Uncommon Vows

Like some other reviewers, I am very familiar with MJP's work through her wonderful Regency-period novels, in particular the Fallen Angels series. I was a little reluctant to read Uncommon Vows because, although I have read some books set in the middle ages (Edith Pargeter's compelling novels, for example), it's not my favourite period.Putney, again, impresses me immensely with the quality of her research. It's impressive enough when a British author's attention to detail and accuracy is good; it's amazing to see an American writer, writing for a mainly US audience, who takes such care with her research. I learned a lot about the Stephen/Matilda period I never knew!A couple of reviewers comment that Adrian ia harsh and refer to him as a 'psycho'. Clearly they know nothing about the historical period in question, and are judging him by contemporary males. Up until this century, women were only valuable as the property of men. Men could do what they liked with their wives and daughters, and women of the lower classes were fair game. Actually, Meriel was treated amazingly well as a captive, and even though Adrian's behaviour was sometimes harsh, he never - as Meriel herself recognised much later - actually hurt her. His emotions were running riot where she was concerned; he was completely unable to express his feelings or convince her that he loved her; but he never completely lost control.I found both Adrian's mental torment and Meriel's determination to resist seduction utterly convincing. Both had almost taken religious orders; naturally, their faith played a very strong role in their lives, even more than other people in a world where religion was very important. Adrian's attempts to show Meriel how kind and considerate he could be and how well they got on together were wonderful to read; and his confusion and bitterness each time he discovered that she was only looking for a chance to escape was heart-wrenching.The lead-up to Meriel's plunge from the window was so well written. My heart ached for both of them, and it almost stopped beating as she grabbed Adrian's dagger, he grabbed it back and she ran for the window. And then, afterwards, as he held her thinking she was dying, I had tears in my eyes.The amnesia element was completely credible, and - as another reviewer pointed out - Meriel's character was essentially the same. She didn't know anything about Adrian to make her afraid of him, so she allowed herself to recognise what her heart had known all along: she could love him. This is just a simply wonderful book, and I can't think why Putney hasn't written more in this time-period. She does it so well.Oh, and like another reviewer, I wondered about Richard; I was going to check this site for a sequel, until I noticed the book's publication date. I did suspect that Putney was going to give us a secondary romance, given what Adrian asked Richard to do in the end, together with what we'd been told about

UNCOMMON VOWS is Mary Jo Putney's best novel by a mile. I've read all her books and enjoyed many of them, but none of her others has ever matched the intense emotions in this one. I wish Putney would write more romances set in the medieval era since this, her only medieval, is the also the best medieval I have ever read. It is a story of dark obsessive love, heartrending loss and finally redemption. I would just like to add that the reviewer from Indianapolis who complained about the improbable amnesia plot twist missed the boat completely. I found the heroine's behavior in character, considering what she had been through. The hero made a prayer pleading for a miracle and made a vow to God of what he would sacrifice if his prayer was granted. The miracle was accompanied by the heroine's memory loss (her first vision was of angels). This memory loss, and the later restoration of her memory, by lighting bolt in a place of spiritual power and magic, showed that the higher force that granted the miracle was now requiring the hero to fullfill his vow. That's why the book is called UNCOMMON VOWS. Duh. And since both times the amnesia was caused by a supernatural event, I felt no improbability, only a sense of destiny.This is Putney's best book. For people who loved this book I also recommend Putney's SHATTERED RAINBOWS and DEARLY BELOVED, Laura Kinsale's FOR MY LADY'S HEART and Patricia Gaffney's TO HAVE & TO HOLD.

My poor words can never do justice to this emotional book but I was appalled that some reviewers didn't understand Uncommon Vows so I just had to put in my two cents.This book may well be my favorite of all of MJP's books for a variety of reasons. First of all, never has her writing been more clear and poetical than in this book. She uses more visual metaphors than usual, especially because of the unique nature of the hero and the simpler time setting (this is MJP's only medieval). I am not a big fan of the medieval period and I know that MJP isn't either but she felt that that the medieval period was the right setting for the tormented hero and the dark love story that she tells here. As always, her choices are unerring. The basic plot is captor/captive; not my favorite which is why I am not a fan of Joanna Lindsey but MJP does handle it more realistically and intelligently than JL. The heroine, Meriel, does not understand how the hero, Adrian, can hold her prisoner in the name of love and it's a painful process as the story unfolds to show a love that is incredibly complex. MJP does add a few twist here and there and there is also a very violent and cinematic fight scene near the end. This book is definitely not for the gentle romance reader.I first read this book when it came out and have reread it every year. It never fails to bring tears to my eyes. It is an emotional read with beautiful and clear writing on par with some of Laura Kinsale's works like Flowers From The Storm. It'll always have a special place in my heart and I was glad to read that MJP wrote a story involving a decendant of the hero/heroine from this book in her latest book, The Wild Child. I guess MJP found this couple as memorable as I do to refer to them after all these years. Bravo, Ms. Putney!

Possibly THE most incredible love story I've ever read. It's about obsession, possession, an all-consuming love, and forgiveness. It was love at first sight. Adrian believed that the Lady Meriel was the only thing that could dispel the darkness in his soul. You watch helplessly, as Adrian struggles unsuccessfully to express his love for Meriel and cry for them as his attempts threaten to smother and destroy the very object of his desire. The emotional turmult that causes Meriel to prefer death over domination leads the guilt-stricken Adrian to finally realize that only in the love that is freely given can they find the freedom to enjoy the incredible love that joins their souls. Well written. It took my breath away! BRAVO!

My favorite book by MJP--easily on my top-ten list. I'll have to buy another one soon to replace my worn, dog-eared copy. Any complaints about this book are probably made by readers who like a generic hero and heroine.