Petals in the Storm

With each Mary Jo Putney book I read, I see why I admire her skills so much, and why she is an inspiration to one of my other favorite authors (Gaelen Foley) Normally I don't read other people's reviews before I purchase a book, because first I read the synopsis of the book and then decide if it is a story I'd be interested in. I'm glad that I did not ere in my routine for this book, because if I had know about the extensive political aspect of the book, I'm sure I wouldn't have wanted to read it. It would have been my loss, because the political aspect of it was exactly why I loved this book. For one, since I'm so intrigued with the Napoleonic Era, I was rewarded with so many minor details of that genre I did not know before hand. From page to page you appreciate what extensive research Ms Putney had to do to make this book awesome. Ms Putney's skill in using real life facts to entwine her fiction is brilliant. If you are one of the people who read the reviews before the actual book, please do not be put off by the political aspect the other reviews mentioned, I can assure you it was necessary to bring out the personalities of each of her characters. Every emotion possible of the human spirit will be expressed as you read the book. Two thumbs way up!

The Duke of Candover has been asked to go to Paris to persuade beautiful and mysterious spy Countess Magda Janos to continue spying for England, at least long enough to look into [...] rumors and a possible traitor. The duke is charming, at loose ends, and has an unknown advantage - or liability. Magda, it turns out, was once Margot Ashton, who was his fiance until she returned his ring in a painful scene they both remember. Maggie is ready to return to England after 13 years away, but she agrees to stay on. Of course she intends to continue doing things her way and continues to work with her long-time ally Robert Anderson despite the warning about a potential traitor - and the duke soon becomes aware of this third member of the triangle. There are plenty of suspects, intrigue, mayhem, and people working at cross-purposes both the main characters and the plethora of supporting characters. I have always enjoyed this book and continue to recommend it to those who like their Regency mixed with suspense. [...]

Contrary to what the person below said, this book had a lot "of intrigue and suspense, and of course, passion and tension and humour." Saying there was a lack of all of the above makes me want to ask, "Did you READ THE BOOK?" The book was really good, and it kept me interested all the way through. Rafe, the main character had to share the spotlight with another handsome, dashing fellow.. Robin Andreville (who has his own story in Angel Rogue). I liked Robin a lot. Very honorable, amiable guy. And I felt closer to him than Rafe... which is the wrinkle I find with Petals in the Storm. Though I love this book, and I would have to say is one of the better Fallen Angel Series (and trust me, all were exceptional!), I walked away from it not truly knowing Rafe as well as I feel I know the other Fallen Angels. I don't know.. was it because Rafe had the least demons among all of them? He makes appearances here and there in the other books, but he's not as distinct as Nicholas, Michael, or Lucien. The most distinguishing factor about him is his "Duke stare" and that's it. I want to know MORE of him, but alas, his story is over.. and a good story at that.. very suspenseful. Highly recommended! Hopefully it gets back on print so I could get a copy! Suggestion: Have Rafe make a larger appearance in some new book...like Nicholas' role in Shattered Rainbows... something that would give more windows into Rafe's character.

This was one of my favorite stories of this series. I absolutly loved the history.

PETALS IN THE WIND is one of several novels that together make up Ms. Putney's FALLEN ANGEL series. As a whole, the series is thoughtful and mature, yet passionate, without losing the sense of wonder that draws the reader to romance novels. The hero and heroine of the story are strong-willed, compassionate, and prideful ex-lovers, who after many years of separation and tragedy, must learn to forgive each other and themselves. The background for the lovestory is the political intrigue that took place during the peace talks following the Napoleanic Wars, and the story introduces the hero in Ms. Putney's later novel ANGEL ROUGE. This novel deals with mature themes while being entertaining, and without becoming morose or preachy. This one is well worth keeping, and reading again on a rainy day, particularly as part of the series.