Meriden Park by Julie Daines

Meriden Park
by Julie Daines

ISBN-13: 9781524422431
Paperback: 240 pages
Publisher: Covenant Communications
Released: December 5th 2022

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Following her childhood rescue from the gutters of Calcutta, Mary Grace has lived an astonishing rags-to-riches tale. The childless Wellings raised the half-Indian orphan with love and care, allowing her to grow into a beautiful and refined woman. But upon Mr. Welling's death, Mrs. Welling takes Mary home to England, to Meriden Park.

Despite her genial nature, Mary is received with suspicion by the villagers. For his part, however, Mr. Robert Markham is intrigued by the curious new beauty in town. Determined to make her acquaintance, he offers Mary a bargain: a hot cross bun for a kiss. She offers her hand for the kiss. The first of many encounters between Robert and Mary, their friendship blossoms into love during long walks in the privacy of Sherwood Forest. But the shadows of the forest hide a sinister secret, one Mary fears Robert might be a part of. As the mystery of the recent string of murders creeps closer and closer, Robert and Mary are drawn into a dangerous game. Unless she can unearth the truth, the couple risks losing one another forever.


My Review:
Meriden Park is a romance set in 1812 in England. Robert's enamored with the tales of Robin Hood, and he's trying to bring down a villain of his own who uses Sherwood Forest for smuggling. Robert's friends have been murdered after telling him of their suspicions but before proof could be found. With no land or money of his own, plus a bad heart, he can only offer Mary his admiration and friendship.

Mary's kind and polite to all but felt safe enough with Robert that she expressed her opinions. Usually, she's very aware that her origins mean that she doesn't fit in even with the correct manners and dress. She feels helpless as her one source of love and support, Mrs. Welling, is in poor health and she suspects that Robert's involved in something dangerous.

The main characters were likable, and Robert and Mary built each other up. When with Robert and later to help him, Mary came out of hiding behind her "mask." She discovered by the end the number of people she'd befriended and inspired along the way. Historical details were woven into the story to provide a distinct sense of the time and place. There was no sex or modern bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable historical romance.


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.