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Shadow Music (Highlands' Lairds #3)

3.79 of 5 stars 3.79 · rating details · 4,646 ratings · 277 reviews

For Princess Gabrielle of St. Biel, Scotland is a land of stunning vistas, wild chieftains, treacherous glens, and steep shadows--skullduggery, betrayal, and now murder. Prized for her exquisite beauty, the daughter of one of England's most influential barons, Gabrielle is also a perfect bargaining chip for a king who needs peace in the Highlands: King John has arranged Ga...more

Hardcover, 339 pages

Published December 26th 2007 by Ballantine Books

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Best Scottish Romance (Historical and Contemporary)

20th out of 143 books — 163 voters

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May 10, 2008 LibraryLass rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2008

3.5 stars for this one. I actually enjoyed this book for the most part. I think it was because after reading so many negative reviews my expectations were extremely low. So maybe others were disappointed after having high expectations. Yes it is great to see Garwood doing a historical again., but there were missing elements to the story. It was 'likeable' Although Colm and Gabriel as individuals were great, there connection took a long while in the book. The sex was non-existant for 3/4 of the b...more

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May 09, 2012 UniquelyMoi *Dhestiny* BlithelyBookish rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviewed-by-me, 3-stars

I have to say, while I liked the book, I didn't love it. It was a tad disappointing having just read the other 2 books in this series as well as the 2 books from Laird's Fiancees.

It could have been excellent, but there were too many people to keep track of and surprisingly, the storyline/plot was weak. I didn't get drawn into the Highland world as I did in Garwood's previous books, and did not feel the connection with the characters as I did in the past.

Both the H/H were ... weak, in my opinion...more

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Oct 22, 2010 Arlene rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-2010, historical, adult

After going through an extensive paranormal book reading fest, I felt it was time to dive into something different, and I decided on a historical fiction novel by Julie Garwood. I’ve enjoyed a few of her books in the past and have found her light and somewhat mischievous writing is the perfect antidote to a brain that has been on vamp!re cr@ck for months.

Unfortunately, I was quite disappointed in this novel and surprised at how far she veered from her normally formulaic and predictable plots an...more After going through an extensive paranormal book reading fest, I felt it was time to dive into something different, and I decided on a historical fiction novel by Julie Garwood. I’ve enjoyed a few of her books in the past and have found her light and somewhat mischievous writing is the perfect antidote to a brain that has been on vamp!re cr@ck for months.

Unfortunately, I was quite disappointed in this novel and surprised at how far she veered from her normally formulaic and predictable plots and enjoyable characters. Now don’t get me wrong, for some writers taking a chance is a good thing and much needed in some cases, but when you have a well known historical writer that’s expected to deliver witty, fun, well blended characters with a ton of chemistry getting something on the opposite side of the spectrum is quite the disappointment from any angle.

Shadow Music tipped the scale in historical fiction, so I got what I was looking for there, but the majority of the novel was focused on intrigue, deceit and political strife, leaving behind the opportunity to develop the main characters where you’re hoping to get some chemistry, romance and light hearted conversation. Gabrielle and Colm very rarely interact or engage in any meaningful conversations, which I’m used to getting from Garwood. So with the lack of chemistry between these two characters, when the love story is sloppily plugged in at the final hour, I had no interest in reading it because it didn’t feel credible to me.

What bothered me the most was the focus on St. Biel. Okay, really? I went to Catholic School for a pittily twelve years and when I first read that, I asked myself “St. Biel?? There’s no St. Biel!” :/ So how am I supposed to accept the fact that this King named his land after a saint that never existed to protect his people; and the holy crusaders nor the Church, including the Pope would not know there was never a St. Biel? The plot was immediately placed on a square table with only three legs to stand on. S.L.O.P.P.Y!

I was surprised at the amount of characters Garwood infused in this book, most of whom I didn’t care one bit about. It’s always interesting to read about the feuds that occur between the low and highlanders, but I don’t think it was necessary to include everyone and their laird. Pick a couple of clans and go with it and leave the rest of Scotland alone.

Although this book is interesting to some minimal degree, I don’t feel it’s representative of the magic Garwood is capable of. If you’re slightly versed in the holy crusades, the plot will fall apart for you at the starting gate; and if you have an ounce of problem solving ability, you’ll figure out in a few short chapters the secret of St. Biel and the myth of the hidden treasure, thus making it a long journey to the finish line.(less)

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Jan 19, 2009 Anna Hanson Bevens rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: library-book, romance, read-in-2009

If you like Julie Garwood, you'll like "Shadow Music", but you won't be challenged or surprised by any of the events in this book, set in 13th century England and Scotland.

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Apr 16, 2013 Sabrina Van Goethem rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: i-own-this-book, historical-romance

Yet another great medieval romance story by Julie Garwood! I did think it was a bit unfortunate that Colm and Gabrielle don't meet until about halfway through the story. Also, the end seemed a bit rushed to me. But apart from that, a very entertaining book!

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Aug 20, 2008 Misfit rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-romance, wall-banger

In this sequel of sorts to Garwood's Ransom, Princess Gabrielle of St. Biel, a daughter of an English Baron, is sent by King John to marry an older highland Laird to keep peace between the borders (??!! more on this later). Two of John's scheming Barons with their nefarious (and ridiculous) schemes get involved and Gabrielle's intended is murdered, she is disgraced as a wanton woman and disinherited and banned from England (this from one woman accusing her of entering a wounded man's bedroom??)....more In this sequel of sorts to Garwood's Ransom, Princess Gabrielle of St. Biel, a daughter of an English Baron, is sent by King John to marry an older highland Laird to keep peace between the borders (??!! more on this later). Two of John's scheming Barons with their nefarious (and ridiculous) schemes get involved and Gabrielle's intended is murdered, she is disgraced as a wanton woman and disinherited and banned from England (this from one woman accusing her of entering a wounded man's bedroom??). She meets up with Laird Brodick Buchanan who is her cousin by marriage, as Brodick is married to Gillian a distant cousin of Gabrielle's father. Accompanying Brodick is the fearsome Laird MacHugh who takes her into protection after her banishment. There is also a big mystery about the search for some missing gold that is all too predictable, I figured where that was at the first mention of.... well I won't be a spoiler but trust me you'll spot that one a mile away.

Sound exciting? No, it's not, it's actually quite awful and I'm having a hard time believing Garwood wrote this. Although her older historicals are not high fiction, the healthy dose of humor she throws in along with the romance usually makes for an entertaining read. Unfortunately, along with an embarrassingly bad plot Garwood forgot to throw in the humor that might have saved a story that's predictable from the first page to the last. Even worse, there is little description of the sights, sounds, clothes, etc. to give the reader a good sense of the time period. I don't think I heard mention of any Scott wearing a kilt until well towards the end of the book, Gabrielle's clothing was only noted by the color of the dress she was wearing, etc. I won't even get started on the way Brodick was ruined -- without the banter between he, Gillian, Ramsey and Ian what was an awesome hero in Ransom is reduced to nothing but mush. We don't even get a glimpse of Gillian, only occasional mentions of her being home and pregnant. And worst of all, there is absolutely no chemistry between our two main protagonists, an absolute death knell for any romance book.

And finally, although I don't expect an historical romance to be historically accurate, I appreciate it when an author makes some effort to have knowledge of the period they're writing in. I wish I'd taken notes, because I'm not able to remember all the boners in this book to recount them here. Examples, and since I'm not a history major anyone may correct me if I'm wrong:

* Gabrielle's native country St Biel (somewhere in Europe where the crusaders passed through), is invaded and occupied by King John !!??? John Lackland who couldn't even hold on to Normandy?
* What is it with the women running around with their long hair flowing loose? No woman in medieval times, especially a noblewoman would be seen in public without a proper head covering.
* Gabrielle's original marriage was to settle the border disputes between England and Scotland. Hellooooo, if I recall correctly John was too busy trying to subdue the Welsh to be bothered with Scotland. And what help does a marriage to a highland Laird have to do with any border wars? The borders are in the lowlands - you'd think a marriage to someone with closer ties to the border would make more political sense.

All in all, this is pretty close to one of the worst books I've ever read - not quite but almost. Boring, predictable and downright silly. Garwood would have done much better by making her sequel to Ransom writing about the Buchanans, Ramsey and Sinclairs and putting those people together into her story. Better yet, put their grown children together into a tightly woven story with that sadly missing dose of humor and she might have had something here. As it is, this is a bad way to spend $18 on a hardback and a serious waste of a tree. If you are dead set on reading it, get it from the library (as I did) or wait for the mass market paperback.

