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The Love of a Stranger
Heartbroken and alone following the death of her partner, Justin, Susan Parks knows she needs to find a new life. Feeling too young for widowhood but too grief-stricken to love again, she leaves her life in England and moves to Cannes.
On the train south from Paris, Susan encounters three Frenchmen who are travelling together, including the enigmatic Gustave. Not long after that, she runs into Gustave again in Cannes. He seems intrigued by Susan, and begins a tactful but determined campaign to win her over. His attentions are flattering, and unexpected, but Susan’s emotions are too raw for a new romance. As they get to know one another, however, Susan learns more about Gustave’s story—his ambitious plans for the stunning château he owns with friends, his own tragic loss.
Susan can’t run from her growing feelings forever, but nor can she forget the devastating heartache that brought her to France—and Gustave. She has a choice to to hide in bittersweet memories of the past or to take a chance on love and life with a new man.
On the train south from Paris, Susan encounters three Frenchmen who are travelling together, including the enigmatic Gustave. Not long after that, she runs into Gustave again in Cannes. He seems intrigued by Susan, and begins a tactful but determined campaign to win her over. His attentions are flattering, and unexpected, but Susan’s emotions are too raw for a new romance. As they get to know one another, however, Susan learns more about Gustave’s story—his ambitious plans for the stunning château he owns with friends, his own tragic loss.
Susan can’t run from her growing feelings forever, but nor can she forget the devastating heartache that brought her to France—and Gustave. She has a choice to to hide in bittersweet memories of the past or to take a chance on love and life with a new man.
112 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 29, 2017
99 people are currently reading
69 people want to read
About the author
Carol Drinkwater
41 books437 followersCarol Drinkwater is an Anglo-Irish actress, author and filmmaker.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
September 11, 2017
Review to follow
abandoned
March 23, 2018The writing is not doing it for me. DNF 9%
She could have gone back to work, picked up the threads. But the volition has not been there.
She could have gone back to work, picked up the threads. But the volition has not been there.
September 12, 2017
Simply beautiful, and I use the word 'simply' with care. The writing is pared to the bone in places, devoid of any purple prose or even more annoying waffle. I read it in one go, immersing myself in the story. There is very little action and no 'steam' but this is a lovely, lovely tale about life and loss and love.
September 11, 2018
This was a free kindle E book so I decided to give it a go. I am afraid that it was rather too Mills and Boon for me. A typical boy meets girl and gets her fairytale ending. No real substance, hence the 2 stars.
Susan is travelling to France for a fresh star after loosing her long term partner. She meets three Frenchmen who are travelling together, including the enigmatic Gustave. Not long after that, she runs into Gustave again in Cannes.......
Of course you can see where this is going so I shall say no more!
Susan is travelling to France for a fresh star after loosing her long term partner. She meets three Frenchmen who are travelling together, including the enigmatic Gustave. Not long after that, she runs into Gustave again in Cannes.......
Of course you can see where this is going so I shall say no more!
March 28, 2019
I have Read Carol Drinkwater books before as she began her life In France amongst the 'Olive' groves. Those books I enjoyed, but I found this 'novella' a little predictable with a slightly unrealistic storyline. A grieving widow meeting three young men, one of which she falls in love with. I am perhaps being a little unfair in my two-star rating and I am sure many readers will find the story pleasant. Which it is, but sadly not really for me a little too light-hearted.
October 12, 2017
Oh dear.
The reviews were good so I was taken in .The heroine was left bereaved but financially comfortable .The new male is a friendly but pushy dominating widow .He never let's up stalking her supposedly because he understands .Its OK though .He buys her a puppy , she gets pregnant - happy ever after .Awful .
The reviews were good so I was taken in .The heroine was left bereaved but financially comfortable .The new male is a friendly but pushy dominating widow .He never let's up stalking her supposedly because he understands .Its OK though .He buys her a puppy , she gets pregnant - happy ever after .Awful .
September 10, 2017
Sweet !
What a lovely way to spend a wet and cold afternoon. Carol has the skills to transport you to warmer climates, her desciptions of the south of Franceakes you want to jump on the next flight.
What a lovely way to spend a wet and cold afternoon. Carol has the skills to transport you to warmer climates, her desciptions of the south of Franceakes you want to jump on the next flight.
September 29, 2017
Great read
Very enjoyable read as usual from Carol .Takes you right there ,but ended too soon would recommend to anyone who loves France and Italy and love stories
Very enjoyable read as usual from Carol .Takes you right there ,but ended too soon would recommend to anyone who loves France and Italy and love stories
June 16, 2018
It's okay, no depth to the story. Don't know that I'd read any more by this author.
July 2, 2018
Another excellent read
Susan the main character Is In mourning for her late husband but finds love in an unexpected journey to France
Susan the main character Is In mourning for her late husband but finds love in an unexpected journey to France
November 26, 2018
The love of a stranger
It was very light and easy reading, there was not too much excitement, the story was very simple the book was easy to read
It was very light and easy reading, there was not too much excitement, the story was very simple the book was easy to read
October 31, 2023
Stirring story of love, loss and healing
So many authors try to tell similar tales but Carol Drinkwater has nailed it perfectly. I was weeping and aching for Susan’s plight and soaring as she came to new revelations.
So many authors try to tell similar tales but Carol Drinkwater has nailed it perfectly. I was weeping and aching for Susan’s plight and soaring as she came to new revelations.
March 6, 2024
1.75 just wasn't my type of book should have dnf
January 6, 2025
The Love of a Stranger
What else to love but this! A page turner to accompany your holiday or weekend read. I can fully recommend.
What else to love but this! A page turner to accompany your holiday or weekend read. I can fully recommend.
October 22, 2025
great romance
Enjoyed the book. I had just watched Carol’s documentary about her Olive Farm and found out that she had become an author.
Enjoyed the book. I had just watched Carol’s documentary about her Olive Farm and found out that she had become an author.
October 29, 2021
Lovely story . Gave it 5 stars because its beautifully written. The ending was just a tad too sweet and cut short and I thought one of the male characters was too good to be true and another was uncharacteristically menacing at one stage, but I enjoyed it .
June 22, 2022
2.5*… just! Too waffly at the start,only gets interesting after the protagonist goes to Italy!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews