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Stone Saints #1
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Jack Langdon - Lord Frayne, tratează cu foarte multă seriozitate onoarea străvechii sale familii și, în acelaşi timp, ascunde un secret pe care îl consideră ruşinos: darul de vrăjitor, pe care a fost învăţat să-l reprime şi să-l respingă. Când un accident îl aduce pe Jack în pragul morţii, unica lui șansă de supravieţuire este Abigail Barton, o vindecătoare talentată. Abigail trebuie să îşi asume un mare risc pentru a-i salva viaţa lordului Frayne, aşa că va cere în schimb un preţ pe măsură: căsătoria. Acesta acceptă și curând se simte atras de soţia lui, al cărei farmec este la fel de puternic ca şi trezirea propriilor abilităţi magice; la rândul ei, Abigail este impresionată de sensibilitatea şi blândețea lui Jack. Cunoscând însă prea bine ura acestuia faţă de magie, hotărăşte să trăiască despărțită de el după conceperea copilului pe care şi-l dorise atât de mult, pentru ca Jack să îşi poată păstra reputaţia, iar ea să îşi poată îndeplini menirea de vindecătoare. Cu toate acestea, iubirea care se naşte între ei se dovedește a fi cea mai misterioasă și mai seducătoare forță pe care au cunoscut-o vreodată.
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 30, 2006
34 people are currently reading
893 people want to read
About the author
Mary Jo Putney
167 books2,261 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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 155 reviews
February 21, 2010
I just can't get enough of these magical romance books! I really enjoyed listening to this book, Simon Pebble (Think I spelled his name right) is just an awesome narrator. His voice captures the characters moods, man or women, and draws you into the story. I'm liking Mary Jo Putney very much. This book is about a "plain Jane" named Abby who is a wizard healer raised by her wizard father. Jack was born into a wealthy family having wizard powers but in England, magic was frowned upon and boys showing magical powers were sent to a boarding school that literally beat the use of magic right out of you. A classic story of lovers fate, Jack has a bad hunting accident breaking his leg and his neck and his friends bring him to Abby's house asking her for her healing powers to save his life. At first I thought that this whole book was going to be based upon an enchantment, the fact that Abby uses her power to not only fix Jack but force him to agree to marriage, but as you get into the book that's not the case. Anyone who digs a romantic novel filled with magic needs to check out Mary Jo Putney. Every book I've listened to has made me sigh at the end with a smile on my face....then I look at my boyfriend sleeping next to me with his mouth hanging open and a bit of drool making its way to the pillow and I think, well, we can't win them all can we?
March 16, 2020
A historical romance with a paranormal twist.
Abigail is a skilled wizard who has been in love from afar with Jack, a nobleman who visits the area for hunting.
When Jack get seriously injured in a hunting accident, Abigail agrees to try to heal him, if he agrees to marry her if she succeeds.
Jack, who had been conditioned to hate anything relating to magic, is wary about marrying a wizard, but having given his word, he does go through with the marriage, .
The two slowly get to know each other and try to bridge the gap that separates their very different ideologies, and true feelings develop between them.
Together they face a number of issues, from the high class prejudice against wizards, to the .
While I really like the premise of the story, the story itself didn't really do it for me. The romance, which I would normally love, felt flat and did not deliver any warm and fuzzies, while the second half of the book felt like a completely different story.
Regardless, if a second book is ever released in the series, I'll be sure to give it a chance.
Abigail is a skilled wizard who has been in love from afar with Jack, a nobleman who visits the area for hunting.
When Jack get seriously injured in a hunting accident, Abigail agrees to try to heal him, if he agrees to marry her if she succeeds.
Jack, who had been conditioned to hate anything relating to magic, is wary about marrying a wizard, but having given his word, he does go through with the marriage, .
The two slowly get to know each other and try to bridge the gap that separates their very different ideologies, and true feelings develop between them.
Together they face a number of issues, from the high class prejudice against wizards, to the .
While I really like the premise of the story, the story itself didn't really do it for me. The romance, which I would normally love, felt flat and did not deliver any warm and fuzzies, while the second half of the book felt like a completely different story.
Regardless, if a second book is ever released in the series, I'll be sure to give it a chance.
December 12, 2017
I liked this low-key Marriage of convenience storyline and the two romantic conflicts -- one internal where the hero has to come to terms with his prejudice against wizards and marrying one -- and one external where the h&h have to work together to overcome an enemy.
Listened on audio and Simon Prebble (who is always a great listen) did the story justice.
Listened on audio and Simon Prebble (who is always a great listen) did the story justice.
