Beloved Stranger [Paperback]

Judith Pella (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 1998

A contemporary novel of love, betrayal, and redemption. A whirlwind romance of love at first sight is soon followed by a fear that they cannot escape.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Judith Pella is the bestselling author/coauthor of seven major fiction series, including the LONE STAR LEGACY and THE RUSSIANS, as well as the novels Blind Faith and Beloved Stranger. Known for her vivid and powerful stories that combine with her historical and geographical research, Judith's current series is DAUGHTERS OF FORTUNE, set during World War II. She and her family make their home in Oregon.

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Bethany House (August 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764220403
• ISBN-13: 978-0764220401
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,074,929 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I don't know how she does it . . ., July 28, 2000

By 

A. Grace (Michigan) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Beloved Stranger (Paperback)

. . . but somehow, Judith Pella manages to create fresh, new characters with every book she writes--characters that aren't quite like any of the others she's introduced us to. Shelby and Frank are no exception! Shelby is at once endearing as the book opens with her father's funeral and the reader naturally sympathizes with her. Because of her impulsive nature, I found myself thinking so many times, "I would NEVER do that! " but it didn't make her any less appealing as the misguided heroine of the story. Frank, too, is a well-written character. He has the dark good looks, mysterious past, and serious passion that make him the ideal hero; but at the same time, there are his fun, flippant moods and his vulnerability which make him more than a cardboard stereotype. For a romance especially, the plot moves at near-hyperlight speed (once you get past the first chapter or so), with lots of twists and turns and interesting secondary characters. And as always, with Pella at the pen, the happily-ever-after ending isn't insultingly happy, but bittersweet. Wonderful job all around creating relationships between characters and intertwining lives in the most unlikely ways. Can't wait for her next book!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Deep emotion and lots of surprises!!!, June 21, 2006

By 

Bonnie McKinzie (Garden Grove, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Beloved Stranger (Paperback)

Shelby has just lost her Dad, the only parent she has ever loved. She impulsively decides on a vacation in Puerto Vallarto, MX and while there, meets, falls in love and marries a man who is practically a stranger to her. Frank is a Mexican-American, well to do,and handsome man who shares her intense love in a whirlwind, one week romance.

However, coming back to their homes in Los Angeles, reality hits hard. Shelby learns of Frank's incredibly dysfunctional yet close knit traditional Mexican family. His mother makes no secret of the fact she hates Frank for his past mistakes. A grandmother adores him and a younger brother idolizes him.

When Frank's moods and behavior start taking wild swings, Shelby realizes there is much she has yet to learn about her mysterious new husband. The only things she is sure about is his love for her and for his boat and the sea. Both are about to be challenged.

Drugs and drug use figure hugely in this book and their effects on Frank and his brother Ray play an integral part. Illegal drug activity is at the root of most if not all the hatred, tension, loyalty and fast money which define the lives of the two brothers and their family.

Just when things are already confusing and volatile, Frank's ex-wife Gloria is found murdered. With drugs such a part of his past, Frank now has some major questions and decisions...who did kill his ex? Were drugs involved? The police seem dead certain that Frank is their man, but is he really? There is lots of circumstantial evidence, and Frank admits he was there the night she died.

At the very lowest point in this family's life, when there is no place to turn and no one else to help them, Frank and Shelby finally turn to the God of his grandmother and her mother, Dawn.

This is a really touching love story containing mystery and religion and is a book with deep emotion and lots and lots of surprises.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Pretty Good, March 26, 2000

By 

Chaley Roe (Alaska) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Beloved Stranger (Paperback)

This was an incredible book. Judith Pella kept you in suspense until the very last pages as she unfolded the story of Shelby and Frank. I encourage you to READ THIS BOOK!