Last complaint - what the heck is with the book cover? The man and woman in the bottom corner are in evening dress and the building with the onion dome looks like something out of the Far East, and certainly not a castle that one would find in Scotland. It's all just stupid, stupid, stupid and doesn't even deserve one star. (less)

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Aug 13, 2012 Shelley rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical, romance

I'm soooo disappointed!! Here I was eagerly awaiting Shadow Music, Julie Garwood's first historical novel in years. I can't believe it - what a disappointment! Where was the romance? Where was the passion? Where was the plot? I'm still trying to figure out why Gabrielle even fell in love with Colm! I am such a huge fan of Julie Garwood's earlier historical romances, and I was ecstatic when I found out about Shadow Music. I've never been a fan of her contemporary novels and I had high expectation...more

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Mar 08, 2011 Leontine rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-romance

Gabrielle grows up in the loving embrace of her family and 4 guards, though her mother is sick and bound to her bed she still manages to tell Gabrielle all about her inheritance. She is after al a princess, it may be a small country but St.Biel is a content place to live and its history is rich. For when the crusades started it was St.Biel that needed to be traveled through to get to the Holy Lands, and with the wise King at the time made a pact with the crusaders. Crossing the country will cost...more Gabrielle grows up in the loving embrace of her family and 4 guards, though her mother is sick and bound to her bed she still manages to tell Gabrielle all about her inheritance. She is after al a princess, it may be a small country but St.Biel is a content place to live and its history is rich. For when the crusades started it was St.Biel that needed to be traveled through to get to the Holy Lands, and with the wise King at the time made a pact with the crusaders. Crossing the country will cost gold but it will be send to the pope as a gift of devotion. But as the crusades died a rumor toke root, not all gold was given to the pope and a treassure was buried...

How Gabrielle was familiar with all these stories of treasures, the battle between St. Biel and England, the marriage between her mother, the princes and her father, the Baron. Though her mother died Gabrielle's love for St.Biel shined bright within her heart and her four guards from St.Biel where an ever reminder. When her father tells her she is to be married to Laird Monroe she prepares herself for the life as the wife of a Laird, little did she know that the journey to Scotland is the beginning of something unexpected.....

I think anyone who has ever read Julie Garwood's earlier historical novels will recognize my initial outburst of utter joy and excitement which I felt upon discovery that she has returned to her roots. Not only a historical but also a highlander to boot, for me it is a much treasured theme and time period and nostalgia of my youth rode me in waves as I received my copy of Shadow music.

I took my time with it, wanting to savor every page, every character and every storyline. How did I get lost in the feelings of confusion? Because from the first page this story had a different vibe, which is not to say that that is a bad thing of course and was set on giving it all my attention and time. I enjoyed getting to know Gabrielle, her guards and the history of her mother's country only I got a bit restless at a certain point, when would the hero and heroine meet, when would the love story commence?? For me it felt like Julie Garwood took way too much time to set up this story taking away time and pages from the main couple creating an almost stale and unconvincing romance.

The background story of the treasure was interesting, Gabrielle's four guards: Christien, Lucien, Stephen and Faust were a joy to read and fabulous secondary characters. The greedy Barons with their own plans are a convincing lot and the woman in the shades one to watch out for. Colm MacHugh as the hero came across as this big gruff bear of a highlander with pride to match his build and a thundering voice to lure you in to Scotland. He is an unadulterated highlander that I just crave to read about and especially the interaction with his brother and his neighboring Laird Buchannan made me smile.

The separate threads of this novel sometimes gave me that hint of Garwood skill I enjoyed in all her other historicals,it was holding a promise but never truly giving it to me. When Gabrielle was exiled and Colm tried to do the chivalrous thing was for me the only true moment I could feel the talent of Julie Garwood as she once was. Colm and Gabrielle lack enough depth together, lack creating a delighted friction of two strong characters that sizzle into a passionate love which grabs me and makes me a part of the story. For me it felt that the background story and the secondary characters demanded so much time from them as the main characters, that there wasn't enough left. And when I read a Julie Garwood historical I want a romance that can rival with all the legendary lovers of the past, endearing, passionate, bold and within their own way have a gripping punch to it.

