Texty Ladies » Julie Garwood

BB’s Review: The Secret by Julie Garwood

BetaBabe — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 12:50:33 +0000

The Secret by Julie Garwood

Pocket Books Fiction

New York Timesbestselling author Julie Garwood captures the Highland splendor of medieval Scotland in this breathtaking love story. The inspiration f0r her powerful new novel, Ransom, this classic tale is a passionate masterpiece from one of the best-loved storytellers of all time.

From the back cover: Judith Hampt0on was as beautiful as she was proud and loyal. Her dear Scottish friend from childhood was about to give birth, and Judith had promised to be at her side. But there was another, private reason for the journey from her bleak English home to the Highlands: to meet the father she had never known, the Laird Maclean. Nothing prepared her, however, for the sight of the Scottish barbarian who was to escort her into his land…Iain Maitland, Laird of his clan, a man more powerfully compelling than any she had ever encountered.

In a spirited clash of wills and customs, Judith reveled in the melting bliss of Iain’s searching kisses, his passionate caresses. Perplexed by her sprightly defiance, bemused by her tender nature, Iain felt his soul growing into the light and warmth of her love. Surely nothing would wrench her from the affection and trust of Iain and his clan…not even the truth about her father, a devastating secret that could shatter the boldest alliance, and the most glorious of loves!

I loved this story. Julie Garwood once again grabbed my attention and made me care about all her characters in this story. The deep friendship two small girls cultivated into adulthood, not knowing until it was too late that they were supposed to be enemies, was the strongest of all bonds. Francis Catherine Kirkcaldy of Scotland and Lady Judith Hampton of England were best friends forever. When Judith’s friend is close to term with her pregnancy, she sends for Judith. She wanted her friend to be there with her. Francis Catherine had a terrible fear of dying while giving birth and Judith was too stubborn to let her. When Judith meets the leader of the highlanders who is escorting her to Scotland, she’s immediately taken with his beautiful grey eyes that stare through her soul. Iain Maitland is one of those big tough warriors who doesn’t have time for love…it makes a man weak. We all know the type ladies! But Iain falls hard, whether he wants to or not. There is a lot of background to this wonderful story and you’ll love it. This is a beautiful love story…and a pretty spicy one at that!

Because I will read this book over and over again…I give it 4 cocktails!

Just a note: this book has several different bookcovers. The one above is just one of several.

BB’s Review: Honor’s Splendour by Julie Garwood

BetaBabe — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 13:37:14 +0000

Honor’s Splendour by Julie Garwood

Pocket Books Fiction

“Memorable and powerful…a beautifully sensitive love story.” Romantic Times

He captured her for revenge…she enchanted him into love!

Julie Garwood, acclaimed New York Times bestselling author, creates a rich and tender tapestry of sweet revenge stunning intrigues, and sensuous love!

From the back cover: In the feuding English court, gentle Lady Madelyne suffered the cruel whims of her ruthless brother, Baron Louddon. Then, in vengeance for a bitter crime, Baron Duncan of Wexton–the Wolf–unleashed his warriors against Louddon’s domain. Exquisite Madelyne was the prize he captured…but when he gazed upon the proud beauty, he pledged to protect her with his life. In his rough-hewn castle, Duncan proved true to his honor. But when at last their noble passion conquered them both, she surrendered with all her soul. Now, for love, Madelyn would stand fast…as bravely as her Lord, the powerful Wolf who fought for honor’s splendour.

This is an enthralling story about the beautiful Lady Madelyne and the honorable and arrogant Baron Duncan of Wexton. Madelyne’s brother, Louddon, is an evil untrustworthy devil. His greed and jealousy leads him to set Duncan up to be murdered–he wants no marks on Duncan’s body so that no one will know he had him murdered. Louddon has him army tie Duncan to a pole in the middle of the square and removed his clothing–he will let Duncan freeze to death and then have his men take the body to a far location and leave him there to be found. No one would ever know that he had him killed. Louddon made sure he left early enough to not be at the castle while Duncan was being murdered. What Louddon did not know was that his kind sister Madelyne had seen what he and his men were doing and after they had left Duncan to freeze alone…she snuck out of the castle and cut the ropes binding him. Madelyne quietly brought Duncan into the castle to dress and warm him so that he escape. What Madelyne did not know was that Duncan and his army had come to steal her from Louddon. Duncan’s men had climbed the castle walls and were in place before Louddon’s men even knew what hit them. Madelyne is surprised to find Louddon’s army lying dead at her feet when she leaves the room they were hiding in. She is actually glad that she can leave the castle…it had been her plan to fun away from her evil brother who had mistreated her for years. Duncan takes Madelyne with him to his castle. It was always her plan to run away and be free of any man’s control. The time they spend together brings them closer together and then the story really begins. Madelyne weaves her way into his life, the lives of his family and his army. You can’t help but care about our heroine–she is such a wonderful person. This story is full of adventure and wonderful dialog. You will get emotionally involved on many different levels–the love story between Madelyne and Duncan, the story of Duncan’s brothers, and the story of Duncan’s sister Adela to name a few.

