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Two Face the World: Marry in Haste...
Richard and Maria's wedding is dreamily romantic, but both of them are still haunted by past rejections. Sinister letters and unwanted gifts arrive, and the more each tries to protect the other by keeping them secret, the heavier the burden of guilt and anxiety. However, when vicious attacks on lives and property begin, Richard and Maria are determined to uncover the identity of their enemy, but they have no idea who might have a motive. Will their love hold fast or the old saying “marry in haste, repent at leisure” prove true?
299 pages, ebook
Published December 4, 2018
7 people are currently reading
12 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Stuart
24 books104 followersSarah Stuart is the multi-award-winning author of the sizzling Royal Command Family Saga, Christian Richard and Maria trilogy, and DCI Gerald Croft Thrillers.
She is a Readers' Favorite reviewer, and her passions are theatre, music, history, travel. and wildlife. 100% of her royalties are donated to animal charities worldwide.
She is a Readers' Favorite reviewer, and her passions are theatre, music, history, travel. and wildlife. 100% of her royalties are donated to animal charities worldwide.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
December 26, 2018
Two Face the World is a continuation of the story by author Sarah Stuart in her critically acclaimed, Three Against the World, where we were first introduced to Richard and his supposed daughter Maria, who was dropped on his doorstep at age fourteen, along with the stray dog, Ben. Now grown up, Maria has admitted to herself that her feelings for Richard are much deeper and much more inappropriate than those between a daughter and her father. Richard has always felt the same way and when a DNA test confirms that Maria is not his daughter, they are finally free to express their feelings for each other without any sense of shame or judgement.
Richard has high hope for Maria, once she finished school and goes to University to study design, but Maria is less enthused on the prospect. Once they are in a committed relationship, marriage seems the next obvious step and despite the age difference it is a step both want, both believe in, and both are committed to. Marriage, however proves not the panacea first thought as the pair embark on a series of adventures and calamities that threaten to imperil and derail their entire relationship.
Stuart has always had the ability, in her work, to take what is often seen as unacceptable social relationships and somehow make them not only acceptable, but also desirable. This is a real fillip both to her and her writing ability. Despite the age-gap and the years spent in a father-daughter relationship, the author manages to convince us, as readers, that we should not only accept their relationship, but actively root for its success. This is a rare talent in an author and Stuart always had that, in spades.
Two Face the World is a wonderful, easy-to-read, story that is impossible to put down. As with Stuart's earlier work, the characters are relatable and likeable, but more especially as each book is produced, the strength and depth of Stuart's prose is noticeable. All authors develop and grow as they progress and one of the best parts of being a professional reviewer is being able to see that happen before your very eyes.
You don't have to have read the first book in the series to enjoy the second, because the author drops subtle hints throughout to bring the reader up to speed. However, personally, I think you should read them in order, simply because they are so damn good.
I highly recommend this read - another winner from Sarah Stuart.
Richard has high hope for Maria, once she finished school and goes to University to study design, but Maria is less enthused on the prospect. Once they are in a committed relationship, marriage seems the next obvious step and despite the age difference it is a step both want, both believe in, and both are committed to. Marriage, however proves not the panacea first thought as the pair embark on a series of adventures and calamities that threaten to imperil and derail their entire relationship.
Stuart has always had the ability, in her work, to take what is often seen as unacceptable social relationships and somehow make them not only acceptable, but also desirable. This is a real fillip both to her and her writing ability. Despite the age-gap and the years spent in a father-daughter relationship, the author manages to convince us, as readers, that we should not only accept their relationship, but actively root for its success. This is a rare talent in an author and Stuart always had that, in spades.
Two Face the World is a wonderful, easy-to-read, story that is impossible to put down. As with Stuart's earlier work, the characters are relatable and likeable, but more especially as each book is produced, the strength and depth of Stuart's prose is noticeable. All authors develop and grow as they progress and one of the best parts of being a professional reviewer is being able to see that happen before your very eyes.
You don't have to have read the first book in the series to enjoy the second, because the author drops subtle hints throughout to bring the reader up to speed. However, personally, I think you should read them in order, simply because they are so damn good.
I highly recommend this read - another winner from Sarah Stuart.
