Anne Gracie, The Perfect Stranger

The Perfect Stranger

Anne Gracie

Berkley, Jun 2006, $7.99

ISBN: 0425210529

In 1818 romantic Faith Merridew still dreams of a love marriage just like that of her late parents, her older sister Pru (see THE PERFECT RAKE), and her twin Hope (see THE PERFECT WALTZ). She believes her fantasy has finally come true when she meets Hungarian violinist Felix Remavska. They seem like a love match and elope to Calais, France. However, she soon learns his image in public is radically different from the abusive man he is in private. Felix deserts her and now with no protection on a beach still in France, three hooligans chase her until a stranger Nicholas Blacklock comes to her aid.

A war hero, Nicholas accompanied by two companions and Wulf the dog is running from his past as a nomad. Upon hearing her story of woe, as a gentleman he proposes a marriage of convenience in which Faith can return alone to live with his widow mother England while Nicholas continues his mission, which will take him to the battle site of Vittoria where his best friend died. However, Faith is half way in love with this honorable man, accepts his proposal, but refuses in name only or returning home alone.

THE PERFECT STRANGER is a terrific Regency romance especially when the lead couple is front and center as both are wonderful well drawn protagonists who display moral strength without overly arrogance. The story line is top rate especially when Nicholas and Faith debate what is best for her. Although some secondary plots including a romance slow down the pace while actually forwarding the prime plot readers will agree that Anne Gracie proves that the sub-genre remains alive and hearty.

Harriet Klausner