March 10, 2025
Uno de los tantos libros que empiezan muy bien y de los que me enamoro rápido pero que luego pierden su quinta estrella en algún momento del recorrido :(
Yo adoro las novelas ambientadas en la Inglaterra de la Regencia pero, ¿sumarle magia? SÍ, POR FAVOR. Me encantó ese agregado, en donde la magia es mal vista y quienes tienen esas habilidades han de ocultarlas o son enviados (en el peor de los casos) a reformatorios donde la reprimen. De hecho, nuestro protagonista encuentra a sus amistades en ese instituto y yo de verdad deseo que salga una historia de Ashby, pero han pasado tantos años... PERO NECESITO ESA HISTORIA DE ASHBY.
En fin.
La verdad es que es una novela donde muchos secretos y misterios se van desvelando y es INCREÍBLE, a mí me encantó. La relación que se da entre Jack y Abby es progresiva, se toma su tiempo y es super romántica. Nomás me pasó, como suele pasarme en estas novelas, que hay escenitas de sexo que siento que sobran o que no daban para que pasaran en ese momento, pero bueno, entiendo la emoción de que existan. De todas formas, eso no le quita mérito al libro.
Si estás buscando una historia de amor de época original, con slow burn, tensión sexual, misterios, una mujer que se hace valer a base de sus habilidades, que no se traiciona a sí misma, con magia y demás... creo que este libro podría ser el indicado, sin duda alguna.
Ojalá Mary Jo Putney continúe la serie... acá está marcado como que es el primero. Ojalá salgan más.
Ojalá.
Yo adoro las novelas ambientadas en la Inglaterra de la Regencia pero, ¿sumarle magia? SÍ, POR FAVOR. Me encantó ese agregado, en donde la magia es mal vista y quienes tienen esas habilidades han de ocultarlas o son enviados (en el peor de los casos) a reformatorios donde la reprimen. De hecho, nuestro protagonista encuentra a sus amistades en ese instituto y yo de verdad deseo que salga una historia de Ashby, pero han pasado tantos años... PERO NECESITO ESA HISTORIA DE ASHBY.
En fin.
La verdad es que es una novela donde muchos secretos y misterios se van desvelando y es INCREÍBLE, a mí me encantó. La relación que se da entre Jack y Abby es progresiva, se toma su tiempo y es super romántica. Nomás me pasó, como suele pasarme en estas novelas, que hay escenitas de sexo que siento que sobran o que no daban para que pasaran en ese momento, pero bueno, entiendo la emoción de que existan. De todas formas, eso no le quita mérito al libro.
Si estás buscando una historia de amor de época original, con slow burn, tensión sexual, misterios, una mujer que se hace valer a base de sus habilidades, que no se traiciona a sí misma, con magia y demás... creo que este libro podría ser el indicado, sin duda alguna.
Ojalá Mary Jo Putney continúe la serie... acá está marcado como que es el primero. Ojalá salgan más.
Ojalá.
July 29, 2022
Esta novela se me hizo larga. Aquí encuentro el estilo y los protagonistas atractivos propios de la autora, pero el argumento me pareció de lo más tonto. No entiendo por qué se vio obligada a girar hacia lo paranormal.
Esto es una especie de Regencia alternativa en la que existen personas con magia, brujos o hechiceros. La aristocracia los ve mal y procura apagar todo interés por la magia que sea sus retoños. Para eso los mandan a una escuela para des-maguificar (vaya palabro me he inventado) y que le cojan aversión a estas cosas. Así se conocieron Jack y sus amigos. Ya mayores, mientras van de caza, Jack se rompe el cuello y solo la magia de Abby, una lugareña, le salva. Lo que sigue es matrimonio de conveniencia. Y ya.
Crítica más amplia, en mi blog.
Esto es una especie de Regencia alternativa en la que existen personas con magia, brujos o hechiceros. La aristocracia los ve mal y procura apagar todo interés por la magia que sea sus retoños. Para eso los mandan a una escuela para des-maguificar (vaya palabro me he inventado) y que le cojan aversión a estas cosas. Así se conocieron Jack y sus amigos. Ya mayores, mientras van de caza, Jack se rompe el cuello y solo la magia de Abby, una lugareña, le salva. Lo que sigue es matrimonio de conveniencia. Y ya.
Crítica más amplia, en mi blog.
July 9, 2009
You know, I can appreciate a good trashy novel. Sometimes it's nice to escape, and lord knows I am not a book snob. So when I saw the summary of this book - nobleman in regency England marries a female wizard - I thought "why not?" I like it when genres collide. Unfortunately, this succeeds as neither a paranormal romance nor a regency. None of the characters were particularly well written or interesting, and the magical system was pretty poorly explained. I didn't see the attraction between the main characters at all. The plot meandered and seemed pretty unlikely. It's too bad, because like I said I thought the book started out really well - it just didn't ever go anywhere interesting to me.
