The Night We Became Strangers

An immersive, historical novel based on true events: In 1938, Orson Welles's legendary radio dramatization of H.G. Wells's novel The War of the Worlds terrified Americans into believing Martians were invading. Eleven years later, an Ecuadorian radio station adapted the show—with catastrophic consequences. Now, two young journalists are determined to uncover what really happened to their families that night—even as secrets endanger their future.

1957: Aspiring photojournalist Valeria Anzures returns to her hometown of Quito with a secret purpose: to discover how her parents really died. The disastrous 1949 War of the Worlds show caused a mob to torch her family's radio station—and the newspaper run by their closest friends, the Monteros. The tragedy destroyed the families' relationship—and left the station on shaky financial ground. Now, expected to save her family's legacy by accepting an arranged marriage, Valeria will risk everything to find out the truth. Even if it means allying with the man she's always loved—but who now treats her like a stranger . . .

For Matias Montero, the scars of that night run deep. He saved his mother but blames himself for not rescuing his father. As a journalist, he feels Valeria is a rival not to be trusted. Still, they're both on the same mission. Perhaps, together, they can unearth the past their families and friends would rather remain buried . . .

Valeria and Matias soon find trusting each other is as dangerous as the attraction they can't resist. And between duplicitous witnesses, insidious lies, and ruthless manipulations, exposing the real story will put their lives on the line—and ignite revelations no one saw coming . . .

©2025 Lorena Hughes (P)2025 Recorded Books