THE RETURN OF THE STRANGER by KATE WALKER

This is the fourth and final book in a miniseries called The Powerful and the Pure based on Wuthering Heights (one of my most loved books!!) was the one of I enjoyed the most. I read the other 3 – Mr Mischief by Kate Hewitt based on Emma, In Want of a Wife by Cathy Williams based on Pride and Prejudiced and The Forbidden Innocent based on Jane Eyre which I liked but the story of Heath & Kat really got me hooked.

This is an intense story about revenge, secrets, jealousies and betrayal.

Heath Montana, was found on a cold and rainy night after being abandoned by his mother by Kat’s father who decided to bring him to High Farm. Heath & Kat became friends but not Joe her brother, who, on the death of their father, banned Heath from the house and he had to live in a shed.  

Heath realizes that he loves Kat but one night changed everything.  Kat became mesmerized by the wealth of their neighbor, Arthur Charlton, when she had been taken to the manor after being bitten by a dog. Heath overhears them talking about him, calling him “gypsy boy”, making fun of him. In the end, Kat tells Heath that she does not feel anything for him.

Ten years later, after building his own empire, Heath returns to the place he once called home seeking revenge.  He has never forgotten the way he was treated and has not forgiven them for the cruelty he endured at High Farm. He knows that Kat’s brother is an alcoholic, living at the now rundown High Farm alone with his small son. Kat is now a widow after the death of her sick and perverted husband

Kat is pleased to see Heath again but shocked by the changes in him.  Dark, brooding wearing an emerald stud in one ear is a stranger to her. She discovers she is drawn to Heath despite having changed since she last saw Heath. Dealing with the debts her husband left her with as well as the problems with her brother and his farm has changed her from the carefree girl she once was.

What she doesn’t realize is that Heath is now the owner of the Manor and High Farm and he intends to throw them all out just like they did to him those years ago.

Despite her betrayal, all it takes is one look at her for Heath to realize that he still wants her and that he can get her to come to him.

But will he be able to walk away from her again?

Can Kat love the brooding stranger he has turned into?

An amazing and powerful love story filled with intense emotions, a wonderful plot and the passion between Heath & Kat is hot and sizzling.

This is a definite "must" read book