Maybe it is unfair to Julie Garwood that I compare Shadow Music to her other historical novels and I did try as best as I could to judge this book solely on its own. But when I closed the book I just thought: `Where did the awesome talent of Garwood go for the historical genre?' The plot holds very little surprises, each character does play its part in the grant scheme of things that makes me interested enough to keep reading but all in all it is that Julie Garwood didn't change for the better in my opinion, Shadow Music is at its best mediocre and at its worst a disappointment for those who've read other novels by her hand like: Ransom, The Wedding, The Secret and so on.

In the end, as I look back on reading this novel, I would say what I missed the most was the romance, the plot and the secondary characters held potential and they were meant to make the romance story of Colm and Gabrielle shine and this is something I just didn't get nor feel.

Sometimes it just isn't meant to happen and Julie Garwood just couldn't create the sparkle of an endearing historical that nurtures the tale of a heart rendering love.
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Aug 16, 2010 Ns rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shadow Music takes us back to the Medieval times where fierce warriors and protectors reside along with perilous foes. Different times, different kinds of people who are less civilized but more adventurous -all elements that make for an exciting read. While some parts were that, many other parts did not hold my attention.

The idea and people of the story were very likable. Princess Gabrielle of St. Biel is the heroine of the story. She is strong, smart, independent, and beautiful. A true catch, w...more

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Jan 07, 2010 Patti Loves FAB Romance rated it 4 of 5 stars

I picked up Shadow Music because I'd recently read The Bride and loved it. I figured I'd like this one too (plus, the cover was safe, no half nekkid people in a scandalous embrace on it). This was a great story. I think I have a soft spot for Highlanders, or maybe forced marriages, or ladies whose reputations have been ruined for no good reason. I'm seeing a pattern in all the Romance stories I've liked so far.

Gabrielle's mother was a princess from St. Biel, and her father was an English Baron....more I picked up Shadow Music because I'd recently read The Bride and loved it. I figured I'd like this one too (plus, the cover was safe, no half nekkid people in a scandalous embrace on it). This was a great story. I think I have a soft spot for Highlanders, or maybe forced marriages, or ladies whose reputations have been ruined for no good reason. I'm seeing a pattern in all the Romance stories I've liked so far.

Gabrielle's mother was a princess from St. Biel, and her father was an English Baron. St. Biel had a curious history; there was a story of lost gold, but no one knew if it was true.

Gabrielle was a beautiful young woman, and to keep peace between England and Scotland, her king, John, had promised her to an older Laird of a Highland clan. Her dowry was to be a piece of land in Scotland that belonged to the king, but many clansman coveted this piece of land. As Gabrielle arrived at the Abbey where she was to be wed, she came upon a group of men preparing to murder another and ambush his kinsmen. Under cover of woods, she shot and killed the main attacker (with a bow and arrow!) and his co-conspirators ran. She rushed out and brought the injured man to the Abbey to be nursed back to health, but did not want anyone to know as she was not aware of the parties involved and didn't want to accidentally end up in the middle of a clan war. While at the Abbey her betrothed was murdered. There were two English Barons who had been fighting to marry her before the King gave her away and they each saw this as an opportunity marry her; however things went awry and Gabrielle was accused of being a whore and banished from England. The Baron's plan was to kidnap her while she had no protection, however, Gabrielle's cousin by marriage was there and knew the accusations were false. He convinced his friend, Laird Colm MacHugh to take Gabrielle under his protection and marry her. MacHugh did not want to do it but owed his friend a debt (favor, not money) and took her. He told her they would marry in 6 months so no one would wonder if any children were his. Of course he is very Alpha and expects her to follow his orders and she replies with "as you wish" and does whatever she wants. Oh, and the man whose life she saved turned out to be Colm's brother.

There are many trials they must face, but they do fall in love. The king finds out about Gabrielle's banishment and the lies surrounding it and has new plans for Gabrielle. He sends a messenger to apologize and offer her the land back but she knows it's a trick. She quickly (and secretly) marries Colm and is therefore free of her obligation to follow the king's orders. But one of the Barons is not done with her, he wants the rumored gold and he knows Gabrielle knows where it is! So he kidnaps her! Of course, Gabrielle outsmarts him and gets a message to her husand who comes to save her.

