The Secret

Rating:
Summary: The Secret Was Wonderful
Review: I loved this book! The characters were totally three dimensional, and the plot was fast enough to keep you attention, but not so fast that you couldn't keep up with it. I'll admit that the begining was a little slow, but as you get into it, you know why. I loved the fact that Judith and Iain weren't forced to be together because of an arranged marriage or something, but they loved each other just from being around one another. It was great, and Ransome is a wonderful follow up.

Rating:
Summary: this book was Excellent
Review: Funny and romamantic, this story had me laughing and sighing over the situations brought forth by Garwood. All the characters made sense and the plot was believable, despite the feeling that things were just too coincedental. I could read this book over and over again.

Rating:
Summary: another great one for Garwood!
Review: One of my favourite things about Julie Garwood novels is the fact that she uses children quite a lot in her novels, which i have found to be quite unusual. Fear not, if you are not too keen on children, they are lovable characters to both those with maternal instincts and those of us who are less inclined. I also found that because we are introduced to the characters as children, there is more room for them to develop as storyline goes on. It isn't like those novels where you reach the end, and feel as though there should have been more.

Judith and Frances Catherine are good heroines, and their loyalty to each other makes a refreshing change from novels where only the heroes are shown as having long lasting friendships. As well as being hilariously fuuny, Garwood also manages to tackle some serious issues with great sensitivity.

Ian Maitland is by no means placed in the shadows, and gives as good as he gets in the novel.

I have just bought "Ransom" the follow-up to the "Secret" and can only hope that it lives up to the standard set by the Secret.

Rating:
Summary: Beautifully written...
Review: Judith is a strong, beautiful, intelligent young Englishwoman whose life-long friend, Frances Catherine is about to give birth. Judith promised years before that she would be there to help her friend when the time came and, after much protest, Frances Catherine's brother-in-law, Laird Iain Maitland, was sent to retrieve her from England. Although her loyalty to her friend is absolute, Judith is secretly hoping to meet her real father, from whom she was separated at birth. She must be careful, though, because he is the Laird of a rival clan, the MacLeans.

Upon meeting, Judith and Iain instantly try each others' patience, and secretly admire each other. Iain is taken with Judith's beauty and surprised by her strength and intelligence. Judith is overwhelmed by Iain's stature and rough exterior, but quickly realizes the kind hearted gentleman beneath. Much of the time, Iain walks a fine line between outrage and admiration for Judith's strong will and feisty attitude, but love wins out and he decides he must keep her.

From the moment Judith arrives, she is an angel of mercy to her expectant best friend, and a thorn in the side of the clan's English hating council of elders. She questions everything, causing a great deal of trouble with the clan's council, but wins them over with her sweet nature and true heart, overcoming the deep seeded prejudice against her English up bringing.

From the first day of her journey towards the Scottish Highlands, to a daring confrontation between her beloved Iain and her long lost father, Judith's journey of self discovery is constant. Battling to save her new love and new home, Judith's self-doubt is vanquished and she realizes her true strength and courage.

Rating:
Summary: Beautiful Highland Romance
Review: Judith Hampton is a loyal and proud friend, that is why when her Scottish friend wants her by her side when she is about to give birth, she leave England for Scotland.

Laird Iain Maitland agrees to make the journey to England to retreive Judith. At first he doesn't believe the englishwoman will go with them. he's ready to take her by force. But he's surprised when Judith is waiting and willing to go. Judith and Iain are instantly drawn to eachother, but Judith is an englishwoman, the Scot's hated enemy.

Eventually Iain and Judith fall in love and marry, although she is not immediately accepted into the clain. Strong spirited Judith doesn't let that stop her from winning over the clan, but she has one big secret. She is the daughter of Laird Maclean, the Maitland clan's sworn enemy.

If you love a great medeival romance, The Secret is calling out to you. Julie Garwood brings the reader to beautiful medeival Scotland in the wonderful love story.

Rating:
Summary: A SHEER WINNER!
Review: This book was exciting, funny and absolutely difficult to put down. I found myself trying to sleep but couldn't until I finished it. My family thought I was crazy from all the laughter they would here. I recommend it to EVERYONE! I can't wait to read RANSOM and see what happens to 2 other wonderful characters from this book. Julie Garwood is the BEST!

Rating:
Summary: Another Unforgetable Romantic Adventure in the Highlands
Review: Julie Garwood has captured me again with this great tale of Highland romance and mystery. Her brilliance again displayed in her mastery in creating the perfect backdrop/setting with historical facts. I was again swept back into the wonderful world of the Highlands with another unforgettable couple. She has done it again. Another classic to be added to The Bride and The Wedding.

Rating:
Summary: Absolutely fantastic!
Review: I'm new to Garwood's books, but so far I haven't read a single one that I didn't love! Her characters are fun, realistic and altogether wonderful. She uses a lot of humor in her books, and I often find myself laughing out loud. This is one of my all-time favorite books.

Rating:
Summary: Captivating, lovable, and hilarious!!!
Review: How can you not love this book?? I absolutely could not put it down. It was heart warming and outrageously funny. I don't think I have ever smiled so much!

Rating:
Summary: Fantastic, my very favorite Julie Garwood book!!!
Review: I first read this book shortly after it was published a few years ago and have since read it again at least three times. This is my very favorite Julie Garwood book. She is one of two authors, Paticia Cornwell being the second, that I just die waiting for their next publication. I really recommend this book to anyone!!!