Marrying for Security or Marrying Love
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Source: Review Copy from Publisher
Amelia and Clara Moore are two sisters soon to be facing an uncertain future without any family, inheritance, or prospects. Their irritable and unfeeling stepfather, who begrudgingly kept them on as part of his household these last few years after their mother passed, warns Amelia that any support or responsibility he owes to them comes to a swift end with his death. With Lord Gray’s health in rapid decline and an unsuccessful London Season behind them, the sisters are almost in dire straights. But then an invitation to a house party hosted by Sir Ronald Demsworth at his estate, Lakeshire Park, arrives… Amelia is determined to give her sister every opportunity to make a match with Sir Ronald – who she already is smitten with – but decides to keep their looming homelessness to herself. After all, if anyone deserves to find happiness and marry for love it is her sister, Clara.
Amelia’s plans and hopes are immediately thrown awry upon their arrival at Lakeshire Park as they discover the beautiful and wealthy Georgiana Wood is also vying for Sir Ronald’s heart. And what’s more, her older brother, Peter, is there to encourage and support the match. But Amelia won’t let that stop her, she plans to distract and thwart all of Peter Wood’s matchmaking schemes, even if it means spending time with this the insufferably teasing man herself! What happens between Amelia and Peter when an unexpected friendship develops and their sister’s rivalry intensifies???
There is so much I adored about this splendid and beautifully composed Regency Romance! Megan Walker’s writing and characters had me completely consumed. And I loved every aspect of the house party at Lakeshire Park – the pleasant walks and picnics, the games and competitions, horseback riding, dancing, meeting in the gardens – what can I do to secure an invitation to the next house party at Lakeshire Park? Lastly, I love the unexpected course this story traveled. I was smugly thinking I had it all figured out, but I was pleasantly surprised by some clever and unpredictable twists.
I immediately fell in love with the Moore sisters – who, with their deprived inheritance, opposing romantic natures, and dependence on others, reminded me of the Dashwood sisters. Especially Amelia, who quietly carries all responsibility on her shoulders, takes prodigious care of her younger sister, and has a very unromantic outlook on life and love. I completely adored Amelia – she is wise, playful, selfless, brave, and all things endearing.
This next paragraph is all about Peter, who is the type of hero that will ruin readers for all other heroes…! Peter was dangerously charming, adorably provoking, and an incorrigible flirt. But underneath all his irreverence and scheming hides a man full of sincerity, caring responsibility, and unexpected depth. His earnest desires for home and love had my heart melting, and I absolutely adored every single moment he share with Amelia – their banter, powerful chemistry, and sweet scenes of friendship were so heart-touching and memorable.
Lakeshire Park is a riveting and rollicking romance full of engaging characters, house party diversions, subtle Jane Austen nods, and an exquisitely-developed romance. This expressive and romantic tale will delight readers who love Regency romances and are wanting to escape to an English country estate! I highly recommend!
This sounds lovely. Another one on the pile. Thank you for bringing it to our attention here.
Absolutely, lovely! I felt like you, my friend – I read it in less than 24 hours! 😉
Wonderful review and may I join you at the next house party at Lakeshire Park? The cover of this book is gorgeous! I have added this one to my wish list for now.
Thank you, Carole!!! And yes! I’m going to try and wiggle an invite for both of us from Sir Ronald! I adore the cover…I feel it represents the beauty and charm of Lakeshire perfectly!
You made this sound sooo tempting and absolutely delicious! Thanks, Meredith! It’s about time I diversified my reading 😀 . Can’t wait to spy on the house party!
Oh good! I’m happy to hear it tempts you, Joana! I’d love to hear what you think of it when you do read it.
This is one of my absolute favorites this year so far. Five stars for sure! I loved it.
Fantastic! I feel the same way!! So glad to hear you loved it!
Meredith, you have hit upon so many of the great points that make Lakeshire Park so superb. Considering that this is a debut novel, we have a lot to look forward to with this author. Thanks for the great review and for participating in the tour. Best, LA
I’m so impressed with this debut, Laurel Ann! I so hope Megan Walker has another book coming out soon! Thank you so much for putting this blog tour together, I was thrilled to take part!
This sounds so very promising! Thanks for calling my attention to this book, I am always glad to discover a new Regency romance writer. And I love the country house party setting!
Absolutely! I’m happy to introduce this book to anyone who might not have known about it! And I so agree about Regency romance writers! I think you will love this one!
This book has been great wonderful reviews and I added it to my TBR as it’s a little pricey for a kindle book, but having read your review now Meredith I think I’ll have to take the plunge and buy it. You’re always spot on with reviews.
I’m not surprised to hear that there have been a lot of praise and positive reviews for Lakeshire Park – trust me, it is all well-deserved! Thank you for the kind compliment! I hope you love it as much as I did!
beautiful cover
Yes! Don’t you just want to transport yourself there?
Neat how it gave you some good surprises along with a solid and enjoyable read.
Yes! I love when I think I know which way the wind is blowing and then end up wrong!
Meredith, excellent review. As I was reading your description of the house party… I thought I think Meredith and Mr. Bingley would like that place. Y’all’d have that place rocking in no time. LOL! Thanks for sharing. I have this one on my wish-list. Blessings and you two say safe.
Thank you, Jeanne! I so would love to join in a Regency house party! This one especially has a bunch of activities that sound so much fun! Glad to hear you added this one to your wishlist!
What a wonderful review Meredith! I’ve reviewed this book today and I agree with everything you mentioned! The house party activities, the chemistry and friendship between Amelia and Peter, and Peter’s character were my 3 favourite things about this book. Plus, it is so well written 🙂
I’m looking forward to read more stories from this author.
Thank you, Rita! I appreciate you checking out my review! LOL! I’m so glad Peter is one of your favorite aspects of this story!! ❤️ I will pop over and check out your review!!
Thanks for the review, Meredith!! The novel sounds so charming and delightful I can’t wait to have it in my hands LOL
Love the cover with such a golden sunset ( or sunrise, who knows …).
I’ll put it in my wishlist 😉
Hi Teresa! I’m so glad to hear you love the sound of this story! It is definitely a delight!! I hope you get the chance to read it soon!
This sounds as if this will be somewhat of a lighthearted romp and a great addition to my TBR! We all need these kind of stories especially for these times.
Yes! So true! Fun house-party diversions, romantic drama, sisterly love, and a most teasing yet endearing gentleman!