
Exquisite young Raine was sent to stay with her grandmother at villa in the South of France to recover from a reckless infatuation for Clifford Culver, a handsome philander. It all seemed so perfect -- the excitement of Cannes, the glittering blue Mediterranean, and the amorous attentions of the serious French artist, Armand. But she was still madly in love with the lighthearted Londoner, Cliff, and he knew it -- playing on her emotions as a musician plucks the strings of a delicate instrument. Though the sight of Cliff made her heart sing to the stars, his double game of deceit and passion cast her into a whirlwind of doubt and despair. His duplicity is discovered by the young Frenchman, who has already fallen passionately in love with Raine, and who also suspects that Ciff's main interest is the fortune that she will one day inherit. But the situation is to become even more tragic and involved before she finds the love and happiness she desires. Could the flirtatious Cliff ever change his ways? Would her fondness for the sensitive Armand turn to ardent desire and love?
Raine must navigate a volatile romantic conflict between a manipulative former flame and a sincere new suitor while staying at her grandmother's villa in the South of France. Seeking recovery from a reckless infatuation with the philandering Clifford Culver, Raine finds herself caught in a complex web of deceit when Cliff follows her to the Mediterranean. She struggles to reconcile her lingering attachment to the deceptive Londoner with the growing, genuine affection offered by Armand, a French artist who recognizes Cliff's true motives. The narrative follows Raine's internal conflict as she balances her emotional vulnerability against the external pressures of social expectations and potential betrayal.
Readers often identify this work as a classic example of mid-century romantic fiction that prioritizes emotional stakes over rapid plot progression. Discussion frequently centers on the stark contrast between the two male leads and how their opposing temperaments force the protagonist toward a difficult choice. Critics note that the setting serves as a vital backdrop for the character-driven drama, enhancing the sense of isolation and longing experienced by the lead. The narrative is recognized for its focus on the internal struggle of a young woman attempting to discern genuine affection from calculated deception. Many readers highlight the atmospheric descriptions of the South of France as a key element that maintains the story's tone throughout the development of the central conflict.
Page Count:
256
Publication Date:
1970-02-02
Publisher:
Arrow Bks.
ISBN-10:
0090027701
ISBN-13:
9780090027705
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