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Silk Trilogy #2
Silk and Secrets
At seventeen, fiery Juliet Cameron had it all. She was beautiful, well-traveled as the daughter of a British diplomant, and married to the dashing and adventuresome Lord Ross Carlisle. But the constraints of Victorian society and the fear of an all-consuming love that threaten to engulf her restless spirit forced her to flee to the beloved Persian lands of her childhood.
381 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 7, 1992
424 people are currently reading
906 people want to read
About the author
Mary Jo Putney
167 books2,255 followersShe writes young adult fiction as M.J. Putney.
Mary Jo Putney was born on 1946 in Upstate New York with a reading addiction, a condition for which there is no known cure. After earning degrees in English Literature and Industrial Design at Syracuse University, she did various forms of design work in California and England before inertia took over in Baltimore, Maryland, where she has lived very comfortably ever since.
While becoming a novelist was her ultimate fantasy, it never occurred to her that writing was an achievable goal until she acquired a computer for other purposes. When the realization hit that a computer was the ultimate writing tool, she charged merrily into her first book with an ignorance that illustrates the adage that fools rush in where angels fear to tread.
Fortune sometimes favors the foolish and her first book sold quickly, thereby changing her life forever, in most ways for the better. (“But why didn't anyone tell me that writing would change the way one reads?”) Like a lemming over a cliff, she gave up her freelance graphic design business to become a full-time writer as soon as possible.
Since 1987, Ms. Putney has published twenty-nine books and counting. Her stories are noted for psychological depth and unusual subject matter such as alcoholism, death and dying, and domestic abuse. She has made all of the national bestseller lists including the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, USAToday, and Publishers Weekly. Five of her books have been named among the year’s top five romances by The Library Journal. The Spiral Path and Stolen Magic were chosen as one of Top Ten romances of their years by Booklist, published by the American Library Association.
A nine-time finalist for the Romance Writers of America RITA, she has won RITAs for Dancing on the Wind and The Rake and the Reformer and is on the RWA Honor Roll for bestselling authors. She has been awarded two Romantic Times Career Achievement Awards, four NJRW Golden Leaf awards, plus the NJRW career achievement award for historical romance. Though most of her books have been historical, she has also published three contemporary romances. The Marriage Spell will be out in June 2006 in hardcover, and Stolen Magic (written as M. J. Putney) will be released in July 2006.
Ms. Putney says that not least among the blessings of a full-time writing career is that one almost never has to wear pantyhose.
Mary Jo Putney was born on 1946 in Upstate New York with a reading addiction, a condition for which there is no known cure. After earning degrees in English Literature and Industrial Design at Syracuse University, she did various forms of design work in California and England before inertia took over in Baltimore, Maryland, where she has lived very comfortably ever since.
While becoming a novelist was her ultimate fantasy, it never occurred to her that writing was an achievable goal until she acquired a computer for other purposes. When the realization hit that a computer was the ultimate writing tool, she charged merrily into her first book with an ignorance that illustrates the adage that fools rush in where angels fear to tread.
Fortune sometimes favors the foolish and her first book sold quickly, thereby changing her life forever, in most ways for the better. (“But why didn't anyone tell me that writing would change the way one reads?”) Like a lemming over a cliff, she gave up her freelance graphic design business to become a full-time writer as soon as possible.
Since 1987, Ms. Putney has published twenty-nine books and counting. Her stories are noted for psychological depth and unusual subject matter such as alcoholism, death and dying, and domestic abuse. She has made all of the national bestseller lists including the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, USAToday, and Publishers Weekly. Five of her books have been named among the year’s top five romances by The Library Journal. The Spiral Path and Stolen Magic were chosen as one of Top Ten romances of their years by Booklist, published by the American Library Association.
A nine-time finalist for the Romance Writers of America RITA, she has won RITAs for Dancing on the Wind and The Rake and the Reformer and is on the RWA Honor Roll for bestselling authors. She has been awarded two Romantic Times Career Achievement Awards, four NJRW Golden Leaf awards, plus the NJRW career achievement award for historical romance. Though most of her books have been historical, she has also published three contemporary romances. The Marriage Spell will be out in June 2006 in hardcover, and Stolen Magic (written as M. J. Putney) will be released in July 2006.
Ms. Putney says that not least among the blessings of a full-time writing career is that one almost never has to wear pantyhose.
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April 17, 2016
Silk and Secrets is another re-read from Mary Jo Putney for me. The story is very special in its own way. I want to say up front that my 5 stars rating is personal and biased. I cannot imagine a lot of people feeling similarly about this book. For example, my dear Tinsoni, I am not sure you would like this book very much. If I wasn't so emotionally involved, I would rate it 3.5 stars.
Silk and Secrets is the 2nd book in the Slik trilogy from Putney. Having read the first book Silk and Shadows and loved it dearly, I read Silk and Secrets with enthusiasm years ago. Silk and Secrets is the story of Ross and Juliet. Ross, 21, an honorable, respectable, intelligent, brave, strong, sexy, truly PERFECT English hero married Juliet, 17, a red-haired, passionate, rebellious, wild, beautiful, not-fitting-in Scottish heroine. It was a love match. Ross and Juliet were madly in love. Having found love at such a tender age and being the forever honorable man that he was, Ross proposed. And madly in love that Juliet was, she said yes, choosing to not pay any attention to the fact that Ross was the perfect gentleman, but she was forever an oddball of the English society because of her unusual upbringing. The story began 12 years after they were married. 6 months into the marriage, Juliet left Ross, leaving him only a note and never saw him again until 12 years later, fate brought them together in Central Asia. When they were reunited, they had been estranged for 11.5 years. To save Juliet's brother, Ross travelled to a dangerous place risking his own neck. Julliet, of course insisted to go with him.
I can think of quite a few reasons why this would not be a wildly popular book. First of all, the setting is too rich for a romance novel. Putney painted a extremely complex backdrop for the story. That goes for characters, locations, cultures, dangers. For someone who wants a quick romance book, Silk and Secrets is too much. Secondly, the story tackles infidelity, a one-time mistake, and I have to say, all too understandable, but still a very bitter pill to swallow for starry-eyed girls. Thirdly, Ross and Juliet acted like 2 mature adults and the passion, while palable, is not hot to the touch. Fourthly, the romance, while being the central element, only occupies about 50% of the book.
