"Waltz with a Stranger" Review

"Waltz with a Stranger"
by Pamela Sherwood

Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Release Date: Dec 4, 2012
Source: ARC sent by publisher

My Rating: 3.5 of 5 Stars

Summary from goodreads.com:
One dance would change her life forever...

A man who never expected to inherit. A woman who never expected to wed. A choice that pits their honor against their hearts.

Crippled after a riding accident, Aurelia Newbold shuns Society—until a dashing stranger draws her into a secret waltz and changes her life forever. After a year abroad, she returns home and discovers that the one man she's been dreaming of is engaged to her beloved twin sister.

James Trelawney is not prepared for the vibrant woman who returns to London in the place of the wounded girl he took pity on—or his growing need for her. But forbidden love is not the only danger...a chilling secret reaches out from beyond the grave, threatening both Trelawney and the woman he loves.

My Review:

The first half of this book was very fun and entertaining, with some great interconnected love triangles. However, the latter half of the book lost steam and started to focus more on the death of James' cousin instead of the interactions between the characters. It became more of  a mystery story than a romance in my opinion.

The writing was excellent, the story moved right along, even at over 400 pages. If only the story had kept its focus on the couples, I would have enjoyed it all the way through. The characters were drawn very well, how interesting that the twins loved each other so much and never wanted to hurt each other over a man. The secondary characters were great as well. I especially liked the brooding artist Sheridan.

I think this book would appeal to readers interested in a heavy dose of mystery with their romance. I also think fans of the turn of the century era manners and formalities would enjoy this one as well. All of the balls and entanglements are sorted out very well in this story.

Main Characters: 4/5
Supporting Characters: 4/5
Setting: 4/5

Romance: 3/5

Uniqueness: 3/5
Cover: 4/5
Writing: 4/5


Bottom Line: I loved the first part of the book which focused more on the characters and their social situations rather than the end which was all about the mystery.

12 comments

  1. Mystery and romance sounds like a good mix to me.
    Happy reading,
    Brandi from Blkosiner’s Book Blog

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  2. Aww, I'm kind of glad I passed on requesting this one because I would have been so frustrated with the loss of steam and I'm not too fond of mystery.

    The idea of it sound very cute, though.

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  3. I do like historical romance/mystery combos, though it's too bad the story didn't focus on the couple throughout.

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  4. Not a big fan of myster books, but romance is always welcome! :)

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  5. It's always a bit odd when a book changes focus halfway through a book, I always wonder why it happens like that?

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  6. I love the cover! I think I’d like it even more if the guy’s shirt was buttoned up. The cover reminds me of the movie “The House of Spirits” (great movie, even better book).

    Irene (Salmon Fishing Alaska)

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  7. Just stopping by to wish you a Happy New Year!! Still struggling to find time to comment on post so just wanted to let you know that you're in my thoughts even when I don't stop by much. :)

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  8. Awesome review. I feel like getting this one.

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  9. Oh, I actually like mysteries, so I don't think I'd mind where the story goes. Thanks for the review! I'm glad you still enjoyed it overall.

    Wendy @ The Midnight Garden

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  10. I tend to like mystery in my books, but I'm starting to think that I don't prefer mystery in my historical romance.

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  11. Hmmm not sure how I would feel about the sisters being in love with the same man. Sometimes that doesn't bother but sometimes it does.

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Thanks so much for your lovely comments!