Truckee, California, and Europe - Present Day

Henry Barlow is perfect, everything a girl could want, and he has just asked Sydney Gordon to marry him. Sydney should be ecstatic, so why is she having an anxiety attack? As Henry continues to explain in meticulous detail how fabulous and expensive the diamond ring is, Sydney, who has the bad habit of mentally drifting away when Henry talks, knows she cannot accept his proposal -- not yet. Perhaps, she reasons to herself, when she returns home from chaperoning her high school students on the tour through Europe. Yes, this will give her time to make her decision. Why doesn’t she feel the passion, the bliss that should be there when she is with Henry, who is a successful attorney? For once in her life, Sydney is determined to do the right thing and make her mother proud. But what about what she wants? After so many disasters in the dating ring, maybe to fall passionately in love is overrated. Isn’t it?

Things get off to a rocky start on the first day of the tour. While leaving the tour bus, Sydney’s suitcase gets caught in the bus doorway, and as she is attempting to free it, a man comes to help her. However, because Sydney thinks she is being mugged, she defends herself. When she looks a little more closely, Sydney sees a handsome stranger. Wow! The muggers over here are hot.

Nick Martelli has come on the tour to help his brother, Joe, and to get inspiration for his newest novel. So, when Nick sees a beautiful blonde having trouble with her suitcase, of course he leaps in to assist. Sydney smacks Nick up the side of his head, the suitcase falls to the ground, bursts open, and her clothes are flung out all over the street – underwear to be specific. When Sydney learns that Nick is not a mugger, and Joe introduces them, the sparks ignite. Sydney feels the chemistry. But, being the good girl that she is, she decides to keep away from Nick, because he is trouble with a capital T.

Meanwhile, stateside, Henry is finding a little trouble of his own.

A PERFECT STRANGER is a delightful read. Sydney just isn’t sure what is expected of her. She is at the point in her life where her goals should be realized, but are they? Will Sydney settle for safety, or give love a chance? Nick is intrigued by Sydney, and confused by his feelings -- gets writers' block. He is determined to get to know Sydney, and even though she claims to be almost engaged, it does not deter him. He knows Sydney is attracted to him, so he turns up the heat. Can he win her heart?

Secondary characters add to the charm of the story. Even though Sydney deems Henry as safe and has a lot to offer, is he so predictable?

Terry McLaughlin has created a heroine with whom the reader can relate. So who do you please in life, your parents, siblings, friends, fiancé, or yourself? Get yourself a cozy chair, a blanket and a bowl of popcorn; you will enjoy THE PERFECT STRANGER.

Deborah C Jackson