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I have read almost all of Julie Garwood's work and I've never been disappointed. She will always be my all time favorite author esp. in Historical Romance Genre. Upon observation, I do agree with most avid Julie Garwood readers that she tend to use the same characteristics and somewhat similar formulas in most of her works - Her heroes are mostly tall, large-brutish-warrior & intimading yet handsome who is gentle and patient to his Lady. Meanwhile, the heroines are usually petite, well educated, saucy and spunky. However, I confessed that these familiarities doesn't seem to bother me at all. In fact, I liked it. Every now and then, I do enjoy my books with such characteristics. I'm guessing, this is J.G's style, her mark/her signature traits and I respect that. Humor, heart warming scenes, heart pumping twist and lovable secondary characters are also just a few of Julie Garwood's usual ingredients in all her novels.
THE BRIDE is definitely not an exception of Ms. Garwood's standard book qualities which I've mention above. Alec and Jamie's love story was captivating. Full of warmth and humor - I liked the idea that Jamie has no sense of direction, not to mention her ways of saving Alec's soul by buying an indulgence -chuckle! You have to read the book to appreciate this scene with a good laugh. My favorite part was the initial meeting (the conversation in the stable and the "choosing")... from there, the book gets funnier & even better! The arrival and adjustments in Highland are as always interesting. The suspense of finding out the murderer in this book was an add-on thrill. I have my doubts and guesses but the revelation was quite unexpected. I actually thought the murderer would be ----- yet I prayed and cross my fingers that it wouldn't be him because I liked him so much. So in a way, I was relieved it wasn't who I thought it was. The ending of this book was also one of my favorite in this book, another very unexpected and thoroughly heart warming conclusion to a supreme love story. Mary, Daniel, Gavin, Angus, Elizabeth, Father Murdock are just a few secondary character-favs of mine. What a joy! Read this book and chuckle with a glowing heart.
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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.
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Madelyne's strength, courage, patience and love for others simply captivated me to read on. Despite all the miserable times she had encountered during her growing up years, she still manages to keep her heart & spirit intact. Even after all the beatings and living life without a mother and a father, she still counted and appreciated her one single blessing of having an uncle who loved her. She doesn't dwell on the past, doesn't hold onto hate... and what's even more amazing is her unselfish side of wanting to help others find peace and happiness. Duncan is a true warrior in every way. He's honorable & patient. Practical & very disciplined...until love sinked in, and that's when practicality & disciplined became somewhat a burden.
The slow realization and acceptance of love between the two was simply perfect. Each scenes, little gestures of passions made this book irrisistible. There are many heart warming and humorous scenes in this book as well... The warming of Duncan's feet, the wedding, the learning of archery, the finding of the WOLF, the beginning of friendship with Duncan's sister, Adela & a whole lot more. I could go on and on but I don't want to give it all away here for those who haven't read it yet. Oh, I must add that I find Madelyne's clumsiness entertaining. The secondary characters all contributed to make this book worth reading for as well. Perhaps J.G. will write a sequel or a seperate book for Duncan's brothers and Adela's love story? The family twist and complications added spice and thrill from front to end. A must read & a keeper!
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 McBain 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 McBain. Together, they make one of Garwood's most beloved couples.
I have read all of Ms. Garwood's books, except PRINCE CHARMING, COME THE SPRING, THE ROSE TRILOGY, 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 works.
I cherish SG, because it's the first historical romance novel that I ever read. It is a definite must-have for all romance readers alike.
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, COME THE SPRING, THE ROSE TRILOGY, 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 works.
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As for Gillian and Brodick, their love story was unique and electrifying. I don't have any problems with their romance and developement. I enjoyed their banters! I enjoyed their adjustment to each other (esp. Gillian's adjustment to the Highlands and to Brodick's clan who live like a Spartan-now that was a riot!). I love the Buchanan clan. They are all fierce, possessive, protective and BEARY lot. Gillian is a strong & courageous Lady. Truly what Brodick deserves.
Since I love the prequel of this book, The SECRET, I enjoyed reading updates of Judith and Iain. I love the part wherein their son was involved in the plot. It was unexpected and the conclusion was heart warming. The action/mystery twist of this book was also exciting. It didn't overshadow the romances involved but added a tasty spice to it all. Overall, RANSOM was an interesting & worthy read despite some of my small complaints above. However, compared to THE SECRET, this one couldn't past as one of "Julie Garwood's Best".
Ms. Garwood is easily one of the finest historical romance novelists around. I have read so many of her books and I have enjoyed each and every one. I particularly enjoyed the fact that this was set in the Scotland Highlands, which I love.
I agree that Ramsey and Brigid deserved their own novel and would have preferred the hint of a relationship forming in Ransom only to have it blossom into their own special story. All things considered, I highly enjoyed this book and did NOT want it to end, therefore I had to read it two more times! Thank you Ms. Garwood!
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Although Nathan and Sara seem to have alot to overcome, their number one obstacle is themselves. Sara is sometimes portrayed as ridiculously innocent, and Nathan as trying ridiculously hard to maintain his image, but as a whole they are two characters you will enjoy laughing at.
Julie Garwood was quite a find for me, and I have proceded to read all her books, but this continues to be my favorite. I enjoy books with where the characters encouter primarily internal conflict, and although the families of the bride and groom offer some external problems, Nathan's battle against the inevitable (his falling in love with his wife,) and Sara's attempts to become a stronger women are the true conflicts the husband and wife are forced overcome before they can be truly happy together.
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The story then jumps ahead to England, where Christina has just been introduced to "polite society." She meets Lyon, the Marquis of Lyonwood and is immediately attracted to him. She learns from her grandfather's attorneys that she will lose control of her inheritance to her evil father if she hasn't married by her next birthday. Her nasty Aunt Patricia wants the money, so she devises a scheme to get Christina married off to someone she can control, someone who will sign over a huge chunk of the inheritance to the aunt just to be able to have the "prize" of Christina. Christina decides to take matters into her own hands and proposes to Lyon. The main plot deals with whether or not they will marry.
Unfortunately,I felt the story took off in too many different directions, leaving many loops in the story and getting "facts" as established by the author mixed up. It was so hard to follow along - lots of bits and pieces didn't add up. I was also disappointed that despite all the buildup of a return to America and the Indian family Christina left behind, we never see them again. This was still a fun book to read, but by the end I knew I wasn't going to keep my copy. Julie Garwood has written many outstanding romance novels - this just was not her best.
Lyon is a jaded man whose dead wife had cheated on him with his brother. He is enchanted with Christina and her strange way of thinking.
They meet when Christina is forced to go to England with her aunt. All along Christina avoids telling him about her past for fear of putting Lyon in danger because her grandfather left her a whole bunch of money and both her real father and her aunt wants it.
I thought that the way she started most chapters with an entry from Christina's mother's diary was very nice. There were lots of witty conversations between Christina and Lyon, although I did find it a little annoying that Christina waited so long to tell Lyon about her past. And I love the ending! I think it was her best ending out of all the books I've read.
One Pink Rose is the story of Travis Clayborne. His Mamma Rose is now living with them and he does a favor for her and in the meantime meets a fiesty woman that he cannot resist.
One White Rose is the story of Douglas Clayborne. A lover of horses and when his brother sees an Arabian horse and Douglas buys it sight unseen. He goes to pick up the horse, and is surprised to be looking down the barrel of a gun. He soon finds himself acting as the local doctor and falling in love.
One Red Rose is the story of Adam Clayborne. Coming home late he discovers a beautiful woman sleeping in his bed. But Genevieve has a promise to keep and trouble knocking on the door. She leaves the hospitality of Blue Belle and Adam goes after her to make sure that she is alright. Does he fall for his mother's matchmaking?