her approval or her affection in a way I would have expected.
I don’t know, I just found the behaviour in this dynamic hard to read. From both of them, to be honest, because she was incredibly wishy-washy with all her back-and-forth as well.
Any remotely sensible person would have understood he was interested, yet she kept on questioning that fact (which, of course, could have also been easily fixed by him simply making himself ultra clear by asking for her hand, but I digress to my earlier point with that).
Honestly, her inability to just take what she wanted confused as well as grated on me. She was playing the constant martyr to the point where it truly became annoying.
Additionally, even the side characters’ story was impossible to understand as well; why on earth did Ronald wait so long to make his intentions toward Clara clear? If he truly loved her so much, why was he still stringing Georgina along as well? Him postponing to make a choice was just weird, in my opinion, and so I felt unable to care about their romance at all, or even do something as simple as root for them.
All in all, this book could have really been something, but it just wasn’t.
November 24, 2020
I DNF’d this book after reading 40%.
One of my favorite tropes in romance is that of enemies to lovers. So, as you can imagine when I read the premise for this book I was intrigued by the prospect.
The book started well enough, with Amelia and her sister Clara living as wards to their stepfather who hates them. I thought it was a little over the top with the mustache twirling evil stepfather but I let it go. The writing was unsophisticated, yet not bad, though the author tends to lean to much towards the purple prose spectrum of romance writing. Unfortunately, this was complimented with anachronistic language and behavior and as anyone who knows me knows, I hate anachronisms in historical novels. I can let small things slide but there’s some truly egregious anachronism in this book.
A reviewer mentioned that this felt like a YA Regency Romance novel and I thought that was the perfect description for this book. The characters were very young , almost immature in their behavior even though Amelia is 19 and Peter is 24. There’s a maturity that is expected of people of that age living in Regency England. Then we have the exaggerated behaviors, such as that of the evil stepfather, the evil London chaperone, the extremely caddy romantic rival. It’s not that there can’t be truly terrible people in stories, in fact that can enrich them as there are truly terrible people in this world, but there’s a way to write them that doesn’t feel cartoonish.
A few examples. Amelia and Clara’s parents married because their father “compromised” their mother by being seen kissing her at a ball. This is a bit of a stench but we’ll let it go. However, then Amelia and Peter spend countless hours and days together alone without a chaperone and no one bats an eye about it. Hmmm, Additionally, after knowing each other for mere hours they refer to each other using their first names (Christian names). This is after not being formally introduced the first time they meet and having Peter grab Amelia by the arm until she told him her name. Really? Yes, really.
Then we have the standard YA romantic triangle (I’m not a fan of romantic triangles (especially with one of the girls acting completely outrageously). I’m not a fan of the love triangle but it can be done right at times.
Now, there’s a way to do this, where there’s a “bad girl” -though why do girl have to be catty, I don’t know - who tries with her sophistication and higher breeding to snare “the man” without acting, well, catty
There are a few other examples but you get the picture. I think this author would have benefited from doing better research. It would have helped with the anachronistic scenes and language. I think the sophistication in her writing will evolve as she continues to write but she should work on it. She’s not a bad writer, there’s potential there but she needs to elevate her writing if she want to write serious adult romance.
Overall, this book could have been a sweet simple romance but it suffered from poor research and unsophisticated writing.
P. S. There are a lot of very good to excellent Proper Romance books out there but you have to really search for them. There’s too many that try and fail because they confuse clean romance with simple people who’s most complex emotion is anger.
One of my favorite tropes in romance is that of enemies to lovers. So, as you can imagine when I read the premise for this book I was intrigued by the prospect.
The book started well enough, with Amelia and her sister Clara living as wards to their stepfather who hates them. I thought it was a little over the top with the mustache twirling evil stepfather but I let it go. The writing was unsophisticated, yet not bad, though the author tends to lean to much towards the purple prose spectrum of romance writing. Unfortunately, this was complimented with anachronistic language and behavior and as anyone who knows me knows, I hate anachronisms in historical novels. I can let small things slide but there’s some truly egregious anachronism in this book.
A reviewer mentioned that this felt like a YA Regency Romance novel and I thought that was the perfect description for this book. The characters were very young , almost immature in their behavior even though Amelia is 19 and Peter is 24. There’s a maturity that is expected of people of that age living in Regency England. Then we have the exaggerated behaviors, such as that of the evil stepfather, the evil London chaperone, the extremely caddy romantic rival. It’s not that there can’t be truly terrible people in stories, in fact that can enrich them as there are truly terrible people in this world, but there’s a way to write them that doesn’t feel cartoonish.
A few examples. Amelia and Clara’s parents married because their father “compromised” their mother by being seen kissing her at a ball. This is a bit of a stench but we’ll let it go. However, then Amelia and Peter spend countless hours and days together alone without a chaperone and no one bats an eye about it. Hmmm, Additionally, after knowing each other for mere hours they refer to each other using their first names (Christian names). This is after not being formally introduced the first time they meet and having Peter grab Amelia by the arm until she told him her name. Really? Yes, really.
Then we have the standard YA romantic triangle (I’m not a fan of romantic triangles (especially with one of the girls acting completely outrageously). I’m not a fan of the love triangle but it can be done right at times.
Now, there’s a way to do this, where there’s a “bad girl” -though why do girl have to be catty, I don’t know - who tries with her sophistication and higher breeding to snare “the man” without acting, well, catty
There are a few other examples but you get the picture. I think this author would have benefited from doing better research. It would have helped with the anachronistic scenes and language. I think the sophistication in her writing will evolve as she continues to write but she should work on it. She’s not a bad writer, there’s potential there but she needs to elevate her writing if she want to write serious adult romance.
Overall, this book could have been a sweet simple romance but it suffered from poor research and unsophisticated writing.
P. S. There are a lot of very good to excellent Proper Romance books out there but you have to really search for them. There’s too many that try and fail because they confuse clean romance with simple people who’s most complex emotion is anger.
April 20, 2020
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!!!
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!!!
October 2, 2022
I know my reading is taking a 180 degree turn nowadays, from JK to HR clean romance… I don’t know for how long, but I’m enjoying this too much 😎🤣
This book was a great read. Very proper and innocent, the H was the sweetest thing and the h was loyal to a fault. I loved see the story evolving and making everything fit in place at the right times.
This book was a great read. Very proper and innocent, the H was the sweetest thing and the h was loyal to a fault. I loved see the story evolving and making everything fit in place at the right times.
November 20, 2023
This was delightful.
December 28, 2019
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I loved it. The writing was beautiful and all I wanted to do was read this until I finished it. I was so excited when I found out about this one because it’s my favorite kind of romance, with a HEA!
The MC were great with lots of angst and chemistry. I laughed out loud many times. Just. So. Romantic. Some of my favorite parts of this book were the games that were played after dinner. It kept a huge smile on my face. It was so much fun. It makes me want to spend a fortnight there.
Like any good book there were characters I loved and characters I hated. I loved Peter and Amelia! They were so much fun to watch and it was nail biting waiting to see how this would play out. I hated Lord Gray, his family and their cruelty to the girls.
**Sigh** I’m sad it’s over and hope the author writes her next one quickly. She’s definitely being added to my favorite authors list!
I highly recommend this book and I’m buying a copy as soon as it’s released.
This was a NETGALLEY gift and all opinions are my own.
I loved it. The writing was beautiful and all I wanted to do was read this until I finished it. I was so excited when I found out about this one because it’s my favorite kind of romance, with a HEA!
The MC were great with lots of angst and chemistry. I laughed out loud many times. Just. So. Romantic. Some of my favorite parts of this book were the games that were played after dinner. It kept a huge smile on my face. It was so much fun. It makes me want to spend a fortnight there.
Like any good book there were characters I loved and characters I hated. I loved Peter and Amelia! They were so much fun to watch and it was nail biting waiting to see how this would play out. I hated Lord Gray, his family and their cruelty to the girls.
**Sigh** I’m sad it’s over and hope the author writes her next one quickly. She’s definitely being added to my favorite authors list!
I highly recommend this book and I’m buying a copy as soon as it’s released.
This was a NETGALLEY gift and all opinions are my own.
October 8, 2025
I’m in love with this author’s writing. It’s simple and yet so vibrant and magical, I can’t get enough of it. The way she writes chemistry! Butterflies guaranteed, ladies.
Amelia and her sister Clara have no income and will soon have nowhere to go. When an opportunity arises for Clara to make a match, the sisters are desperate to make it happen. The problem is Miss Wood, who is interested in the same man, and her handsome brother Peter, who is supporting her.
Peter was great, I love confident heroes who know what they want and are not afraid to go for it. Amelia on the other hand... That girl went to great lengths to jeopardize her own happiness. She was rather desperate, so I can sorta forgive her for making a mess of things, but also, she was so frustratingly blind I wanted to smack her head with my kindle. Girl, open your eyes! He's into you!
All in all this book was rather unputdownable and I'm totally reading everything this author ever published. These gorgeous covers are luring me in.
And can we please, PLEASE have a marriage of convenience story for the poor Mr. David Pendleton? I don’t care what he says, he deserves a second chance at love.
———
Amelia, for being your own worst enemy 🏆
RTC
Amelia and her sister Clara have no income and will soon have nowhere to go. When an opportunity arises for Clara to make a match, the sisters are desperate to make it happen. The problem is Miss Wood, who is interested in the same man, and her handsome brother Peter, who is supporting her.
Peter was great, I love confident heroes who know what they want and are not afraid to go for it. Amelia on the other hand... That girl went to great lengths to jeopardize her own happiness. She was rather desperate, so I can sorta forgive her for making a mess of things, but also, she was so frustratingly blind I wanted to smack her head with my kindle. Girl, open your eyes! He's into you!
All in all this book was rather unputdownable and I'm totally reading everything this author ever published. These gorgeous covers are luring me in.
And can we please, PLEASE have a marriage of convenience story for the poor Mr. David Pendleton? I don’t care what he says, he deserves a second chance at love.
———
Amelia, for being your own worst enemy 🏆
RTC
December 11, 2020
One of the biggest pleasant surprises this year💓!! This is the first proper romance I’ve read (that’s not Mimi Matthews) that I feel is worthy of 5 stars ⭐️. That’s a huge deal for me!! Until now, Matthews is the only non CF writer I feel worthy of 5 stars. This book broke the barrier of “liked it” to “loved it.”
I appreciate how well developed the characters are & how unique the plot is. ( I haven’t read anything similar to it.)The main characters go from enemies to friends to lovers & it was totally well done & in a unique way. I appreciated that the heroine had enough intrapersonal intelligence to recognize her growing feelings for her friend. I get tired of heroines who obviously have feelings for the hero but can’t seem to realize it until right at the last second- it seems unrealistic to me.
