Book Review of 'Meriden Park' by Julie Daines

HAPPY MONDAY BOOKWORMS!

I hope everyone had a fantastic weekend! I've been struggling with some serious stomach issues, so it wasn't too great for me, but my husband did put up our Christmas tree, so that was a blessing. I am hoping to get over this soon so that I can decorate, but until then I am bedridden with my books. What a place to be, huh?

Today I am featuring a historical fiction that captured my heart and imagination, so read all about the novel, my thoughts, and enter to win your own copy!

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Meriden Park by Julie Daines, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Meriden Park

Author: Julie Daines

Publisher: Covenant Communications

Release Date: December 5, 2022

Genre: Clean & Wholesome Romance/Historical/Regency/Suspense

Following her childhood rescue from the gutters of Calcutta, Mary Grace’s life has been an astonishing rags-to-riches tale. The Wellings raised the half-Indian orphan with all the love and care the childless couple possessed, allowing her to grow into a beautiful and refined woman. But upon Mr. Welling’s death, it is time for Mrs. Welling to take Mary home to England―home 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 she can’t refuse: a hot cross bun for a kiss. That seemingly innocent exchange is the first of many encounters between Robert and Mary, whose 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, and unless she can unearth the truth, the couple risks losing one another forever.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

MY REVIEW

It started with “a bun for a kiss” and turned into quite the tale that had me charmed from beginning to end.

Mary is a very mistreated woman. Being a ward, and having no family of her own, is bad enough but she is also of mixed race, her heritage showing in her skin. Not a servant, but not a noblewoman either, Mary is in an identity crisis, and now that Mrs. Welling, her only ally in the home, is getting sicker Mary knows her time at her home is limited.

Robert is a modern-day Robin Hood with a heart of gold. He is tired of the injustice in his town, especially in Sherwood Forest, where corruption continues to worsen, and something needs to be done about it, so he is taking matters into his own hands.

A chance meeting over hot cross buns sparks a friendship between Robert and Mary that will lead them both on an adventure that neither of them could’ve imagined.

Meriden Park is such a beautifully written tale with such immersive world building that I truly was lost in the narrative. I loved reading Mary’s tales of India during that time, the accounts so vivid and descriptive that it took my mind’s eye to that untamed and utterly beautiful country.

I also loved the Robin Hood parallels, as well as details from the fabled Sherwood Forest. It’s been awhile since I’ve read or even heard about Robin Hood, so this was a refreshing treat.

Many of the characters in this novel are wonderful, but there are a few that had my blood boiling, especially Fanny. That woman had me growling at the pages in frustration. It will never cease to infuriate me how some people can be so narcissistic.

One thing that really made this novel stand out for me was the racial injustice that is tackled in this novel, something I do not see often in Regency reads. I know that injustices have been around since the dawn of time, but it’s not often a topic, especially in a clean Regency romance, yet it’s something I know was something that many dealt with back then. I myself am in a biracial relationship and appreciate how the situation was addressed, showing the prejudices that Mary faced, while also showing that not everyone shares those sentiments.

I truly enjoyed this novel so much!

My Rating: ★★★★★

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Julie Daines is an award-winning and best-selling author. She was born in Concord, Massachusetts, and was raised in Utah. She spent eighteen months living in London, where she studied and fell in love with English literature, sticky toffee pudding, and the mysterious guy who ran the kebab store around the corner.

She loves reading, writing, and watching movies—anything that transports her to another world. She picks Captain Wentworth over Mr. Darcy, firmly believes in second breakfast, and never leaves home without her vervain.

Connect with Julie by visiting juliedaines.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of book, $25 Amazon gift card, bookmark, stickers, and button.

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight December 5, 2022 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on December 12, 2022. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher through JustRead Tours. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own.