I found this story wonderfully detailed with multidimensional characters. Because I loved the characters and the story, I give this book 3 cocktails!

BB’s Review: Saving Grace by Julie Garwood

BetaBabe — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 13:51:21 +0000

Saving Grace by Julie Garwood

Pocket Books

“A wonderfully romantic and memorable story.” Rendezvous

“Romance fans will be demanding SAVING GRACE.” Library Journal

From the back cover: In this splendid New York Times bestseller, Julie Garwood brilliantly crafts the majestic story of a young Englishwoman determined to fight for her freedom…a woman whose life would be transformed by the rare, unexpected gift of love.

When Lady Johanna learned that she was a widow, she vowed she would never marry again. Only sixteen, she possessed a strength of will that impressed all who looked past her golden-haired beauty. Yet when King John demanded that she remarry–and selected a bridegroom for her–it seemed she must acquiesce, until her beloved foster brother suggested she wed his friend, the handsome Scottish warrior Gabriel MacBain.

At first Johanna was shy, but as Gabriel tenderly revealed the splendid pleasures they would share, she came to suspect that she was falling in love with her gruff new husband. And it was soon apparent to the entire Highlands clan that their brusque, gallant laird had surrendered his heart completely. But now a desperate royal intrigue threatened to tear her from his side–and to destroy the man whose love meant more to her than she had ever dreamed!

This book made me want to go to Scotland and find a handsome, strong warrior laird named Gabriel MacBain! Seriously, the story is so real, so wonderful and so romantic. Our heroine, Lady Johanna, was young when she was married to an evil Baron named Raulf. No one knew how evil this man was. Had her stepbrother known, he would have rescued her from Raulf. Raulf beat Johanna daily for anything he felt she did wrong. He used religion–his interpretation of the Bible–as a means to control her with punishment. One of Raulf’s closest allies was Bishop Hallwick. The Bishop gave out the penance for any misdoings a wife or woman servant might be due. When a woman servant of Raulf’s dropped an egg and it broke, the penance was–a break for a break–he had the servant’s leg broken. (At this point in the book I wanted to go find these two jerks and give them a little of their own medicine!!) Both Raulf and the Bishop hated women and took pleasure in punishing them. The Bishop carried a punishment stick with him wherever he went. It was used to beat a woman into submission. Johanna wanted to run away but was kept locked away from everyone. When she receives news her husband is dead…she thanks God over and over again. She finally is free. She vows to never marry again. She would never let another man control her life and beat her. Johanna inherited a lot of valuable land and the King wanted to marry her off to one of his friends. Johanna’s stepbrother knew the friend and would not let his sister marry another evil man who would mistreat her. So, Nicholas goes to Gabriel MacBain and asks him to marry his stepsister so that he will then own the valuable land for his clan. Gabriel listens to Nicholas’ story and agrees it would be an advantageous marriage. He figures he will stay clear of Johanna and she of him. They would both get what they want…her peace…and him the land. Then, Nicholas bring Johanna to meet the laird. The first time he lays eyes on her he stopped breathing. She is the most beautiful woman he has ever seen. This is where the real story begins and you will love it. The characters are wonderful and the dialogue is hilarious. I laughed out loud throughout this story and you will too!

Because in this story both hero and heroine were each others saving grace – I give this book 3 cocktails!

BB’s Review: The Lion’s Lady by Julie Garwood

BetaBabe — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 13:43:43 +0000

The Lion’s Lady by Julie Garwood

Pocket Books Fiction

“A beautiful love story. One of the best books I have read in a very long time.” Judith McNaught, New York Times bestselling author of Night Whispers

Julie Garwood, acclaimed author of the New York Times bestseller Ransom, spins an unforgetatable love story…a thrilling tale of reckless romance and soaring passion!

