Review: Lakeshire Park by Megan Walker

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

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.

My Review

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)