In a torn and tattered gown, with feet covered in blisters, Faith Merridew is running for her life. The scoundrels chasing her in the darkness are planning the worst and Faith will have no part of it. She races over the sand hills in France, in the direction of soft, lilting music, straight into the arms of a stranger, a protector. Little does Faith know he's also her destiny.

Her mama's dying wish for all of her beloved daughters was to find love and laughter, sunshine and happiness. Faith had always dreamed of a man who made music, and she once thought she'd found him. But his betrayal was great and now she finds her reputation in ruins, deep in scandal and desperately trying to get home to England. Faith is determined to take control of her life.

Nicholas Blacklock is captivated by this brave young woman who stumbles into his life. He's on a mission wrought with secrecy, but he offers Faith all he can before leaving for Spain. He knows she can't return to England with her reputation in shambles, so he offers Faith his hand in marriage. With a new future blooming ahead of her, she agrees to marry this handsome and honorable stranger. Nicholas is securing Faith a future out of gallantry. His conditions are simple. They are not to talk of love, not to become attached and, when they reach Spain, he will send her home to England to his mother's estate.

Nicholas doesn't want to think of the future and Faith doesn't want to dwell on the past. Together they decide to live only in the present, taking one day at a time. Faith has spun fantasies all her life and the more she thinks about Nicholas, the more she believes that if they try -- really try -- they can make a life together.

Why is Nicholas so determined not to let her love him? What is he so afraid of? Faith is sure that Nicholas is her perfect stranger.

Oh, the power of love is wondrous and THE PERFECT STRANGER, with its tender words and heartfelt characters, is a perfect romance. Ms. Gracie looks deeply into the human soul and finds the best and brightest in each of her characters. She's a master storyteller and a powerful weaver of romantic tales. THE PERFECT STRANGER is splendid Regency by this divine author and another treasure for your keeper shelf. Also read THE PERFECT WALTZ (11/05), the touching story of Faith's twin sister, Hope.