Waltz with a Stranger by Pamela Sherwood features the love story of James Trelawney and Aurelia Newbold. Aurelia was disfigured in a horse riding accident and finds herself shying away from the world. With her beautiful twin as the belle of the ball, Aurelia is hiding from all the stares when she meets a stranger who she shares one dance of the waltz. Aurelia dreams of that dance while she’s away healing from her injuries. Unfortunately when she returns a year later she’s devastated to discover the man of her dreams is betrothed to her sister Amy. James Trelawney is stunned when Relia returns a changed woman. Once timid and shy she’s now confident and beautiful. Unfortunately, he’s made his choice and won’t back out of his agreement.
Waltz with a Stranger was more than just a historical love story rather it is a love story and a murder mystery combined. James has found himself Earl after the mysterious death of his cousin. As Trevenan, he now has responsibilities for an estate in the country but the circumstances for coming into his position are clouded by the death. Somehow as he works to clear his name, he forms a strong friendship with Relia..funny how he found it so much easier to be around her than Amy.
Both Amy and Aurelia were both independent women which I liked but they were opposite in their desires. I imagine Amy more the city mouse and Aurelia as the country mouse, but in their element they thrive. James was definitely a home body who was truly in his element at his estate. Overall, I really enjoyed the story but it seemed to take a long time to come to resolution. As I reflect on the novel I know the timing was necessary or the story would have felt rushed but I found myself anxious to get to the end. The whole premise of Relia being in love with James, her sisters betrothed, seemed like a no win situation. Someone was bound to get hurt, but I enjoyed the whole resolution to love story and the murder mystery. I would love to know more about what happens with Amy! I have ideas but it would be great to have her story.