Saving Grace

Rating:
Summary: My fave...
Review: Out of the 12 Garwood books that I read, I definitely have to say that this one is my all-time favorite. And it's for all readers. No matter if you're a feminist and you submissive or if you're a romance freak. It empowers women.

Johanna is a wife of a recently-proclaimed-dead English baron. Having been abused by Raulf for the three years that they were married, Johanna is wary of all prospects of a new marriage. However, her foster brother Nicholas insists that she remarry for if she doesn't King John will force her to wed a hated baron. The twist is that Johanna knows something the King doesn't want known.

Gabriel is a Highland laird, who hates the English. But he agrees to marry Johanna so that he can get the Scottish land that she owns after her husband's death.

Yea, yea, so they fall for each other. But surprise, surprise, her husband isn't really dead.

But what really makes this book so unforgettable is the conversation between the characters. And boy, is this book full of it. I laughed the most in this book, the things they say are so hilarious, people on the bus looked at me as if I was crazy. This definitely has the best humor of all her books.

Everyone should really really REALLY read it!

Rating:
Summary: A sequel needed!
Review: My sister told me to read this book for the longest time. The reason why I prolong reading this one is cuz I didn't like the synopsis in the back of the book. Call me old fashion but I prefer my heroine a virgin. Since Johanna was once married, she didn't peaked my interest. I also thought I was getting tired of Julie Garwood's style of similar characteristics in her novels but I was wrong. Sure, this one does have a share of similar descriptions (such as heroine has freckles in nose, smells like rose and hero's a big, tall handsome warrior) just like on her other books, but i still love it :-) It's been awhile since I read a Julie Garwood novel, I just realized how much I love her style. The humor, the romance, the secondary characters that adds spice to the story & of course, the unexpected twist. What more can a reader want? Once again, this book trully satisfied me. I was entertained more than I expected. I should have read this one as soon as my sister told me to.

I read here in Amazon that some readers don't find Johanna an interesting heroine because of her timidity and weakness. In my opinion, this is what made her different and more appealing. Yes, she WAS timid and I can't say I blame her considering her past marriage. I would find the story too far fetch if Johanna would right away snapped out of her timidity and fear after what had happend to her once before. She lived in fear, she walked on eggshells for far too long to simply be bold & audacious. The readers will also consider that Johanna was in a different environment, married (2nd time) to a stranger who's a big handsome brute, wouldn't u be timid and scared? It took time for her to trust McBain, it took time for her to come out of her shell. Deep down,she is actually fiery, spirited, spunky & a courageous woman. She just needs some encouragement, stability and security to let that flow out. She was married too young the first time (and what a mess that was) and therefore, didn't really know herself until McBain taught her how to find her true identity. In short, I think Johanna's character developed perfectly and realistically. As for their age difference, well, i do agree it's somewhat a big gap but I overlook this flaw merely because they fit in together.

I agree with quite a few reviewers comments here however, that this book needs a sequel.

Rating:
Summary: Stop, read this, and buy...
Review: This is one of the best --- if not the best --- books by Julie Garwood that I have ever read.

Gabriel MacBain, the hero of this story, was not just another prototype of what I deem to be "the Garwood hero," though there were a few things in common. He never tried to change his wife, and was honest with her when it came to the important issues. He had no qualms about falling in love with her; he didn't even go through the stage of denial that most of Julie Garwood's characters from other books went through.

Johanna, the wife & another protagonist, was empowering. She believed she deserved to be treated well though people tried to bring her down. She was also devoted to her husband without being a doormat.

The book was laced with lots of humor. I found myself laughing over it, and rereading certain pages. What made some parts really funny was that they were believable.

The plot was also no weakling. One never guesses what is about to happen next, but I'm not going to give too many hints, or I'll spoil the book (like some of the other reviews did for me). Even if you do learn some of the tidbits that would have been better found out when reading the book, it's still a great read! Buy it...soon.

Rating:
Summary: A very charming romance
Review: I loved this book, as I have all of Ms. Garwood's historicals. A word of warning before you read any of the other reviews here: Many of the following reviews contain SPOILERS! I found that out the hard way when I was buying the book here. But, I bought it anyway. I was glad I did as it's one of Ms. Garwood's best. Don't hesitate to add it to your collection. Just use caution in reading the following reviews.

Enjoy.

Rating:
Summary: Stop, read this, and buy...
Review: This is one of the best --- if not the best --- books by Julie Garwood that I have ever read.

Gabriel MacBain, the hero of this story, was not just another prototype of what I deem to be "the Garwood hero," though there were a few things in common. He never tried to change his wife, and was honest with her when it came to the important issues. He had no qualms about falling in love with her; he didn't even go through the stage of denial that most of Julie Garwood's characters from other books went through.

Johanna, the wife & another protagonist, was empowering. She believed she deserved to be treated well though people tried to bring her down. She was also devoted to her husband without being a doormat.

The book was laced with lots of humor. I found myself laughing over it, and rereading certain pages. What made some parts really funny was that they were believable.

The plot was also no weakling. One never guesses what is about to happen next, but I'm not going to give too many hints, or I'll spoil the book (like some of the other reviews did for me). Even if you do learn some of the tidbits that would have been better found out when reading the book, it's still a great read! Buy it...soon.

