The Lady of the Lakes: The True Love Story of Sir Walter Scott (Historical Proper Romance)

by Josi S. Kilpack (Goodreads Author)

One is his first love.
The other is his best love.
Which will be Walter’s true love?

Walter Scott has three passions: Scotland, poetry, and Mina Stuart. Though she is young and they are from different stations in society, Walter is certain their love is meant to be. For years, he has courted her through love letters. She is the sunshine of his soul.

Though Mina shares Walter’s love of literature and romantic temperament, it’s hard for her to know if she truly loves him or if she has only been dazzled by his flattery. When she meets the handsome and charming William Forbes, her heart is challenged. Who will she choose?

But as every poet knows, “the course of true love never did run smooth,” and on a windy morning in the lake country, Walter meets Charlotte.

At twenty-six, Charlotte Carpenter believes she will never find love. After all, she is a Catholic-born Frenchwoman living in London with a family history shadowed by scandal. Though quiet, practical, and determined to live a life of independence, her heart longs for someone to love her and a place to call home.

Passion and promises collide as Walter, Mina, and Charlotte must each decide the course for their futures. What are they each willing to risk to find love and be loved in return?

My Review: 10/10

By this point, I am very familiar with Ms. Kilpack's work. Yet every time I amazed by just how good her stories are. And I have no idea how she turns them out so quickly and yet the quality never drops.

This was a very unconventional love story, which made it all the sweeter.

*SPOILERS* I appreciated the characterization and that, despite Walter's feelings, Mina was not made out to be a monster- just a young girl who hadn't known her own heart yet. I thought her struggles were very realistic and relatable. And I loved Charlotte. I loved the parallel stories. I loved how they were imperfect.

The only thing I had any issue with was the broom closet scene. I just thought there was no way that would happen. Despite Mrs. Nicholson's advice, I don't think she would condone Walter pulling Charlotte into a dark broom closet for a makeout session during intermission. And then to tap on the door and say "You've got an hour." WHAT?!

That small bit aside, this book was phenomenal. And I lOVED all the historical notes at the end. Highly recommend.