From the back cover: Christina Bennett had taken London society by storm. The ravishing beauty guarded the secret of her mysterious past until the night Lyon, Marquis of Lyonwood, stole a searching, sensuous kiss. An arrogant nobleman with a pirate’s passions, he tasted the wildfire smoldering beneath Christina’s cool charm and swore to possess her…

But the fiesty and defiant Cristina would not be so easily conquered. Mistress of her heart and of her forturne, she resisted Lyon’s sensuous caresses. She dared not surrender to his love…for then, she must also forsake her precious secret…and her promised destiny!

Another wonderful action/romance story by Julie Garwood. She never ceases to amaze me. This story starts out in the Black Hills America, 1797. A shaman had a vision. It was of a white lioness with blue eyes surrounded by a herd of buffalo. At the time, he did not know what it meant…so he painted his vision on a soft deerskin hide while it was fresh in his mind. Our heroine, Christina Bennett, ends up being raised by the Indians who took her in as a daughter, but because they knew who she was, they knew they would have to send her to England–back to her people, once she was old enough. Her Indian family love her like a daughter and raised her to be strong and self sufficient. When Christina is old enough, she reunites with her aunt in England who sets her up for her season with the ton to meet eligible young men. Her aunt is a terrible person. Selfish, self-centered and bitter. She wants to use Christina to steal her inheritance…which she feels belongs to her. Christina’s first evening out, she meets Lyon, the Marquis of Lyonwood. When she hears his name she is enthralled. She is the lioness and he is her lion–destiny had meant them to be together. Lyon is handsome, strong and feared by all men. His reputation keeps most people at bay…but not Christina. She was not the least bit intimidated by him. He is captivated by her beauty and lack of fear. The first night he meets her he has to kiss her…just once. He does and finds out that once is not enough. She has the same feelings. Christina keeps her past a secret…they called Indians savages, which hurt her because of the deep love she had for her Indian parents and brother. Lyon notices the differences in this beauty. She is not like the other women at the ton. This story is interesting throughout with its twists and turns. Together they embark on an adventure you will love. I highly recommend anything written by Julie Garwood because of the detail she puts into her stories!

Because I loved this passionate love story, I give this book 3 cocktails!

BB’s Review: Gentle Warrior by Julie Garwood

BetaBabe — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 13:40:32 +0000

Gentle Warrior by Julie Garwood

Pocket Books – Simon & Schuster

“A delightful tale.” – Romantic Times

“Liberally garnished with intrigue and with sensuous love scenes…Julie Garwood is a superb storyteller.” Affaire de Coeur

From the New York Times bestselling author of Ransom comes an exquisite, tender tale of love, adventure, and passion!

From the back cover: In feudal England, Elizabeth Montwright barely escaped the massacre that destroyed her family and exiled her from her ancestral castle. Bent on revenge, she rode again through the fortress gates disguised as a peasant…to seek aid from Geoffrey Berkley, the powerful baron who had routed the murderers.

He heard her pleas, resisted her demands, and vowed to seduce his beautiful subject. Yet as Elizabeth fought the warrior’s caresses, love flamed for this gallant man who must soon champion her cause…and capture her spirited heart?

What a wonderful story. It has everything a woman wants to read about. A devastating crisis, a strong and powerful man to help right the wrong that has happened, and a wonderful love story (very hot love story!). Our heroine, Elizabeth Montwright, is no weak woman…she is a beautiful and strong woman who is outspoken and courageous. I think I like that best about Julie Garwood’s writing…the women are never weaklings…they always stand up and deal with whatever has happened. Of course, I also believe Julie Garwood writes her stories with wonderful romances in them…they are always about real love, and not just sex…which I think is why I read so many of her books. The romances are hot and the men are handsome. I vow to read them all and I think I’m about half way through her list already! As for this story, after Elizabeth and her young brother Thomas witness the murder of her parents and aunt, she has her brother hidden for his safety…he is now the heir to the Montwright land. With the help of a servant named Joseph, she hides in the forest until she can figure out what to do. She believes her uncle Belwain wants control of the Montwright land and Thomas the young heir. She wants to kill Belwain for what he has done. When Joseph tells her that Baron Geoffrey Berkley and his knights went to her Montwright castle and fought the murderers and won the castle back, she decided to go to him for help. She was told one of the knights at the castle had been hurt badly and needed help healing or he would die. Elizabeth had learned healing from her mother and decided to dress as a peasant and help the knight…hoping that if she were successful in healing the knight, she could speak with the Baron about her thoughts of Belwain’s guilt and have him help her. She heals the knight, and then finds out who he really is…it is Geoffrey himself. She saved his life. This is where the story really begins and the love grows between the two. I don’t want to give too much away, because it’s just too good to read it yourself and find out! He is a hard temperamental man who thinks love is unnecessary and weakens a man. She is just as stubborn as him and does not give up trying to get through to him. The story takes you through an adventure with them and the brilliant writing will keep you entertained throughout.