September 18, 2016
This book was so fun! It was sort of a combination of one of a Lisa Kleypas "Wallflower" books and Harry Potter. I am a HUGE magic fan (especially with a fun, lighthearted tone) so this book had me at abracadabra (although they never said anything so cliche.) The heroine is strong, practical, kind and admirable. The hero is sexy, somewhat inexperienced in bed which is charming, fallible, and his evolution is interesting. The two have a spicy chemistry and sweet romantic tension. I love it when the H/h become friends in an organic way and we get to see them as a team at length.
I listened to this as an audiobook. Simon Prebble was the narrator and as usual, he did a fantastic job. I listened to it in one day and it was a dynamite escape!
I listened to this as an audiobook. Simon Prebble was the narrator and as usual, he did a fantastic job. I listened to it in one day and it was a dynamite escape!
December 12, 2009
I've been reading a lot of romance lately, but my first love is still fantasy, sow hen I ran across this author who does both, I was excited. Maybe I should have started with a different book of hers, but I was remarkably unimpressed. This was not a true blending of genres, but rather a romance novel set against an ill-conceived magical backdrop. The alternative reality was unconvincing and the magic was almost unnecessary. The characters were poorly drawn. This was pretty silly. One of these days, I'm going to find some real paranormal/fantasy romance -- something that makes real use of magic without sexy vampires and still manages to be a lovely romantic story. This was not it.
March 13, 2014
This book did not put me under a spell. I felt the characters were under-developed. The character, Jack Langdon, seemed promising at first. I thought he would portray the battle-worn part well, but as the story unfolded he was a lost boy trying to hang on to something, magic or not. I did like the strong character of Abigail Barton, but the magic spells were kinda underwhelming in the end. I felt, the author, Putney could have 3 separate stories in this book, as each plot could stand out on its own. Not much fluidity.
It was an easy read, but maybe I should go with my first instinct and put some books back on the library shelf.
It was an easy read, but maybe I should go with my first instinct and put some books back on the library shelf.
September 8, 2015
As much as I love Mary Jo Putney this book simply was not for me.Something is missing and the ending was rushed. Now you are in the middle of the storm expecting something 'whoa!' to happen...before you know it the book just ends with an unnecessary prologue.
April 4, 2021
This was the perfect book to read over the weekend--the elements of romance, magic, and intrigue blended perfectly and the setting in Regency England was the icing on the cake.
July 7, 2021
In a world where magic exists, spellcasters have been held as second-class citizens... suspect... separate... other. Those noble houses whose sons show even a whiff of magic send their children to a prison-like academy to beat the magic out of them.
It's highly effective. A truth Jack Langdon, Lord Frayne, knows all too well.
But when a hunting accident leaves Jack paralyzed and on death's door, he has no choice but to submit to the magic of the baronet's daughter and healer, Abigail Barton. Abby is one of the most skilled healers in all of Britain, and she's had a crush on Jack for years. A crush and a hint of premonition that he's the one for her. Now that he's on her table she wants only one thing from him in payment for risking her life to save his: his hand in marriage.
Can Jack come to terms with his new magical betrothed or is this marriage doomed to fizzle like a flame in the rain?
--
So I really loved this book especially since the coercive nature of the arranged marriage was dealt with really well. I loved the plot of the two of them growing to like each other as well as Jack coming to terms with being temporarily disabled. There's some really great scenes with Jack in a wheelchair, on crutches, and using canes that illustrates what it is like to be disabled and living in a world that doesn't accommodate you. It's well done representation, especially considering the book's original writing date.
Abby was a fun character, sure of herself but unsure at the same time. Even though she's tall, plus-sized (her body is described as voluptuous, curvy, and large almost Brienne of Tarth-like), and plain, she's not insecure in the way a lot of heroines are. She's sure of her powers and self-worth... and she's honest about her looks.
I found Jack and his story really interesting. All of the self-loathing that is turned and twisted. The fact that the upper classes hate and deride those with magic while at the same time using and utilizing them for their own ends. It's very true and it shows an honesty that I didn't expect. I liked the fight that Jack felt as he had to come to terms with his feelings for both Abby as well as himself. I also liked that he had to deal with the very real consequences of losing a lot of blood... aka no erections and what that means for lovemaking. It was honestly super refreshing and I kinda loved it.
The book isn't perfect. There's some disjointed plots... they work... but they aren't woven together well. And the main villain isn't really introduced until very late. I would have liked hints of him earlier.
That said, the side characters more than made up for this. Jack's friends are super interesting and I particularly loved Ashby. He's such a good doobie.
I found this book accidentally while doing research on fantasy romance featuring plus-sized heroines (there aren't a lot) and this was one that came up. This book was meant to be the first in a series that never materialized. And I'm sad about that. At the time of this review, the book is currently not available on ebook... probably because of rights reversion... so I ended up reading a hardback from the library. And let me say... this is the first time I've read a hardcover in several years. It was an odd experience. That said, if the author ever chose to continue this series I would be 100% here for it. But I suspect it didn't get a second book because this book didn't sell enough copies to meet publisher expectations. Which is sad, because honestly this is one of the better books I've read this year. But I will retain hope.
But because this book can stand on its own and because it was a fun read. I give this:
Five stars
It's highly effective. A truth Jack Langdon, Lord Frayne, knows all too well.
But when a hunting accident leaves Jack paralyzed and on death's door, he has no choice but to submit to the magic of the baronet's daughter and healer, Abigail Barton. Abby is one of the most skilled healers in all of Britain, and she's had a crush on Jack for years. A crush and a hint of premonition that he's the one for her. Now that he's on her table she wants only one thing from him in payment for risking her life to save his: his hand in marriage.
Can Jack come to terms with his new magical betrothed or is this marriage doomed to fizzle like a flame in the rain?
--
So I really loved this book especially since the coercive nature of the arranged marriage was dealt with really well. I loved the plot of the two of them growing to like each other as well as Jack coming to terms with being temporarily disabled. There's some really great scenes with Jack in a wheelchair, on crutches, and using canes that illustrates what it is like to be disabled and living in a world that doesn't accommodate you. It's well done representation, especially considering the book's original writing date.
Abby was a fun character, sure of herself but unsure at the same time. Even though she's tall, plus-sized (her body is described as voluptuous, curvy, and large almost Brienne of Tarth-like), and plain, she's not insecure in the way a lot of heroines are. She's sure of her powers and self-worth... and she's honest about her looks.
I found Jack and his story really interesting. All of the self-loathing that is turned and twisted. The fact that the upper classes hate and deride those with magic while at the same time using and utilizing them for their own ends. It's very true and it shows an honesty that I didn't expect. I liked the fight that Jack felt as he had to come to terms with his feelings for both Abby as well as himself. I also liked that he had to deal with the very real consequences of losing a lot of blood... aka no erections and what that means for lovemaking. It was honestly super refreshing and I kinda loved it.
The book isn't perfect. There's some disjointed plots... they work... but they aren't woven together well. And the main villain isn't really introduced until very late. I would have liked hints of him earlier.
That said, the side characters more than made up for this. Jack's friends are super interesting and I particularly loved Ashby. He's such a good doobie.
I found this book accidentally while doing research on fantasy romance featuring plus-sized heroines (there aren't a lot) and this was one that came up. This book was meant to be the first in a series that never materialized. And I'm sad about that. At the time of this review, the book is currently not available on ebook... probably because of rights reversion... so I ended up reading a hardback from the library. And let me say... this is the first time I've read a hardcover in several years. It was an odd experience. That said, if the author ever chose to continue this series I would be 100% here for it. But I suspect it didn't get a second book because this book didn't sell enough copies to meet publisher expectations. Which is sad, because honestly this is one of the better books I've read this year. But I will retain hope.
But because this book can stand on its own and because it was a fun read. I give this:
Five stars
June 13, 2023
This was an absolute delight and completely unexpected from the title. I thought it was a "basic" historical romance. But the characters were charming, the setting bucolic, and the addition of magic was a breath of fresh air. Recommend.
October 8, 2020
2.5 stars
November 15, 2011
“The Marriage Spell” by Mary Jo Putney.
NYT bestseller Putney puts a new spin on the Regency period by envisioning a fantasy world in which wizards, witches and magic exist side by side with the non-magical. Magic is acknowledged by all, though considered disreputable and mostly dangerous.
Jack Langdon, Lord Frayne runs out of luck when a bad fall from his hunter leaves him with a broken neck. His friends take him to the local healer, Abby Barton.
Abby is shocked to see him. For years, she’s nurtured a secret crush on Jack, and now he’s near death. His injuries are so severe, she isn’t sure she has enough power to fix him. If she tries and fails, Jack will die, and she could end up dead, as well, from the sheer effort.
Jack’s friends press her hard: Is there not something she wants that would make it worth the risk of trying?
There is one thing. She’d like to marry Jack. If he survives. A still conscious Jack agrees, and Abby assembles her healing circle.
Jack lives to come to terms with the bargain he’s made. Abby keeps expecting him to back out on her, but he discovers hidden charms in his wyrdling bride that make him want to keep to his end of the deal.
The magical elements in “The Marriage Spell” lend a lilting, fairytale quality to Putney’s story. She doesn’t reach for the grand magic of some of her earlier books in this vein. Here she amplifies everyday mysteries such as prayer, meditation, and emotional connection into practices that transform the world. Love remains the greatest mystery, capable of engendering the strongest magic. As ever, you can’t go wrong with Putney.
NYT bestseller Putney puts a new spin on the Regency period by envisioning a fantasy world in which wizards, witches and magic exist side by side with the non-magical. Magic is acknowledged by all, though considered disreputable and mostly dangerous.
