An Improbable Pairing
by Gary Dickson
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Pub Date Jan 08 2019 | Archive Date Apr 03 2020
Greenleaf Book Group | Greenleaf Book Group Press
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Description
In September of 1963, Scott Stoddard, an American graduate student, is traveling to Switzerland, when he meets the Countess de Rovere, a French divorcee; he is smitten, and she is intrigued. What begins as a little coquetry soon becomes a serious love affair, much to the consternation of the Countess’s ex-husband and mother, not to mention the Countess’s friends of European high society. A meeting of equals poses problems enough, but what about one between two people who seem to have so many differences? And when a man of traditional attitudes couples with an independent and self-confident woman, something’s got to give. It won’t be the countess. As their liaison transcends an affair that cannot be dismissed, they all agree that something must be done.
An Improbable Pairing is a historical romance that chronicles the enduring themes of a young man’s coming of age and the rebellious love of the mismatched. This pas de deux, set in the golden years of 1960s Paris, Geneva, Gstaad, and Cannes, provides an insider’s peek into the worlds of haute couture, three-star gourmet restaurants, and lavish hotel suites—the domains of rank and privilege. But society’s privileged resist when an interloper threatens to upset their cozy structure.
Advance Praise
“Une merveilleuse histoire ou chaque personnage démontre l’importance d’avoir l’esprit ouvert au monde, la faculté de pouvoir embrasser différentes cultures et de créer de cette manière une vie ensemble, au début improbable, mais finalement si riche, remplie d’amour. J’attends la suite! A marvelous tale in which each character demonstrates the importance of an open mind, the ability to embrace different cultures, and to create in this manner a life together; while in the beginning improbable, it is in the end so rich, and so filled with love. I await the sequel!”
—Nadine Juton, professor of literature at the Alliance Française of Los Angeles, University of Strasbourg, France, master’s degree in French literature
“An Improbable Pairing is an entertaining romp through Europe’s high society of the 1960s, featuring a lovable young American rogue who aspires to love above his station and the countess who possesses the wit and charm to conquer him. Upon opening this book, you might feel you've stumbled into a Technicolor world starring a young Paul Newman and Audrey Hepburn, their romance blossoming amid the sparkling sights of Europe. Grab a box of popcorn and enjoy!”
—Robert M Eversz, author of Shooting Elvis
“For traveled citizens of the world, Gary Dickson’s An Improbable Pairing is a look back on glory enjoyed by the lucky few in a manner all his—experienced young and clearly owned. Reminiscent of Hemingway, Fitzgerald, and Ford Maddox Ford—with nods to Elliot’s poetic sense and bright flashes of Henry James—a young American encounters Old World and an older woman with a modern ethic. To add some intriguing tang to this classic, coming-of-age romance, stir in the author’s encyclopedic love of fine cuisine, fashion, fine wines, great architecture, and beautiful women. All of which adds up to a compelling travelogue of culture and a complicated love. Eyes, ears, and all senses wide open and on high alert.”
—Gregory J. Furman, founder and chairman of The Luxury Marketing Council
“An Improbable Paring, set in Paris and Geneva in the 1960s, is a delightful and architecturally cinematic romantic romp, about lovers you actually root for, written with tenderness and wit by a certifiable bon vivant. I absolutely adored it. I had so much fun. My heart was in my mouth up to the last minute. A page turner.”
—Shelley Bonus, writer, astronomical historian, and lecturer and session director of the Mt. Wilson Observatory 60-inch Telescope.
Marketing Plan
National trade marketing and sales campaign
Advance distribution of digital ARC to reviewers, bloggers, journalists, librarians, booksellers, and media via NetGalley
Online marketing campaign, including targeted advertising via Ingram and Publishers Weekly and giveaways via Goodreads
Available Editions
| EDITION | Other Format |
| ISBN | 9781626345799 |
| PRICE | $16.95 (USD) |
| PAGES | 240 |
Links
Featured Reviews
Connie B, Reviewer
I was drawn to this book by the lovely cover and thought the story sounded intriguing. I also wanted to read more about 1960’s Paris, Geneva and Cannes and the book promised an insider’s peek. While I did feel that promise was fairly well fulfilled, the story itself wasn’t quite my cup of tea; I enjoy a bit more action and for me it fell a bit flat at times.
