Loving Lieutenant Lancaster by Sarah M. Eden

Loving Lieutenant Lancaster by Sarah M. Eden ISBN-13: 9781524405250 Paperback: 256 pages Publisher: Covenant Communications Released: June 1, 2018

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description from Goodreads:
Orphaned as a child, Arabella Hampton was the unwanted and unloved charge of a cruel aunt and neglectful uncle. The only light in her young life was the kindness of the Jonquil family, and she clung to the childish dream of someday living with them at Lampton Park. Now, years later, that opportunity is presented to Arabella in a most unexpected way: she is to be the lady's companion to the dowager countess. As she takes up residence at the estate, the young woman soon finds that life at the Park is far more complicated than she imagined. The lines of her position are blurred, and she is neither family nor servant. So when the countess plans a grand house party, Arabella is content to hide in the shadows. But one gentleman sees her there.

Lieutenant Linus Lancaster has retired from the navy and is not looking for love, especially when he finds himself entangled in his sisters' scheme to trap him into finding a wife at a house party at Lampton Park. Yet amid the festivities, he's impossibly drawn to the dowager's quiet companion, Arabella. Their regard for each other is undeniable, but they are haunted by their pasts. Can the two find a way to bridge their two worlds?


My Review:
Loving Lieutenant Lancaster is a Regency romance set in 1816 in England. It's the fourth book in the series, but you don't need to read the previous books to understand this one. Arabella was orphaned when a small child and grew up feeling unwanted. She longs to be a part of a loving family but expects to spend her life on the outskirts, never really belonging anywhere. Linus had to leave his sisters when he was young and joined the navy with his brother. He watched his brother die in battle and still grieves. He's come home but hardly knows his sisters. He must eventually take his place running the family estate, but it was something he was never trained to do.

I like that the story shows how our upbringing can shape how we view ourselves and others. Arabella and Linus were both kind, caring people who were drawn to those characteristics in the other. Linus drew Arabella out and helped her engage with others. Arabella helped Linus find the courage to face his future and his grief. But since both have other suitors, they're uncertain if they're just friends or if the other also desires a future together. The historical details about the politics, social manners, and such were woven into the story. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd highly recommend this novel.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.