December 4, 2018
The course of true love… A great five star read
‘The course of true love never did run smooth…’ This quote from Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream fits perfectly the continuing story of Richard and Maria. Their plans to marry and live happily ever after seem dogged with disaster at every stage along what first promised to be their primrose path. Having become enamoured with their characters and that of Richard’s dog Ben in the first book, Three Against the World, I was keen to read this sequel as soon as the opportunity arose. I wasn’t disappointed. Once again the story flows effortlessly, and one of the attractive features of Sarah Stuart’s writing is an almost breathless pace of prose that keeps a reader mesmerised, along with a plot that has byzantine twists and turns to keep you continually guessing. This author is adept at describing the stumbling blocks thrown up by human frailties, and part of the story’s fascination is in seeing how both Richard’s and Maria’s insecurities threaten to tear them apart as much as the intimidations and increasingly menacing actions of their unknown enemy. This psychological aspect of the novel makes the characters and their struggles to maintain the integrity of their relationship intensely real. The early days of any marriage are always a steep learning curve, but for these two it is far more than an uphill climb. Whether or not they survive the journey I will leave for other readers to discover. Suffice it to say that for me it was a definite 5 star read, and highly recommended.
‘The course of true love never did run smooth…’ This quote from Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream fits perfectly the continuing story of Richard and Maria. Their plans to marry and live happily ever after seem dogged with disaster at every stage along what first promised to be their primrose path. Having become enamoured with their characters and that of Richard’s dog Ben in the first book, Three Against the World, I was keen to read this sequel as soon as the opportunity arose. I wasn’t disappointed. Once again the story flows effortlessly, and one of the attractive features of Sarah Stuart’s writing is an almost breathless pace of prose that keeps a reader mesmerised, along with a plot that has byzantine twists and turns to keep you continually guessing. This author is adept at describing the stumbling blocks thrown up by human frailties, and part of the story’s fascination is in seeing how both Richard’s and Maria’s insecurities threaten to tear them apart as much as the intimidations and increasingly menacing actions of their unknown enemy. This psychological aspect of the novel makes the characters and their struggles to maintain the integrity of their relationship intensely real. The early days of any marriage are always a steep learning curve, but for these two it is far more than an uphill climb. Whether or not they survive the journey I will leave for other readers to discover. Suffice it to say that for me it was a definite 5 star read, and highly recommended.
April 13, 2019
A rocky road to eventual happiness ... Another great instalment in the Richard & Maria romance.
Once again, Sarah Stuart manages to combine contemporary romance with all the drama and tribulations life often conspires to throw at us. Continuing on from when Richard and Maria had at last admitted and accepted their love for one another, Book two sees the couple pressing ahead with their plans for marriage and spending their lives together. Naturally though given the 21 year age gap, there were always going to be problems of one sort or another: Richard still has a tendency to treat Maria like a daughter than an adult partner and wife, and Maria too still lacks the emotional maturity and judgement of a woman more Richard's own age.
I was pleased to see the reappearance of some of the thoroughly despicable characters of Book One, along with the development of some much nicer ones. As before, the author presents the couple (and the reader) with all manner of obstacles to the path of true love - Maria's doubts about her future career, problems at work for Richard, and unexpected news. Add to that the real danger of menacing interference and anonymous threats from someone out to make trouble for the couple and you have all the ingredients for a real relationship drama, combing tragedy and happiness in equal measure to create a captivating yet totally credible story.
While this reads well as a stand-alone novel, I have to say my enjoyment of it was undoubtedly enhanced by reading its prequel first. My recommendation would be to read 'Three Against the World' first, then this one, and finally, any others the author writes in this great series ...
Once again, Sarah Stuart manages to combine contemporary romance with all the drama and tribulations life often conspires to throw at us. Continuing on from when Richard and Maria had at last admitted and accepted their love for one another, Book two sees the couple pressing ahead with their plans for marriage and spending their lives together. Naturally though given the 21 year age gap, there were always going to be problems of one sort or another: Richard still has a tendency to treat Maria like a daughter than an adult partner and wife, and Maria too still lacks the emotional maturity and judgement of a woman more Richard's own age.
I was pleased to see the reappearance of some of the thoroughly despicable characters of Book One, along with the development of some much nicer ones. As before, the author presents the couple (and the reader) with all manner of obstacles to the path of true love - Maria's doubts about her future career, problems at work for Richard, and unexpected news. Add to that the real danger of menacing interference and anonymous threats from someone out to make trouble for the couple and you have all the ingredients for a real relationship drama, combing tragedy and happiness in equal measure to create a captivating yet totally credible story.
While this reads well as a stand-alone novel, I have to say my enjoyment of it was undoubtedly enhanced by reading its prequel first. My recommendation would be to read 'Three Against the World' first, then this one, and finally, any others the author writes in this great series ...
December 7, 2018
“A Romantic Romp”
In this sequel to Three Against The World, our main characters are back, Richard and Maria are newly weds facing the problems every young married couple usually have, but with a few more problems added. Shakespeare would have a field day with this couple.
Two Face The World is the perfect title for this romantic romp, and the author is in good form as she spins their yarn once more to the delight of her many fans. The twist and turns keep the readers turning the pages to see what happens next. Will their love conquer all obstacles, or will they fall into defeat as many marriages do? To find out you have to read this wonderful new entry in the series by this wonderful author. Highly recommended.
In this sequel to Three Against The World, our main characters are back, Richard and Maria are newly weds facing the problems every young married couple usually have, but with a few more problems added. Shakespeare would have a field day with this couple.
Two Face The World is the perfect title for this romantic romp, and the author is in good form as she spins their yarn once more to the delight of her many fans. The twist and turns keep the readers turning the pages to see what happens next. Will their love conquer all obstacles, or will they fall into defeat as many marriages do? To find out you have to read this wonderful new entry in the series by this wonderful author. Highly recommended.
May 7, 2020
This is book 2 and it was a smooth transition from Book 1, which I have only just finished. Richard and Maria have to overcome further obstacles to their happiness but the course of true love never runs smooth! I did feel a bit for 18 year old Maria at times as Richard's love seems to lack a little passion at times and he wouldn't suit a girl looking for a bit of a bad boy! But there is no doubt, Richard is extremely loving, caring and supportive. I think this is the perfect series for anyone who likes a clean romance with some twists and mystery. On to Book 3!
March 7, 2019
There’s nothing like a good romance—especially when it’s laced with suspicion, anonymous letters, malicious damage, poisoning, and several options as the perpetrator, or perpetrators. If the course of true love never runs smooth, you could say that Richard and Maria have definitely found true love.
Richard’s life has been dogged with problems going back years, and every time he feels in control, something happens to pull the rug from under his feet. Like any good man, his well-being comes second to those he loves, and in his case it is Maria, and of course Ben, the little terrier.
Apart from the devotion which binds the main characters, there are those who for personal reasons are intent on causing heartache and hardship. Yes, there are friends on the scene, but when does a friendly word or gesture help, or hinder?
Here we have an author who can be trusted to make a walk in the park more like an assault course. An impressive feature of Sarah Stuart’s writing is the level of detail, of which I am a fan. Another positive aspect of the work is that no issue is left unanswered—if there is a niggling doubt about why something has happened, the answer will be supplied somewhere before the end.
This is another great tale of relationships and the many pitfalls of commitment.
Richard’s life has been dogged with problems going back years, and every time he feels in control, something happens to pull the rug from under his feet. Like any good man, his well-being comes second to those he loves, and in his case it is Maria, and of course Ben, the little terrier.
Apart from the devotion which binds the main characters, there are those who for personal reasons are intent on causing heartache and hardship. Yes, there are friends on the scene, but when does a friendly word or gesture help, or hinder?
Here we have an author who can be trusted to make a walk in the park more like an assault course. An impressive feature of Sarah Stuart’s writing is the level of detail, of which I am a fan. Another positive aspect of the work is that no issue is left unanswered—if there is a niggling doubt about why something has happened, the answer will be supplied somewhere before the end.
This is another great tale of relationships and the many pitfalls of commitment.
December 29, 2018
Two Face the World: Marry in Haste by Stuart is a suspenseful, psychological romance and the second book in this fascinating romance series. The author has placed the two main characters, Richard and Maria in a unique situation where they want each other, but with secrets between them, that makes for a relationship with little hope of surviving. That is, unless they both stop living in the past, accept each other, and move on.
The suspense to see what direction these two will take, had me rooting for Richard, even though he was the more secretive of the two, he was the underdog, and I always root for the underdog.
This story has enough tension to make it suspenseful and just the right emotional upheaval to keep the reader engage.
The suspense to see what direction these two will take, had me rooting for Richard, even though he was the more secretive of the two, he was the underdog, and I always root for the underdog.
This story has enough tension to make it suspenseful and just the right emotional upheaval to keep the reader engage.
May 2, 2019
Maria and Richard haven't had a usual courtship. And their marriage starts out just as rocky. . And each of them has to fight their own self-doubts. But neither one has ever doubted the other. Will that be enough to keep them together when some mysterious and dangerous figure seems bent on tearing them apart?
Other things I loved about this book: the author uses music and food to bring these characters to life in a really unique way.
Readers of HEA romances will love this tale of two people sticking together through thick and thin.
Other things I loved about this book: the author uses music and food to bring these characters to life in a really unique way.
Readers of HEA romances will love this tale of two people sticking together through thick and thin.
June 22, 2019
Richard and Maria’s romance started under the most unusual circumstance. Although this is the second book in the series, the author sprinkled sufficient information throughout the story, connecting the dots. Sarah Stuart gives life to characters that are authentic and relatable, including the dog. As in real life, the characters are plagued with warring emotions. When Richard and Maria receive threatening notes, their relationship is challenged in more than one way. Trying to make sense of it all, their feelings practically jump off the page. I highly recommend this enjoyable read.
December 16, 2018
The heart of Two Face The World by Sarah Stuart is a fine romance story, however the artery leading from the heart and feeding the body of the story is dripping with mystery and intrigue. - Highly recommended reading!
Please note: This book can be read as a standalone or part of a series by teens, tweens and adults, who are lovers of: suspense, romance - or both - or fine stories written by award winning authors. - Enjoy!
Please note: This book can be read as a standalone or part of a series by teens, tweens and adults, who are lovers of: suspense, romance - or both - or fine stories written by award winning authors. - Enjoy!
December 14, 2018
Fast-paced and thoroughly entertaining. Recommended reading. If you're a fan of romance with plenty of twists and turns, this one if for you.
April 22, 2022
Reviewed by Ruffina Oserio for Readers’ Favorite
Two Face the World: Marry in Haste... by Sarah Stuart is the second book in the Richard and Maria series, a suspenseful romance that explores the complexities of a relationship between two compelling characters and the choices they make. I love books that are intense and a plot structure that puts the characters in stressful situations, and this story does just that and more. We encounter Richard and Maria, a couple who are newlywed, and while they have everything to feel happy about, they are each haunted by their own past. When they start experiencing attacks on property and their lives, they are forced to face reality and lift the lid on their secret fears and insecurities to each other. But can they identify their enemy and save their marriage?
Sarah Stuart knows how to grab the attention of readers and keep it by creating characters that are rock solid and real, with a humanity that readers can easily connect to. It’s very easy to care for these characters, because they are written into a world that is familiar to most readers and they face dilemmas that nurture the conflict and make it strong. The plot advances through a wave of suspense that gets readers intrigued and curious to find out what happens next. The prose in Two Face the World: Marry in Haste... is beautiful and the author combines the art of writing vivid descriptions with well-written dialogues to create emotionally and psychologically rich scenes. An entertaining read, indeed.
Two Face the World: Marry in Haste... by Sarah Stuart is the second book in the Richard and Maria series, a suspenseful romance that explores the complexities of a relationship between two compelling characters and the choices they make. I love books that are intense and a plot structure that puts the characters in stressful situations, and this story does just that and more. We encounter Richard and Maria, a couple who are newlywed, and while they have everything to feel happy about, they are each haunted by their own past. When they start experiencing attacks on property and their lives, they are forced to face reality and lift the lid on their secret fears and insecurities to each other. But can they identify their enemy and save their marriage?
Sarah Stuart knows how to grab the attention of readers and keep it by creating characters that are rock solid and real, with a humanity that readers can easily connect to. It’s very easy to care for these characters, because they are written into a world that is familiar to most readers and they face dilemmas that nurture the conflict and make it strong. The plot advances through a wave of suspense that gets readers intrigued and curious to find out what happens next. The prose in Two Face the World: Marry in Haste... is beautiful and the author combines the art of writing vivid descriptions with well-written dialogues to create emotionally and psychologically rich scenes. An entertaining read, indeed.
August 2, 2019
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
A touching realism
Having read Sarah Stuart’s previous book ‘Three Against the World’, I was looking forward to reading the sequel and was not disappointed. There is a touching realism about the relationship developing between Richard and Maria and despite the age gap, their simple love for each other somehow draws you in more closely to sympathise with them about their hopes and fears for the future. Although Richard has to pull out all the stops to make the correct decisions, he tends to treat Maria as a daughter instead of a wife at times and when the anonymous letters start to multiply and turn into violence, they hoard the menacing messages to shield each other and the tension mounts. It comes to a point when you wonder whether Richard will be able to discover the identity of the suspect before he goes bankcrupt. Luckily for us the readers, the author manages to weave a skilful plot in tune with the mounting danger and brings it to a successful conclusion, leaving one heaving a sigh of relief. Full marks for a sizzling corker of a story and highly recommended.
