Book Review: Lakeshire Park by Megan Walker

Book Description:

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.

Rorie's Review:

I started reading this book several weeks ago, but then I had to put it aside because I had other books that needed to be read first. When I finally was able to come back to it, I thought I might have to start over from the beginning so I could remember what was happening. Thankfully, it only took me about a chapter before I remembered what happened. This was a fun, but heartbreaking story. (Is that even possible?) I enjoyed the antics that Amelia and Peter would get in to each afternoon, but it was heartbreaking watching Amelia try and navigate a very tricky situation with her step-father's edict.

The relationship between the two main characters was entertaining at first and then became so comfortable. It was fun watching it develop. I was a little surprised at how Peter's sister was handled near the end. Not what I was expecting at all, but that wasn't a bad thing. I enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more from this author.

Tarah's Review:

Beautiful. That's the word I would use to describe this story. Everything from the cover to the plot to the characters and, well, you get the picture.  I loved Amelia's and Peter's first encounter....and then all their subsequent ones. The author's writing really shines when those two are together and bantering back and forth.

I will admit that I did keep waiting for the proverbial shoe to drop at some point in the story, and it never really did. Honestly, I liked that aspect of the book. And when I go back and reread it, which I will, I can now enjoy it more fully knowing what is and is not coming.

I vacillated between liking Clara and Georgiana. I suppose that showed their youth, but at times I found them both sweet, and both super frustrating and mean. I'm actually hoping for another story from this author about the sister that didn't get what she was hoping for. I'd love to see a happily ever after for her.

Wonderfully done for a first time author. Walker is definitely someone to keep an eye out for. I hope she writes another one soon.

Andrea's Review:

Lakeshire Park is a wonderful story and a quick read. From the cover to the last page, it held my attention, and I'm looking forward to reading it again.

The tension between Amelia and Peter was wonderful. The initial distaste and then how it grew favorable was great. Their relationship and the story as a whole was compelling.

There are some sad and touching moments which really helped keep me intrigued and connected to the characters. The girls’ past was so sad with the heartless stepfather and their desperate situation.

This is very sweet story that I'd recommend, and I would read more from the author.

Title: Lakeshire Park

Author: Megan Walker

Publisher: Shadow Mountain

Published: April 2020

ISBN: 1629727342

Source: Advanced reader copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are our own.

Purchase: Amazon | Deseret Book