This was a really good book to read but hard to write about, there were so many twists and turns, it really kept my attention. I really liked the characters and rooted for them through the whole book. If Ms. Garwood's books all have such terrific characters and sexy Highlanders to boot, I think she has a new fan!

I'm not sure about the title of the book, I don't know what it had to do with the story. It might be the sound Colm's sword makes before it strikes down his enemies.
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Jul 17, 2009 RNOCEAN rated it 4 of 5 stars

Throughout her acclaimed writing career, Julie Garwood has captivated readers with characters who are compelling, daring, and bursting with life. Now one of the most popular novelists of our time proudly returns to her beloved historical romance roots–in a thrilling tale of love, murder, adventure, and mystery set against the haunting landscape of medieval Scotland.
For Princess Gabrielle of St. Biel, Scotland is a land of stunning vistas, wild chieftains, treacherous glens, and steep shadows–sku...more

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May 30, 2009 Heather Palmer marked it as to-read

Throughout her acclaimed writing career, Julie Garwood has captivated readers with characters who are compelling, daring, and bursting with life. Now one of the most popular novelists of our time proudly returns to her beloved historical romance roots–in a thrilling tale of love, murder, adventure, and mystery set against the haunting landscape of medieval Scotland.

For Princess Gabrielle of St. Biel, Scotland is a land of stunning vistas, wild chieftains, treacherous glens, and steep shadows–sku...more

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Jan 27, 2008 Zhiqing rated it 3 of 5 stars

I was hoping for a few hours of mindless fun when I picked this book. It didn't disappoint me but it didn't excite me too much either. The plot was your standard Scottish Highlands fare (big taciturn laird and fair feisty English maiden clash and fall in love) with appealing characters, though dialogs were pretty silly. Overall it was a quick enjoyable read. If you look for something that is thought provoking, then you must look elsewhere.

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May 07, 2012 Sakura L. rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: julie-garwood, historical-romance, romance, fiction

STARS RATING: 3.9!
Princess Gabrielle dikucilkan karena fitnah yang diterimanya. sungguh beruntung, Laird Colm memiliki utang budi terhadap suami dari sepupunya, Brodrick (view spoiler). utang budi yang cukup berat, menurut Gabrielle, karena Brodrick ingin agar Colm menikahi Gabrielle untuk melunasi utangnya.
Gabrielle adalah seorang gadis yang polos (hanya baru mendengar saja about "it", tapi malah menjadi orang p...more

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Mar 22, 2011 Michelle Kelly rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2011-read, historical

Laird Colm MacHugh and Princess Gabrielle of St. Biel’s book.

Every single one of Julie Garwood’s books so far have been magical and amazing to read. I am unsure how to rate this one because I am worried that the magic for me just wasn’t there. I am wondering how to rate. Am I rating a 3 because Shadow Music just didn’t live up to her other books or would I give this book 4 if it was written by a different author? I did enjoy the book just not as much as the others. I felt the formula was off.

I...more Laird Colm MacHugh and Princess Gabrielle of St. Biel’s book.

Every single one of Julie Garwood’s books so far have been magical and amazing to read. I am unsure how to rate this one because I am worried that the magic for me just wasn’t there. I am wondering how to rate. Am I rating a 3 because Shadow Music just didn’t live up to her other books or would I give this book 4 if it was written by a different author? I did enjoy the book just not as much as the others. I felt the formula was off.

I felt the book was off because the Colm & Gabrielle pretty much didn’t even meet each other until the midway point in the book. There was such a confusing back story and all the other mini plots that my head was spinning. I just wanted Colm and Gabrielle to meet and it was getting frustrating that it hadn’t happened yet. Afterall in all the other books, Garwood’s characters were married near the beginning of the book. (which I loved)

Another big difference I felt from the previous novels and how Shadow Music was written was the writing style in general. Garwood has really great prologues. Shadow Music also had a great prologue but it felt like by the 4th chapter I was still reading a prologue and waiting for the story to actually begin. The story of the battling barons was a great set up for the conflict but it just felt to long.
The battle where Liam was injured and Gabrielle and her guard saved him was great but I still didn’t understand why the need to keep it a secret was such a big deal. I initially thought that Liam was going to be the hero of this story not his brooding Laird brother.
The entire Abbey chapters where Gabrielle was disgraced started really to frustrate me. I wanted them to meet and it still hadn’t happened yet.
Moving forward to Gabrielle and Colm finally meeting was such a let down. I was thinking to myself ‘it took chapters and chapters to get here and that was it?’