A huge strength to the main couple is their banter. I loved the dialogue & how Ms. Walker wrote their chemistry so well. She also threw in some curveballs to the story that really kept things interesting. After I finished listening to this book I knew I wanted a copy for my bookshelf. (Another sign of a winner!)
I will definitely be reading Ms. Walker again!
P.S. I’ve gotten so used to Justine Eyre, the narrator: I love her. She has ruined me for all others...
I appreciate how well developed the characters are & how unique the plot is. ( I haven’t read anything similar to it.)The main characters go from enemies to friends to lovers & it was totally well done & in a unique way. I appreciated that the heroine had enough intrapersonal intelligence to recognize her growing feelings for her friend. I get tired of heroines who obviously have feelings for the hero but can’t seem to realize it until right at the last second- it seems unrealistic to me.
A huge strength to the main couple is their banter. I loved the dialogue & how Ms. Walker wrote their chemistry so well. She also threw in some curveballs to the story that really kept things interesting. After I finished listening to this book I knew I wanted a copy for my bookshelf. (Another sign of a winner!)
I will definitely be reading Ms. Walker again!
P.S. I’ve gotten so used to Justine Eyre, the narrator: I love her. She has ruined me for all others...
April 24, 2020
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)
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)
September 24, 2020
Abandoned about halfway through.
Not only is the plot boring, the author does NOT excel at research and period detail. The setting is vaguely 19th-century-ish but I'm not sure if it's Regency or Victorian or modern wannabe. The author blatantly ignores the rules of etiquette and has ladies spending time unchaperoned with gentlemen with no thought to their reputations. The heroine introduces herself to the hero by her first name thinking to remain anonymous, which isn't correct but OK because it fits the situation but when they meet again they're calling each other by their Christian names and spending time alone together. Um nope.
The heroine seems to complain about all the duties her cruel stepfather has forced on her but that's what women did! A lady managed her household. She didn't sit around playing music and sketching ALL day, especially if she wasn't super wealthy.
Why on earth did Peter's father send him to Paris to study? There was a war on! Artists in the streets of Paris? During a war? Maybe but more likely he would have seen the wretched begging in the streets. Even in the last 5 years since Napoleon surrendered there would have been turmoil but I was willing to overlook that a bit.
Gentlemen with landed estates did not work to accumulate more wealth. Not in 1820. Unless the man was already in "trade" like George Warleggan in the Poldark Saga and even then, the idea was to become a gentleman, a private citizen not engaged in WORK. If Peter's father worked for a living then he's not worthy of Amelia, poverty or not. They're not social equals. Likewise, Amelia would never ever ask what a potential future husband "does." I would assume, since he's the nephew of a titled lady, he's a gentleman and doesn't DO anything in the way of business. That's the way it worked. Mr. Bingley is a good match for Jane Bennet because he's two generations removed from the initial fortune. SHE brings her social cachet as a gentleman's daughter so their children will be gentlemen and ladies.
The hero's mother being cold and unfeeling towards her children isn't all that problematic given the time period. Some parents may have been old-fashioned and treated their children like small adults while others may have followed Jean Jacques Rousseau's teachings in the Age of Enlightenment and seen children as a blank slate to be molded. Certainly by the Victorian era parents kept their kids in the nursery with nannies, maids, governesses and tutors.
The author also needs to learn the difference between solicitor and barrister and who would help the girls find jobs.
The author also needs to find a dictionary and read some Jane Austen. Sensibility meant the exact opposite of how Amelia uses it. An annotated copy of Sense and Sensibility will help if one can't figure out Marianne's sensibility from the context of the novel.
Tea is cups are not pinkies in the air! Nope. SUPER bad manners! Nope. Nope. Nope.
The characters are super one-dimensional and the story suffers from being told in first person.
Do not read this if you are expecting a well-written and researched Regency set novel. Avoid this like the plague if you have Georgette Heyer standards. I recommend to the author to RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH or hire me or some other Regency aficionado to do it for you.
Thank goodness this was free on Hoopla!
Not only is the plot boring, the author does NOT excel at research and period detail. The setting is vaguely 19th-century-ish but I'm not sure if it's Regency or Victorian or modern wannabe. The author blatantly ignores the rules of etiquette and has ladies spending time unchaperoned with gentlemen with no thought to their reputations. The heroine introduces herself to the hero by her first name thinking to remain anonymous, which isn't correct but OK because it fits the situation but when they meet again they're calling each other by their Christian names and spending time alone together. Um nope.
The heroine seems to complain about all the duties her cruel stepfather has forced on her but that's what women did! A lady managed her household. She didn't sit around playing music and sketching ALL day, especially if she wasn't super wealthy.
Why on earth did Peter's father send him to Paris to study? There was a war on! Artists in the streets of Paris? During a war? Maybe but more likely he would have seen the wretched begging in the streets. Even in the last 5 years since Napoleon surrendered there would have been turmoil but I was willing to overlook that a bit.
Gentlemen with landed estates did not work to accumulate more wealth. Not in 1820. Unless the man was already in "trade" like George Warleggan in the Poldark Saga and even then, the idea was to become a gentleman, a private citizen not engaged in WORK. If Peter's father worked for a living then he's not worthy of Amelia, poverty or not. They're not social equals. Likewise, Amelia would never ever ask what a potential future husband "does." I would assume, since he's the nephew of a titled lady, he's a gentleman and doesn't DO anything in the way of business. That's the way it worked. Mr. Bingley is a good match for Jane Bennet because he's two generations removed from the initial fortune. SHE brings her social cachet as a gentleman's daughter so their children will be gentlemen and ladies.