All of which, spell a "dense" book, heavy in materials, details, and emotions. It is not a book that makes you sigh with happiness. Instead it grabs your throat and threatens to not let go. You choose to read it, at your own peril.
I wish Putney had saved us the cultural and geographic details and given us more romance. Having read the story before, I skipped most of the background details this time, and was able to concentrate only the relationship. At times I also felt it was difficult to continue. Ross and Julliet had too much baggage. The moving tenderness is not present enough.
So why 5 stars?
In this book, I think Putney has successfully captured one truth in love: sometimes, it is possible to fall in love with the right person, at the wrong time. And sometimes, it is possible that, you meet your perfect match too early, before either one of you was ready to commit. And sometimes, a couple must survive betrayals, disappoinments and heartbreaks before they come together. And sometimes, it is not because of some objective circumstances. Sometimes, it is just the way it has to be, because of who you are, you must live before you love.
I did not LOVE this story the way I loved other romance stories. I can't, because this book is not a romance. It is a love story, with all its ugliness and pains. I cannot recommend this story because I think I suffered through it, feeling the regrets and pains together with Ross and Juliet. It does not have enough "romance" to cushion all that ugliness. Instead we are fed cultual details. I know little of Central Asia and the Muslim religion, so I cannot comment on the authenticity of the story. Putney did a great job buildling this exotic land, but spent too many pages on things around Ross and Julliet, which ironically, is why Ross and Julliet seem so real.
I will stop trying to explain why I gave the book 5 stars even though I did not experience my 5 stars feelings reading this book. I guess I can't and my review probably won't help any readers. My feelings toward the story are still raw and the emotions true. This book did not make me feel happy or entertained, not even when the story ends well and everyone lived happily ever after. But it made me feel things that I do not want to feel, a deep emotion that one experiences when one reconciles with an ugly truth because there is no other way to live.
Silk and Secrets is the 2nd book in the Slik trilogy from Putney. Having read the first book Silk and Shadows and loved it dearly, I read Silk and Secrets with enthusiasm years ago. Silk and Secrets is the story of Ross and Juliet. Ross, 21, an honorable, respectable, intelligent, brave, strong, sexy, truly PERFECT English hero married Juliet, 17, a red-haired, passionate, rebellious, wild, beautiful, not-fitting-in Scottish heroine. It was a love match. Ross and Juliet were madly in love. Having found love at such a tender age and being the forever honorable man that he was, Ross proposed. And madly in love that Juliet was, she said yes, choosing to not pay any attention to the fact that Ross was the perfect gentleman, but she was forever an oddball of the English society because of her unusual upbringing. The story began 12 years after they were married. 6 months into the marriage, Juliet left Ross, leaving him only a note and never saw him again until 12 years later, fate brought them together in Central Asia. When they were reunited, they had been estranged for 11.5 years. To save Juliet's brother, Ross travelled to a dangerous place risking his own neck. Julliet, of course insisted to go with him.
I can think of quite a few reasons why this would not be a wildly popular book. First of all, the setting is too rich for a romance novel. Putney painted a extremely complex backdrop for the story. That goes for characters, locations, cultures, dangers. For someone who wants a quick romance book, Silk and Secrets is too much. Secondly, the story tackles infidelity, a one-time mistake, and I have to say, all too understandable, but still a very bitter pill to swallow for starry-eyed girls. Thirdly, Ross and Juliet acted like 2 mature adults and the passion, while palable, is not hot to the touch. Fourthly, the romance, while being the central element, only occupies about 50% of the book.
All of which, spell a "dense" book, heavy in materials, details, and emotions. It is not a book that makes you sigh with happiness. Instead it grabs your throat and threatens to not let go. You choose to read it, at your own peril.
I wish Putney had saved us the cultural and geographic details and given us more romance. Having read the story before, I skipped most of the background details this time, and was able to concentrate only the relationship. At times I also felt it was difficult to continue. Ross and Julliet had too much baggage. The moving tenderness is not present enough.
So why 5 stars?
In this book, I think Putney has successfully captured one truth in love: sometimes, it is possible to fall in love with the right person, at the wrong time. And sometimes, it is possible that, you meet your perfect match too early, before either one of you was ready to commit. And sometimes, a couple must survive betrayals, disappoinments and heartbreaks before they come together. And sometimes, it is not because of some objective circumstances. Sometimes, it is just the way it has to be, because of who you are, you must live before you love.
I did not LOVE this story the way I loved other romance stories. I can't, because this book is not a romance. It is a love story, with all its ugliness and pains. I cannot recommend this story because I think I suffered through it, feeling the regrets and pains together with Ross and Juliet. It does not have enough "romance" to cushion all that ugliness. Instead we are fed cultual details. I know little of Central Asia and the Muslim religion, so I cannot comment on the authenticity of the story. Putney did a great job buildling this exotic land, but spent too many pages on things around Ross and Julliet, which ironically, is why Ross and Julliet seem so real.
I will stop trying to explain why I gave the book 5 stars even though I did not experience my 5 stars feelings reading this book. I guess I can't and my review probably won't help any readers. My feelings toward the story are still raw and the emotions true. This book did not make me feel happy or entertained, not even when the story ends well and everyone lived happily ever after. But it made me feel things that I do not want to feel, a deep emotion that one experiences when one reconciles with an ugly truth because there is no other way to live.
April 17, 2018
3’5 Estrellas, pero le dejo las tres porque algo me impide subirle más. Lo cierto es que el libro me ha gustado bastante, es muy del estilo del anterior, pero con un argumento y ambientación totalmente distinto. “Secretos de Seda” ocurre íntegramente en el desierto asiático, de modo que salimos del ambiente aristocrático victoriano que tuvo el primer libro.
Aquí se narra la historia de Ross y Juliet. Conocimos a Ross en el primer libro, donde tuvo un importante papel como secundario, era amigo de Peregrino y el primo favorito de Sara. Será porque Ross y Sara son familia, pero para mí han sido hasta ahora los mejores personajes, en “Besos de Seda” me encantó Sara, mucho más que Peregrine, y en “Secretos de Seda” ha sido Ross quien me ha conquistado. Aunque advierto, Ross es un dechado de perfección, tanto tanto, que es imposible que sea real, pero me ha cautivado totalmente.
