Secret Vows [Mass Market Paperback]

Mary Reed Mccall (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 4, 2001

A Secret Passion

Forced to wed against her will, Catherine of Somerset must be strong as she exchanges vows with the man she is sworn to destroy. It is not fear that causes the proud lady to tremble as she stands before her soon-to-be spouse, Baron Grayson de Camville, but her unforeseen desire for this powerful, yet gentle, knight -- a fevered wanting that she cannot deny.

Punishment awaits Catherine should she fail, yet how can she betray this handsome stranger -- her husband, honorable and true -- who, with soft words and soul-shattering kisses, has taken her heart willing prisoner ? There is no escaping the rapture of Gray's caress. The passionate hero she intended to deceive is the man she is destined to adore -- and no enemy's dark scheme will rob her of that ecstasy. For only by surrendering to love will Catherine and Gray truly be free.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A dazzling debut. This lush and lyrical story captivated me from the very first page!" -- Teresa Medeiros

"A magical, medieval tale that captures your heart. This book has it all. I couldn't put it down." -- Samantha James

From the Publisher

"A dazzling debut...This lush and lyrical story captured me from the very first page!" --Teresa Medeiros, author of A Kiss To Remember

"Vividly drawn characters, pageantry and intrigue - and tender, heartfelt emotion...a magical medieval tale that captures your heart and won't let go. This book has it all. I couldn't put it down until the very last page was turned." --New York Times bestselling author Samantha James

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Avon (September 4, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0380817853
• ISBN-13: 978-0380817856
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.3 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #698,651 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Mary Reed McCall grew up in a rural area of Upstate New York as part of a large and loving family. Before becoming a writer, she first considered a career in national security, studying for a brief time at the University of Leningrad before completing undergraduate degrees in Russian and English back in the United States, followed by a Master's degree in English Literature. The sixth of seven girls in her family, Mary now makes her permanent home in New York State, with her husband and children. When she is not writing or involved with family activities, she teaches high school and college level English.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great read, January 4, 2003

By 

Christine Holroyd (Pomona, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Secret Vows (Mass Market Paperback)

This story is about Catherine and Grayston and is set in the 13th century. Grayson, a powerful lord, is ordered by the King to marry Elise to try and stop a conflict between her brother Eduard and Grayson. Grayson has no choice but to agree. However the bride that comes to him is not Elise but is Elise's widowed sister-in-law Catherine.

Eduard, a very nasty person and makes my top ten bad guy list, decides that since the King has ordered the marriage of his sister Elise to Grayson he would have her set him up to be murdered several months after their vows. That way no one would suspect Eduards or Elises involvement and Graysons property would then become his.

Elise, having been severely abused by Eduard and not wanting to be an accessory to Graysons murder, commits suicide, leaving Eduard in a quandry. That's when Catherine comes into the picture. Since Grayson, or anyone for that matter, has never really seen Catherine before, he beats Catherine for days to submit to his murderous plot. She refuses until he kidnaps and threatens to kill her children. She is then forced to comply and assumes the role of Elise. The story continues with relationship developement and some good action scenes. Both characters have their own problems to work out, which is done pretty smoothly.

This story also has an interesting twist which really hooked me. The prologue starts in first person, as if Catherine was writing the reader a letter. You could really feel Catherine's pain and hopelessness in the writings. The first chapter then goes into 3rd person.

This book will definately be a keeper of mine for a long time.

21 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Stunning Debut!!!!!!!!!, October 22, 2001

By 

Beachreader "BeachReader" (Port Townsend, WA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Secret Vows (Mass Market Paperback)

It is absolutely unbelievable Mary Reed McCall is a first time author. Set in medieval England, its the story of Catherine of Somerset who has recently become a widow. Her brother-in-law, Eduard Montford, after his first choice, his sister dies, blackmails Catherine into marrying Grayson de Camville, a much-esteemed knight with great holdings. Eduard is as cruel as
her husband had been and Catherine is subject to beatings and blackmail -- he tells her he will have her twin son and daughter killed if she does not do as he has told her -- which is to gain her new husband's trust and set him up to be killed.

Gray is fighting demons of his own. Neither Catherine nor Gray plan on falling in love, just doing as they feel they must. Catherine, masquerading as her deceased sister-in-law, has to pretend to Gray that she's a virgin. There's a great jousting scene and the author gives a wonderful sense of time and place. Catherine and Gray are both wonderful characters (Gray is a beta male -- or maybe gamma - but I love 'em) and Eduard is a villain to top all villains - you know, one of those whose very presence on the page is an indicator of a riveting scene to come.

The prologue (and the epilogue) of SECRET VOWS is written in first person and this is very effective tool in garnering reader sympathy for the heroine. SECRET VOWS is not only of the best first books I've read in a very long time, but one of the best medieval romances I've ever read. The book is historically accurate and the history acts as more than just wallpaper, but NEVER overtakes the story. Mary Reed McCall has a great future ahead of her if SECRET VOWS is any indication of her talent. This book is highly recommended and definitely makes my list for top 10 books read in 2001.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars No problem giving this keeper a 5*......., June 3, 2005

By 

stacey renee (rochester new york) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Secret Vows (Mass Market Paperback)

When the book started with a first person narrative, it stopped me cold. I reluctantly trudge through it but was already thinking about tossing it. Well, I am glad that I did. It may start out a bit slow but by chapter 3, you can NOT put this down. The characters are so real, issues, warts and all. Our heroine starts out as emotionally and physically beaten and terrified.She's been forced into an evil plot to save her children by a sadistic, psychotic man. Our groom has demons that torment him and is also forced to wed against his will. This sounds same old-same old.......and to that point it probably is. BUT the rest of the story takes it in different directions. You will never regret reading this story. Accolades to Ms. McCall.The epilogue is also first person by our heroine but by then she is a strong, confident woman and it is perfectly done. The notes by the author explain several cultural aspects of the time and are informative and helpful. Wow..how far we've come as woman and as a society. Hoping for a sequel about sir alban.....enjoy.........