The hero's mother being cold and unfeeling towards her children isn't all that problematic given the time period. Some parents may have been old-fashioned and treated their children like small adults while others may have followed Jean Jacques Rousseau's teachings in the Age of Enlightenment and seen children as a blank slate to be molded. Certainly by the Victorian era parents kept their kids in the nursery with nannies, maids, governesses and tutors.
The author also needs to learn the difference between solicitor and barrister and who would help the girls find jobs.
The author also needs to find a dictionary and read some Jane Austen. Sensibility meant the exact opposite of how Amelia uses it. An annotated copy of Sense and Sensibility will help if one can't figure out Marianne's sensibility from the context of the novel.
Tea is cups are not pinkies in the air! Nope. SUPER bad manners! Nope. Nope. Nope.
The characters are super one-dimensional and the story suffers from being told in first person.
Do not read this if you are expecting a well-written and researched Regency set novel. Avoid this like the plague if you have Georgette Heyer standards. I recommend to the author to RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH or hire me or some other Regency aficionado to do it for you.
Thank goodness this was free on Hoopla!
February 28, 2020
I'm pretty sure this book will go down as one of my very favorite regency romance books of the year. I absolutely adored it. From the very beginning I was pulled into the life of Amelia. It's a troubled life and the difficulties and cruelties weigh heavy on poor Amelia's shoulders. I felt them too, along with her clear determination to give her sister Clara what she not only needs but what she wants as well.
This book gave me so, so many moments to sink my heart into. Honestly, if I could picture it out on a keyboard it would look something like this: ~~{ 💙 } ~~{ 💜 } ~~{ 💚 } ~~{ 💛 }~~{ 💗 }~~{ 💖 }~~{ 😍💋💙 } It was like going from one beautiful scene to the next. Amelia and Peter have a terrible first meet and it carries into their next encounters but the chemistry was there from the beginning- the battle of the wills, the angst (mostly on Amelia's part). But every single moment there was a tangible shift, little by little and I could feel it. I could feel my heart turning, softening and falling with Amelia's. It was so beautiful. So, so romantic. Ummmm. I loved it. Lovey- loved it. Read it again, loved it.
Clean regency romance.
This book gave me so, so many moments to sink my heart into. Honestly, if I could picture it out on a keyboard it would look something like this: ~~{ 💙 } ~~{ 💜 } ~~{ 💚 } ~~{ 💛 }~~{ 💗 }~~{ 💖 }~~{ 😍💋💙 } It was like going from one beautiful scene to the next. Amelia and Peter have a terrible first meet and it carries into their next encounters but the chemistry was there from the beginning- the battle of the wills, the angst (mostly on Amelia's part). But every single moment there was a tangible shift, little by little and I could feel it. I could feel my heart turning, softening and falling with Amelia's. It was so beautiful. So, so romantic. Ummmm. I loved it. Lovey- loved it. Read it again, loved it.
Clean regency romance.
November 30, 2022
Pero que libro más bonito y más sencillo, si es que muchas veces menos es más.
Me han encantado Amelia y Peter, el enfrentamiento verbal que tienen es genial, y que la historia de amor sea lenta ha sido algo que he disfrutado mucho más. La verdad es que me ha dejado con una sonrisa enorme. Ojalá sigan publicando en español a esta autora.
Me han encantado Amelia y Peter, el enfrentamiento verbal que tienen es genial, y que la historia de amor sea lenta ha sido algo que he disfrutado mucho más. La verdad es que me ha dejado con una sonrisa enorme. Ojalá sigan publicando en español a esta autora.
April 26, 2020
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!
Disclosure of material connection: I received this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and the opinions expressed are my own.
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!
Disclosure of material connection: I received this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and the opinions expressed are my own.
May 1, 2020
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!
Content (G): Clean romance, kisses, no violence or language
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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!
Content (G): Clean romance, kisses, no violence or language
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May 2, 2020
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.
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.
April 24, 2020
A definite favorite!
I was deeply captivated from the moment I picked this book up until the final page was finished. In a time of life that is full of uncertainty and chaos, the time I spent within these covers was purely magical and I honestly couldn't get enough of this delightful Regency story. I loved everything about it, from the winsome characters, to the subtle love triangles, to the witty banter and flirtations. I knew I was going to be totally hooked from that delicious first meeting between Amelia and Peter and that hook never released me. In fact, days later, I'm still daydreaming about this beautiful escape.
Amelia and Peter both have the best interests of their sisters at heart, but sometimes the whispers of the heart speak louder than intentions. This house party was so much fun and one of the best ones I've read about, especially the scenes that bordered on inappropriate for the times. Those moments brought giddy smiles to my face, yet my emotions were tugged upon in the nagging threads of desperation that threatened Amelia and her sister.
This story is one of my favorites to date and I'm eagerly anticipating more from this new author.
Content: mild romance
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
I was deeply captivated from the moment I picked this book up until the final page was finished. In a time of life that is full of uncertainty and chaos, the time I spent within these covers was purely magical and I honestly couldn't get enough of this delightful Regency story. I loved everything about it, from the winsome characters, to the subtle love triangles, to the witty banter and flirtations. I knew I was going to be totally hooked from that delicious first meeting between Amelia and Peter and that hook never released me. In fact, days later, I'm still daydreaming about this beautiful escape.