Si hemos leído la sinopsis, sabremos que Ross y Juliet se conocieron siendo muy jóvenes y se enamoraron. Contra los deseos de sus familiares se casaron, pero algo ocurrió a los pocos meses, Juliet abandonó a Ross sin darle explicación, y diciéndole que no volviera a ponerse en contacto con ella. Así es como Juliet desapareció del mapa y acabó gobernando su propia fortaleza en Oriente Medio.
Bueno, pues este es el primer punto negativo del libro: la protagonista. Juliet no me ha caído mal, pero ha sido un personaje demasiado desdibujado e irreal, no me la he creído, ni a ella, ni a su actitud, ni su modo de vida, ni nada. Si tuviese que elegir, le habría dado a Ross otra protagonista, y no una tan egocéntrica y cobarde. A pesar de todo, Juliet no me ha caído mal, pero no he congeniado con ella, ni he entendido ni compartido sus motivos, ni por qué hizo lo que hizo, y desde luego la condeno solo por una cosa que vas descubriendo al final, y que no me ha gustado nada. Repito, no se merece a Ross, ni Ross se merece lo que ella le hizo.
La historia empieza cuando Ross vuelve a Oriente dispuesto a empezar otro de sus viajes para empezar un nuevo libro sobre el tema. Una vez llega a Constantinopla recibe una carta urgente en la que su madre le conmina a volver a casa, pero en ése momento aparece su suegra, la madre de Juliet y le ruega ayuda, ya que en la embajada británica no quieren saber nada. Su hijo, Ian (su cuñado), lleva meses preso del emir de Bujara, en Uzbekistán, según los rumores muerto, pero su madre se niega a creerlo, y le ruega a Ross que la ayude a saber qué ha sido de su hijo. Así es como Ross, en un momento de locura, decide emprender un último viaje a Oriente, y en casa que espere lo que tenga que espera.
En medio del camino hacia Bujara, es cuando Ross volverá a encontrar a Juliet, doce años después, y sin saber nada de ella ni de su actual vida. Ahora es dueña de una fortaleza en Serevan, donde ha acogido a parias y gente necesitada, y los ha ayudado y dado un hogar. Cuando Ross le explica a Juliet por qué se dirige a Bujara, inmediatamente Juliet se une a él para averiguar qué ha sido de su hermano.
Aquí es donde comenzará la aventura, propiamente dicha, y un viaje por el desierto lleno de peligros: turcomanos, el sol, falta de agua, tormentas de arena etc. Ha sido un libro que ha descrito un entorno distinto y muy exótico, y tan bien trabajado, que de verdad es lo que más valoro de lo que he leído. Como no puede ser de otro modo y pese a todos los peligros, cuando nuestros protagonistas llegan a Bujara, los espera otra trampa: el emir no es amigo de los occidentales, los odia, está loco y es sanguinario, y sólo quedará saber si Ross y Juliet podrán averiguar qué ha sido de Ian, y si podrán escapar de Bujara.
Esto es lo que ha sido “Secretos de Seda” y por eso me ha convencido, la historia, la ambientación, los peligros, la aventura, y Ross. Lo único que me lo ha fastidiado es el personaje tan inverosímil que es Juliet, y que para mí ha salido mejor parada de lo que debería tras lo que hizo.
Sólo queda leer el tercer y conclusivo libro de la serie, que ya me spoileé quién es su protagonista, y al cual tengo muchísimas ganas, pues tras todo lo que ha pasado, se merecía su historia.
Aquí se narra la historia de Ross y Juliet. Conocimos a Ross en el primer libro, donde tuvo un importante papel como secundario, era amigo de Peregrino y el primo favorito de Sara. Será porque Ross y Sara son familia, pero para mí han sido hasta ahora los mejores personajes, en “Besos de Seda” me encantó Sara, mucho más que Peregrine, y en “Secretos de Seda” ha sido Ross quien me ha conquistado. Aunque advierto, Ross es un dechado de perfección, tanto tanto, que es imposible que sea real, pero me ha cautivado totalmente.
Si hemos leído la sinopsis, sabremos que Ross y Juliet se conocieron siendo muy jóvenes y se enamoraron. Contra los deseos de sus familiares se casaron, pero algo ocurrió a los pocos meses, Juliet abandonó a Ross sin darle explicación, y diciéndole que no volviera a ponerse en contacto con ella. Así es como Juliet desapareció del mapa y acabó gobernando su propia fortaleza en Oriente Medio.
Bueno, pues este es el primer punto negativo del libro: la protagonista. Juliet no me ha caído mal, pero ha sido un personaje demasiado desdibujado e irreal, no me la he creído, ni a ella, ni a su actitud, ni su modo de vida, ni nada. Si tuviese que elegir, le habría dado a Ross otra protagonista, y no una tan egocéntrica y cobarde. A pesar de todo, Juliet no me ha caído mal, pero no he congeniado con ella, ni he entendido ni compartido sus motivos, ni por qué hizo lo que hizo, y desde luego la condeno solo por una cosa que vas descubriendo al final, y que no me ha gustado nada. Repito, no se merece a Ross, ni Ross se merece lo que ella le hizo.
La historia empieza cuando Ross vuelve a Oriente dispuesto a empezar otro de sus viajes para empezar un nuevo libro sobre el tema. Una vez llega a Constantinopla recibe una carta urgente en la que su madre le conmina a volver a casa, pero en ése momento aparece su suegra, la madre de Juliet y le ruega ayuda, ya que en la embajada británica no quieren saber nada. Su hijo, Ian (su cuñado), lleva meses preso del emir de Bujara, en Uzbekistán, según los rumores muerto, pero su madre se niega a creerlo, y le ruega a Ross que la ayude a saber qué ha sido de su hijo. Así es como Ross, en un momento de locura, decide emprender un último viaje a Oriente, y en casa que espere lo que tenga que espera.
En medio del camino hacia Bujara, es cuando Ross volverá a encontrar a Juliet, doce años después, y sin saber nada de ella ni de su actual vida. Ahora es dueña de una fortaleza en Serevan, donde ha acogido a parias y gente necesitada, y los ha ayudado y dado un hogar. Cuando Ross le explica a Juliet por qué se dirige a Bujara, inmediatamente Juliet se une a él para averiguar qué ha sido de su hermano.
