Book Review: Lilies on the Lake

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Lilies on the Lake     Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
Katherine Kingsley
Class/Genre:   Romance
Dell, Aug 2001, $6.50

In 1835 Alexandria, Egypt, Portia "Pip" Merriem fulfills her life long dream of an Egyptian adventure until her chaperon Isabel admits that she fled England pregnant. Four months later in Luxor, Egypt, Isabel goes into labor. The locals get John Henry Lovell to help with the birthing. John Henry is stunned to see Pip; she is the woman he loves who once rejected his overtures because she felt he wanted to use her to gain social status. Her rejection led to his fleeing England. Isabel dies, but the baby is saved.

Pip plans to raise the infant as her own. So Pip can avoid scandal back home in Norfolk, England, John Henry proposes marriage. Pip accepts in order for the baby boy not to become disgraced in the eyes of the Ton. She believes John Henry is using her and the child to gain social prominence. Unbeknownst to Pip, he already has attained that status, but now wants what he always desired from her, her love.

LILIES ON THE LAKE is an entertaining historical romance that centers on relationships. The story line is well written but neither John Henry nor Pip hooks the audience until late in the novel. He is desperately manipulative and she is spoiled in spite of adopting the infant. That ultimately changes as love flourishes between the trio, but readers must remain patient and sail with the plot. Fans of historical romances will find enjoy Katherine Kingsley’s second chance at love tale.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner