Marry a Stranger

by Susan Barrie

Stacey knew that Dr. Martin Guelder had married her only to give her the protection of his name and the right to live in his house, and that all he expected of her in return was that she act as hostess and housekeeper for him. Emotion was not supposed to enter into the arrangement. But -- poor Stacey! -- she had adored him from the first moment she set eyes on him

Genres: Romance, Harlequin Romance, Harlequin

Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1954

About the author

One of many pseudonyms used by Ida Julia Pollock, née Crowe.

Mrs. Pollack was a British writer of several short-stories and 125 romance novels that were published under her married name and under a number of different pseudonyms: Joan M. Allen; Susan Barrie, Pamela Kent, Averil Ives, Anita Charles, Barbara Rowan, Jane Beaufort, Rose Burghley, Mary Whistler and Marguerite Bell. She has sold millions of copies over her 90-year career. She has been referred to as the "world's oldest novelist" who was still active at 105 and continued writing until her death.

Ida and her husband, Lt Colonel Hugh Alexander Pollock, DSO (1888–1971), a veteran of war and Winston Churchill's collaborator and editor, had a daughter, Rosemary Pollock, who is also a romance writer.

Reviews

[Aayesha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Have I ever expressed my deep and unabated love for Ida Crowe (Susan Barrie)? Because GOD DAMMIT, I love her almost as much as I love Diana Palmer. Her books are so cute and delightfully uplifting, with their quaint descriptions and old-time story-telling. I love Vintage Harlequins, especially British vintage Harlequins! *sniffle*

This book was very well written with descriptions very well done. The characters weren't black and white either, they were 3-dimensional and real. I actually found myself feeling sorry for Miss Fountain at times.

The hero, Martin, I didn't like much at all. He was utterly cold and unemotional towards Stacey. I hated how he'd always have Vera (OW) hanging by his side, and I hated how deliberately cruel he was to Stacey. BUT THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT I LOVE ABOUT A BOOK, a deliciously cruel hero. But even then, he was a bit too indifferent and taciturn for my tastes. Although I loved how he lost control at the end, saving her from the fire. I know I'm running around in circles, so I'll move onto Stacey now.

She was a wonderful heroine; sympathetic, understanding, uncomplaining and strong. Hardworking too. IMO she should have been a bit more expressive towards Martin and not bear the bad treatment given Martin hell for being such an ass to her. I would have totally understood her. I'd cheer her on, in fact. She was still a sweetheart, nonetheless.

The side characters were beautifully written, so much that I want Bruce Carter's story now. He was so charming and kind. AND MAINLY BECAUSE HE HAS BATMAN'S NAME. What I also loved about this book was the age difference factor - I love older guys/younger girls romances! 

It was a really good book, this one, even though I would have liked a bit more romance and a bit more grovelling from Martin's side. And a bit more *ahem* kissing and making up.

[Margo · Rating 1 out of 5]

Much older man tricks tricks lonely, mourning young woman into marriage of convenience, leaves her alone for months in the country, flaunts OW, says cruel things to sweet baby bird h. Susan Barrie, not surprisingly perhaps, gives the OW the whip hand much of the time.

[Roub · Rating 3 out of 5]

liked it..nice 1. however i missed a sex scene.their relationship was too platonic n the hero never gave any indication of romantic feelings 4 her

[♡︎ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ugh this is the first guy in these books that has thoroughly annoyed me! More romance and lesser stupidity from him and this book would have been perfect!🤦🏾‍♀️

[Diedre · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is something about these vintage stories that really expressed a deep longing in the hearts of their heroines. That's what made this story good. Although some of the expressions seemed not as descriptive as what we would use today, nevertheless I was immersed in the story. The hero was somewhat of a cad in his handling of his wife that supplied the angst. He was so surface and polite when he should have been wooing her. And for his age, it was exasperating. But at the end it all came out as to why.

[KSHG · Rating 5 out of 5]

10/10 love this. Shades of the best Betty Neels without her humour and more elegance of prose. Beautifully written and lovely, kind and gentle heroine. I don't agree with the other reviewers about the hero. I liked him and there were several clues as to how he felt about his wife. I very much enjoyed this book

[Ramblings of a Bibliophile · Rating 3 out of 5]

Set in the 50s, you will only enjoy this book if you don't try relating it to todays' women. A dominant hero and a dependent heroine are what you will find here. The book could have been a shorter, which would have made the story more impactful.