Amelia and Peter both have the best interests of their sisters at heart, but sometimes the whispers of the heart speak louder than intentions. This house party was so much fun and one of the best ones I've read about, especially the scenes that bordered on inappropriate for the times. Those moments brought giddy smiles to my face, yet my emotions were tugged upon in the nagging threads of desperation that threatened Amelia and her sister.
This story is one of my favorites to date and I'm eagerly anticipating more from this new author.
Content: mild romance
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
November 26, 2019
This story was SO charming! And witty...romantic...delightful. I read it in the span of a couple of days and enjoyed it from beginning to end. Great banter, lovely writing and a new spin on Regency romance. I'm glad to have found a new author to follow!
June 7, 2020
Extremely likeable characters, genuinely charming hero and banter and loved the first person pov here. Does well to reiterate the powerlessness women experienced in fashioning their own destinies in the regency period. I did find the liberties and some of the time spent in Peter and Amelia's unofficial courtship to read more modern than we see and there were some anachronisms but easily overlooked due to the joy of the story. I look forward to reading more by this author
May 17, 2020
Actual Rating: 4.5 stars
A great historical romance for fans of Jane Austen with a slow-burn, antipathy-to love relationship and great banter. Lakeshire Park is a promising debut and I really enjoyed my time with it.
Amelia Moore and her sister Clara have lived at the sufferance of their stepfather after the death of their mother. He is now near death and will leave them nothing. Their only way out of a penniless existence is marriage and Amelia is determined to provide happiness for her sister. So when an invitation comes to visit Lakeshire Park, home of Clara's friend and potential suitor, this seems the perfect way out. Unfortunately, Mr. Peter Wood also joins the party in hopes of making a match for his younger sister Georgiana. He and Amelia get off very much on the wrong foot and she despises his haughty selfishness. But of course, he feels quite differently and is determined to win her over.
I found much of this to be very entertaining and the snarky dialogue between Amelia and Peter made me laugh out loud. This is a sweet, quiet romance that definitely takes it's time. The ending left a bit to be desired. It was okay, but the final conflict was a tad melodramatic and the final ending felt less romantic and emotionally resonant than I would have liked. However, it's not easy to write good banter and I would definitely read more from this author in the future. I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review. All opinions are my own.
A great historical romance for fans of Jane Austen with a slow-burn, antipathy-to love relationship and great banter. Lakeshire Park is a promising debut and I really enjoyed my time with it.
Amelia Moore and her sister Clara have lived at the sufferance of their stepfather after the death of their mother. He is now near death and will leave them nothing. Their only way out of a penniless existence is marriage and Amelia is determined to provide happiness for her sister. So when an invitation comes to visit Lakeshire Park, home of Clara's friend and potential suitor, this seems the perfect way out. Unfortunately, Mr. Peter Wood also joins the party in hopes of making a match for his younger sister Georgiana. He and Amelia get off very much on the wrong foot and she despises his haughty selfishness. But of course, he feels quite differently and is determined to win her over.
I found much of this to be very entertaining and the snarky dialogue between Amelia and Peter made me laugh out loud. This is a sweet, quiet romance that definitely takes it's time. The ending left a bit to be desired. It was okay, but the final conflict was a tad melodramatic and the final ending felt less romantic and emotionally resonant than I would have liked. However, it's not easy to write good banter and I would definitely read more from this author in the future. I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review. All opinions are my own.
October 24, 2020
What a delightful surprise. I recommend to fans of historical romances.
May 4, 2024
I don’t think I’ve ever read a book that made me both laugh and cry as much as Lakeshire Park did.
An invitation to a party in Lakeshire Park is the last opportunity for the Moore sisters to marry before their stepfather dies and they are left in the streets with nothing more than the clothes they have on. Luckily for Amelia Moore, Sir Ronald seems to like her sister Clara as much as her sister does. If only Peter Wood stopped trying to convince his friend his own sister would be a way better match, Clara may have a chance.
But Amelia won’t let the horrible man put her sister’s happiness in jeopardy: she will do whatever is needed to make sure Peter stays away from her sister and Ronald, even if that means having to spend every single afternoon with the devil herself.
Megan Walker created such an amazing romance I don’t know where to start. I loved that Amelia and Peter started with the wrong foot only to make it worse when they realize that their sisters will be competing for the same gentleman. How Peter quickly realized Amelia was the one he wanted and made sure to spend every single second available with her, even if that meant making up silly pacts.
If there is something that squeezes my cold heart until it floods, it’s unrequited love. Iloved suffered witnessing how much pain Amelia was causing Peter without meaning to, how she was completely oblivious of how much he loved her. It was so painful, seeing him getting hopeful every single time. I understood why Amelia didn’t like him at first and it was delightful to see her trying to fight the feelings that kept growing the more time she spent next to him. The worst part is that you get why Amelia was the way she was. She only had a few days to make sure her sister got married, or got married herself if needed to save them both. There was no time for flirting and falling in love, she needed to harden her heart and be pragmatic.
There exists a peaceful moment when one first opens one's eyes, when all the world is just as it should be. And then you blink, and just like that the moment vanishes like smoke in the wind.
Sometimes I have a problem with books that are fun because they often feel superficial. Not this time. I barely ever shed a tear, but I sobbed reading Amelia’s struggles. I had the time of my life laughing along with them. I have no words to make justice to this, but this is how you write a romance. Although I wished it wasn’t a clean romance, when you have a love as big as theirs, not having smut is a price I’m more than willing to pay.
