"One of the Best Books of the Year!!"

It is absolutely unbelievable that this 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, blackmails Catherine into marrying Grayson de Camville, after his first choice (his sister) dies. De Camville is 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 epilogue of SECRET VOWS are written in first person, which is a very effective tool in garnering reader sympathy for the heroine. SECRET VOWS is not only one 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.

Reviewed by Maudeen Wachsmith
Courtesy What I'm Reading
Posted November 2, 2001