Jack Langdon, Lord Frayne runs out of luck when a bad fall from his hunter leaves him with a broken neck. His friends take him to the local healer, Abby Barton.
Abby is shocked to see him. For years, she’s nurtured a secret crush on Jack, and now he’s near death. His injuries are so severe, she isn’t sure she has enough power to fix him. If she tries and fails, Jack will die, and she could end up dead, as well, from the sheer effort.
Jack’s friends press her hard: Is there not something she wants that would make it worth the risk of trying?
There is one thing. She’d like to marry Jack. If he survives. A still conscious Jack agrees, and Abby assembles her healing circle.
Jack lives to come to terms with the bargain he’s made. Abby keeps expecting him to back out on her, but he discovers hidden charms in his wyrdling bride that make him want to keep to his end of the deal.
The magical elements in “The Marriage Spell” lend a lilting, fairytale quality to Putney’s story. She doesn’t reach for the grand magic of some of her earlier books in this vein. Here she amplifies everyday mysteries such as prayer, meditation, and emotional connection into practices that transform the world. Love remains the greatest mystery, capable of engendering the strongest magic. As ever, you can’t go wrong with Putney.
January 19, 2022
This was an excellent book. I'd say a 4 1/2 stars definitely, not quite 5 though. I like the mixture of having magic in the regency romance genre. I also like how they call the women wizards to. Jack, the hero, despised magic even though it saved his life from a mortal accident. He slowly came around of course. His healer Abby,a wizard who uses magic to heal, pulled a betrothal from Jack before she would heal him, which I felt was totally unethical. Abby did release Jack from his promise, but he refused. I feel it had a lot to do with honor & also he was already falling for Abby. Abby had fallen in love from afar with Jack years before. I liked the mating dance between the two. How Jack comes to accept her magic & his own innate abilities he never realized he had. The book keeps you glued to it. The 2nd half really picks up. There is lots of action & intrigue going on. The first part of the book is kind of slow in parts while Jack is recovering from his accident & he's struggling with Abby's abilities, but the book just gets better! I really liked the last few chapters, especially the epilogue,it wrapped everything up nicely. I definitely recommend this book. I guess Mary Jo Puny has more of these Regency /Romance/Magic books written, I guess she has a Guardian series I might check out. I haven't been able to find any sequels or prequels to this book,I would like to read more about Duke Ashby, he was my favorite supporting character. I also enjoyed Jack's other friends Ransom & Lucas. I would like to see them find mates that are "wyrdlings ".
July 29, 2016
Jack is a Lord who likes to live life on the edge and one day in a daring hunt he almost kills himself. Luckily Abby who is a wizard is available to help him. However Abby has a price she has been in love with Jack since they were children and even though they have never spoken she says she will heal him if she can become his wife. Jack also has some magical powers but his father say these powers when he was a boy and then he sent Jack to a special school to stop him from recognizing his true gifts. Can Jack put a way years of conditioning and learn to love Abby?
The story was sweet, both Jack and Abby are likable and intelligent characters. The plot moves along swiftly and the writing is good.
What was a problem for me was even though everyone supposedly hated magic it was certainly everywhere and solved all the problems. Not to mention that once one accepted magic they became like a master no training needed just look within yourself and it is done. I also expected some tension between Abby and Jack but nope they just apologized to each other and moved past it. I think that felt off to me perhaps because the issues got resolved so quickly it felt a bit false.
The story was sweet, both Jack and Abby are likable and intelligent characters. The plot moves along swiftly and the writing is good.
What was a problem for me was even though everyone supposedly hated magic it was certainly everywhere and solved all the problems. Not to mention that once one accepted magic they became like a master no training needed just look within yourself and it is done. I also expected some tension between Abby and Jack but nope they just apologized to each other and moved past it. I think that felt off to me perhaps because the issues got resolved so quickly it felt a bit false.
March 27, 2012
(2.6*) This was a weird read, a historical paranormal romance. "Lucky Jack" otherwise known as Lord Frayne breaks his neck (literally) and is healed by Abby Barton the resident healing wizard. Abby's required payment is his hand in marriage. I would like to say that Putney puts depth into her characters to overcome Jack's disdain for magic or being married at all. Yet, everything and I mean every trivial or major matter is easily overcome with Abby's confident ability and calm demeanor. The woman never makes a wrong step. She is patience personified and even her faults are strengths in the eyes of her husband. Jack
comes to rely on Abby because she can do no wrong and becomes his perfect wife. She helps him embrace his magical abilities and together they become a solid happy couple even facing his evil step father. This is romance lite, perfection and happily ever after with a little magic thrown in. It is not necessarily bad, but I miss the imperfections of what could have been a deeper layered story.
comes to rely on Abby because she can do no wrong and becomes his perfect wife. She helps him embrace his magical abilities and together they become a solid happy couple even facing his evil step father. This is romance lite, perfection and happily ever after with a little magic thrown in. It is not necessarily bad, but I miss the imperfections of what could have been a deeper layered story.