Overall, I would highly recommend Lakeshire Park if you want a historical romance that has a heroine who feels as human as you, a hero you will want to marry yourself and a well-thought plot that will keep you on your toes.
*rating: 4.5/5
An invitation to a party in Lakeshire Park is the last opportunity for the Moore sisters to marry before their stepfather dies and they are left in the streets with nothing more than the clothes they have on. Luckily for Amelia Moore, Sir Ronald seems to like her sister Clara as much as her sister does. If only Peter Wood stopped trying to convince his friend his own sister would be a way better match, Clara may have a chance.
But Amelia won’t let the horrible man put her sister’s happiness in jeopardy: she will do whatever is needed to make sure Peter stays away from her sister and Ronald, even if that means having to spend every single afternoon with the devil herself.
Megan Walker created such an amazing romance I don’t know where to start. I loved that Amelia and Peter started with the wrong foot only to make it worse when they realize that their sisters will be competing for the same gentleman. How Peter quickly realized Amelia was the one he wanted and made sure to spend every single second available with her, even if that meant making up silly pacts.
If there is something that squeezes my cold heart until it floods, it’s unrequited love. I
There exists a peaceful moment when one first opens one's eyes, when all the world is just as it should be. And then you blink, and just like that the moment vanishes like smoke in the wind.
Sometimes I have a problem with books that are fun because they often feel superficial. Not this time. I barely ever shed a tear, but I sobbed reading Amelia’s struggles. I had the time of my life laughing along with them. I have no words to make justice to this, but this is how you write a romance. Although I wished it wasn’t a clean romance, when you have a love as big as theirs, not having smut is a price I’m more than willing to pay.
Overall, I would highly recommend Lakeshire Park if you want a historical romance that has a heroine who feels as human as you, a hero you will want to marry yourself and a well-thought plot that will keep you on your toes.
*rating: 4.5/5
April 24, 2020
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.
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.
December 12, 2021
Amelia Moore tiene un objetivo claro y es aprovechar la invitación de sir Ronald para conseguir un matrimonio ventajoso para su hermana Clara y evitar así quedar las dos en la calle cuando muera su padrastro, pero nada será fácil porque Peter Wood busca lo mismo para su hermana Georgina.
Esta editorial suele sacar novelas que me llaman la atención, pero temiendo encontrarme con novelas de tipo religioso suelo dejarlas pasar y es que leídas un par de este tipo no me hicieron mucha gracia. Cuando vas a comprar te encuentras con que en muchas ocasiones las catalogan mal o no detallan esto que para mí es crucial para decantarme por ella o no hacerlo.
Vi unas cuantas reseñas que dejaban claro que se trataba de un “clean romance” libre de temas religiosos (creo que lo denominan romance inspiracional) y esto me animó a leerlo, ya que no me importa no encontrar sexo explícito, lo que me importa es una buena historia.
En lo que se refiere a asemejar esta novela con las de Jane Austen pues... no me gustan las comparaciones que queréis que os diga, ya me aburren este tipo de ardides para enganchar lectores, lo mismo que si son iguales a los Bridgerton, o a la serie que esté de moda en ese momento. Paso de ponerme a comparar, no quiero porque no disfruto la lectura.
El argumento principal es el matrimonio de conveniencia, Amelia es una joven sensata que se ha hecho cargo de su familia (lo que viene siendo su hermana Clara), desde pequeña ha vivido con la historia de sus padres, un matrimonio nacido de un escándalo en el que no hubo amor, es por ello que Amelia es taxativa en sus pensamientos y no cree en él. Las circunstancias actuales, viviendo junto a un padrastro que “cuida” de ellas por obligación y a punto de ser despojadas de su protección a su muerte, la empujan a ser más fuerte, incluso a sacrificarse para que su hermana sea feliz.
Aquí entra en escena Peter Wood, que busca lo mismo para su hermana Georgina, quiere que sea feliz aunque en este caso él cuenta con una fortuna y sus pensamientos sobre el amor son bien distintos a los de Amelia.
El romance se cuece a fuego lento, la autora nos trae una relación que comienza por un enfrentamiento por conseguir un matrimonio para sus hermanas con Reginald, tanto Amelia como Peter luchan por conseguir su objetivo y poco a poco se irán conociendo y surgirá el afecto. Me han encantado esos momentos en los que los dos se enfrentan y luego como poco a poco se van haciendo amigos y algo más, las charlas, situaciones divertidas. Los momentos entre ellos son encantadores, Peter poco a poco con su picardía y buen humor se va haciendo con el corazón de Amelia.
La pena es que la autora... https://oceanodelibros.blogspot.com/2...
Esta editorial suele sacar novelas que me llaman la atención, pero temiendo encontrarme con novelas de tipo religioso suelo dejarlas pasar y es que leídas un par de este tipo no me hicieron mucha gracia. Cuando vas a comprar te encuentras con que en muchas ocasiones las catalogan mal o no detallan esto que para mí es crucial para decantarme por ella o no hacerlo.
Vi unas cuantas reseñas que dejaban claro que se trataba de un “clean romance” libre de temas religiosos (creo que lo denominan romance inspiracional) y esto me animó a leerlo, ya que no me importa no encontrar sexo explícito, lo que me importa es una buena historia.
