The Stranger (Harlequin Historical Series) (Mass Market Paperback)

by Elizabeth Lane (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

A terrifying encounter with a band of desperados left Laura Shafton a fearful widow and a scarred beauty. So when a tall, dark stranger came knocking on her door, she greeted him with a rifle--cocked and loaded.

Every instinct told her to turn Caleb McCurdy away--except she needed a man's help. Soon Laura discovered his hard body hid a warm heart that melted all her fears away. But the dark places in Caleb's past would divide them, unless Laura could learn a tough lesson about forgiveness.

--This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition.

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Harlequin (July 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0373294565
• ISBN-13: 978-0373294565
• Product Dimensions: 6.5 x 4.1 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #667,400 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars LOVED THIS BOOK! (Caleb is a STUD), July 30, 2007

By	Jennifer Striegel "blueyes67" (Guthrie, OK United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is my first western romance book. I was reluctant to buy it because of the "cheese factor" that comes with Harlequin romances but I absolutely loved the story. I had a hard time putting it down once I started. I don't want to give any key parts away so I don't ruin the surprise for future readers. But, Caleb just melted my heart. He was so in love with Laura from the first time he ever saw her and just couldn't imagine how she could ever love him. He was a good person with a good and kind heart but had such a low opinion of himself because of his nasty brothers. Anyone would be blessed to love/be loved the way Caleb loved Laura. This book had some suspense, humor, surprise and deep love. The love scenes were detailed but not trashy. It ended exactly the way I hoped it would and left me feeling happy, warm and fuzzy inside. I am currently researching more Elizabeth Lane books because I enjoyed this one so much. Highly recommend!!!!!!!!!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars GREAT LOVE STORY - POIGNANT AND TENDER, November 9, 2007

By	M. Hebdige "Nanette Hebdige" (California - Las Vegas, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Caleb is riding with his half brothers, who are mean and foul men. Being young, impressionable and a half breed he follows them as they go from town to town. They arrive at a ranch, where a woman is hanging laundry and they are welcomed by her husband. All three are invited for diner. Zeke, the meaner of the two, tries to rape the wife, and as her husband comes out to save her, he is shot in cold blood.

The starting premise of this book is violent, depicting the atrocities committed in the old west at a time when settlers lived in remote areas and had to defend themselves from the dangers of marauding bandits.

Caleb has just been released from prison, after serving 3 years from being caught instead of his brothers, when they performed a bank robbery. He has never forgotten the horrible night when his brothers almost raped that young woman. A changed man while in prison, he travels back to the ranch to pay his respects on the graves of the people that his brothers boasted of killing. Little does he know that the woman his brothers assaulted is very much alive and still living there with her little boy.

Five years have passed since that fateful night when Laura's husband was killed by desperadoes. Her mistrust of strangers runs deep and she carries emotional scars, as well as the scars that are on the surface. She barely survived, is very leery of strangers and lives almost as a recluse. Laura doesn't remember Caleb and she allows him to repair her run-down ranch in exchange for a meal.

Caleb is stunned that this beautiful, strong willed and brave woman has survived the horrors of what her bothers did to her. At first he wants to help her with her rundown ranch, but soon, Laura and her son become dependent on Caleb and his protection. He has been in love with Laura since he set eyes on her 5 years ago, feels very unworthy of their trust, as he castigates himself for the deeds of his half brothers and feels there can never be redemption for him for their actions. As he falls deeper in love with Laura and cares for her young boy, he is torn, wanting to leave them and being unable to do so.

This is a poignant novel that develops into a beautiful love story of redemption and putting things to right. I read this in one sitting and for those of you that love a good western romance, this is a definite keeper! ENJOY!

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Loved It!, July 1, 2008

By	Carolina Perales - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I haven't read a great book like this in a long time. The title caught my eye and I thought why not give it a try and I am so glad I did. Caleb is so heart melting... I could not put it down. I am going to read more Elizabeth Lane books for sure.