Because I fell for the Baron myself, I give this book 3 cocktails!

BB’s Review: The Wedding by Julie Garwood

Pamela Sweet — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 10:56:06 +0000

The Wedding
by Julie Garwood

Pocket Books

A Doubleday Book Club main selection. Also available from Simon & Schuster Audio.

From the inside cover:

Lady Brenna MacAlister harbored no illusions that her husband, a quick-tempered highland laird, was in love with her. How could he be enamored of his bride when, on their wedding day, he has assured her that she could return to her home in England as soon as she had given him a son?

Marrying Connor MacAlister has been an impulsive act for Brenna. But MacAlister and his warriors, a savage-looking band who had captured her and her party en route to her arranged marriage to another, offered precious few alternatives. Nor could Brenna deny that in fact she had proposed to MacAlister—even if that had been ten long years ago, when she was just a child, and Connor a visitor to her father’s castle. Actually, Brenna scarcely remembered the secret missives she’d sent to MacAlister, abetted by her mischievous older sister…yet she had never forgotten the tall visitor’s dazzling, unexpected smile.

Now, after a hasty forest wedding, they were man and wife. Determined to be happy, Brenna soon endeared herself to most of the clan, despite—or perhaps because of—her uncanny knack for getting into trouble. And although she grew to adore her brave, superstitious, gentle husband, she had no clue that Connor lived for the moments she whispered “I love you”…words she never meant him to hear. But when a rival laird struck out at the MacAlisters, trapping Brenna in a web of dangerous intrigue, she knew that only her faith in her gallant mate could save her.

Julie Garwood has enchanted readers since her first novel was published in 1985; today there are more than thirteen million copies of her books in print. Her twelve previous novels include ten New York Times bestsellers: The Bride, Guardian Angel, Honor’s Splendour, The Gift, The Prize, The Secret, Castles, Saving Grace, Prince Charming and For the Roses. Ms. Garwood is currently working on her next novel, to be published by Pocket Books.

BB’s Review:

I really loved this one! This story is so descriptive you can visualize Brenna, Connor, the clansmen and the beautiful land on which they live. It brings out all your emotions—one minute you feel sad for Brenna, the next you’re laughing, and then you’re captured by the deep (hot) love story that unfolds between them. It flows beautifully from the first page to the very last. I would read this one again!

I give this story 4 cocktails—it isn’t lacking anything.

Ten New York Times bestsellers—including her latest, For the Roses—verify what Julie Garwood’s fans have always known: she is a masterful storyteller. “Julie Garwood attracts readers like beautiful heroines attract dashing heroes,” says USA Today. Now, returning to the enchanting world she created in The Bride, she delights us again with another fascinating tale of love, adventure, and soaring ambitions, set in twelfth-century Scotland.

~ Posted by BB

BB’s Review: Prince Charming by Julie Garwood

Pamela Sweet — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 04:10:03 +0000

PRINCE CHARMING by Julie Garwood

Publisher: Pocket (1995)

Mass Market Paperback

(from back cover)

“Only her beloved grandmother, Lady Esther, knew how devastated Taylor Stapleton had been when her fiancé eloped with Taylor’s cousin. Now dear Esther – one of London’s richest and most formidable matriarchs – lies dying. But first she is going to help Taylor pull off the scam of the season.”

This is my favorite romance book by Julie Garwood. She takes two strangers, who are linked by the same scoundrel, on a fascinating journey from England to Montana. The heroine is a strong, intelligent, driven woman and the hero is one every woman will want to keep for herself…tall, dark haired and handsome, need I say more! The story is detailed and extremely visual as it covers the vast trip they make together. It has twists and turns that keep you interested and touches your every emotion. I could not put this book down…I had to know what was going to happen next. This is one I will re-read just because!

Because of the fact I would actually re-read this book, I give it 4 cocktails!

“Bestselling author Julie Garwood’s classic love story is filled with “the humor, the sweetness, and the sensuality” (Publishers Weekly) that have made her “a trusted brand name in romantic fiction” (People).”

~ Posted by BB