A touching realism
Having read Sarah Stuart’s previous book ‘Three Against the World’, I was looking forward to reading the sequel and was not disappointed. There is a touching realism about the relationship developing between Richard and Maria and despite the age gap, their simple love for each other somehow draws you in more closely to sympathise with them about their hopes and fears for the future. Although Richard has to pull out all the stops to make the correct decisions, he tends to treat Maria as a daughter instead of a wife at times and when the anonymous letters start to multiply and turn into violence, they hoard the menacing messages to shield each other and the tension mounts. It comes to a point when you wonder whether Richard will be able to discover the identity of the suspect before he goes bankcrupt. Luckily for us the readers, the author manages to weave a skilful plot in tune with the mounting danger and brings it to a successful conclusion, leaving one heaving a sigh of relief. Full marks for a sizzling corker of a story and highly recommended.
December 29, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed the first book in this series and I was anxious to see how Maria and Richard got on in a marriage with such a large age difference. In the early part of the book I wanted to kick Maria – hard, but then I rationalized that she is only a late teenager and I was being too tough on her. Richard also came across as incredibly needy which I guess made them a good pair. I was also bothered by Ben the dog who it appeared could not be left for a moment on his own, but again, I’m being a little unfair here as he was left in the car a few times. I was tempted though to send them leaflets about doggy doors so they could leave him home alone for a few hours and he could let himself in and out.
I really got into the book about half way through and then I read it right to the end in one go. The pace picked up, it became more realistic and I enjoyed the second half more than the first. However, any book that affects your emotions whether it be anger, sorrow, frustration or laughter has to be a book worth reading.
I really got into the book about half way through and then I read it right to the end in one go. The pace picked up, it became more realistic and I enjoyed the second half more than the first. However, any book that affects your emotions whether it be anger, sorrow, frustration or laughter has to be a book worth reading.
November 5, 2019
In Two Face the World: Marry in Haste, author Sarah Stuart skillfully tugs at the reader’s heartstrings. Despite the considerable age gap between them, Maria and Richard try to find common ground because they love each other. Maria and Richard have flaws—she’s insecure, he’s exceptionally secretive—which adds to the realism in Stuart’s characterizations and the tension in their relationship.
Then someone tries to break up the couple. He or she is cruel and well, . . . But who? The author is adept at taking the reader in one direction to find the answer while the answer is found in another direction. Well done!
I haven’t read the prequel to this book, Three Against the World: A Waif, a Stray, and a Romance? However, now I will, as I’d like to read more from this author.
Then someone tries to break up the couple. He or she is cruel and well, . . . But who? The author is adept at taking the reader in one direction to find the answer while the answer is found in another direction. Well done!
I haven’t read the prequel to this book, Three Against the World: A Waif, a Stray, and a Romance? However, now I will, as I’d like to read more from this author.
August 24, 2019
The conclusion to Richard's and Maria's story has a mystery... who's trying to break the couple up? and why? What might at first seem like pranks have the potential to turn deadly as the hatred hurled against them continues. And not only the humans suffer, but poor Ben, their Jack Russell dog seems to continue to get the worse of it. If not for the love Richard and Maria have for him, he probably wouldn't have made it.
Excitement from start to finish. I thought I knew who might be causing the problems, but the motive behind it was a shocker! Well done.
Excitement from start to finish. I thought I knew who might be causing the problems, but the motive behind it was a shocker! Well done.
January 24, 2023
The second installment of Richard and Maria's story. If you have yet read the first in the series, this review contains a spoiler.
At the end of the first book it is revealed to Maria that Richard is not her biological father and the feelings she has harbored for him are in fact, not the horrible thing she believed them to be.
Richard has also come to realize that the only woman he wants to marry is the young girl who has been living as his daughter for 4 years. In spite of the twenty year difference in their ages, Richard and Maria's love relationship felt genuine. I was drawn in to the story and all the problems they faced. Satisfying read.
At the end of the first book it is revealed to Maria that Richard is not her biological father and the feelings she has harbored for him are in fact, not the horrible thing she believed them to be.
Richard has also come to realize that the only woman he wants to marry is the young girl who has been living as his daughter for 4 years. In spite of the twenty year difference in their ages, Richard and Maria's love relationship felt genuine. I was drawn in to the story and all the problems they faced. Satisfying read.
January 11, 2025
When the White Hart Pub is left to Richard and Maria will it be a heartfelt relief or a source of debt and worry? To add to their problems, someone is trying to break up their marriage and then Maria falls pregnant at the age of nineteen, just as her career is taking off. Never a dull moment in book two of the series.
July 4, 2023
This is the second of the series that I read. The author has made each of these stand alone but I simply love the series. It was listed under Christian, this I liked because they didn't go into intimate sexual details and no swearing. Just the story! This book was hard to put down.
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