En lo que se refiere a asemejar esta novela con las de Jane Austen pues... no me gustan las comparaciones que queréis que os diga, ya me aburren este tipo de ardides para enganchar lectores, lo mismo que si son iguales a los Bridgerton, o a la serie que esté de moda en ese momento. Paso de ponerme a comparar, no quiero porque no disfruto la lectura.
El argumento principal es el matrimonio de conveniencia, Amelia es una joven sensata que se ha hecho cargo de su familia (lo que viene siendo su hermana Clara), desde pequeña ha vivido con la historia de sus padres, un matrimonio nacido de un escándalo en el que no hubo amor, es por ello que Amelia es taxativa en sus pensamientos y no cree en él. Las circunstancias actuales, viviendo junto a un padrastro que “cuida” de ellas por obligación y a punto de ser despojadas de su protección a su muerte, la empujan a ser más fuerte, incluso a sacrificarse para que su hermana sea feliz.
Aquí entra en escena Peter Wood, que busca lo mismo para su hermana Georgina, quiere que sea feliz aunque en este caso él cuenta con una fortuna y sus pensamientos sobre el amor son bien distintos a los de Amelia.
El romance se cuece a fuego lento, la autora nos trae una relación que comienza por un enfrentamiento por conseguir un matrimonio para sus hermanas con Reginald, tanto Amelia como Peter luchan por conseguir su objetivo y poco a poco se irán conociendo y surgirá el afecto. Me han encantado esos momentos en los que los dos se enfrentan y luego como poco a poco se van haciendo amigos y algo más, las charlas, situaciones divertidas. Los momentos entre ellos son encantadores, Peter poco a poco con su picardía y buen humor se va haciendo con el corazón de Amelia.
La pena es que la autora... https://oceanodelibros.blogspot.com/2...
April 16, 2020
It’s been such a long time since I’ve adored a book as much as I adored Lakeshire Park, but from the moment I began reading, I was sucked into Megan Walker’s beautiful writing and even more beautiful story. The romance between Amelia and Peter captivated me from the beginning and didn’t let me go as it gently led me from one wonderful and romantic scene to the next as the relationship between our hero and heroine deepened and unfolded. It was simply a delightful, magical story, and I’m trying to find the words to describe why I loved it so much.
The prose was gorgeous, while Amelia’s first-person narration was both immersive and added an element of mystery for us not to know what Peter was thinking. Both Amelia and Peter were fantastic characters who had fantastic chemistry with one another and helped each other experience such satisfying growth throughout their story. The conflict of both of their sisters wanting to marry the same man and both Amelia and Peter wanting their happiness added some wonderful tension that made this enemies-to-lovers romance even more engaging. Their journey of falling in love and finally coming together was utterly delightful, charming romantic, and truly beautiful.
Lakeshire Park has definitely become a new favorite. I enjoyed every moment of it and know this is a delightful story I’ll not only treasure but reread many more times. I can’t wait to see what Megan Walker writes next.
The prose was gorgeous, while Amelia’s first-person narration was both immersive and added an element of mystery for us not to know what Peter was thinking. Both Amelia and Peter were fantastic characters who had fantastic chemistry with one another and helped each other experience such satisfying growth throughout their story. The conflict of both of their sisters wanting to marry the same man and both Amelia and Peter wanting their happiness added some wonderful tension that made this enemies-to-lovers romance even more engaging. Their journey of falling in love and finally coming together was utterly delightful, charming romantic, and truly beautiful.
Lakeshire Park has definitely become a new favorite. I enjoyed every moment of it and know this is a delightful story I’ll not only treasure but reread many more times. I can’t wait to see what Megan Walker writes next.
January 2, 2021
Oh, I loved this one! The hero and heroine had such good chemistry and the banter and the flirty hero had me grinning. The heroine had such a good heart, willing to sacrifice for her sister, but I loved her arc and how she overcame her own fear to fight for love. I’ll be looking for more books by this author.
...
Just as good the second time around.
...
Just as good the second time around.
June 21, 2020
It's been a while since I've read a Regency romance. To be honest first person is not my favorite POV to read but it worked here. I read this over the course of a couple days and found myself eager to get back to it. If you're looking for a sweet, love story- pick this up.
January 28, 2020
2.5 stars rounded up. I was hoping for a smart, Georgette Heyer-style romance, but this read much more like a YA (or, frankly, middle grade) take on the Regency Era. The story starts off with an interesting premise -- sisters Amelia and Clara are on the brink of being homeless and penniless after their evil stepfather reveals he is leaving them nothing upon his imminent death, forcing them to make advantageous marriages or end up in the workhouse. They conveniently are invited to a house party hosted by Clara's potential suitor, at which Clara faces stiff competition from a rich competitor for her suitor's hand. Amelia, meanwhile, is tasked with distracting Clara's competitor's brother -- Peter Wood -- from interfering and giving his own sister an advantage. Naturally, Amelia and Peter start to fall for each other despite their respective sisters believing them to be mortal enemies.
While the bleak situation threatening Amelia and Clara is realistic for the time period, that is perhaps the only historical accuracy in the entire story. Although I'm fairly flexible about historical accuracy levels in romance novels, at a minimum it needs to feel sufficiently grounded in the time period to maintain credibility (or, like Shadow Mountain's other upcoming book, Promised, have a compelling emotional story that counterbalances this issue). Lakeshire Park sadly did not do so. The lack of attention to detail seemed to grow as the story went on, to the point where it took me out of the story too frequently to enjoy. For example, the characters seem to think that they can only be "ruined" by being caught publicly kissing -- like Amelia's parents were -- all the while the main couples spend entire days on their own with no guardians, maids or other supervision and everyone is completely fine with it. This pervasive issue, coupled with the very emotionally immature mindset of Amelia and Peter, made the story feel like a contemporary YA transplanted into the early 1800's.
