Dearly Beloved

Rating:
Summary: One of my favorite all-time Putney books
Review: And I'm a huge fan. This book is emotionally intense, but the pay-off is big. It's beautifully cathartic, the kind of book you read over and over just to be reminded of how two wounded people can struggle through their pasts to find love.

Rating:
Summary: best putney ever!
Review: I am an avid Putney fan, and have devoured all her offerings to date-but, Dearly Beloved is the best by far. This book takes Miss Putneys ability to create real three dimensional characters to a new level. You can actually feel the tension, spirit, and courage from both lead characters. This is one you DON't want to miss.

Rating:
Summary: A decent romance
Review: I enjoyed this book but not as much as many of Mary Jo Putney's other books. Pretty good characters but there were a couple of plot twists I didn't like.

Rating:
Summary: Progressive
Review: I enjoyed this story tremendously. Given the period of time in which it is set, Putney approached issues that were completely untalked about during that time period. I thought their coming together as a couple and healing together was a fascinating and thought provoking journey.

Rating:
Summary: Progressive
Review: I enjoyed this story tremendously. Given the period of time in which it is set, Putney approached issues that were completely untalked about during that time period. I thought their coming together as a couple and healing together was a fascinating and thought provoking journey.

Rating:
Summary: Courtesans, Spies, and "Fits"....Oh My!
Review: I found this to be an enjoyable read - although the love scenes seemed to be a bit rushed. "Dearly Beloved" tells the story of Diane Lindsay, who leaves her small cottage home to pursue the courtesan profession in London. On her first appearance, she makes the acquaintance of Lord St. Aubyn, who eagerly wishes to lay claim to the stunning demirep. The two share a secret that bind them together yet ultimately may tear them apart.

The secondary characters were very likable. From Geoffrey, Diana's young son who suffers from epileptic "fits" - to Madeline, the reformed courtesan who cautions Diana that "a courtesan must never fall in love with her protector" - and Edith, the quiet Yorkshire woman who has been a part of Diana's life for years.

I would recommend this book to anyone who would care for a glimpse into the life of a courtesan and a truly endearing love story.

Rating:
Summary: I couldn't get through the book!
Review: I have looking for some easy romanace novels to read for my commute each morning on the train. A friend of mine recommended MJP. Dearly Beloved was highly recommended by all the reviewers and I thought I give it a try. Although it seems like an exciting romance novel with detailed descriptions and sexual tensions, I didn't find any humor or fun in this novel at all which is one of my preference in casual reading. It was torture for me to try to get through the courtship between the leading charcaters and I was lost in how I feel for Gervase and Diana. I am sorry to say that I didn't enjoy this book... I look forward to finding another author. I typically enjoy books by Amanda Quick, Julie Garwood, and Judith McNaught.

Rating:
Summary: Dearly Beloved is the best of the best
Review: I love Mary Jo Putney books, but this has got to be one of her very best. I read it when it first came out in 1990, and it is still one of my favorites today, I could read this book over and over again, this is definately a keeper. I recommed it highly.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent
Review: I loved this book. Mary Jo Putney once again writes an intriging story and kept my attention from the first page to the last.

Rating:
Summary: Enthralling
Review: I was captivated by the story from the beginning. It is one of the best MJP books I have read many and enjoyed all of them. While the book contained the usual Regency romance flaws, I felt the story was well developed and I really got to know and understand the feelings of the hero and heroine. Although I am not sure why Diane felt the need to conceal her past and to not pledge fidelity to a protector, which is not uncommon for a courtesan to do, I thought she had a healthy attitude to her past experiences which allowed her to develop into a very compassionate, loving, and understanding individual. I did not have a problem with the opening scene since the attitudes of male and females at that time are very different than they are today. Gervase would not see himself as raping his wife although the sex act was violent. His attitude is typical of that era when men were veiwed as owning a woman and entitled to her physically. The fact that he did not concern himself with her welfare, other than provide a living for her, was understandable given the circumstances of his marriage. I thought MJP did a good job of showing his insecurities as well as his loving and tender sides. If you do not have a problem with men taking women by force, then I think you will enjoy this book. It is the story of how love can develop and grow in a marvelous way between two people who carry a lot of baggage.