I did like that Gabrielle was a bit different of heroin than the other female characters. I like the Garwood doesn’t just write the same characters over and over with just a name change to make them different. Having said that, I found myself getting frustrated with Gabrielle on many occasions. Her stupidity (naivety) made me want to shake her. I am not exactly sure why Gabrielle and Colm fell in love. I didn’t connect with them. I felt the love was a bit forced and I felt that I was being told to feel this or that instead of automatically loving the couple.

Okay what I did like was the anticipation of the climax. I did like Gabrielle’s guards. I loved the 5 yr old twin boys being added to the story (Garwood does excellent children characters) because this story needed some sort of comic relief. So all in all, not the best of her historicals but I still enjoyed it a lot.
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Dec 29, 2008 Jess rated it 2 of 5 stars

First off, I've have never read Julie Garwood's stuff or for that matter any popular or mainstream romance novels. This book was okay, but it could have been better. The plot and backstory are so long and very slow moving. It leave you wondering, "Who the heck is this chick going to marry/hook up with anyway?" Luckily I made a guess from the one line in the novel that mentions the title of the book so I was like, it must be that dude. After much angst and drama and a subplot with very selfish an...more

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May 23, 2009 Aquit rated it 1 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Noone, it wasn't a book at all

Recommended to Aquit by: Noone, not surprising there

Shelves: books-i-reviewed, books-from-library, waste-of-time-and-tree, historical-romance, bland-characters, characters-spine-removed, could-had-been-better, ending-tie-up-with-a-fake-bow, i-think-i-have-amnesia

I remember going to a book club and everybody was taking turn cooing over "Shadow Music" when it got to my turn. I took one look at these ladeis and blurted out, "I hated it. There was no plot. What the hell happened to Julie Garwood? What the hell was this crap?" They all look at me in horror and finally one lady said, "I thought I was the only one who hated it."

Julie Garwood, what the heck happened to you? She used to be one of my favorite authors because she created masterpiece and fantasies...more I remember going to a book club and everybody was taking turn cooing over "Shadow Music" when it got to my turn. I took one look at these ladeis and blurted out, "I hated it. There was no plot. What the hell happened to Julie Garwood? What the hell was this crap?" They all look at me in horror and finally one lady said, "I thought I was the only one who hated it."

Julie Garwood, what the heck happened to you? She used to be one of my favorite authors because she created masterpiece and fantasies with a touch of a pen about her heros and heroines who rode across the Highlander fields sworing to protect their family and clan. I remember reading her book "Ransom", my all-time favorite book from her, as a child and wanting someday to have my own Brodick to love and cherish.

When I read "Shadow Music" I was anticipating it to be the best ever from Julie. I had hope that Gillian would appear, that the humor was at its best, where the hero and heroine fought against monsters to stay together, and the ending would leave me with a satisfying feeling--you know, the mushy kind. Yeah, I was hoping too much.

I couldn't remember the characters' name (beside Brodick) if my life had depended on it. It took me a whole week to read it because I felt that I was reading a summary of a book (like Cliff's Note) instead of the book itself. It was rushed and what the heck was all of those one page chapters? I couldn't decide if I wanted to finish the book or sell it before people find out it was a horrible book.

Colm MacHugh was supposedly the "most feared man in the Highland." Him? Really? ~~I think a child could had beat him at sword fighting.~~ I didn't feel anything for him at all and that surprise me. I always like the male character but him? Nothing. Princess Gabrielle had no personality, was bland, one deminsional, and was a typical dumb girl. I couldn't find the reasons how these two people could fell in love with each other at all. The dialog between them was boring and awkward. It felt like a brotherly and sisterly relationship and that made it worse. What happened to LOVE?

Some say that Julie was rushed into making "Shadow Music" and it wasn't her fault she had only a few months to write it or that maybe her heart isn't just into historical novels anymore. Whatever the reason, I don't think "Shadow Music" will ever be one of her best work. I'm afraid to say it but she has become a mediocre author who no longer has the magic gift of writing the historical novels I read as a child.(less)

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Jul 05, 2011 Kirsten rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: royalty, series, romance, medieval, scotland

This book begins with Gabrielle as a small child and then gradually introduces her into adulthood where she is to marry a Scottish Laird in order to break the barrier between England and Scotland. It doesn't take long for something to go wrong. Since I had just previously finished a historical fiction I seemed to get a bit caught up trying to figure out the timeline of what was happening as well as where this land of St. Biel was, soon to discover it is fictional.