I’m sure those who love romance novels novels will appreciate the carefully crafted story more than I did.
Donna H, Reviewer
This was a different genre of book than I usually read. It was a romance but not your everyday chick lit type of book. It begins when Scott first sees Desiree and almost immediately falls in love. She is way out of his league and he knows it. He starts by seeing another woman on a cruise ship just to be around her. Then the cruise ends and Scott thinks that he will never see her again; until he does. The improbably pair start seeing each other and problems arise. I liked the writer's style. It was clear and concise and you knew exactly what turn the plot was taking at all times. The characters were also very likable. I was routing for both characters the entire book. Even though the reader is well aware of Scott's thoughts at all times, Desiree was a character that I'd like to get to know. I feel like she was born before her time. She was not afraid to go after something that was not the norm for a woman of her status and she was willing to take a risk; not only with her own life but with what others would say. She is one strong willed woman! This book is just begging for a sequel and from the author's note at the end of the book, it looks like there is one! I can't wait to read it! #AnImprobablePairing #NetGalley
Cristie U, Book Trade Professional
The author did a brilliant job of capturing the time period in this novel. The characters and plot were also well written. This was a great piece of historical fiction!
Anna M, Reviewer
An Improbable Pairing almost instantly inserts the reader into a world of glitz, glamour and all the luxurious dreams we can imagine. When two worlds clash a pairing of riches and poverty create a story that will take you from the States to Switzerland. A fast-paced love story that will appeal not only to historical fiction fans but also to historical romance fans alike.
Anna Maria P, Reviewer
Attracted by a beautiful cover and a wonderful title: An Improbable
Pairing I decided to launch myself in the reading of the first novel by Gary Dickson published by GreenLeaf Book Group Press, a publishing house with always very good titles.
The novel starts with a quote by T.S. Eliot: "Sometimes things become possible if we want them bad enough."by
Scott like many other young Americans sailed on August 30 1963 from New York to the ports of Le Havre and Southampton.
Scott was directed to Geneva where he would have attended the University. Although his parents considered this one an extravagant fact, it was more than sure that it would have paid before to get a law degree in a prestigious American institution.
But, what it was important for Scott Stoddard when he left the USA for Europe, was freedom. As he writes the author: "He was free: free to do whatever he wanted, free to be whomever he would be. And free from the constant supervision of his parents."
During the trip he knows two women, Millie, and the so-called Countess de Rovere. Scott falls fascinated by her. He also discovers that the countess lives close to Geneva. Scott starts to fantasize about the countess.
After some days spent to London, Scott decides to stay affording To Paris at the George V one of the most luxurious hotels of the city where he will socialize at the restaurant Epoque with some friends, at the same time enjoying the capital.
Scott leaves France by train, in a trip long six hours meeting a girl, Solange. He finds an apartment, deciding to keep most of his money "for travelling, fine clothes, gourmet dining and nightclubs."
Solange Pahlavi, back from a month in Florence where her mother has friends, mainly poets, writers and musicians living there, asks him of accompanying her at a charity event.
The event is at the house of Desiree, so-called Countess de Rovere. Scott is thrilled.
Solange understands soon that there is attraction between the two.
Scott in the while makes friendship with Marlyse Richter a student but one night, important to them, they met again the countess and Marlyse understands the interestest of the countess for her boyfriend.
The dinner is a catastrophistic experience but later the two tries to recuparate, just apparently, the situation.
Yes, because Marlyse is under the wing of Madame Giradet, while distant from her house so, who knows what that lady discovered about Scott and the Countess...
At a certain point Marlyse asks him: "We could get engaged..."
Scott is not ready.
He is still obsessed by the Countess.
Seven year older, the Countess appears a person more experienced than him.
When the love-story starts, Scott is worried for the Countess's reputation although she reassurs him:
"How can being in love with you...A fresh face on the scene; someone tall and athletc, with manner and style- how can that hurt my reputation?"
Scott's ex girlfriend is reassured that the problem was the countess...
If you love a romantic book with beautiful locations, rich characters, elegant places, luxury, happy end, you will find this and more.
Warmly recommended.
I thank NetGalley for this ebook.
Anna Maria Polidori
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