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

Joan Aiken's romantic regency adventure The Smile of the Stranger is part of her Paget Family series and perfect for fans of Bridgerton.

About the Author

Joan Aiken was born in Rye, Sussex in 1924, daughter of the American poet Conrad Aiken, and started writing herself at the age of five. Since the 1960s she wrote full time and published over 100 books.

Best known for her children's books such as The Wolves of Willoughby Chase and Midnight is a Place, she also wrote extensively for adults and published many contemporary and historical novels, including sequels to novels by Jane Austen. In 1968 she won the Guardian Children's book prize for Whispering Mountain, followed by an Edgar Allan Poe award for Night Fall in 1972, and was awarded an MBE for her services to children's literature in 1999.

Joan Aiken died in 2004.

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 *
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 *
Joan Aiken is a storyteller par excellence with an educated awareness of nineteenth-century English fiction * The Guardian *

One of those authentic storytellers who can make you gasp

* New York Times Book Review *

Another top-notch confection from a first-class pastry cook!

* Kirkus Reviews *
Intrigues, false identities and plots to marry the girl . . . for an evening of delightful adventures and misunderstandings you can't do better * News Sentinel *



Book Information
ISBN 9781529093520
Author Joan Aiken
Format Paperback
Page Count 352
Imprint Pan Books
Publisher Pan Macmillan
Weight(grams) 250g
Dimensions(mm) 197mm * 131mm * 23mm