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Donna Hatch
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The Stranger She Married: A Clean and Wholesome Regency Historical Romance (Rogue Hearts Series Book 1) Kindle Edition

by Donna Hatch (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 2,284 ratings
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Marrying a Stranger

When her parents and twin brother die within weeks of each other, Alicia and her younger sister are left in the hands of an uncle who has brought them all to financial and social ruin. Desperate to save her family from debtor's prison, Alicia vows to marry the first wealthy man to propose. She meets the dashing Lord Amesbury, and her heart whispers that this is the man she is destined to love. However, his tainted past may forever stand in their way. Her choices of potential husbands narrow to either a scarred cripple with the heart of a poet or a handsome rake with a deadly secret.

Cole Amesbury is tormented by his own ghosts and believes he is beyond redemption. Yet, he cannot deny his attraction to the girl whose genuine goodness touches the heart he'd long thought was dead. He fears the scars in his soul cut so deeply that he may never be able to offer Alicia a love that is true. When another bizarre mishap threatens her life, Cole suspects that the seemingly unrelated accidents are actually a killer's attempt to exterminate every member of Alicia's family.

Despite the threat looming over her, learning to love the stranger she married may pose the greatest danger to her heart. And Cole must protect Alicia from the killer before he strikes again.

From the publisher:

This romantic story of loss and betrayal, forgiveness and redemption, and strangers in marriage, will leave you laughing, crying, and swooning. Sprinkled liberally with suspense, mystery, and heart-melting kisses, this is not your ordinary historical tale of an arranged marriage nor of redeeming the rakes. Fans of Victorian and Regency Eras, as well as those seeking clean and wholesome romance with plenty of chemistry, will love this story!

The Rogue Heart Series:

The Stranger She Married
The Guise of a Gentleman
A Perfect Love containing “A Perfect Match” and A Perfect Secret
The Suspect’s Daughter
Not a Fine Gentleman

Note: All books in the Rogue Hearts Series are standalone PG-rated, Regency romances that can be read in any order. Book 1 introduces members of the charming, roguish Amesbury Family who appear in each of the books, with the focus on one brother or sister finding true love. Readers can begin at any point in the series and then read the rest in order, or jump to book 1, The Stranger She Married, and read the series from there.

Other Books by Donna Hatch

Courting Series:
Courting the Countess
Courting Country Miss

Music of the Heart Series
Heart Strings

Novellas and Short Stories:
“Matchmaking Game”
“Sabrina’s Hero”
“When Ship Bells Ring”
“Constant Hearts”
“Emma’s Dilemma”
“The Reluctant Bride”
“Troubled Hearts”
“A Perfect Match”
“The Reluctant Heir”
“A Wager for Love”
“Unmasking the Duke”

Christmas Stories
“A Christmas Reunion”
“Mistletoe Magic”
“A Winter’s Knight” (Also part of the Timeless Romance Anthology, Winter Collection)
Christmas Secrets

Timeless Romance Anthologies:
Autumn Masquerade—“Unmasking the Duke”
Summer House Party—“A Perfect Match”
Winter Collection—“A Winter’s Knight” (Christmas)
Wedding Wagers—“A Wager for Love”
A Week in Brighton, “The Reluctant Heir”
Previous page
  1. Book 1 of 5
    Rogue Hearts Series
  2. Print length
    464 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Sticky notes
    On Kindle Scribe
  5. Publication date
    November 5, 2018
  6. File size
    5469 KB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
  10. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

From the Inside Flap

Immerse yourself in the Regency Romance era of Jane Austen and Lord Byron. Donna Hatch's historical romance romance novels will sweep you away into a magical new world.These meticulously researched and beautifully written Regency romance novels will transport you into the glittering world of Regency England, a unique era of British history.
Every "sweet" or PG-rated historical romance penned by Donna Hatch brings feisty heroines and tortured heroes together into a glorious happily ever after.
Dance with a duke, battle pirates, save a kingdom, and fall in love.
Believe in happily ever after.

About the Author

Donna Hatch is the award-winning author of the best-selling "Rogue Hearts Series." She discovered her writing passion at the tender age of 8 and has been listening to those voices ever since. A sought-after workshop presenter, she juggles her day job, freelance editing, multiple volunteer positions, not to mention her six children (seven, counting her husband), and still manages to make time to write. Yes, writing IS an obsession. A native of Arizona, she and her husband of over twenty years are living proof that there really is a happily ever after.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07K7RTRB9
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ MIrror Lake Press; 2nd edition (November 5, 2018)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 5, 2018
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 5469 KB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 464 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 2,284 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Donna Hatch

