Synopsis
The first book in the breathtaking Paget Family Saga, a Gothic regency romance from the legendary Joan Aiken. Perfect for fans of Netflix's Bridgerton and Julia Quinn.
When danger forces expatriate English gentlewoman Juliana Paget to flee her home in Italy, she embarks on a journey full of thrilling adventure. Nothing could have prepared her for outwitting a French mob, crossing the Channel in a hot air balloon, or fending off the advances of the fascinating Count Welcker.
Arriving in London just in time for her very first Season, Juliana is going to find all her ideals challenged – and the truth of her heart finally revealed . . .
Full of romance and adventure, The Smile of the Stranger is the first book in The Paget Family Saga. Continue the series with The Weeping Ash.
'Joan Aiken's invention seemed inexhaustible, her high spirits a blessing, her sheer storytelling zest a phenomenon. She was a literary treasure, and her books will continue to delight for many years to come' – Philip Pullman, author of His Dark Materials
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Reviews
“The Smile of the Stranger would have won Miss Heyer’s complete approval – a regency Gothic romp stamped with Joan Aiken’s splendid wit, pace and sentiment”The Observer, The Observer
“Joan Aiken has such fun when she writes that it’s infectious – gloriously exaggerated characters and plot are spiced by a dry wit which forbids one to take anything seriously at all”The Daily Telegraph, The Daily Telegraph
“Joan Aiken is a storyteller par excellence with an educated awareness of nineteenth-century English fiction”The Guardian, The Guardian
“One of those authentic storytellers who can make you gasp
”New York Times Book Review, New York Times Book Review
