A Perfect Stranger (Paperback)

by Danielle Steel (Author) "The garage door opened eerily, its mouth yawning expectantly, a large dark toad about to gobble an unsuspecting fly..." (more)
Key Phrases: New York, San Francisco, Santa Eugenia (more...)

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

Product Description
A young San Francisco lawyer's life changes when he meets the perfect stranger in the beautiful Raphaella, the sheltered daughter of a European banker and restless wife of a much older man. By the author of Lightning. Reissue.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Dell (July 1, 1985)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0440168724
• ISBN-13: 978-0440168720
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.1 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #30,574 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

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 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.

3 of 3 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

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

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