Stranger In Paradise (Century of American Dreams) [Mass Market Paperback]

Barbara Bretton (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 2004 | Series: Century of American Dreams

The year is 1953

The American Dream of the suburbs.

British journalist Jane Townsend is swept off her feet by brash, bold American newspaperman Mac Weaver -- and says "I do" to life in America. After years of hardship in wartime England, Jane is thrilled with the beautiful new suburban home Mac has waiting for her in Long Island, and settles in for an idyllic life of backyard barbecues, bridge parties and babies, babies, babies!

But when Macs hard-hitting reporting lands him in political hot water, Jane soon realizes that even paradise can have its dark side. It's time to put down the gardening gloves and take a stand for what she believes in . . .and for the man she loves.

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Harlequin (April 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0373512929
• ISBN-13: 978-0373512928
• Product Dimensions: 6.6 x 4.2 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.5 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,207,229 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

In the month of February 1982 I wrote and sold my first novel. And no, I wouldn't believe it either if it hadn't happened to me. I sent in my manuscript on Thursday February 21, 1982 and four days later the telephone rang and I heard the amazing words, "We want to buy your book." How I wish you could have seen me. I was standing by the kitchen door of our North Babylon house, the picture of cool sophistication, as I listened to Vivian Stephens explain the terms of the deal to me. You would have thought I'd sold a first book every single day of my life. Yes, I said. Sounds wonderful. Thank you so much for calling. I look forward to our association. That cool sophistication hung on until I hung up the phone, took a deep breath, then promptly threw up on my shoes.

I was thirty-one years old, unagented, unschooled, unfamiliar with anything to do with the business of publishing. To put it mildly, I was in shock. My husband was working in Manhattan at the time (and finishing up his degree at night) so it would be hours until I could break the news to him. This was too exciting to waste on a phone call. I wanted to see his face when I told him that my dream had finally come true -- and came with a $6000 advance!

He pulled into the driveway at midnight. I was waiting in the doorway, holding a bottle of champagne and two glasses. I didn't have to say a word. He knew right away and the look of joy and pride in his eyes warms me now, years later, long after the advance faded into memory.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, multi-layered 1950's romance, September 26, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Stranger In Paradise (Century of American Romance, 1890s-1990s) (Paperback)

This story, a sequel to "Sentimental Journey" by Barbara Bretton, is the 1950's entry in Harlequin American Romance's "Century of American Romance". Mac Weaver, an American reporter sent to England, to cover the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, meets English journalist, Jane Townsend. After a whirlwind courtship, they marry and return to America to live.

Mac's parents and their best friends, the Wilsons, receive them with open arms. Mac and Jane settle into Levittown; Jane even becomes close friends with Nancy Wilson Sturdevant, Cathy's younger sister. (Catherine Wilson was the heroine of the previous book, "Sentimental Journey".)

Mac and Jane do their best to fit into suburbia, where everyone is expected to be exactly the same. They make plans to start a family. But when some of Mac's possibly "Red" newspaper articles come back to haunt him, and a book from Jane's "Socialist" uncle is regarded with fear by suspicious and gossipy neighbors, Mac and Jane contend with the dark side of 1950's America. How will they rise above their problems?

This book was wonderful! I liked the vivid details of everyday life in 1950's suburban America. There is also the concurrent story of Nancy and Gerry Sturdevant, and their three small daughters. The conflict here is that Gerry wants to leave Wilson Manufacturing, and open a drive-in movie theater, while Nancy is opposed to his leaving a steady job for an uncertain proposition. How they resolve this difference -- and find themselves again in the process-- makes for an extra-special read. And there's even a wraparound section featuring Mac and Jane's daughter, Liz, who may headed for a romantic encounter of her own. Highly recommended!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful gem of a book..., December 15, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Stranger In Paradise (Century of American Romance, 1890s-1990s) (Paperback)

I was the fortunate winner of a contest by the author Barbara Bretton and received this book from the always gracious author. I also received her other book which precedes this one: SENTIMENTAL JOURNEY - The 1940's. I loved the characters and the storyline and how effortlessly the author put in historical details without bogging down the story. Harlequin put out a line of books in the early 1990's called "A Century of American Romance" which had a story set in each decade. What a gift it would be if the publisher re-released these treasures to the readers. I, for one would buy them all.