January 5, 2010
This is a beautiful historical romance story that's set in England, and has a hint of fantasy. This has plenty of romance in store, lots of drama. When Jack Langdon falls off his horse in a riding accident, he's badly injured, and meets Abby, a wizard, who heals him and saves his life. For the past couple of years, Jack's been taught to hate magic and suppressed his magic. Abby makes a bargain, that if she saved his life, they get married. She gets more than she bargained for, when they dealt with London society and gossip, and help others in the way, all the way falling in love with each other, when love is the only magic you need to heal and make things grow and prosper. A beautiful love story to withstand the hands of time.
October 15, 2011
A very sweet love story, if silly, with a nice plot where romance doesn't over-dominate everything else.
The world-building was somewhat lacking and the ending a bit strained (where he finds his magic and saves the day). Moreover, there was some cheesiness and the sex scenes were bland or a bit awkward (to me), but overall, I enjoyed reading it.
If you like the Enchanting the.. series byKathryn Kennedy, give it a try. It didn't find it as as good but you may find it interesting.
The world-building was somewhat lacking and the ending a bit strained (where he finds his magic and saves the day). Moreover, there was some cheesiness and the sex scenes were bland or a bit awkward (to me), but overall, I enjoyed reading it.
If you like the Enchanting the.. series byKathryn Kennedy, give it a try. It didn't find it as as good but you may find it interesting.
October 27, 2008
This alternate history romance fantasy had an endearing story about an unexpected marriage between a magic hating viscount and a magic wielding daughter of gentry. The pluses of this story were the bonding and self discovery that happened throughout the story. The drawback was the repeated love making scenes that didn't really add anything to the plot or the characters. While I enjoyed this book I doubt that I'll read another from this author.
April 19, 2010
I've come to expect more from Putney's novels. Usually her plots are well thought out and detailed. I felt like this particular story didn't reflect her true story-telling abilities. Enjoyable in it's way, it was still a disappointment in light of her other books.
June 2, 2011
Not my fav, but a nice enjoyable story for reading on the beach. The passages that dealt with magic were a little hokey in my opinion, but I have never much enjoyed the historical romances that incorporate the paranormal. Good characters, fast moving storyline, not a bad way to spend an afternoon
October 2, 2017
Interesting mix of magic and historical romance. I liked the premise a lot. My main objection is how quickly and easily all of the conflicts were worked out. Like magic! it would have been a more interesting read with a little more struggle.
July 31, 2016
Such a happy, fluffy read. I rather enjoyed this after half a year slaving away over my master's thesis.
December 27, 2023
Matrimonio Magico è il primo volume della serie historical romance Stone Saints, chiamata così per il nome di un gruppo di ragazzi che frequentano la Stonebridge Academy. Ogni volume avrà una coppia diversa per protagonista e possono essere letti singolarmente.
La serie è ambientata in un’Inghilterra regency dove alcuni umani sono dotati di poteri. Anche se il mondo sa dell’esistenza della magia, non sempre viene accettata, per cui molti bambini (soprattutto se appartenenti alla nobiltà) vengono costretti dai genitori a frequentare una scuola che insegni loro a non usare la magia e/o bloccarla con amuleti o tatuaggi. La Stonebridge Academy è orribile ma un gruppo di ragazzi riesce a sopravvivere grazie al profondo legame che svilupperanno.
Le premesse le ho trovate davvero molto interessanti e intriganti ma non è una storia che rileggerei.
I protagonisti di questo volume sono: Lord Frayne, obbligato sin da piccolo a rifiutare il proprio potere e primo membro dei Stone Saints e Abigail Barton, una donna dotata del potere di guarigione. Lord Frayne ha un incidente mortale e l’unico modo per salvarsi è recarsi da una maga. Abigail riesce a salvarlo ma in cambio vuole che lui la sposi. Abigail, in realtà, è innamorata da sempre di Lord Frayne ma ha sempre pensato di non avere nessuna possibilità…
La storia è carina e piacevole, non solo perché l’autrice si sofferma sulla storia d’amore tra Lord Frayne e Abigail ma anche su una questione che riguarda la sorella di lui. Ammetto che iniziavo a essere più interessata a quest’ultima.
Di quest’autrice apprezzo l’autoironia dei suoi personaggi e che abbia saputo mescolare bene la storia e l’elemento fantastico.
Ho trovato però che la magia non comporti enormi sacrifici per chi la usa. Sembra tutto troppo facile e usata anche per sciocchezze.
