The Stranger She Married by Donna Hatch (Rated: C)

I began reading this novel the evening of the day I received it. Big mistake. I ended up reading well into the wee hours of the night. I simply couldn’t put it down! Needless to say, it took me less than two days to finish it.

Alicia Palmer has suffered the tragic loss of her parents and twin brother, leaving her and her younger sister in the care of their uncle, who unfortunately, brings the family to financial and social ruin. Their only hope of avoiding debtor’s prison is for Alicia to marry wealthy. When she meets the dashing Cole Amesbury, she realizes she wants more than ever to marry for love. The growing attraction between them is threatened when Alicia discovers he is the man that shot her twin brother. As time runs out for her to marry, she receives a marriage proposition from a gentle man— a cripple who wears a mask to conceal his disfigured face. Furthermore, incidents occur that endanger Alicia’s life, bringing to light a killer’s attempt to eliminate every member of her family.

I won’t say more, except that this historical romance is a page-turner with mystery and suspense pulling the plot forward. The array of interesting characters the author develops play their role well and I was caught up in their story. Besides the main characters, I especially enjoyed that of Mrs. Fitzpatrick. With plenty of action, witty dialogue and a heroine whose qualities shine, this novel is one that I thoroughly loved reading and would even read again.

I would like to thank the author for sending me her book to review. I look forward to reading more of your books, Donna!