Aquí es donde comenzará la aventura, propiamente dicha, y un viaje por el desierto lleno de peligros: turcomanos, el sol, falta de agua, tormentas de arena etc. Ha sido un libro que ha descrito un entorno distinto y muy exótico, y tan bien trabajado, que de verdad es lo que más valoro de lo que he leído. Como no puede ser de otro modo y pese a todos los peligros, cuando nuestros protagonistas llegan a Bujara, los espera otra trampa: el emir no es amigo de los occidentales, los odia, está loco y es sanguinario, y sólo quedará saber si Ross y Juliet podrán averiguar qué ha sido de Ian, y si podrán escapar de Bujara.
Esto es lo que ha sido “Secretos de Seda” y por eso me ha convencido, la historia, la ambientación, los peligros, la aventura, y Ross. Lo único que me lo ha fastidiado es el personaje tan inverosímil que es Juliet, y que para mí ha salido mejor parada de lo que debería tras lo que hizo.
Sólo queda leer el tercer y conclusivo libro de la serie, que ya me spoileé quién es su protagonista, y al cual tengo muchísimas ganas, pues tras todo lo que ha pasado, se merecía su historia.
April 23, 2018
Serían 3,5 estrellas, pero le subo a 4 porque la ambientación me ha gustado mucho.
Si algo tiene esta autora es que ambienta como pocas las tramas en las que basa sus historias, y en este caso me ha parecido estar con los protagonistas por sus andadas en el desierto.
¿Y por qué sólo 3 estrellas y media? Por la protagonista. Juliet ha sido un personaje que me ha desconcertado desde que me enteré de que ella era la mujer de Ross y le abandonó 12 años atrás. A lo largo de la historia creí que todo se sabría y que la autora nos daría un buen motivo para ello, pero lo que se descubre al final es algo que no logro comprender y solo me hace tener una imagen de ella bastante negativa. Él también tuvo su parte de culpa y todo es muy probable que se solucionara hablando, pero aún así, lo que hizo ella me sigue pareciendo más grave y de un egoísmo puro.
En cambio, Ross ha sido todo un descubrimiento. Si en el primer libro ya me llamó la atención, en este mi interés se ha duplicado y me ha hecho disfrutar del libro aún más. Aunque a veces parecía el hombre perfecto y todo le salía bien, me ha gustado mucho más que ella y de hecho, sigo pensando cómo es que le ha podido perdonar todo.
Los secundarios también me han gustado, sobre todo los que han acompañado a nuestros protagonistas a través del desierto destacando a cierta persona que encuentran en su camino y de la que no hago spoiler por si queréis leerla y pasar por los mismos estadios que pasé yo.
En resumen, una novela muy buena en la que prima la aventura y el romance está en un plano paralelo pero que para mí, la protagonista lo ha acabado desluciendo.
Voy a por el siguiente y último de la serie.
Si algo tiene esta autora es que ambienta como pocas las tramas en las que basa sus historias, y en este caso me ha parecido estar con los protagonistas por sus andadas en el desierto.
¿Y por qué sólo 3 estrellas y media? Por la protagonista. Juliet ha sido un personaje que me ha desconcertado desde que me enteré de que ella era la mujer de Ross y le abandonó 12 años atrás. A lo largo de la historia creí que todo se sabría y que la autora nos daría un buen motivo para ello, pero lo que se descubre al final es algo que no logro comprender y solo me hace tener una imagen de ella bastante negativa. Él también tuvo su parte de culpa y todo es muy probable que se solucionara hablando, pero aún así, lo que hizo ella me sigue pareciendo más grave y de un egoísmo puro.
En cambio, Ross ha sido todo un descubrimiento. Si en el primer libro ya me llamó la atención, en este mi interés se ha duplicado y me ha hecho disfrutar del libro aún más. Aunque a veces parecía el hombre perfecto y todo le salía bien, me ha gustado mucho más que ella y de hecho, sigo pensando cómo es que le ha podido perdonar todo.
Los secundarios también me han gustado, sobre todo los que han acompañado a nuestros protagonistas a través del desierto destacando a cierta persona que encuentran en su camino y de la que no hago spoiler por si queréis leerla y pasar por los mismos estadios que pasé yo.
En resumen, una novela muy buena en la que prima la aventura y el romance está en un plano paralelo pero que para mí, la protagonista lo ha acabado desluciendo.
Voy a por el siguiente y último de la serie.
July 9, 2013
I loved this Victorian - the story involves two estranged spouses finding each other again amidst exotic danger. What's not to love?
Ross and Julia married very young but they knew they belonged together. That is, until Ross returned home from visiting a relative one day a few months after marriage to find his beautiful bride had run away from him and kept running.
Now it's twelve years later, and Ross is a well-known explorer off on his last, desperate mission - to track down his missing brother-in-law Ian, who may or may not have been executed in Bukhara. And it is on his trek through the Kara Kum desert that he meets Julia again. Julia, who the author clearly based on Lady Hester Stanhope, has carved a life for herself in a remote outpost as a 'ruler' of a small fortified village.
The bulk of the book is set during Ross and Julia's journey to Bukhara and their time in the menacing city, as well as their escape. But much as I loved the highly unusual setting (when's the last time you read a romance set on the Silk Road?), what really made me give the book 5 stars was the complex, tormented relationship between Ross and Julia itself - these are two smart, strong-willed, passionate people who have never gotten over each other, and who have caused each other unimaginable pain - they cannot stay away from each other, now that they are thrown together again - but they cannot move forward either, because there is so much baggage between them. They lash out, they comfort, they fight and love and are incapable of letting go.
I liked Julia, who is pretty unusual for a romance novel heroine - the separation is very much her fault - there is no misunderstanding, no 'Ross brought it on himself' here - but she is older and wiser and scarred by her past behavior as much as she scarred Ross. She's brave and complicated and makes mistakes and atones for them, and is a pretty wonderful heroine. But much as I like Julia, my heart belongs to Ross - a self-effacing explorer with a not so-hidden adrenaline-junkie streak, shaped by his loss but not made less, Ross is a rare romance novel hero who is just plain good and one I'd not mind taking home to mother :)
So yes, go read!
Ross and Julia married very young but they knew they belonged together. That is, until Ross returned home from visiting a relative one day a few months after marriage to find his beautiful bride had run away from him and kept running.
