Dearly Beloved

by Mary Jo Putney

Book Overview

LOVE MUST FIND A WAY . . . A sheltered life in the countryside has left Diana Lindsay restless to see the wider world, for both herself and the son she is raising alone. She cannot marry, but perhaps... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1420148184
• ISBN13: 9781420148183
• Release Date: June 2019
• Publisher: Zebra
• Length: 448 Pages
• Weight: 0.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 4.1" x 6.6"

Customer Reviews

Love the intense emotion!

Most of Mary Jo Putney's books are my favorite, because of the flaw character, the conflict, and the emotions. But this book is at the top. Putney is at her best here, she wonderfully made an intense plot become believable, full of emotion, deception, and tension, with love growing in the air. I'm especially love the heroine, for doing whatever she must to find the things that she desire and be strong with her decision, also, at the same time a loving mother and a loyal friend, as a whole, a caring person with her own personal flaws. I can't put this book down the first time I read it, I want to know how the hero and heroine solve their problems and help each other on their way to happiness. I've reread it a few time and it still very emotional to me. You cannot pass this book, I recommend it to every one.

This is going on my "RE-Read" Shelf!!! I LOVED IT!!!

This book is so much more than it seems... about 3/4 through the book, I was so shocked at what came to play that I literally plopped the book on my lap and yelled "NO WAY!!!" all by my self in my room! This is only the 2nd book that I have put on the "RE-Read" status, and I can't wait to read it again once my current shock dies down! Go out and get this book. I give it a firm 5 STARS!

Intense and Engrossing:

This book starts off with an "incident" that occurs in chapter 1 that shapes the future lives of both main characters in enormous ways. The hero is "tortured" (psychologically) and the heroine is strong yet also "wounded." For those of us who like "dark characters" and intensity, plus the author's gift for writing, this is a near-perfect book. It is one of my personal favorites.

Love it or hate it. There is no middle ground.

Personally, I loved this book. This was the first one that I read by this author, now I just finished reading it again and loved it even more the second time. I know several other reviewers disagree with me, and I have to admit that this book is not for everyone, but if you like a romance that deals with serious issues, without losing the magic, this is it. Mary Jo Putney combines polemic issues like rape, homosexuality, child abuse and prostitution, an accurate historical background, an interesting plot with a few twists, and a very poignant and passionate love story. What more can you ask for? All the characters are well developed and three dimensional, and even though I didn't always agree with the way they acted, I was able to understand the reasons, fears and inner conflicts that motivated them. Personally, I loved Gervase and Diana, as well as Diana's son Geofrey. They became real to me, and I cared deeply for them and their happiness. I won't say anymore because I don't want to spoil the book for those who haven't read it, like some reviewers have done. I'll just say that in my opinion, this a very well written and enjoyable book, one that makes the Romance genre proud.

Putney's Best!

Just finished re-reading it and I have to agree with fellow reviewers - it is still one of Ms Putney's best. I read it when it first came out in 1990 and reading it again still makes me wonder how she manages to put so many ingredients into it. I do agree with some of you out there that there are some unpleaseant plot twists in the book. But we have to give Ms Putney due credit for being brave enough to deal with taboo issues like homosexuality, breast cancer and epilepsy in her story. Don't forget, this book is set in the early 19th century and people DO not talk about them. Diana Lindsay is one of Ms Putney's most unforgettable characters as she is loving and warm despite her bad start with the hero, Viscount Gervase St. Aubyn. She was brave enough to find herself a lover even if it meant it had to be with her very estranged husband. No doubt readers do not care for Gervase's behavior when he finds out Diana has been witholding the truth from him all along, but they have to understand his attitude is very much shaped by his dark and horrid past. I also admire Diana's go-getting attitude after Gervase spurned her (again) and she had to "take the bull by the horns". Of course, it helps that this book has some of the most sensuous scenes Ms Putney has created. Moreover, there is a double romance between Maddy and her reunited lover, Lord Farnsworth. I would dearly love to read Geoffrey's very own book. I wonder if Ms Putney will oblige? He is certainly a character worth expanding as he has so many lovable qualities - smart, warm and loving - just like his Mom. It would also be great to see an older version of Diana and Gervase come back. All in all, Dearly Beloved remains one of Ms Putney's best, if not the best.