I still enjoy Shadow Mountain's "Proper Romance" series and look forward to reading more titles in it, though perhaps not from this author.
Thank you to Shadow Mountain Publishing and Netgalley for providing an ARC for review!
While the bleak situation threatening Amelia and Clara is realistic for the time period, that is perhaps the only historical accuracy in the entire story. Although I'm fairly flexible about historical accuracy levels in romance novels, at a minimum it needs to feel sufficiently grounded in the time period to maintain credibility (or, like Shadow Mountain's other upcoming book, Promised, have a compelling emotional story that counterbalances this issue). Lakeshire Park sadly did not do so. The lack of attention to detail seemed to grow as the story went on, to the point where it took me out of the story too frequently to enjoy. For example, the characters seem to think that they can only be "ruined" by being caught publicly kissing -- like Amelia's parents were -- all the while the main couples spend entire days on their own with no guardians, maids or other supervision and everyone is completely fine with it. This pervasive issue, coupled with the very emotionally immature mindset of Amelia and Peter, made the story feel like a contemporary YA transplanted into the early 1800's.
I still enjoy Shadow Mountain's "Proper Romance" series and look forward to reading more titles in it, though perhaps not from this author.
Thank you to Shadow Mountain Publishing and Netgalley for providing an ARC for review!
April 12, 2020
All Amelia Moore wants and needs to do is find a suitable match for her younger sister Clara so she'll be taken care of and provided for. Their mother died two years ago and their stepfather has reluctantly provided the necessities since then only because of his promise to their dying mother. His health is failing and he's made sure Amelia knows that his promise to care for them dies with him. When an invitation arrives from Sir Ronald to attend a house party at Lakeshire Park arrives, Amelia knows this is their last chance for Clara to capture his attention and form an attachment. There's only one problem, Mr. Peter Wood wants the same thing for his sister Miss Georgiana.
I loved this book and can't believe it's a debut novel. I knew Amelia and Peter would end up together after their run-in in the dress shop over a pair of gloves, but I didn't know how Peter would win Amelia over considering their sisters were vying for the attention of the same man. I loved how the author got them together. House party settings are so much fun because of the secondary characters and their interactions. I find them more enjoyable than London parties and balls because they're set in the country and have many activities in which the characters of the story can be placed.
I liked both Amelia and Peter. They wanted the best for their younger sisters, and Amelia learned to trust her heart, and I was thrilled that both sisters find their happily ever after. I liked several of the secondary characters and hope the author gives a couple of them their own stories. I look forward to reading more from Megan Walker.
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and Shadow Mountain. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
I loved this book and can't believe it's a debut novel. I knew Amelia and Peter would end up together after their run-in in the dress shop over a pair of gloves, but I didn't know how Peter would win Amelia over considering their sisters were vying for the attention of the same man. I loved how the author got them together. House party settings are so much fun because of the secondary characters and their interactions. I find them more enjoyable than London parties and balls because they're set in the country and have many activities in which the characters of the story can be placed.
I liked both Amelia and Peter. They wanted the best for their younger sisters, and Amelia learned to trust her heart, and I was thrilled that both sisters find their happily ever after. I liked several of the secondary characters and hope the author gives a couple of them their own stories. I look forward to reading more from Megan Walker.
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and Shadow Mountain. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
August 13, 2020
I actually read this book in 5 hours, something I've not done since before I had kids. The story itself was fine, albeit simple. Simple isn't bad necessarily, it's just not what I was expecting. It could be that my dissatisfaction comes from erroneously and unfairly expecting something close to Jane Austen or Georgette Heyer and so is entirely my fault. Whatever the reason, for a book I felt compelled to read in one sitting, it has left me feeling unfulfilled this morning.
Perhaps the biggest complaint I had about the book was that although it was set in the 1820s, I couldn't get out of 2020. I felt the author did not provide a sense of place at all; It was very much a writing style that told, but did not show me a story. I don't know what the characters looked like or what the estates looked like. Couple that with several anachronisms from the way characters behave to their use of Christian names among aquaintances, I was kept firmly in the present day.
I didn't hate the book, if I really didn't like it I would not have finished it. But I likely won't remember it and if I do, it will be for the aforementioned complaints. Though there were things I liked about the novel, I find myself at a loss to remember them, so much is my mind consumed by the disappointment of having set out with hope for a journey but never having left a pandemic ridden world.
Perhaps the biggest complaint I had about the book was that although it was set in the 1820s, I couldn't get out of 2020. I felt the author did not provide a sense of place at all; It was very much a writing style that told, but did not show me a story. I don't know what the characters looked like or what the estates looked like. Couple that with several anachronisms from the way characters behave to their use of Christian names among aquaintances, I was kept firmly in the present day.
I didn't hate the book, if I really didn't like it I would not have finished it. But I likely won't remember it and if I do, it will be for the aforementioned complaints. Though there were things I liked about the novel, I find myself at a loss to remember them, so much is my mind consumed by the disappointment of having set out with hope for a journey but never having left a pandemic ridden world.
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