River of Fire

Kenneth Wilding, Viscount Kimball, a former reconnaisance officer for Wellington, is hired to infiltrate Sir Anthony Seaton's household and discover if Sir Anthony is responsible for the death of his wife the previous summer. He hates to take a position of spying on people, but his late father and his wife impovishered the family estate, so much so that there is not even a dowry left for Kenneth's sister. Kenneth sees no other way to save his family's estate, so he applies for the job of personal secretary to Sir Anthony, who is a well-known artist. Kenneth was interested in art when he was young, and showed some talent, but his father felt that drawing and painting were not acceptable diversions for gentlemen. Now, however, Kenneth's knowledge helps him get the job.
Sir Anthony's daughter, Rebecca, is a spinster who was ruined by a foolish elopement attempt years ago when she was only seventeen. Since then, she has shunned Society as it has shunned her, and has preferred only to paint in her attic studio. Society is also not ready to accept that a woman can be a gifted artist, but Rebecca tells herself it doesn't matter; her art is only for herself.
Kenneth is intrigued by Rebecca, whose ideas and personality are different from those of any other woman he's ever met. He feels worse and worse about the deceit he is using against her and her father--but there must be justice, and if Sir Anthony killed his wife, justice must be served. If only there could be any other ending than Rebecca hating him once she finds out why he is really in her home...
RIVER OF FIRE is intense and emotional, at time dark, but never depressing. Putney has done wonders at revealing the soul, creative insight, temperament, and world of visual artists. This is only the second novel I've read (THE PORTRAIT by Megan Chance was the first) that so inspired me that I, not a visual artist, was moved to try to put my emotions on paper with color and form via a visual medium--and it was exhilarating. That's how exquisite RIVER OF FIRE is.
Kimberly Borrowdale Under the Covers Book Reviews

I found 'River of Fire' to be a wonderful book. I loved it from page one until the very end. The suspense packed plot kept me guessing, and I had no idea which character might be the murderer, I was truly surprised. I loved Rebecca and Kenneth, Ms. Putney did an exceptional job with the characterization and sexual tension. I also really enjoyed the details of the London art world during that time period, and the descriptions of the paintings were excellent. This is definitely one of Ms. Putney's best!!!!

This is a wonderful book which joins every element needed for a great read. Excellent writing, deep character analysis, suspence as well as wonderful secondary characters. The richness of this book and the excellent dialogue made it simply SPECIAL!... The story line was compelling... all in all this book was a smooth wonderful read not to miss...

MJP is one of my favorite historical romance novelists, and I adored the other books in her Fallen Angels series, so I expected to enjoy this one. But River of Fire fell short in several small ways for me. I found the pretense of Kenneth's murder investigation a little cumbersome, and edging towards deceitful after he gained the trust of Rebecca and her family. I also found the truth behind Rebecca's own personal notoreity disappointing-- why do romance novelists think we need a lily-white heroine? And lastly, as an artist myself, I found MJP's desciption of the artistic process embarassingly trite-- it felt awfully cliched. Please, write what you know, or at least with honest emotion.
But despite these complaints, a very nice story, with admirable hero and heroine, and some sexy love scenes.

love mary jo Putney's stories, especially the series

Mary Jo Putney knows how to build a great plot. She also knows how to build her characters as well as bring connecting characters in at surprising moments. Very good read.

fascinating, deeply drawned characters

Arrived in fair condition

Each and every book by this author is so much fun to read. Not only are the books romantic, but contain a very interesting story as well. Can't wait for the next one. Thanks Amazon for carrying these books.