Altra cosa. Mi sarei aspettata più interazioni tra Jack e suoi amici dopo essere tornato in possesso dei suoi poteri. Soprattutto mi aspettavo un confronto con l’amico Lucas, che sembra avere una vera repulsione per la magia.
Inoltre, la sensazione è che i conflitti tra Abigail e Lord Frayne, siano basati sulla magia più che sui sentimenti. Per esempio, mi sarebbe piaciuto un’avversione maggiore di Lord Frayne alla magia di Abigail.
Piacevole lettura ma si dimentica facilmente.
La serie è ambientata in un’Inghilterra regency dove alcuni umani sono dotati di poteri. Anche se il mondo sa dell’esistenza della magia, non sempre viene accettata, per cui molti bambini (soprattutto se appartenenti alla nobiltà) vengono costretti dai genitori a frequentare una scuola che insegni loro a non usare la magia e/o bloccarla con amuleti o tatuaggi. La Stonebridge Academy è orribile ma un gruppo di ragazzi riesce a sopravvivere grazie al profondo legame che svilupperanno.
Le premesse le ho trovate davvero molto interessanti e intriganti ma non è una storia che rileggerei.
I protagonisti di questo volume sono: Lord Frayne, obbligato sin da piccolo a rifiutare il proprio potere e primo membro dei Stone Saints e Abigail Barton, una donna dotata del potere di guarigione. Lord Frayne ha un incidente mortale e l’unico modo per salvarsi è recarsi da una maga. Abigail riesce a salvarlo ma in cambio vuole che lui la sposi. Abigail, in realtà, è innamorata da sempre di Lord Frayne ma ha sempre pensato di non avere nessuna possibilità…
La storia è carina e piacevole, non solo perché l’autrice si sofferma sulla storia d’amore tra Lord Frayne e Abigail ma anche su una questione che riguarda la sorella di lui. Ammetto che iniziavo a essere più interessata a quest’ultima.
Di quest’autrice apprezzo l’autoironia dei suoi personaggi e che abbia saputo mescolare bene la storia e l’elemento fantastico.
Ho trovato però che la magia non comporti enormi sacrifici per chi la usa. Sembra tutto troppo facile e usata anche per sciocchezze.
Altra cosa. Mi sarei aspettata più interazioni tra Jack e suoi amici dopo essere tornato in possesso dei suoi poteri. Soprattutto mi aspettavo un confronto con l’amico Lucas, che sembra avere una vera repulsione per la magia.
Inoltre, la sensazione è che i conflitti tra Abigail e Lord Frayne, siano basati sulla magia più che sui sentimenti. Per esempio, mi sarebbe piaciuto un’avversione maggiore di Lord Frayne alla magia di Abigail.
Piacevole lettura ma si dimentica facilmente.
July 9, 2023
3.5 🌟
An enjoyable marriage of convenience story set in an alternate reality Regency England where magic exists and wizards (both male and female) are treated with disdain by the aristocracy, while being held in higher esteem by the rest of society for the valuable roles they play, particularly as healers.
The heroine, Abby is a wizard in her own right, daughter of a country Baron, and well respected in her community for her kindness and her powerful healing ability. Jack is a Viscount whose father tried to beat his nascent magical ability out of him as a child, eventually sending him to a strict boarding school where he was indoctrinated against the use of magic.
Jack is in the country when he falls from his horse and breaks his neck. He is literally on death's door when his friends bring him to Abby's home. She rallies some of her wizard neighbours to perform a rigorous and technically difficult healing circle which she leads to restore him to health. Before performing the circle, she asks that Jack marry her if she is successful. He is doubtful of her because of his engrained distrust of magic, but agrees.
After he recovers he feels honour-bound to marry Abby, despite his aversion to wizards and the fact she is not his usual type (I.e. not a petite blonde).
Abby never expected Jack to follow through on their betrothal and is surprised and hopeful when he says he wants to give them a chance.
What follows is a fairly standard marriage of convenience story with trust and love growing as they spend time overcoming challenges together.
I liked the different flavour the paranormal aspect added to this standard Regency trope, and there was just enough world-building that I accepted things as they were without having to worry too much about the minutiae of any plot holes.
This book contains mildly descriptive love scenes.
An enjoyable marriage of convenience story set in an alternate reality Regency England where magic exists and wizards (both male and female) are treated with disdain by the aristocracy, while being held in higher esteem by the rest of society for the valuable roles they play, particularly as healers.
The heroine, Abby is a wizard in her own right, daughter of a country Baron, and well respected in her community for her kindness and her powerful healing ability. Jack is a Viscount whose father tried to beat his nascent magical ability out of him as a child, eventually sending him to a strict boarding school where he was indoctrinated against the use of magic.
