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It was through the attractive young Frenchman Jacques Delange that Ruth had lost her job, so it was really the least that Jacques could do to find her another—working for his uncle Hugo.
But Hugo Gerard was to cause Ruth considerably more heart-searching than had his nephew!
But Hugo Gerard was to cause Ruth considerably more heart-searching than had his nephew!
- GenresHarlequin RomanceRomance
Unknown Binding
First published January 1, 1974
2 people are currently reading
55 people want to read
About the author
Rebecca Stratton
81 books22 followersRebecca Stratton wrote two books as a Harlequin Presents author. Writing for the Harlequin Romance imprint, she published 43 novels. She also wrote under the name Lucy Gillen. She passed away in 1982.
Biography from Harlequin Romance #2489 The Golden Spaniard
"When one happens to be an unmarried woman of forty-five and apparently fixed for the rest of her working life in a safe and settled job," Rebecca Stratton says of herself, "it is apt to be regarded as bordering on the insane to suddenly give it all up and become a full-time writer."
But that is precisely what British-born and -bred Rebecca did one August day in 1967. Writing had always been her ultimate aim, and she felt that if she didn't make the move right then and there she'd end her days as "one more elderly lady sighing for what might have been."
When Rebecca Stratton's first attempt at a romance novel was accepted, she didn't know whether to laugh or to cry. So she did both. Then she celebrated with friends and relatives. And then sat down to the job of writing more books - and reveled in it!
Biography from Harlequin Romance #2489 The Golden Spaniard
"When one happens to be an unmarried woman of forty-five and apparently fixed for the rest of her working life in a safe and settled job," Rebecca Stratton says of herself, "it is apt to be regarded as bordering on the insane to suddenly give it all up and become a full-time writer."
But that is precisely what British-born and -bred Rebecca did one August day in 1967. Writing had always been her ultimate aim, and she felt that if she didn't make the move right then and there she'd end her days as "one more elderly lady sighing for what might have been."
When Rebecca Stratton's first attempt at a romance novel was accepted, she didn't know whether to laugh or to cry. So she did both. Then she celebrated with friends and relatives. And then sat down to the job of writing more books - and reveled in it!
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
March 22, 2017
Vintage Harlequins, how I love thee. Ruth is a sweet young thing with a love of old books. Jacques is a wealthy, cocky young man who's head over heels in love with her and determined to marry her. He wants her to come to his fancy chateau in France so they can be near each other, so he causes her to lose her job at the bookstore by kissing her in front of her boss, and then finagles her into taking a job cataloguing his famous uncle Hugo's priceless collection of rare old books. He didn't count on Ruth's being mesmerized by Uncle Hugo's much manlier brand of Alphaness...
This was a good read. Lovely descriptions of the fancy old chateau, and I liked how Jacques wasn't a caricature OM. He was cocky and sulky at times, but it was only due to immaturity. He was sincere with his love and genuinely a nice, earnest person, and it almost sucked that he didn't get the girl. But you can't really deny the power of Hugo's manly chest... mmm... and the way he's all authority... and the way he teases Ruth... and calls her mon petit, and mon choux, and mon belle petit fille... and she's all, I don't understand French, don't call me mean names!....
Ahem! Moving on, Ruth is also quite a satisfactory heroine, although I was surprised at how she just freely spreads around her kisses like it's nothing! And it's not just friendly pecks either, she is all making out with both Jacques and Hugo, sliding her arms around their necks, and her so innocent and sweet, too. First the grandma catches her and Hugo in a clinch, and Ruth's all, It means nothing! Then Hugo catches her and Jacques locking lips, and she's all, We're just friends! I dunno, honey... But other than her questionable views on friendly kissing, she's super sweet and honest.
I liked that there was a hint of gothicness to the story, although on the whole it was light and breezy. There's a mysterious dead brother that's hinted to have been a mentally ill genius, and a hidden message she finds in the library. Nothing too crazy came of it, but just the tinge of gothicism added a nice layer to the story. The ending was a bit short, IMO, and maybe I would've liked more drama, but all in all I found this a satisfying read.
This was a good read. Lovely descriptions of the fancy old chateau, and I liked how Jacques wasn't a caricature OM. He was cocky and sulky at times, but it was only due to immaturity. He was sincere with his love and genuinely a nice, earnest person, and it almost sucked that he didn't get the girl. But you can't really deny the power of Hugo's manly chest... mmm... and the way he's all authority... and the way he teases Ruth... and calls her mon petit, and mon choux, and mon belle petit fille... and she's all, I don't understand French, don't call me mean names!....
