Ransom

Rating:
Summary: I'm torn between praise and disappointment...
Review: This is the second Julie Garwood novel I've read now, the first was 'The Secret' which overlaps with 'The Ransom.' I was, I think now, unduly impressed with 'The Secret'--I thought it was remarkable for busting out of the romance genre's strictly adhered to rules and formulas. What I've found, now that I've read a second Julie Garwood novel, is that, while she eschews the genre's standard tripe, she's created a set of rules and formulas of her own. I suppose I'm naive to be surprised and disappointed by this, but I am.

Now, to be fair, I enjoyed 'The Ransom.' The story is actually more fraught and intriguing than 'The Secret.' The novel begins with a series of tragedies in a toddler's young life--her mother dies, her home is invaded by brutal warriors, she's separated from her older sister, and she witnesses her father's murder at the hands of one of the invaders. Thus begins the adventure that sets the heroine on the path that will eventually lead her into the arms of her strong, heroic, handsome highlander. Our heroine proves to be strong-willed and brave, and, of course, gorgeous and sweet.

I enjoyed the adventures as well as the romance, but was disappointed with the limited role that the characers from 'The Secret' played, and the overly quick progression of the romantic track. I found this novel less charming than 'The Secret,' but that may mostly be due to the transparancy of Garwood's formula now shining through and detracting from the novel's impact.

Rating:
Summary: Ransom
Review: I've read every book Julie Garwood has written. I started in paperback and have watched her books go to hard cover. It's a testimony to how much I enjoy her books, that I can't ever just wait for the soft cover. I rush out and get the book the day it releases. Ransom lived up to all of my expectations. If they asked me to pay twice I would have. The characters are engaging and the dialogue is witty and intelligent. The romance is sweet and romantic in spite of the Buchanans reputation.

Rating:
Summary: One of the best!
Review: What can I say? This is one of the best GW books that I have read. It is so good that I think I have read it 3+ times. I fall in love every single time. As with almost every romance novel you know how the end turns out, but don't you just love the journey getting there? If you haven't purchased this book already, do so! There is nothing about this book that is bad. You will not regret it.

Rating:
Summary: Lush setting, action story sets up romance
Review: Gillian is summoned by the man who murdered her father when she was a child to determine the location of a stolen treasure. As she tries to find a long-lost sister who may have the treasure, Gillian turns to Scottish chieftain Brodick. As he tries to help her find the treasure and save her uncle, she unwittingly marries Brodick, who has decided he will simply take what he wants, a tradition of his people that does not sit well with English-born Gillian. His strength and bravery win her over, however, as the two take on all of England to clear her father's name and restore her family's legacy. 

This is a well-spun tale. Although the Highlanders are a little edgy and rough, and Gillian keeps changing from flimsy damsel in distress to fighting, serious-wound-enduring heroine, I liked the pair and their many cohorts. Not a believable story in many respects, but an entertaining one.

Rating:
Summary: Another Wonderful Book
Review: I don't think that I have ever read a bad Julie Garwood book and this just reinforces my belief. I loved this book. I picked it up to read on a four hour plane ride and then couldn't put it down with only 100 pages left to read. I must say that I totally ingored everyone until the book was done. Gillian is such a strong heroine that I felt real emotions for her. I cried when her uncle beat her, I laughed when she didn't realize that she had married Brodrick. Brodrick is also a wonderful character. He truely is concerened about Gillian and I don't blame him for "fibbing" about waiting to go after the three rotten english lords who have hurt her most of her life. All I can say is that I am eagerly awaiting Ms. Garwoods next novel.

Rating:
Summary: Simply the best!
Review: The first of Julie Garwood's books that I read was The Secret; as I continued reading I had no doubt that it would always be my favorite. And then I read Ransom and had to change my mind. Gillian is a fabulous heroine, one who is strong and led by her own sense of fairness and justice. Brodick (who I had adored in The Secret) is a perfect match for Gillian. I laughed, I cried, and I've reread the book any number of times! If you like Julie Garwoods's books, you must read this one.

Rating:
Summary: a romance with a PLOT!
Review: The first Julie Garwood book I read was Ransom. I enjoyed it because I was not looking for a typical love story, but rather a book which actually had a plot besides two characters continually feuding until they finally realize they love each other, then live happily ever after. I definitely enjoyed Ransom, because the plot of the book kept me involved, and the affection the characters felt for each other was understandable and believable. Also, it was a side note that the characters fall in love--their romance did not dominate the book, an aspect I particularly liked. This was a very good book! Out of all the Julie Garwood books I've now read, this one remains my favorite. It's not a typical romance novel--a very enjoyable read!

Rating:
Summary: LOVED THE BOOK
Review: I read this book last year when it came out and thought it was pretty good but I was ready to have a baby so I had other things on my mind. Than two weeks ago I picked it up again and started to read and loved it, as always I love everyone of Julie Garwood's books. She has a talent of letting you totally being taken away in the story. I can totally escape into that world. I fell in love with the story of Brodrick and Gillian, so much so that after I was done reading it I went back to THE SECRET (another great book) and than reread Ransome again. If you want to take a break from life and have a good laugh and romance I reccommend this book. There's not many books that you can find on your bookshelf and want to reread again and again, but with Ms. Garwood I always do.

Rating:
Summary: A Good Read
Review: I've read all of Ms. Garwoods books, and have rarely been disappointed. A few are not up to her standards, but they will still find an audience. The books I have disliked the most have been the few where the heroine was a silly whining ditz. The heroine in Ransom is beautiful, strong, intelligent, resilient but a little unrealistic. Our heroe is everything you could want in a man. My problem was that the plot, which was interesting, was at the expense of really developing the relationship between the heroine and heroe. And, may I be frank, the physical side of their relationship was not nearly as detailed or well explored as in some of Ms.Garwood's earlier books. Including Ramsey and Bridget's romance was an interesting aside, but I would have preferred that it had been a separate book so that it could have been more fully explored. While I don't rate this book as her best, ( that's reserved for "The Prize")I still found it to be a good read and recommend to others who enjoy Ms. Garwood.

Rating:
Summary: One of the BEST...
Review: At the beginning , I really wondered who were the main characters. I thought the couple in the story were Ramsey and Gillian but it turned out to be Brodick and Gillian. I really admired the Gillian's bravery. The parts where Gillian was talking to Alec were very enjoyable, even though Alec's "You know what?" could be quite annoying sometimes. I would like to know what had happened to the children after Brodick and company left Iain's holdings. I also agree with many other readers that Ramsey and Bridgid deserve a book of their own.

Overall, the narration of this book is good with an excellent plot and many interesting characters who make you feel like you know them as real people.

I love all of Julie Garwood's historical romance, maybe except "Gentle Warrior". I feel that this book is DEFINITELY A KEEPER!