Eileen Putman - Mary Jo Putney
Putman, Eileen - NEVER TRUST A RAKE (Avon - 7/99) (3+)
In Eileen Putman's first Regency-era historical, a rake with a zest for life meets a woman on a mission, and the result is a tale that both charms and amuses. Gabriel Sinclair was raised on a lonely British island by his father, an inventor who descended into madness after the death of Gabriel's mother. Sinclair pretends not to mourn the childhood he was denied, and determined
to enjoy life, he allows no romantic ideas or heroic quests such as his father's to distract him. But when he is arrested and sentenced to hang for a crime he didn't commit, a dramatic last-minute rescue leaves him confused, bruised, and enamored of his rescuer, Louisa Peabody.
Louisa, however, is thoroughly disgusted because she has rescued this dratted man...instead of the mistreated, mistakenly convicted woman she meant to snatch. Our heroine is an independently wealthy crusader, saving wronged women one by one and inviting them to live with her as they recover. For good reason, she both hates and fears men, and Gabriel Sinclair is the kind of man she scorns most—charming, witty, and attractive. In turn, Gabriel quickly discovers that Louisa, despite her beauty and his instant attraction, is full of the idealism he despises. She also loathes him and expects him to assist her in rescuing the convicted woman!
Although the heroine is not a sympathetic character at first, the story of her past reveals there is more to her than the sour miss we see in the opening half of the book. How the hero and heroine end up bringing out the best in each other is a lively tale. The boyish charm and wounded heart of Gabriel, along with a delightful secondary romance, make NEVER TRUST A RAKE an enjoyable Regency read. ~Anne Kirby for Bookbug on the Web
Putman, Eileen - REFORMING HARRIET (Signet Regency - 1998) (4+)
You've heard the old adage: "The quickest way to a man's heart
is through his stomach." Well, in this case add "nose" to the saying and you have our hero, Elias Westwood, a man who could identify by smell any flavoring, spice or herb. He is a world-traveller and buyer of exotic spices, which he brings to England to sell. His business partner has just died and his
partner's widow, Harriet, is selling off her shares for a pittance, causing him grief as his successful business loses funds. Elias is used to getting whatever he goes after and he has decided to go after Lady Harriet Worthington to get these shares in his control.
Our charming widow is found working in a bakery and Elias mistakes her for a peasant. She is up to her elbows in flour, her skin is flushed, her hair has escaped from her kerchief, and she is quite a mess. Elias does not start off on the right foot in this first meeting, and Harriet stops his anger cold when she offers him a pastry and tantalizes his palate. She takes advantage of the situation, inviting him to dine in order to delay his questions. Eventually they do come to terms and agree on a mock betrothal—almost a marriage of convenience, at the end of which he will get the company's shares and she will keep her independence. This is the beginning of a really fun Regency romp that has Lord Westwood turned completely upside down. Instead of reforming Harriet, the tables turn and Elias goes from falling in lust to falling in love. Harriet experiences her first stirring of desire in the process.
Ms. Putman writes an entertaining story and fully develops both the hero and heroine, allowing the reader to experience their innermost fears and thoughts. You see Elias change from an assuming, arrogant man to a thoughtful, caring one, while Harriet learns to trust again after being hurt by both her father and husband. REFORMING HARRIET has a great supporting cast and the story is filled with humor and wit. There is much sensuality, and this Regency differs from many in that the ton does not play a role and there are no real villains. The plot is centered around Elias and Harriet and their actions and reactions toward each other. Anyone who appreciates humor mixed with romance should find REFORMING HARRIET a delight to read. ~Carol Carter for Bookbug on the Web
Putney, Mary Jo - RAKE AND THE REFORMER, THE (5)
I often remember Putney's books for their original touches (the blood transfusion in SHATTERED RAINBOWS comes to mind). In THE RAKE AND THE REFORMER the unusual life the heroine has carved for herself would easily have been enough to make the book quite memorable for me; but in addition, it features Putney's very fine treatment of the serious subject of alcoholism—which, in my opinion, was handled quite thoughtfully without becoming boring, preachy, or cloying. All in all, this book (later revised and reissued as THE RAKE) is still my favorite by Putney. ~Elena P.
Putney, Mary Jo - SHATTERED RAINBOWS (Topaz - 1996) (4+)
A strong romance with action-adventure that doesn't seem thrown in—it really works. The earlier portion that takes place on the battlefront is absolutely excellent, and the romantic longings between the hero and heroine are beautifully conveyed. Most romantic of all, in many ways, is the memorable blood transfusion. One of those marvelous little touches in which Putney excels. ~Elena P.
Putney, Mary Jo - SILK AND SHADOWS (1991) (5)
This tale of love and vengeance in Victorian times features a sympathetic, well-drawn heroine and decidedly wonderful hero whose efforts to reawaken the heroine's self-confidence and joie de vivre are truly heroic. ~Elena P.
Putney, Mary Jo - WILD CHILD, THE (Ballantine HC - 8/99) (4+)
Dominic Renbourne is bribed by his identical twin brother Kyle, heir to the Wrexham fortune, to masquerade and court Kyle's betrothed while he pursues a personal matter elsewhere. The deception is only to last a matter of weeks, and what could happen in so short a time? The young lady in question is Meriel Grahame, wealthy mistress and heiress to the vast estate of Warfield Manor. Lady Meriel, a recluse who never leaves her estate, is also reported to be quite mad. She has not spoken since the age of five, when she witnessed her parents death and was taken prisoner to live in a zenana, where her light hair and eyes were a rarity and made her favored to be a rajah's concubine. Before this could happen, however, she was rescued and returned to England; but her experience in India left its mark.
Dominic is quickly taken with Meriel's ethereal beauty, unconventional ways, odd clothing, and a total disregard for wearing shoes. He is soon torn between his duty to Kyle and his growing attraction to the silent and mysterious lady, who is determined to have Dominic as her soul mate, whether he is willing or not. It doesn't take Dominic long to realize that while Meriel may be silent, she is very sane, stubborn, and determined. She finds the handsome Dominic irresistible as he awakens feelings she has never experienced; but despite his declaration of love, she is not so trusting or willing to leave her sanctuary...until danger intervenes from a completely unexpected source. The couple is forced into circumstances that could cause a permanent rift between the brothers and forever change their lives.
Mary Jo Putney has penned a tremendous, riveting tale for her hardcover debut. The reader feels each new experience, delight, pain, and horror as Meriel emerges from her reclusive life—amazingly, without her uttering a word of dialogue. You'll be enchanted with the setting and secondary characters, which include a sumptuous tree house, exotic gardens, devoted pets that need no words, an ever watchful bodyguard, plus two elderly and endearing widows who accept Meriel's behavior and strange ways without question. The author also gives us insight into the mental institutions of that era, as well as the ancient and delightful art of mehndi. In THE WILD CHILD, the setting, secondary characters, and sub plots will keep you reading each word until the last page, but the main focus is on Dominic and Meriel. Dominic will capture your heart, and Meriel's emergence into the real world will, at times, break it. THE WILD CHILD is a magnificent and unusual read, and I highly recommend it. Bravo, Mary Jo! I can hardly wait for Kyle's story. ~Mary K. (Mtknibbesr@aol.com)
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