Perfect Read online

  Dear Readers,

  There’s something I think you’ll enjoy knowing as you begin reading Perfect, and it’s this: The first draft of my manuscript didn’t contain a single reference to illiteracy. I was editing the first draft when Coors Brewing Company contacted me in an effort to persuade me to write a book for them that would highlight the problem of women’s illiteracy, a book they could publish in a few months’ time. There were many reasons I couldn’t possibly do that. I wasn’t finished with Perfect yet, and even if I had been, I couldn’t write fast enough to produce a good book in their time frame. Coors had made women’s literacy their social project for the year, however, and I agreed to read the material they sent me.

  The packet of material was large, and the content was horrifying because it documented that 20 percent of American women were functionally illiterate. Twenty percent of our sisters couldn’t read! According to the material, the best way to teach an illiterate woman to read is in a one-on-one situation with another woman who is willing to commit six months of her life to accomplish the goal.

  I felt that I was supposed to help; that I was meant to help; that I owed it to God and to my illiterate sisters to help. So I asked Simon & Schuster to let me delay turning in Perfect for two months, and when they understood why I wanted to do that, they agreed. Two months was very little time to completely rewrite Perfect and incorporate the illiteracy issue, so I flew to Colorado, rented a house on a mountaintop, and went into total seclusion.

  The book you are about to read is the result of that.

  Oh, one more thing: As a result of reading Perfect, more than five thousand women contacted their local literacy agencies and signed up to spend six months teaching another woman to read. Talk about real-life heroines!

  Warmly,

  Judith McNaught

  PS: If you want to read more about Matt and Meredith Farrell, they have a book of their own called Paradise. Zack and Julie Benedict appear as secondary characters in Every Breath You Take.

  Praise for the Incomparable Bestsellers of

  JUDITH McNAUGHT,

  “One of the finest writers of popular fiction”

  NIGHT WHISPERS

  “Never miss a McNaught! Night Whispers heads like the Titanic toward its iceberg of a climax—with shocking revelations . . . . Judith McNaught has written her most stunning work of fiction to date. Sexy, smart, and page-turning, this is a must-read.”

  —Barnesandnoble.com*

  “Fans of romantic suspense will shout that the great Judith McNaught has written something wonderful with her perfect novel, Night Whispers. . . . A tender triumph that will leave readers awed . . . . The characters are warm and charming, and will long be remembered.”

  —BookBrowser.com

  “Fiery passion, taut suspense, and unforgettable characters . . . . McNaught has truly outdone herself with Night Whispers. It is a testimony to her impressive talent . . . . Equal parts romance and suspense, this is a must-read for mystery and romance fans alike . . . . You’ll find yourself delighted with this excellent book.”

  —Rendezvous

  REMEMBER WHEN

  “[A] clever take on the ultra-affluent, ultra-cynical social scene of McNaught’s hometown of Houston . . . . McNaught has a lot of fun with a marriage of convenience that turns out to be anything but”

  —Chicago Tribune

  “Excellent . . . . [A] charming and sparkling tale.”

  —Romantic Times

  “Romantic, witty, and entertaining . . . .”

  —San Antonio Express-News

  UNTIL YOU

  “Delicious. . . . A perfectly wonderful story, with lively, funny, well-rounded characters. Until You is a laughing, loving book, a page-turner and a delight.”

  —The Advocate (Baton Rouge, LA)

  “Brilliantly done and completely entertaining . . . a surefire hit.”

  —Ocala Star-Banner (FL)

  WHITNEY, MY LOVE

  “The ultimate love story, one you can dream about forever.”

  —Romantic Times

  “A wonderful love story . . . fast-paced and exciting . . . great dialogue!”

  —Jude Deveraux, New York Times bestselling author of Temptation

  A KINGDOM OF DREAMS

  “Wonderful! . . . Judith McNaught is truly the spellbinding storyteller of our times.”

  —Affaire de Coeur

  PERFECT

  “Judith McNaught undoubtedly knows a thing or two about love . . . . Perfect is a steamy romantic escapade.”

  —The Dallas Morning News

  “[An] action-packed romance . . . full of desire and danger.”

  —Rendezvous

  “[The] chemistry sizzles.”

  —San Francisco Chronicle

  PARADISE

  “Another incomparable love story Judith McNaught’s readers are sure to cherish.”

  —Dallas Times Herald

  “Engaging . . . . A captivating tale.”

  —Publishers Weekly

  “A blockbuster . . . . an absorbing and heartwarming story.”

  —Rendezvous

  “A thoroughly enjoyable read . . . Paradise is a wonderful way to spend a day.”

  —BookPage

  Thank you for downloading this Pocket Star Books eBook.

  * * *

  Join our mailing list and get updates on new releases, deals, bonus content and other great books from Pocket Star Books and Simon & Schuster.

  CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP

  or visit us online to sign up at

  eBookNews.SimonandSchuster.com

  This book is dedicated with love and understanding to those millions of American women who cannot read it or any other book, women whose childhood circumstances have deprived them of the adult pleasure, and the dignity, of being able to read. And it is dedicated to the special, caring people who’ve given their time and efforts to the “Literacy. Pass It On.” program.

  Ackowledgments

  It is my name that appears on the front of this novel, but behind every scene has been a group of people who’ve contributed unstintingly of their time and talents, support and friendship. Each of these people have, in one way or another, enriched the novel you’re about to read, and enriched my life. My deepest thanks to . . .

  Don Bellisario, and the cast and crew of Quantum Leap.

  Gerald Schnitzer for sharing his thirty years experience in the film business and acting as “technical advisor” on all the aspects of movie-making in this novel.

  Susan Spangler—secretary, researcher, and friend— who brings new meaning to the words competence, dedication, and cooperation.

  Nancy Williams—National Program Manager, Coors “Literacy. Pass It On.”—for her unflagging commitment to women’s literacy, and the confident optimism that served as a constant reinforcement while I worked on this novel.

  Pat and Terry Barcelo, who offered the seclusion of their ranch so I could work in solitude, and a wealth of love and friendship to go with it.

  Lloyd Stansberry, for his repeated assistance on the legal technicalities involved in the plot.

  William C. McCord, for a decade of favors that have bettered—and will always better—one young man’s entire life.

  Debby Brown, for the example she is of kindness.

  Pauline Marr, whose generosity and selflessness is a gift to her profession . . . and to her friends.

  Amnon Benjamini, provider of fabulous jewels and priceless advice.

  And last but never least, Linda Marrow—editor, advisor, and friend.

  Prologue

  1976

  MARGARET STANHOPE STOOD AT THE doors that opened onto the veranda, her aristocratic features set into an icy mask as she watched her butler pass a tray of drinks to her grandchildr