*Winner of Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award*

*Finalist for RWA’s Golden Choice Award*

The Desert Flower

At seventeen, fiery Juliet Cameron fell passionately in love and married the perfect companion for the adventurous life she wanted to lead. Lord Ross Carlisle is handsome, dashing, and as eager to explore the world as she is. But social constraints and fear of an all consuming love that threatens to engulf her independent spirit send Juliet fleeing to the distant land where she was raised as a diplomat’s child.

Now, a dozen years later, a gentleman’s promise sends Lord Ross on a dangerous rescue mission to Central Asia—and to a shocking reunion with his long estranged wife. Warily they join forces to cross the merciless desert to Bokhara, where Juliet’s army officer brother has been imprisoned. The fierce attraction that drew them together so many years before has never died. But if they succumb to passion, can either of them survive if they cannot heal their broken marriage?

Praise for Silk and Secrets:

“[Silk and Secrets] fulfills every dream of your heart, every yearning of your soul, as a pair of memorable lovers find their way back to each other’s arms . . . This remarkable novel of high adventure and unquenchable love is a stunning reading experience, one you will remember and cherish forever.”

—Romantic Times

“...Sheer brilliance. [Silk and Secrets’] historical vibrancy and vitality bring to mind Dorothy Dunnett with a dash of Indiana Jones... Ms. Putney’s descriptions convey both the romanticism and the harshness of the dunes and their nomads. Traveling with a desert caravan, Ross and Juliet talk and fight and laugh, sometimes as the only way out of a tight spot, and I loved every word of it. I also loved Ross, a Lawrence of Arabia (oh heavens, Peter O’Toole) sans homosexuality crossed with Francis Crawford sans self-destructiveness – a true gentleman, and super, super hot. And Juliet was such a vital, complex woman – proud but not blinkered, hot-tempered but not TSTL, and humorous to boot – that damned if I didn’t wish she were a) my friend, b) running for president...."

—Desert Island Keeper

About the Author

A New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USAToday bestselling author, Mary Jo Putney's novels are known for psychological depth and intensity and include historical and contemporary romance, fantasy, and young adult fantasy. Winner of numerous writing awards, including two RITAs, three Romantic Times Career Achievement awards, and the Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award from Romance Writers of America, she has had numerous books listed among Library Journal’s and Booklist's top romances of the year.