Setting: This book is set brief...more This book begins with Gabrielle as a small child and then gradually introduces her into adulthood where she is to marry a Scottish Laird in order to break the barrier between England and Scotland. It doesn't take long for something to go wrong. Since I had just previously finished a historical fiction I seemed to get a bit caught up trying to figure out the timeline of what was happening as well as where this land of St. Biel was, soon to discover it is fictional.

Setting: This book is set briefly in Wellingshire, England and then in the Scottish Highlands in medieval times during the reign of King John of England (1199-1216) and King William of Scotland (1165-1214).

Characters: Lady/Princess Gabrielle is the daughter of a well-to-do English Baron and Princess Genevieve of St. Biel (a fictional country that is now under English control). She is surrounded by her 4 guards sent to her by the people of St. Biel. My favourite character was tied between Lady Gabrielle and Colm McHugh, a Scottish Laird introduced about a quarter of the way through the story. Gabrielle is in some ways very naive and innocent yet would never want to put anyone out on her behalf, to the frustration of others, which is endearing. Colm on the other hand speaks his mind yet rarely shows his emotions or feels the need to explain himself. When they are together more often then not Colm leaves something unsaid which Gabrielle takes the wrong way and disappears before he can clarify anything. I found Colm seemed very cold and stern at first but as Gabrielle got to know him more so did the reader, seeing a different side of him. Other characters include a handful of other Scottish Lairds, lots of Scottish Clansmen, Clergy from a Scottish Abbey, Gabrielle's parents, the King of England (John), and two English barons who both want Gabrielle for themselves.

Age Recommendation: Due to some explicit content and violence I would recommend this book first and foremost to adults but could also be read by some mature young adults.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and it didn't take me more than a couple days once I actually got to reading it steadily. I liked how each chapter was fairly short so the phrase "Oh I'll just read one more chapter..." came into my mind on several occasions (Usually resulting in me reading a handful more before I ever would put it down). I do however wonder why Julie Garwood decided to name the book "Shadow Music" and was surprised when the explanation of the title was revealed so early on in the book and seemed to not embody the main storyline at all.

I wonder if part of the reason I liked this book was for its own merit. I have never read any other Julie Garwood book so I didn't have any preconceived notion of what her writing was like, no other books of hers to compare it to, and definitely didn't have any particular expectations before reading it.(less)

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Feb 12, 2013 Jin-ah rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Julie Garwood Fans, Romance, Historical, Feuds

I've said this so countless of times already, and I have to say it again. Julie Garwood does not disappoint in the least. The romance, suspense and strong characters in this book captured my attention so much that I finished it within the day of starting.

I have to say this though, their sex life was non-existent till pretty much the end of the book. Which I don't mind at all, I'm not one to care overly much with them having no sex until the end. Every relationships different and not all books s...more

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Mar 12, 2009 Laurelyn added it

Although Princess Gabrielle of St. Biel, the last of her royal line, had been promised in marriage to a stranger by King John, she falls in love with Colm McHugh, a fearsome warrior. For love they risk their lives to stay together, even as hidden enemies and mounting danger threatens them. Witty, resourceful, beautiful, and able to fend for herself Gabrielle cares for others before herself on several occasions. Gabrielle is the keeper of a powerful secret that could cause a tide of chaos across...more

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Feb 09, 2013 Leya added it

Shelves: library-book

It was hard to get into the story, although I enjoyed the background information of the story. The legend of the St. Biel treasure was interesting, but it felt short in the execution. I didn't care all that much for the main characters, I found Gaby strong, confident and courageous but only in selective moments, I found her spoiled. Colm has the MIK look going for him, but he got on my nerves. I found that their relationship was very rushed, and it missed the usual conflict of minds that I loved...more

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Jan 29, 2009 becky rated it 2 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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May 03, 2010 Maggie rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: audio, online-library

