A Perfect Stranger [Unabridged] [Paperback]

Danielle Steel (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 1985

The only daughter of a European banking dynasty, Raphaella had always been sheltered from the world. Married to a much older American, she was kept in the privacy of great luxury, tended to by servants, watched over by bodyguards. She was the beautiful dark-eyed woman the young lawyer from San Francisco, Alexander Hale, saw sitting alone one misty evening. Before he could approach her, she rushed away into the garden. She was the "perfect stranger" he couldn't forget. When they met again their lives would change forever.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Raphaella de Mornay-Malle grew up in the sheltered world of the Mediterranean aristocracy under the careful tutelage of her stern father and her dutiful duennas. Married at age 18 to a much older American, John Henry Phillips, Raphaella fills her life with his wishes and desires. But when John is incapacitated by a series of strokes, she finds her world shrinking to the size of a sickbed.

Though Raphaella has an uncommonly strong sense of her duty in marriage, she can not ignore her attraction for Alexander Hale, a handsome acquaintance. As John's condition worsens and Alex grows insistent that she acknowledge what lies between them, Raphaella faces a classic duty-versus-love dilemma.

Though readers may see the plot twist coming a mile away, Danielle Steel's got her grasp on the pulse of romance fiction, and she's not going to let go without a fight. Groan and giggle, ignore the laundry and make excuses, but make no mistake--you'll enjoy getting swept away by this one.--Nancy R.E. O'Brien

Review

'Ms Steel is undeniably an expert NEW YORK TIMES It's safe to say Ms Steel's fans won't be disappointed NEW YORK TIMES Make a pot of tea, curl up under a favourite quilt - and keep a box of tissues close at hand NEW YORK TIMES --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Dell; 1ST edition (July 1, 1985)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0440168724
• ISBN-13: 978-0440168720
• Product Dimensions: 4.2 x 1.1 x 6.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #191,506 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #16 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Romance > Authors, A-Z > ( S ) > Steel, Danielle

More About the Author

Danielle Steel has been hailed as one of the world's most popular authors, with over 590 million copies of her novels sold. Her many international bestsellers include 44 Charles Street, Legacy, Family Ties, Big Girl, Southern Lights, Matters of the Heart, One Day at a Time, and other highly acclaimed novels. She is also the author of His Bright Light, the story of her son Nick Traina's life and death.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Perfect Stranger, December 10, 2003

By 

Jenn (Ishpeming, MI 49849) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Perfect Stranger (Paperback)

Book Review

Title: A Perfect Stranger
Author: Danielle Steel
Pages: 400
Available in paperback
Publisher: Dell 1985

Book Description:

Her rich father had always sheltered Raphaella de Mornay- Malle. Coming from Spain she had always had duennas to look after her. At the age of 18 she becomes married to a business partner of her fathers by the name of John Henry Phillips. John is much older then Raphaella and although the marriage is not arranged the father allows it because John Henry is one of this business partners and a great man. John Henry Phillips is her life, he treats her wonderfully and she in turn loves him unconditionally.

Her love for John Henry does not die when he becomes incapacitated. She keeps her bounds to marriage very well until meeting a complete stranger. Alexander Hale becomes infatuated with Raphaella. Alex wants nothing more then to make Raphaella happy. As she tries to hold on to her husband she finds herself drifting into the arms of the perfect stranger.

While John gets worse Alex becomes more persistent in pursuing Raphaella. She eventually gives in, not forgetting her love for her husband but needing love from another who can interact with her to keep going on. She is struggling for what's right and wrong, to define the line between living and dying.

Personal Book Review:

This book gets 4 stars from me. It's one of Danielle Steels better books. It's not as pearly as some of her work, but it's not as devastating as others she's written. At the same time it's the same as her classics. It's the perfect balance, something that could really happen.

She describes the love a woman for a man that is so strong it can't be broken. The thing's Raphaella denies herself because she is married is amazing. She doesn't attempt to give into temptation until Alex starts pursuing her hard. Even after he tries his best Raphaella can't let go of her husband until he is gone. She is strong but becoming weak with all the loneliness she is facing.

The characters and the plot are both very realistic. It would be something awful to go through, but there may be people out there who have seen it happen. I think this is a wonderful book to inspire someone who may be down and out. It makes you think things have a good outcome sometime down the road, even if you have to bend to get there.

Other Novels by Danielle Steel:
Malice
Leap of Faith
Diamonds
Johnny Angel
House on Hope Street
Now and Forever
Dating Game
Loving

Other novels relating to the theme of:
Passion's Promise by Danielle Steel
Once In a Lifetime by Danielle Steel
To Love Again by Danielle Steel

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Perfect Stranger, March 9, 2000

By 

Antoinette (San Diego, California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Perfect Stranger (Paperback)

This is the greatest book I ever read. I believe that this is the best book that Danille Steel has ever wrote. I couldn't put the book down. I got like 5 infractons for not putting it down. When my friends called me I wasn't even listening to them. Once I got done I read it about 5 more times. The movie they made for this book wasn't even as good as the book.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars THE BEST D.S. BOOK, December 20, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: A Perfect Stranger (Paperback)

This book was sooo good. i couldn't put it down. i have to say this is the best d.s. book.