Donna Hatch

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Award-winning author of over two dozen best-selling Historicals, Donna Hatch is a masterful storyteller of captivating tales of courage, second chances, redemption, and lasting love. Meticulously researched, and beautifully written, her romances take place amidst the Regency Era immortalized by Jane Austen, Georgette Heyer, and Lord Byron. Donna weaves virtue and values into her tales yet includes plenty of chemistry. Every “Sweet” or “Clean and Wholesome” Donna Hatch romance brings courageous heroines and swoony heroes together for a glorious happily ever after. When she’s not writing or researching, Donna loves to dance—especially ballroom and hula—sing, hike, go to the beach, add to her growing collection of books, and therefore bookshelves. She also loves to dress up in costumes, which her kids say is cool if it's called Cos Play. Donna and her husband of over thirty years have raised six children and are discovering the joy of grandchildren.

Website: https://www.donnahatch.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RomanceAuthorDonnaHatch/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2072970.Donna_Hatch

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
4.4 out of 5
2,284 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Jillian
5.0 out of 5 stars A real page turner!
Reviewed in the United States on July 27, 2020
Verified Purchase
It was a real struggle to not look at the back of the book to peek at the ending. I’m not one who usually is tempted to but it was like I knew what was happening with Nicholas but I didn’t know. And then the story just got more complicated and twisted. Thankfully I resisted. It was such a good book. A little on the longer side. But when I finished I immediately went back and reread all my favorite parts of the story.
Wow! What a suspense action romance! I loved all the characters. Very well written.
I love the Amesbury brothers and that teaser for Jared’s story has me already checking it out on KU.
Rating: PG, clean, murder and intrigue, tense moments
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Junie B
4.0 out of 5 stars Well-written historical romance with angst and intrigue
Reviewed in the United States on December 10, 2016
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This stand-alone book in a series is set in England in 1818. No spoiler with this review. This book is clean with regards to description of sexual activity. Some descriptive violence is included. Following the recent deaths of their parents and brother, Alicia Palmer and her sister Hannah had been residing in their home with their uncle Willard Palmer and his son Robert. As the uncle had suffered on-going business and gambling losses resulting in pressing debts, Alicia, with little dowry, found herself needing to secure a husband of means who could support the whole family. Her choices are limited to some seemingly unacceptable older men, a known rake (Cole Amesbury, a viscount), and a stranger (identified as his cousin Lord Nicholas Amesbury, a baron) who wears a mask to hide from the world due to scarring. After ultimately having to choose from among them, she finds herself caught between two men, eventually learning to care for both of them. As a further complication, it's probable that someone is threatening Alicia's life. The interesting characters include the evil Mr. Braxton, enigmatic Captain Hawthorne, Cole's brothers and aunt, and the beautiful and calculating Catherine Sinclair-who might or might not be involved in dangerous intrigue effecting Alicia. This book is well written for the genre, bringing not only romance with intrigue, but also realistic settings and dialogue, as well as good depictions of the time period. There are 4 books to the Rogue Hearts series. The Stranger She Married is Book 1.
4 people found this helpful
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Zena
5.0 out of 5 stars Gripping
Reviewed in the United States on January 5, 2017
Verified Purchase
Alicia turns to Cole whenever she needs comfort but she tries to hide the fact that she has fallen in love with him. He can't believe that this young lady has a strange affect on him and tries to deny that it is love he is feeling for her.
Then we have the mystery of her husband who was badly disfigured in the war and only appears hooded and gloved, even when with her. Will she ever get to know his face?
Add the mystery to be solved of her family members either dying or having very strange things happen to them that could affect their lives and you have a wonderful story, beautifully written by Donna Hatch and narrated by Tanya Mills so that it becomes a most enjoyable listen.
I can safely recommend this as a most enjoyable read or listen.
2 people found this helpful
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Pat. H
5.0 out of 5 stars Beginning of a great series
Reviewed in the United States on June 22, 2017
Verified Purchase
This is the first book in the "Rogue Hearts Series" and what a way to start a series. The series is based on the four Amesbury brothers, sons of the Earl of Tarrington. The hero of this story is Cole Amesbury, the oldest brother and heir to his father. His mother passed away a few years ago and his aunt promised she would see to it that the sons all married well. So Aunt Livvy is taking Cole around to all the society functions she can to find him a wife. He doesn't like all the attention the women and debutants give him but they follow him around all the time at the balls, musicals, etc. He has learned not to trust them because he has seen the traps they lay for the eligible men to trick them into marrying them.
Alicia Palmer is not the ordinary debutant. She would rather not be looking for a husband but her guardian, her uncle, insists she must marry someone with enough money to get the family estate out of debt or they all, including her little sister, will be in debtor's prison by the end of the month. Her uncle has already lined up several possibilities and if she doesn't find a suitable suitor he will choose a man for her. Unfortunately his choices are all men old enough to be her father, lecherous, or controlling to the point she would be under his thumb at all times.
When Cole and Alicia meet at a ball they are immediately attracted to each other. Alicia doesn't want Cole to think she is only interested in his money, but she knows she is a fortune hunter so she comes out with it and tells him shortly after they meet. He is impressed with her honesty but he still doesn't want to marry anyone. Aunt Livvy comes through by having Cole and Alicia meet at events until Cole likes Alicia so much he can't stand the idea of another man being with her. He comes up with an idea to save Alicia from the last suitor but Aunt Livvy doesn't think it will work. Can he get Alicia to run away with him to Gretna Green? If she refuses him will she marry the man who wants to lock her up in his house forever? Will her family end up in debtor's prison? What's the deal with all the deaths in her family? Are she and her younger sister the next victims?
This book was well written, no spelling errors that I remember, it was logical with no plot holes that I recognised, no foul language, and no overt sex descriptions.
5 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
Vio
3.0 out of 5 stars Zu lang, zu unrealistisch
Reviewed in Germany on May 29, 2017
Verified Purchase
Nach dem Tod ihrer Eltern und ihres Bruders leben Alicia und ihre Schwester Hannah bei ihrem Onkel Willard und dessen Sohn Robert. Als sich die Investitionen ihres Onkels als verheerend erweisen und er auch noch Geld beim Glücksspiel verliert, bleibt der Familie nur noch eine Hoffnung: Alicia muss einen reichen Ehemann finden, der bereit ist, die Schulden ihres Onkels zurückzuzahlen. Doch die Männer, die ihr Onkel in Betracht zieht, kommen für sie nicht in Frage. Stattdessen verliebt sie sich in einen zuvorkommenden, attraktiven, jungen Mann – bis sie erfährt, wer der Fremde ist.