Now it's twelve years later, and Ross is a well-known explorer off on his last, desperate mission - to track down his missing brother-in-law Ian, who may or may not have been executed in Bukhara. And it is on his trek through the Kara Kum desert that he meets Julia again. Julia, who the author clearly based on Lady Hester Stanhope, has carved a life for herself in a remote outpost as a 'ruler' of a small fortified village.
The bulk of the book is set during Ross and Julia's journey to Bukhara and their time in the menacing city, as well as their escape. But much as I loved the highly unusual setting (when's the last time you read a romance set on the Silk Road?), what really made me give the book 5 stars was the complex, tormented relationship between Ross and Julia itself - these are two smart, strong-willed, passionate people who have never gotten over each other, and who have caused each other unimaginable pain - they cannot stay away from each other, now that they are thrown together again - but they cannot move forward either, because there is so much baggage between them. They lash out, they comfort, they fight and love and are incapable of letting go.
I liked Julia, who is pretty unusual for a romance novel heroine - the separation is very much her fault - there is no misunderstanding, no 'Ross brought it on himself' here - but she is older and wiser and scarred by her past behavior as much as she scarred Ross. She's brave and complicated and makes mistakes and atones for them, and is a pretty wonderful heroine. But much as I like Julia, my heart belongs to Ross - a self-effacing explorer with a not so-hidden adrenaline-junkie streak, shaped by his loss but not made less, Ross is a rare romance novel hero who is just plain good and one I'd not mind taking home to mother :)
So yes, go read!
February 19, 2022
Me ha encantado esta novela «de amor y aventuras». Poco tiene que ver con lo que se publica ahora en romántica.
Ross se embarca en un último viaje hacia Bujará. Lo más probable es que no sobreviva. En el trayecto se reencontrará con su mujer Juliet, de quien lleva años separado. Se ambienta en los desiertos de Asia Central. En Ross tenemos un héroe hábil, inteligente, que sabe cómo sobrevivir en un entorno en el que ser extranjero equivale a una sentencia de muerte. Un hombre templado, capaz de amar apasionadamente. Juliet cometió errores a los dieciocho años sin que haya encontrado la forma de volver, asumiendo que Ross jamás la perdonará. Su dinámica me resulta fabulosa.
Una historia tan buena que sigo acordándome de ella tiempo después de leerla.
Crítica amplia, en mi blog.
Ross se embarca en un último viaje hacia Bujará. Lo más probable es que no sobreviva. En el trayecto se reencontrará con su mujer Juliet, de quien lleva años separado. Se ambienta en los desiertos de Asia Central. En Ross tenemos un héroe hábil, inteligente, que sabe cómo sobrevivir en un entorno en el que ser extranjero equivale a una sentencia de muerte. Un hombre templado, capaz de amar apasionadamente. Juliet cometió errores a los dieciocho años sin que haya encontrado la forma de volver, asumiendo que Ross jamás la perdonará. Su dinámica me resulta fabulosa.
Una historia tan buena que sigo acordándome de ella tiempo después de leerla.
Crítica amplia, en mi blog.
January 31, 2018
leído en Julio 2014
Estuvo muy bueno el libro, me gustó!
Estuvo muy bueno el libro, me gustó!
August 1, 2015
An Exciting Adventure in Uzbekistan
This is book 2 of the Victorian Silk trilogy and tells the exciting story of Lord Ross Carlisle, younger son of the Duke of Windemere, and friend to Mikahl Khanauri (now Connery), the hero in book 1. Ross is a world traveler and adventurer and now returns to Central Asia.
Though it is set in Bokhara, Uzbekistan in 1841, it begins in Constantinople where Ross learns that his brother has died and he is now the Marquess of Kilburn, his father’s heir. And it is there we discover that Ross is actually married—to Juliet Cameron, daughter of a Scottish diplomat. They married young and Juliet left him six months later feeling that she could not handle London Society. When Juliet’s mother asks Ross to go to Bokhara to find her son, Ian, he agrees, never knowing he will soon find his estranged wife.
Juliet is an adventurer in her own right, winning the respect of the Persians where she rules a people. Ross, a splendid hero everyone seems to love, admires her as she admires him. They seemed perfect for each other and Juliet’s leaving a man she clearly loved was a bit mystifying. They do have a “big conversation” at the end but it wasn’t that surprising as Putney dropped large hints as he story developed.
Putney has done much research for this story and she brings the culture of Central Asia to life. It is rich in historical detail—the sight, sounds, dress and food. The scene of the Uzbek equivalent of polo, played with the body of a dead goat, was thrilling. Lots of action here as we dive into the mystery surrounding Juliet’s missing brother and Ross and Juliet together fight off the bad guys who are trying to kill them.
An exciting adventure and a dive into a truly exotic locale.
The Silk Trilogy:
Silk and Shadows
Silk and Secrets
Veils of Silk
This is book 2 of the Victorian Silk trilogy and tells the exciting story of Lord Ross Carlisle, younger son of the Duke of Windemere, and friend to Mikahl Khanauri (now Connery), the hero in book 1. Ross is a world traveler and adventurer and now returns to Central Asia.
Though it is set in Bokhara, Uzbekistan in 1841, it begins in Constantinople where Ross learns that his brother has died and he is now the Marquess of Kilburn, his father’s heir. And it is there we discover that Ross is actually married—to Juliet Cameron, daughter of a Scottish diplomat. They married young and Juliet left him six months later feeling that she could not handle London Society. When Juliet’s mother asks Ross to go to Bokhara to find her son, Ian, he agrees, never knowing he will soon find his estranged wife.
Juliet is an adventurer in her own right, winning the respect of the Persians where she rules a people. Ross, a splendid hero everyone seems to love, admires her as she admires him. They seemed perfect for each other and Juliet’s leaving a man she clearly loved was a bit mystifying. They do have a “big conversation” at the end but it wasn’t that surprising as Putney dropped large hints as he story developed.
Putney has done much research for this story and she brings the culture of Central Asia to life. It is rich in historical detail—the sight, sounds, dress and food. The scene of the Uzbek equivalent of polo, played with the body of a dead goat, was thrilling. Lots of action here as we dive into the mystery surrounding Juliet’s missing brother and Ross and Juliet together fight off the bad guys who are trying to kill them.
An exciting adventure and a dive into a truly exotic locale.
