The Secret

published	May 1st 1992 by Pocket Books
binding	Mass Market Paperback
isbn	0671744216 (isbn13: 9780671744212)
ebook
pages	379
characters	Judith Hampton, Iain Maitland
setting	United Kingdom
description	Judith Hampton was as beautiful as she was proud and loyal. Her dear Scottish friend from childhood was about to give birth, and Judith had promised t...more [close] Judith Hampton 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! [close]
date added	02-15-07 edit book

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Kym rated it:

06/03/08

bookshelves: aar-top-100-romances--2007-, favorites, historical-romance

Read in May, 2008

When Judith Hampton met Frances Catherine Kirkcaldy at a summer festival on the border between Scotland and England, the two girls were too young to realize that they should be enemies. The two grew up and maintained their friendship, despite the fact that Judith was British and Frances Catherine Scottish. When Frances Catherine moved to the Scottish Highlands after her wedding, she made Judith promise to come to her when she became pregnant. Frances Catherine's mother and grandmother both died ...more When Judith Hampton met Frances Catherine Kirkcaldy at a summer festival on the border between Scotland and England, the two girls were too young to realize that they should be enemies. The two grew up and maintained their friendship, despite the fact that Judith was British and Frances Catherine Scottish. When Frances Catherine moved to the Scottish Highlands after her wedding, she made Judith promise to come to her when she became pregnant. Frances Catherine's mother and grandmother both died and childbirth and she was afraid she might suffer the same fate. At the beginning of The Secret, the time has come for Judith to go to her friend, and Frances Catherine's highland clan is none too pleased about having an Englishwoman in their midst.

Iain Maitland is the laird of the Maitland clan, and Frances Catherine's brother in law. Since his brother needs to stay by his wife's side, Iain volunteers to travel to England to bring back Judith. In his mind, he has no doubt that the woman will refuse. The English are notorious for breaking their word. Still, Iain is a Scot, and therefore has honor, so he goes on this fool's errand. He's surprised when Judith is waiting on her front porch, more surprised that she's beautiful, and most surprised that he finds himself attracted to her. He brings Judith back to Scotland, and the two spar verbally the entire trip back. Judith is the first woman, if not the first person, to challenge Iain's authority or question his actions. Despite himself he finds it attractive. And once he sees how Judith insinuates herself amongst his clan, making herself indispensable, Iain Maitland knows that he's not going to be able to let her go.

The Secret is arguably Julie Garwood's best novel, and without a doubt one of my favorite romances ever written. This story is written with depth and layers that go beyond just hero and heroine. We start with Frances Catherine and Judith, children too naive to realize that their countries are at war. Their innocence allows them to be friends, and their connection allows the friendship to continue despite the space that time and distance might put between them. Then we meet Iain. A fiercely proud warrior. Laird of his clan. Someone that the Maitlands look up to and admire. Iain is a man made of steel who shows no weakness. That is until he falls in love with a small English girl and vows to protect her from anything that might do her harm, including his own clan. From there we meet the supporting characters. Ramsey and Brodick, two Maitland warriors who got their own story in Ransom, both of whom flirt shamelessly with Judith while also being willing to lay down their lives for her. Graham, one of the Maitland clan elders, who at first opposes the idea of an Englishwoman among their clan, and later embraces Judith because of her kindness and compassion. It goes on from there. Every character in this story has a purpose, a story, a history. Perhaps that's what makes this novel so stellar--nothing is insignificant.

The Secret is that rare breed of romance that you can enjoy countless times and it only gets better. The plot gets deeper, the characters more endearing, the love story more poignant. If you haven't read Garwood, this is a great place to start, and if you love romance, you won't want to miss this book....less

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The Secret

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