2.5 stars. My favorite part of this book is the title, really. The explanation of when someone would hear Shadow Music and how it is made was the only part of this book I will probably remember, maybe the idea that salt is more precious than gold in the highlands as well but probably not. I almost quit this book during the scene in the abby when Isla was telling her lies. If I wasn't listening on audio and in the middle of folding laundry I probably would have stopped right there. But lack of al...more

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Aug 26, 2012 Elaine Mcdonald rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: julie-garwood, highlander

I finished this late last night, and there were many laugh out loud moments. But I had to come back and deduct one star after I actually thought about this book. But I have to agree with some other reviews this is not one of her best. I woke up this morning and realized what I thought was wrong with this book. There were so many incidents where she "told" the reader what was happening instead of showing us what was happening. The let's keep this a secret went on way too long, then abruptly finis...more

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May 17, 2010 Julia rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance

I give this book 3.5 stars. It wasn't up to par with Garwood's other works, but it was pretty good. Reading Ransom before Shadow Music will really help to keep the characters straight because there are a lot. I liked Colm and Gabrielle and I really liked how they didn't fight fate in regard to their marriage/love. There wasn't too much male/female misunderstanding in Shadow Music to create conflict, the conflict came from outside sources (ie other men vying for Gabrielle). However, the two main...more

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Aug 13, 2009 Kara rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fiction

Generally an entertaining read, and the romance is nice, but it's not anything extraordinary. maybe i've read too many romance novels, but it seemed like the plot was just too familiar, too simple, too formulaic. i.e.: Girl doesn't like boy. Boy doesn't like girl. They are thrown together against their will. But soon they change their minds and fall into deep, heartwrenching love very quickly without any clear reason or event that would make them change their minds. I think this would make a goo...more

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Jul 24, 2012 Elizabeth rated it 3 of 5 stars

A mystery romance novel isn't my usual book of choice, but I do like to read them occasionally. This one was an enjoyable story. It has murder, family feuds, love, marriage, secret hidden treasure, and is quick and easy to read. It's not an in-depth, think-through book, which is why I only gave it three stars, however when there's a lot going on in life it's kind of nice to read something easy like this.

It's a fun story to read, set in medieval times in the British Isles. It is a good book to re...more

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Aug 03, 2011 Anne Toronto1 rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: xrate

**** "Shadow Music", says Julie Garwood, is when a bad guy sees Highland hero Colm's shadow, hears the Chieftain's sword whistle through the air, whoosh, one dead villain. Murder I expected, Highlander romance, good surprise. England's King John bestows the hand of the beautiful Princess of (fictional) subject kingdom St.Biel, and land in Scotland to solidify his rule. But when she interrupts an attempted murder of Colm's younger brother, the rugged virile brave elder saves her from conspirators...more

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Jan 09, 2013 Maggie Bermann rated it 4 of 5 stars

I was dreading reading this, as some flaming feedback.. and the first 2 book sin the series rate amongst my top ten fav books ever.

But it really wasnt as bad as many say. I did miss the humour of the first two books, and found it difficult to connect to Colm and Gabrielle. esp after Broderick and Gillian, who just made last book.

I think main problem with this book was it would have been so difficult to surpass first two esp book 2 that it just fell away.

it was okay and nice wee read, but not one...more

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Feb 13, 2009 Tasha rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: he-loves-me

Ok, so here is the thing, I just read the Outlander series which is deep in Scottish history and character. So it was really hard not to compare this book to that series. I LOVED Outlander and all the books in the series and am going through a mild withdraw not having one to pick-up and read. This was like "Outlander Extra-Light" so it wasn't very satisfying for me. It was a great story, interesting, good characters still a fan of the author but this wouldn't be one of my favorites. I rounded up...more

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About Julie Garwood

Julie Murphy was born in 1946 in Kansas City, Missouri to a large Irish family. At the age of six, Julie had her tonsils removed and complications from the surgery resulted in a long period of recuperation. She fell hopelessly behind in school and never caught up. "I was a slow, slow reader," Julie says. "I hated it." At the age of 11, her mother discovered her daughter's secret and promptly enrol...more

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“Gabrielle turned to Colm. “These men will be of interest to you.”
Colm looked them over. “Why is that?” he asked.
With her back to the infidels, she whispered, “They like to dig holes.” — 15 people liked it

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Shadow Music (Highlands' Lairds #3)

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