The Silk Trilogy:
Silk and Shadows
Silk and Secrets
Veils of Silk
February 16, 2016
Very disappointing book
I know some readers who are put off by mysterious secrets in the past which create a major misunderstanding and long-lasting estrangement between a couple. When nicely put, I do not mind that trope. But in that case, the secret was only revealed about 10 pages before the end of the book. And though it was quite a bad one, that revelation was so long due that it felt anti-climatic, as expected it was immediately forgiven, without even a hint of a doubt.
The whole story relies much more on adventure. Some parts were really lengthy, especially as not much is ever revealed concerning the heroine's real feelings, to preserve the terrible secret.
I rushed through the ending and really would have preferred that the heroine came earlier to her senses and/or that her secret had been told before, so that her behavior could be made more understandable. As it was, her persistent silence and avoidance was just childish and irritating. The hero deserved a much better mate than her and I was not so confident about their happy future ever after.
I know some readers who are put off by mysterious secrets in the past which create a major misunderstanding and long-lasting estrangement between a couple. When nicely put, I do not mind that trope. But in that case, the secret was only revealed about 10 pages before the end of the book. And though it was quite a bad one, that revelation was so long due that it felt anti-climatic, as expected it was immediately forgiven, without even a hint of a doubt.
The whole story relies much more on adventure. Some parts were really lengthy, especially as not much is ever revealed concerning the heroine's real feelings, to preserve the terrible secret.
I rushed through the ending and really would have preferred that the heroine came earlier to her senses and/or that her secret had been told before, so that her behavior could be made more understandable. As it was, her persistent silence and avoidance was just childish and irritating. The hero deserved a much better mate than her and I was not so confident about their happy future ever after.
March 17, 2012
I have noticed that reviews for this book are all over the place and now I know why. The bad news for me was that the plot utilized the "Big Secret" and this one had been kept for 12 years! Warning - it is not revealed until the very last pages of the book.
Aside from that, what the book has to offer is a wealth of information about life and cultures in mid-19th century Persia (now Iran) and surrounding countries, a hero to die for, a very unusual heroine, humor, nasty villains, extreme sports of the day, and a daring rescue attempt. It is certainly not your usual historical romance about the ton and a young miss and/or her mother trying to snag a duke or viscount. When you get weary of that tried and true formula but don't want to leave the genre, give this a try. I would give this 3.5 stars but I just cannot abide when a secret of great weight is constantly referred to but not resolved until the very last opportunity.
Aside from that, what the book has to offer is a wealth of information about life and cultures in mid-19th century Persia (now Iran) and surrounding countries, a hero to die for, a very unusual heroine, humor, nasty villains, extreme sports of the day, and a daring rescue attempt. It is certainly not your usual historical romance about the ton and a young miss and/or her mother trying to snag a duke or viscount. When you get weary of that tried and true formula but don't want to leave the genre, give this a try. I would give this 3.5 stars but I just cannot abide when a secret of great weight is constantly referred to but not resolved until the very last opportunity.
August 10, 2017
I have a weakness for marriage recovery stories. Magical new romance is fun and I love to read it, don't get me wrong, but marriage is hard and I dearly love authors who address that. "Silk and Secrets" is of course implausible but it tackles a marriage that was destroyed by serious issues. It's not just a silly misunderstanding, easily resolved. It's tough and brutal and heartbreaking and requires hard work from both partners, which makes it all the sweeter and worthwhile. Mary Jo Putney writes not just about romance, but about love.
December 9, 2023
4 stars. Sweeping book that had an air of mystery while traversing from England to the -istans.
Lots of adventure, emotional ups and downs.
One has to suspend disbelief a few times to believe the story, but it’s enjoyable all the same. You never doubt the love between the main two characters.
Lots of adventure, emotional ups and downs.
One has to suspend disbelief a few times to believe the story, but it’s enjoyable all the same. You never doubt the love between the main two characters.
July 25, 2012
Oh I am excited to read this book now because at the beginning the author states she used actual historical events and people in this story. Yeah! The nerdiness in me looooves this kind of thing.
Oh man I had to break out a map and look up all these places mentioned in the book, never heard of them before.
I know I am obsessed with Indiana Jones and try to connect it to every thing but this book is really giving me the Jones vibe; a man traveling in distant lands….
The scenery and places the characters travel eclipses the story for me at times. Ross and Juliet faded into the background a lot.
It took me a long time to read this story because of all the interesting tidbits Putney threw into it that I had no clue about. I am almost ashamed at how much time I wasted on reading about Heavenly Horses of Ferghana. The story never seemed to settle down for me so that I could focus fully on Ross and Juliet.
Really wish the reason for Juliet leaving Ross was revealed a lot sooner, the reason isn't given until there are only 20 pages left in the book. Not knowing the reason held the story back for me because without knowing I felt their relationship couldn't move forward. Juliet's reason was highly dramatic also; it just didn't seem justified to me especially since I had to wait the entire book to get it. There at least should have been some blackmail, barrenness, or deathly disease thrown in there!
Juliet was a great strong woman character but her actions when she was 18 really dimmed the character for me. And yes I know kids do stupid immature things but for some reason in this story I couldn't accept it. Ross was definitely "the man" in the story, being able to adapt and adjust to any situation. He was almost too perfect though. Once again as with Juliet something just didn't mesh right with me and Ross.
At times I felt this story was to long, but I honestly don't know what parts could have been cut out. Like I said before I wish Ross and Juliet's relationship would have progressed faster. I'm not sure I would categorize this story as romance, but as an adventure with romance being secondary. It was a highly fascinating read, I learned a lot. If you want a romance read I would say this book isn't for you, but if you like Indiana Jones, want to learn about Asian/Southwest Asia (Middle East to Americans) cultures this is definitely a book you'll want to pick up. Even though this book is second in a series it is not necessary to read the first one to understand this one.
C
Oh man I had to break out a map and look up all these places mentioned in the book, never heard of them before.
I know I am obsessed with Indiana Jones and try to connect it to every thing but this book is really giving me the Jones vibe; a man traveling in distant lands….
The scenery and places the characters travel eclipses the story for me at times. Ross and Juliet faded into the background a lot.
It took me a long time to read this story because of all the interesting tidbits Putney threw into it that I had no clue about. I am almost ashamed at how much time I wasted on reading about Heavenly Horses of Ferghana. The story never seemed to settle down for me so that I could focus fully on Ross and Juliet.
Really wish the reason for Juliet leaving Ross was revealed a lot sooner, the reason isn't given until there are only 20 pages left in the book. Not knowing the reason held the story back for me because without knowing I felt their relationship couldn't move forward. Juliet's reason was highly dramatic also; it just didn't seem justified to me especially since I had to wait the entire book to get it. There at least should have been some blackmail, barrenness, or deathly disease thrown in there!
Juliet was a great strong woman character but her actions when she was 18 really dimmed the character for me. And yes I know kids do stupid immature things but for some reason in this story I couldn't accept it. Ross was definitely "the man" in the story, being able to adapt and adjust to any situation. He was almost too perfect though. Once again as with Juliet something just didn't mesh right with me and Ross.
At times I felt this story was to long, but I honestly don't know what parts could have been cut out. Like I said before I wish Ross and Juliet's relationship would have progressed faster. I'm not sure I would categorize this story as romance, but as an adventure with romance being secondary. It was a highly fascinating read, I learned a lot. If you want a romance read I would say this book isn't for you, but if you like Indiana Jones, want to learn about Asian/Southwest Asia (Middle East to Americans) cultures this is definitely a book you'll want to pick up. Even though this book is second in a series it is not necessary to read the first one to understand this one.
C
September 8, 2022
3.5 stars......I couldn't get behind the central conflict of why the heroine left the hero. They had a perfectly loving relationship and she just freaked out and left him.
Want to read
October 27, 2022stepback: https://youtu.be/r0x0Rvk1SAs?t=2121
June 18, 2024
Not my cuppa
August 12, 2025
Had a great time reading this. What a fantastical adventure.
March 28, 2019
Good read. Didn't much like the heroine in the beginning but she grew on me by the end. Looking forward to reading the last in this series.
November 19, 2018
Lord Ross Carlisle is off on another adventure when he learns that his older brother has died and he is now the heir of the Duke of Windermere. Before he can return home, he is confronted by his mother-in-law about the fate of her son who is being held prisoner in Bokhora.
While now Lord Kilburn has been separated from his wife for twelve years and has no idea where she might be, he does undertake to find and try to rescue his brother in law.
While on this quest, he is taken prisoner by some raiders and then rescued by a group from the walled city of Seravan.
Imagine his surprise when the leader of the rescuers turns out to be his estranged wife.
She is determined to go along with Lord Kilburn across the desert to rescue or find out what happened to her brother. The only way that Lord Kilburn will allow her to go is disguised as a manservant.
What happens along the way is the intrigue and mystery as you wonder if they can survive each other and the journey.
While now Lord Kilburn has been separated from his wife for twelve years and has no idea where she might be, he does undertake to find and try to rescue his brother in law.
While on this quest, he is taken prisoner by some raiders and then rescued by a group from the walled city of Seravan.
Imagine his surprise when the leader of the rescuers turns out to be his estranged wife.
She is determined to go along with Lord Kilburn across the desert to rescue or find out what happened to her brother. The only way that Lord Kilburn will allow her to go is disguised as a manservant.
What happens along the way is the intrigue and mystery as you wonder if they can survive each other and the journey.
May 13, 2017
This rather lengthy historical romance has a few solid elements that I enjoy - a strong female lead (even if she has to dress as a man almost always to achieve respect in those times), characters overcoming problems in the past that have left their marks (including infidelity on behalf of the female).
However, it it may be my lack of interest in this area of the world from more than a century previous, a lot of the story was about the area and culture and relationships between cultures. Normally, that wouldn't be a problem, and even though in this book it was very well done with a good blend of realism and writer's licence, I ended up skipping sections that weren't directly related to the development of the two leads.
However, it it may be my lack of interest in this area of the world from more than a century previous, a lot of the story was about the area and culture and relationships between cultures. Normally, that wouldn't be a problem, and even though in this book it was very well done with a good blend of realism and writer's licence, I ended up skipping sections that weren't directly related to the development of the two leads.
August 12, 2013
I thoroughly enjoyed the first book in this series and like this one even better. The detailed descriptions of the various peoples and cultures that Ross and Juliet encounter on their way to Bokhara were fascinating. The book is well-written, the characters well-defined and the plot moves along nicely. Ross made a sexier hero than I'd expected [having met him first in book 1] and I'm looking forward to reading Ian's story in book 3.
July 10, 2017
Not as interesting as the first one
The main character in this story is not a likable female . While reading the story on several occasions I felt like putting the book away and forgetting it . However I kept trudging through it and the plot unfolded in very predictable ways . Add together the predictability of the plot and the inability to like the heroine; this story could easily be skipped.
The main character in this story is not a likable female . While reading the story on several occasions I felt like putting the book away and forgetting it . However I kept trudging through it and the plot unfolded in very predictable ways . Add together the predictability of the plot and the inability to like the heroine; this story could easily be skipped.
December 15, 2018
Another knockout historical thriller by this author, great pace, good research and deep feelings. There was a few times I thought it was dragging a bit, but the build up was quite worth it when we got to the climax. The characters had a solid relationship and great understanding. There very few very tense moments, when one could not put down. One also felt the seriousness of the political situation. If a fan of novels of quiet intensity, this one is for you.
August 15, 2014
Interesting book with appealing characters. I was a little overwhelmed by the exotic setting and unfamiliar language & customs. Books where the characters are constantly traveling and are in danger wear me out! (I'm more of a read-a-book-in-the-windowseat kind of girl.) The relationship between Juliet and Ross developed fairly well and I liked the book overall.
December 3, 2022
This series has not aged well, especially the first book. MJP has that awful old times HR tic of making the bad guys gay. And there’s def orientalist depictions.
But the adventure is so unique, the angst is so palpable, the reconciliation is so dramatic… it’s just a a fave of mine as a romance. Sweeping and somehow terribly sweet at the same time
But the adventure is so unique, the angst is so palpable, the reconciliation is so dramatic… it’s just a a fave of mine as a romance. Sweeping and somehow terribly sweet at the same time
April 29, 2018
Library Kindle e-book
March 6, 2022
No tenía idea de q este libro era el 2º de una trilogía y, más allá de la sinopsis, tampoco tenía ninguna referencia real sobre lo q podía llegar a encontrar. Por tanto me tomó completamente de sorpresa la trama tan complicada q encontré y al principio, me sentí tentada de dejarlo x el camino, xq la infidelidad no es un tema q me guste particularmente. Pero continué y me alegro de haberlo hecho.