Ahem! Moving on, Ruth is also quite a satisfactory heroine, although I was surprised at how she just freely spreads around her kisses like it's nothing! And it's not just friendly pecks either, she is all making out with both Jacques and Hugo, sliding her arms around their necks, and her so innocent and sweet, too. First the grandma catches her and Hugo in a clinch, and Ruth's all, It means nothing! Then Hugo catches her and Jacques locking lips, and she's all, We're just friends! I dunno, honey... But other than her questionable views on friendly kissing, she's super sweet and honest.
I liked that there was a hint of gothicness to the story, although on the whole it was light and breezy. There's a mysterious dead brother that's hinted to have been a mentally ill genius, and a hidden message she finds in the library. Nothing too crazy came of it, but just the tinge of gothicism added a nice layer to the story. The ending was a bit short, IMO, and maybe I would've liked more drama, but all in all I found this a satisfying read.
August 2, 2019
I liked Hugo (despite his continually wearing dress shirts open to the navel), & I even liked the nephew wannabe-OM Jacques (an impetuous but sweet kid).
...But I intensely disliked the stuttering, stammering, hesitantly-spoken Ruth. The shy, conflicted, uncertain heroine in Mary Burchell's NOBODY ASKED ME could have elbowed Ruth in the throat, knocked her backpack into a puddle, & stole her lunch money. I really don't understand how these two worldly dudes were so ass-over-teakettle for her.
Also, there was no plot to speak of. No OW, no mystery or danger, no anything at all. Not every story needs these ingredients, but seriously. SOMETHING needs to happen.
The best part was the description of the library at Hugo's chateau. I want one. :D Otherwise, 2 stars for blah nothingness.
...But I intensely disliked the stuttering, stammering, hesitantly-spoken Ruth. The shy, conflicted, uncertain heroine in Mary Burchell's NOBODY ASKED ME could have elbowed Ruth in the throat, knocked her backpack into a puddle, & stole her lunch money. I really don't understand how these two worldly dudes were so ass-over-teakettle for her.
Also, there was no plot to speak of. No OW, no mystery or danger, no anything at all. Not every story needs these ingredients, but seriously. SOMETHING needs to happen.
The best part was the description of the library at Hugo's chateau. I want one. :D Otherwise, 2 stars for blah nothingness.
September 18, 2020
One of my first Rebecca Stratton novels bought by mum for me in 1976. I liked this story very well.
September 26, 2022
كتاب جميل ك سرد وك اسلرب لكن من ناحية القصة احسها اشبه بالمسلسلات المبتذلة ما شفت اي شيء جديد
July 9, 2018
The French seem to be quite liberal with their kisses!! It was an interesting story and both the Hero and heroine were extremely likable. Plus it takes place in an old French chateau... how can I resist.
abrierto-to-read-hr-other
August 7, 2022It was through the attractive young Frenchman Jacques Delange that Ruth had lost her job, so it was really the least that Jacques could do to find her another—working for his uncle Hugo.
But Hugo Gerard was to cause Ruth considerably more heart-searching than had his nephew!
But Hugo Gerard was to cause Ruth considerably more heart-searching than had his nephew!
October 25, 2022
رواية جيدة لا أكثر
December 6, 2022
Boring and h is foolish not to be completely clear with OM about her job and her feelings.
November 5, 2025
Ruth was so content with her job as a librarian till Jacques Delange started coming to the library so frequenty to flirt with her without buying anything which really pissed off her strict boss. The last stew was when Jacques kissed her which made her boss fire her on the spot. Luckily by then, Jacques confessed he was Hugo Gerard's nephew and that his uncle was expecting her in France for a job interview! Hugo was internationally known for his famous travel book and working for him would be a delight and honor. Or so Ruth enthuiasted. When she finally met Hugo she discovered that he was way ahead of her in both experience and character and that she most certainly needed to be careful to not bring about his resentment or passion especially when Jacques was around!
The story would have been much better, but the heroine and the lack of real events gave it away! Ruth didn't love Jacques yet she was not really clear enough about her feelings whenever she was with him. She never stopped him from kissing her even though she was developing feelings for his uncle! Not much happened either in the entire book and all the characters were hanging about the same issue for a long time which is (Ruth do not go out to a concert with Hugo)! Silly!
The story would have been much better, but the heroine and the lack of real events gave it away! Ruth didn't love Jacques yet she was not really clear enough about her feelings whenever she was with him. She never stopped him from kissing her even though she was developing feelings for his uncle! Not much happened either in the entire book and all the characters were hanging about the same issue for a long time which is (Ruth do not go out to a concert with Hugo)! Silly!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews