I particularly enjoy romance novels that portray honorable, moral protagonists written by authors with great skill in character and plot development and who keep bedroom scenes behind a closed door. How delighted I was to finally find Rebecca Winters. This is one of the best examples of Rebecca Winters' considerable talent for writing a great story that leaves you wanting more. Her skill at story telling, character creation, and plot development has placed her at the top of my list of most sought after authors.

The protagonists are Nick and Rosie Armstrong, husband and wife. They were married 14 years previously in a match made in heaven. Two people could not have been happier. In order to help fund his education, Nick had joined an Army Reserve Unit. Then Desert Storm began. His unit was activated and Nick was forced to leave the arms of his loving bride and his 6-year-old son to serve a one year tour of duty in Iraq.

Hardly had they landed when their unit was brutally attacked. In the aftermath, both Nick and his friend, RT, were declared Missing in Action and presumed dead. What no one knew was that both men had been captured by the Iraqis and were taken Prisoners of War. They received no medical care for their injuries and Nick lost his left hand and RT lost his left eye. They were subjected to beatings and unspeakable torture because they refused to reveal military secrets. Weeks became months, and months became years. Only the assurance of loved ones waiting for them at home kept them sane and alive. Finally, after seven years of captivity, they were released to come home.

Back home, however, life has not been easy for those left behind. Nick's parents and his now 13-year-old son have, somehow, kept faithful and true to the idea that Nick was not dead and would someday return to them. Somewhere along the way, however, Rosie began to lose hope. Two years before Nick's return she met Zach Wilde who pursued her relentlessly. Zach was really a great guy. He was attractive, honorable, successful, and, above all, head over heals in love with her. She continued to resist him, but, gradually, her hope that Nick would ever return diminished and she fell deeper and deeper in love with Zach. Her son needs a father. So, when Zach took her on a romantic Caribbean Cruise and proposes once again, Rosie accepts his proposal. It is only upon arriving home from the cruise that Rosie learns Nick is alive and is to arrive at Hill AFB, Utah momentarily.

If you were placed in Rosie's position, how would you feel as all your future plans with the new man of your dreams lay shattered and broken at your feet? What would you do? If you were placed in Nick's position, full of hope and anticipation as you deplane to greet your loving wife and son, your father and mother? Then, you take your wife in your arms, and pull her close in fulfillment of the dreams of seven long years of agony, torture and pain. You kiss her - and all your dreams crumble to dust because you know, as surely as anyone could know, that your wife now loves another. How would you feel? What would you do?

The stage is now set. In my experience, few authors have the ability to begin at this starting point and craft a novel that keeps you spellbound and captivated page after page. Every word is totally believable and appropriate. Actions and reactions are true to life. Each character is unique and consistently speaks, performs, and acts true to life and in character.

I have now read eighteen novels by Rebecca Winters. STRANGERS WHEN WE MEET is, in my opinion, the best one so far. That is very high praise because of the eighteen novels, I rated one 3 stars, one four stars, and all the rest five stars. I only wish I could add an extra star to the scale so I could give it to her.

This book was very compelling from the first page. I had some trouble with the heroine s wishy washy ness and whst felt like disloyalty though. I know it was pretty much needed to have a story though so I dealt with it.

Loved this book. Some emotional rollercoster but plausible as well. Great short read...or maybe that's just me. Most enjoyable.

This was a good book with the ending I was hoping for

This book broke my heart most of the way through. Painful to read but worth it.

I could not put it down, The characters had character & integrity. A very real & uplifting, true to life novel.
Shesteck

Like most of her books Rebecca Winters does not miss the mark here. It is a great read for if you want some major fluff. Must admit for most part most of the characters seem one demensional and actually kinda whiney but over all the story and the message that is coming across makes it pleasent.

That proves love conquers all...to the many men and women who fight for this country I wish you this type of all consuming joy.