Ross&Juliet se casaron siendo jovencísimos, y luego se separaron. Doce años después, Juliet necesita de Ross para emprender un viaje hacia lo desconocido con el objetivo de averiguar si su hermano sigue vivo, luego de años cautivo en vaya uno a saber q rincón perdido de Dios.
La historia va mucho de aventuras, Juliet y Ross se meten en bastantes líos para saber si Ian sigue con vida, primero, y para rescatarlo, ni les cuento. Y si creen q eso es lo bueno, esperen a ver q viene cuando finalmente deciden hacerse cargo de sus sentimientos y ver si es posible salvar su matrimonio.
Hay muchos sentimientos poderosos entre Juliet&Ross, es difícil entender la mayoría, lo q los llevaron a hacer eso q los terminó separando, pero me ha gustado muchísimo todo lo q ha hecho la autora para finalmente juntarlos de vuelta.
Siéntanse en libertad de averiguarlo, gusto aparte, no creo q se arrepientan.
Ross&Juliet se casaron siendo jovencísimos, y luego se separaron. Doce años después, Juliet necesita de Ross para emprender un viaje hacia lo desconocido con el objetivo de averiguar si su hermano sigue vivo, luego de años cautivo en vaya uno a saber q rincón perdido de Dios.
La historia va mucho de aventuras, Juliet y Ross se meten en bastantes líos para saber si Ian sigue con vida, primero, y para rescatarlo, ni les cuento. Y si creen q eso es lo bueno, esperen a ver q viene cuando finalmente deciden hacerse cargo de sus sentimientos y ver si es posible salvar su matrimonio.
Hay muchos sentimientos poderosos entre Juliet&Ross, es difícil entender la mayoría, lo q los llevaron a hacer eso q los terminó separando, pero me ha gustado muchísimo todo lo q ha hecho la autora para finalmente juntarlos de vuelta.
Siéntanse en libertad de averiguarlo, gusto aparte, no creo q se arrepientan.
December 20, 2019
It was meant to be. I didn't like Juliet at the beinging but she has grown up and strong.
The battle breaks out by the well where Juliet "Jalal" has fetch the water from the well..she has been abushed by Habib, the camel driver. That he has victory and kicked him (her) in the groin. The way the watchers cringe but she jump up as if it didn't happened and do the same to him.
Lol . I even cheered out loud and startled my cats.
(My fave scene!)
I got goosebumps in the Bozkeshi sport. I was totally into it. I specially liked the part where Ross rose the white stallion and flew over the riders as if they soar on peagsus.
They made friends and went through hard trails,
Of flashflood,
Dagger duel,
Bozkeski sport,
Fighting for lives,
Breaking out Ian of prison,
Disguised into variety of costume,
And many more!
I cried when Ross tell a fairy tale in his words to Juliet to make her understand.
But I'm the end, I'm so glad everything is happy and they have finally return to England in truth. A heir! Yay
So now I like Juliet!
Ross+ Juliet ♥️
The battle breaks out by the well where Juliet "Jalal" has fetch the water from the well..she has been abushed by Habib, the camel driver. That he has victory and kicked him (her) in the groin. The way the watchers cringe but she jump up as if it didn't happened and do the same to him.
Lol . I even cheered out loud and startled my cats.
(My fave scene!)
I got goosebumps in the Bozkeshi sport. I was totally into it. I specially liked the part where Ross rose the white stallion and flew over the riders as if they soar on peagsus.
They made friends and went through hard trails,
Of flashflood,
Dagger duel,
Bozkeski sport,
Fighting for lives,
Breaking out Ian of prison,
Disguised into variety of costume,
And many more!
I cried when Ross tell a fairy tale in his words to Juliet to make her understand.
But I'm the end, I'm so glad everything is happy and they have finally return to England in truth. A heir! Yay
So now I like Juliet!
Ross+ Juliet ♥️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 30, 2020
Ross Carlisle is in Constantinople when he learns of the death of his elder half-brother, making him heir to their father's title. But before he can return home, his mother-in-law, Jean Cameron, enlists his help to find her son, Ian, who was taken prisoner in Bokhara — and may already be dead. Despite having been estranged from his wife, Juliet, for the past twelve years, and with no idea where she is or why she left him, he agrees to undertake the mission. on the journey he faces danger in many guises, but he also finds Juliet. The only question is, if they survive the mission, will she return to him? Wonderful story, with a fascinating background, and interesting characters. Fast-paced and hard to put down. Highly recommended.
April 13, 2022
I enjoyed this book, It brought to life an early Elizabethan nobleman, Sir Ross Killburn, on a quest across the harsh deserts of Asia. He has been asked to find his brother-in-law who had disappeared while on a quest of hiswns along the own.
During the journey, he encountered many obstacles, not the least of all, his estranged wife, Juliet--who is now the ruler of a city-state along the old Silk Road. Disguised as a man, she is able to help Killburn search for her brother.
Putney's lively discourse gives new meaning to the phrase - blatantly romantic historical fiction! This keeps the reader on his toes connecting the dots of truth and fiction. A fun and interesting take on life in the desert town/states along the infamous, and deadly, Silk Road.
During the journey, he encountered many obstacles, not the least of all, his estranged wife, Juliet--who is now the ruler of a city-state along the old Silk Road. Disguised as a man, she is able to help Killburn search for her brother.
Putney's lively discourse gives new meaning to the phrase - blatantly romantic historical fiction! This keeps the reader on his toes connecting the dots of truth and fiction. A fun and interesting take on life in the desert town/states along the infamous, and deadly, Silk Road.
May 14, 2023
I was not very thrilled when i read Silk and shadows, but hoped things would be better in the second volume of the silk trilogy. Unfortunately, this was not the case. Apart from the rather unbelievable epic in the desert and the hiding of the heroine's true sex , the reasons for Juliet leaving her husband after 6 months of marriage did not carry conviction even when all is revealed at the end of the book. The adventures all happen and are resolved too neatly. I did not feel I could engage with the main characters. I felt I was familiar with some of the events because they were so like the escape from the harem in "Once a scoundrel". SO I don't think I will read the last volume on the adventures of Ian Cameron in India. A pity!
"The lost Lords" series is so much better!
"The lost Lords" series is so much better!
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