Book Synopsis
When both attempt to flee their past, can love’s pursuit catch them?
Estelle Lowry has traded her privileged life for anonymity, running away to become Miss Estelle Lewis—governess and companion. But her carefully laid plans unravel when she discovers a man beaten and left for dead. Defying every rule of propriety, she rescues him, bringing him to safety. A connection sparks between the two strangers, yet his injuries keep his face obscured. Before he fully recovers, she is forced to leave in search of employment—without a name, a past, or any way to find him again.
Six months later, Estelle arrives at Rosemont Manor, determined to guard her heart—and her secrets. But her resolve falters when she finds herself drawn to the last man she should want: the brooding and unpredictable Lord Camden.
Atlas Camden has no time for distractions. Due to his complicated past, he is determined to shoulder his responsibilities and keep his family safe. The arrival of his sister’s new companion sets him at odds with himself. Miss Lewis is as headstrong as she is captivating—and far too often at the center of trouble, drawing both his attention and concern. His mother would be scandalized if she knew he was even entertaining romantic notions about a woman in service, let alone one who is half-Irish. Besides, a man with his history has no right to offer his heart—and even less to hope for one in return.
When secrets are revealed, and trust crumbles, running from their past is no longer an option. Estelle and Atlas must choose between the new paths they’ve forged or the broken history to which they are still bound.
The Stranger I Love is full of longing, redemption, and courageous love. It is the first book in The Runaway Brides series and is a clean Victorian romance without explicit content.
Book Details
- Publisher : Independently published
- Publication date : May 20, 2026
- Genre: Victorian Historical Romance
- Series: Runaway Brides Book 1
- Language : English
- Print length : 351 pages
- ISBN-13 : 979-8196689123
****I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, NetGalley, book tours, and or authors. A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.****
My Review
I just finished The Stranger I Love, book one in the Runaway Brides series by Anneka R. Walker, and I am still completely charmed by it. Anneka is an incredibly talented author, and she delivers a beautifully layered Victorian romance that completely captured my heart from the very first chapter.
There are so many reasons this story stays with you. The book hits the ground running when Estelle acts as a Good Samaritan to save Atlas, who is a total stranger at the time. Even without knowing each other, a connection is formed between them. This sets off a hilarious tree-climbing cat rescue, a chaotic job interview, and a brilliant double meet-up that's so cute.
The romantic tension between Estelle and Atlas is unmatched. Their playful teasing, little deals, and absolute flirting kept me entirely wanting more and not wanting to stop reading. I loved the lighter, charming moments like the rowboat debacle, which made me laugh out loud; Atlas kindly introducing Estelle to horses, and their late-night snacks debating about which tastes better, jam or cheese on bread.
Beyond the romance, I loved the deep female friendship between Augusta, Atlas's younger sister, and Estelle. It adds so much heart to the story because both young women had waited so long for a best friend in their lives, and they suited each other perfectly.
There was added tension in the story due to Estelle and Atala's supposed class differences, their forced proximity, and Estelle's secret identity. I just wanted the truth to come out quickly, but at the same time, I was worried about the outcome. The slow-burning romance between Estelle and Atlas delivers so many breathless, agonizing "almost kisses" that kept me reading late into the night. Sometimes those moments are the best.
My final thoughts: Anneka handles Atlas's great trauma and his journey toward both physical and emotional healing and eventual redemption with incredible grace. Your heart will ache while watching Atlas and Estelle navigate their complex worlds and truly find comfort in each other. It is the perfect blend of real heart, fun back-and-forth, and amazing chemistry. You will absolutely love it.
****Meet Author Anneka R. Walker****
Anneka R. Walker is a best-selling author of historical and contemporary romance. With humor and an abundance of heart, she crafts uplifting stories you won't soon forget. She is the winner of the Swoony Award, the LDSPMA Praiseworthy Award, and various chapter contests. Her books have received praise from Publishers Weekly, Historical Novel Society, Midwest Book Review, and Readers Favorite. She graduated from Brigham Young University-Idaho with a Bachelor's degree in English and history and hopes to never stop learning. She is a blessed wife, proud mother of five, follower of Jesus, connoisseur of chocolate, and believer in happy endings.
~*~*~*~*Purchase: The Stranger I Love~*~*~*~*
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