This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
One Alone in the World combines phycological romantic suspense with two of my passions, animals and music. Of all my books, this one was the greatest fun to write thanks to my American friend, Paul Tait.
Paul is a composer, band leader, and singer, and he gave me permission to use the lyrics of two of his songs, and not simply to quote them. They are woven into the tapestry of the story.
One Alone in the World can be read as a standalone, but it is part of the Richard and Maria Trilogy, and in books one and two they have a dog called Ben, a Jack Russell terrier based my own Weimaraner, who crept into the hearts of many Amazon reviewers.
Sadly, when you adopt a dog, heartache comes along for the ride. Ben couldn't live forever, so next on the scene is Annie, a Rough Collie Richard gives to his daughter, Eleanor.
"Rough Collie" is an odd name. My real "Annie" was a very beautiful and very gentle dog, unwanted, as too may are, which is why I donate 100% of the royalties from my books to animal charities.
Later, grown-up Eleanor adopts the Midnight Angels - two dogs "because all they have is each other". Richard calls them "Midnight Devils" sometimes, but who can blame an ill-treated animal for being defensive?
Reviewed by Lesley Jones for Readers' Favorite
In the final part of the Richard and Maria trilogy, One Alone in the World by Sarah Stuart, the couple is facing financial and relationship difficulties. The business they inherited from Maria's late surrogate father, The White Hart Inn, is struggling and Richard's once devoted musical fan base is diminishing. As their own insecurities and problems take priority, they forget the love and passion they once shared. Their young daughter, Eleanor, is witness to her parents' constant arguments and overhears revelations that make her believe maybe she is the cause of the difficulties. Determined to make her parents happy, Eleanor secretly contacts the maternal grandmother she has never met. This brings ghosts and painful memories from the past into their lives and threatens to tear Richard and Maria apart for good.
Although this is the third book in the trilogy, Sarah Stuart has cleverly included all the main plot points from the first two novels, so this can be enjoyed as a stand-alone read. Having read and thoroughly enjoyed the previous novels in this series, I have to say this novel is of the same high standard. The plot is filled with intrigue, tension, and suspense. There are so many layers to the plot as Maria's and Richard's own insecurities and past experiences make them blind to their wonderful characteristics. Their negative inner beliefs really put a wedge in their marriage. The obstacles Maria and Richard had to overcome were superb; self-doubt, people from their past determined to seek their revenge, and crossed wires all added to the irresistible nature of the plot.
I loved the developing relationship between Eleanor and Brian, and this made for an excellent sub-plot. As with the first two novels, you are completely submerged in the lives of the characters and want them to believe in themselves and their amazing qualities. Eleanor was such a sweet girl; her loving and caring nature was amazing. As with the previous novels, there were some great song lyrics by Richard throughout. There are many life lessons to be taken from One Alone in the World too. What is the true meaning of happiness and love? Also, only believe what you see with your own eyes and do not allow those with a hidden agenda to influence you.