Jack is in the country when he falls from his horse and breaks his neck. He is literally on death's door when his friends bring him to Abby's home. She rallies some of her wizard neighbours to perform a rigorous and technically difficult healing circle which she leads to restore him to health. Before performing the circle, she asks that Jack marry her if she is successful. He is doubtful of her because of his engrained distrust of magic, but agrees.
After he recovers he feels honour-bound to marry Abby, despite his aversion to wizards and the fact she is not his usual type (I.e. not a petite blonde).
Abby never expected Jack to follow through on their betrothal and is surprised and hopeful when he says he wants to give them a chance.
What follows is a fairly standard marriage of convenience story with trust and love growing as they spend time overcoming challenges together.
I liked the different flavour the paranormal aspect added to this standard Regency trope, and there was just enough world-building that I accepted things as they were without having to worry too much about the minutiae of any plot holes.
This book contains mildly descriptive love scenes.
March 26, 2018
I've been a big fan of Mary Jo Putney's since her early Regency romance days (the little thin ones, not her later full length novels). When I saw this series and that she was adding magical/paranormal elements - SOLD!
And I have to say, she didn't disappoint! This is an extremely well done marriage of historical romance and fantasy (and marriage between the hero and heroine - even if it was a marriage of convenience). Jack Langdon, Lord Frayne, one of Wellington's officers is on a hunt when he falls and is gravely injured. The only option to save him is to take him to Abigail Barton, a peer’s daughter and a skilled wizard, whose healer father is not at home to help. Jack adamantly hates wizardry and magic after being sent to Stonebridge Academy as a child, a reform school designed to beat magic out of young members of the peerage.
Abigail agrees to heal Jack, but only if he agrees to marry her. Abigail has always wanted a child, but she knows of Jack's hatred of magic, so she agrees to let him go his own way and to stay clear of the ton to preserve his reputation and hide her magic once she has been given a child. But as they say...the best laid plans of mice and men...
A wonderful story, and I liked both Abigail and Jack. I am just sorry that Putney's publisher did not want to do anything with magic and wouldn't let her continue the series. Several of the characters here continued in other novels, but without the magical element (bummer!). And later, Putney resurrected this concept, but in a young adult novel (the Dark Mirror series).
And I have to say, she didn't disappoint! This is an extremely well done marriage of historical romance and fantasy (and marriage between the hero and heroine - even if it was a marriage of convenience). Jack Langdon, Lord Frayne, one of Wellington's officers is on a hunt when he falls and is gravely injured. The only option to save him is to take him to Abigail Barton, a peer’s daughter and a skilled wizard, whose healer father is not at home to help. Jack adamantly hates wizardry and magic after being sent to Stonebridge Academy as a child, a reform school designed to beat magic out of young members of the peerage.
Abigail agrees to heal Jack, but only if he agrees to marry her. Abigail has always wanted a child, but she knows of Jack's hatred of magic, so she agrees to let him go his own way and to stay clear of the ton to preserve his reputation and hide her magic once she has been given a child. But as they say...the best laid plans of mice and men...
A wonderful story, and I liked both Abigail and Jack. I am just sorry that Putney's publisher did not want to do anything with magic and wouldn't let her continue the series. Several of the characters here continued in other novels, but without the magical element (bummer!). And later, Putney resurrected this concept, but in a young adult novel (the Dark Mirror series).
June 9, 2019
It's interesting when authors mash-up genres. I like the mixture of having magic in the regency romance genre. Abby is a plucky heroine with a magical gift for healing -- in (unrequited) love with Jack after bumping into him outside a shop several years ago (yay chemistry!). Jack is handsome viscount with a gorgeous circle of friends -- all of whom showed potential for magic, and so attended the same school (said school suppressed their magical abilities). When Jack is mortally wounded in a hunting accident, Abby and a circle of wizards -- including Jack's friends -- restore him to life and health. Abby's price for performing this miracle is marriage to Jack. But it turns out that healing Jack's body, challenging as that was, might be easier than healing his psyche and overcoming his prejudices regarding magic and wizards. A happy marriage is worth fighting for, and Abby is willing to do whatever it takes to achieve both a successful union and see Jack become the man he was always meant to be.
April 3, 2018
This is a good paranormal mystery. It takes place in England, where there are witches and wizards who serve as healers or other helpers. The aristocracy looks down on them and if their children show any magic ability, they are sent to Stonebridge Academy, where magic is beaten out of them. The romance is between Jack Langdon, a graduate of Stonebridge, and Abigail Barton, a skilled healer. When Jack suffers a horrible accident near her home, his friends bring him to her for healing. She must use a healing circle, a group of magic users, to help her heal Jack; his injuries are so severe he's close to dying. But Jack must give permission. What does she want for this? She asks that he marry her. Of course, this causes lots of problems when Jack lives and begins to heal. The rest of this delightful story is how the two of them deal with these problems and how Jack and some of his friends begin to believe that magic is actually not a bad thing.
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