Als der Aristokrat Cole Amesbury erfährt, dass er schuld am Tod von Alicias Zwillingsbruder ist, möchte er ihr unbedingt helfen und macht ihr einen Heiratsantrag, den Alicia erzürnt ablehnt. Um ihr trotzdem beizustehen, vergrault er die Kandidaten ihres Onkels und überzeugt stattdessen seinen Cousin Nicholas, Alicia zu heiraten. Da Nicholas im Krieg schwer verwundet wurde, trägt er stets eine Maske vor dem Gesicht. Alicia und Nicholas heiraten, doch Cole taucht immer wieder auf und macht Alicia den Hof. Außerdem geschehen seltsame Unfälle und schließlich wird klar, dass jemand versucht Alicias ganze Familie auszulöschen.

Diese Geschichte spielt in England im Jahr 1818. Mir hat die Storyline zu Beginn recht gut gefallen, aber je länger die Geschichte dauerte, umso unrealistischer wurde sie. Das Motiv für die Morde und Mordversuche fand ich weit hergeholt und die ganze Geschichte um Cole und Nicholas habe ich von Anfang an durchschaut. Wenig Verständnis hatte ich auch für Alicias anhaltenden Widerstand gegen ihren Ehemann. Ich fand die Geschichte zu lang, obwohl ich die Hauptprotagonisten und auch viele Nebenprotagonisten mochte.
One person found this helpful
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars The stranger she married
Reviewed in India on April 19, 2017
Verified Purchase
Wow, simply wonderful. Touching, emotional and full of warmth. The tension n feeling between the two is so palpable u can feel it as if to be real. Congrats a wonderful book to read.
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in Canada on January 19, 2017
Verified Purchase
I loved it. The plot was not predictable. It kept me wanting to go on to the next page!
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Frustrated Writer
5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic book, I can't remember the last time I ...
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 30, 2016
Verified Purchase
Fantastic book, I can't remember the last time I enjoyed a book as much as this one. I'm so pleased that I didn't allow the negative comments to put me off. I actually stayed up all night, just so I could continue reading. Great storyline and characters and extremely well written. I'm certainly going to read more from this author
One person found this helpful
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Tessa
5.0 out of 5 stars A good mystery/romance!
Reviewed in Australia on January 21, 2017
Verified Purchase
If you like regency mystery/romance you'll like this book. I would like the author/editor/proof reader to take note of the following:
1: There is no such phrase in French as 'je ne said quais' ! I think you meant 'je ne sais quois'. This is a person with that something extra like charisma or the It factor!
2: somebody who reaches 100 years is a CENTENARIAN not a CENTURION! The latter was a member of the Roman army.
The story itself has a couple of themes running through it. The first one is pretty obvious I think. The second mystery is very good because you have no idea who the villain can be until the end!
I remember thinking at one point 'this is really good!'. For that reason I'm ignoring the mistakes and giving it 5 stars.
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