Rating:
Summary: Among one of Julie Garwood's finests love stories!
Review: I have to admit that this book, like most of Ms. Garwood's books have very similar characters. Her perference of 'huge' and outwardly grumpy hero and small and femine heroine are evident once again in this book. However, this book is still exciting, fun, loving and beautifully written. Through reading the book, you see the transformation of Lady Johanna from a timid, scared girl into a courage, smart young woman. Her suffering at the hands of her ex-husband and ex-priest was extremely sad and painful to read. Gabriel is the biggest teddy bear among all of Ms. Garwood's heros. He was allowed to believe that he is in total control of the marriage all throughout the book which created a lot of funny circumstances. All of the supporting characters, brother, first-in-commands, son.. etc are all well written and had great personalities. I also love the scenes related to how the clan tried to please Johanna and behave themselves. This is a great book... the storey is cohensive and moved along at a good pace. It is always refreshing to read a romance novel that the hero and heroine are not consistently misunderstanding each other and at each other's throat. Their acceptance of their marriage and great sex is also great in the story. If you have never read a Garwood book, this one you should definitely pick up.

Rating:
Summary: One of her Best
Review: I got this book when it first debuted on hardback ten years ago, and I must say that I've reread this story dozen of times since. Johanna, the victim of an abusive relationship, is persuaded by her brother, Nicholas, to wed Scottish Laird MacBain in order to protect her from King John. At first, Johanna is timid and frightened by her new situation. She is recovering from a first marriage in which she was repeatedly abused, and taught to be the way she was. However, when she hears her new husband's first name, she knows she will be safe with him.

MacBain has come to the aid of the McClaurian clan, after their Laird perished in a fight with the English. After the English leave, MacBain becomes Laird of two clans, and must learn how to combine the two. At this same time, Johanna, his new wife, is a mystery to him. MacBain is a typical Garwood hero; strong, courageous and loving. He is the perfect compliment to Johanna's character.

Johanna does not remain timid. She grows under the love and freedom given to her by MacBain. When she finally confronts her first husband with spuke, you want to appauld her for having the courage to do so.

I highly recommend SAVING GRACE.

Rating:
Summary: Read it 3 times
Review: I hate reading a book again when I already know the ending. However, I've made an exception with all Julie's books. I love Johanna and Gabriel. This couple didn't suffer from all of those unrealistic miscommunications that often lead to them believing their unloved. You will also see Johanna evolve as a person (from a victim of abuse to a confident and independent woman). I do wish Julie had made the Epilogue focus on The MacBain's new baby rather than the death of Bishop Hallwick.

Rating:
Summary: Magical
Review: My favorite Julie Garwood novel, Saving Grace focuses on the theme of spousal abuse in a Medieval historical setting. Johanna, who suffered at the hands of her dead husband Baron Raulf was a physically and psychologically abused child bride. She learns what marriage and love are really meant to be and discovers passion when she remarries Highland Laird Gabriel Macbain in order to escape the threat of imprisonment or worse at the hands of the king of England. Macbain, a former outcast and illegitimate son of a Scottish Laird, has formed his own clan of other outcasts and has taken on the task of uniting his clan with another. He marries Johanna, primarily in order to gain control of the land that she has inherited, but he quickly falls in love with her and vows never to let anyone mistreat her again. With the love of her archangel Gabriel, Johanna begins to overcome her fear and takes back her life. This JG novel has it all, Brilliant leading characters who stay in your thoughts, passion that makes you burn, mystery/plot that keeps moving, tenderness and sensitivity which lift your spirit, healing that touches your soul, wit and humour which will make you laugh out loud. Ms.Garwood has gone far beyond the norm with SG, it makes you think twice about "romance" writing.

Rating:
Summary: A book that is close to my heart
Review: I was first introduced to Julie Garwood after skimming through an excerpt of MERCY in the Cosmopolitan magazine. After reading that book, I read HEARTBREAKER. Then, I embarked upon reading her historical titles.

As always, Garwood writes a tale about love, passion, and intrigue. SG takes place in the Highlands of medieval Scotland. The novel is truly captivating - for its memorable story, well-depicted characters, and excellent writing. Out of all the handsome, powerful, arrogant, and gallant heroes that grace the historical romance world, Scottish laird Gabriel MacBain is by far my most favorite warrior. He is a tender and passionate lover. Unlike many heroes, he does not torment himself, or struggle with the fact that he actually loves his wife! He accepts Johanna for who she is; he welcomes her love with open arms; and he protects her with all his might. Lady Johanna is wonderfully crafted as the golden-haired English beauty. Of course, she's clever, strong-willed, loyal, and absolutely devoted to MacBain. Together, they make one of Garwood's most beloved couples. I cherish SG, because it's the first historical romance novel that I ever read. I believe it's a definite must-have for all romance readers alike.

I have read all of Ms. Garwood's books, except PRINCE CHARMING, KILLJOY, and A GIRL NAMED SUMMER. Her ability to entertain readers with her wonderful prose style is invaluable to the literary world. She's a masterful storyteller. After reading this book, I highly recommend that you read HONOR'S SPLENDOR, THE LION'S LADY, THE BRIDE, THE SECRET, and RANSOM. All of her books are great and very entertaining, but these 4 represent her best work.