The Secret

by Julie Garwood

book data

694 ratings, 4.15 average rating, 40 reviews (more data...)

rating	frequency	%
5		40%
4		36%
3		19%
2		2%
1		0%

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published

June 30th 1995 (first published 1992) by Pocket Books

binding

Paperback

isbn

1416517111 (isbn13: 9781416517115)

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other reviews (showing 1-20 of 827)

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Deanna rated it:

(review of isbn 0671744216)

12/30/07

bookshelves: have-read

Read in December, 2007

recommends it for: Everyone who loves Historical Romance

This is one of my favorite books. I have read it about 5 times now and re-read at least 1 time a year. It has a combination of humor, love, and raw emotion that will leave any reader wanting more.

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Kym rated it:

(review of isbn 0671744216)

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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Kitty rated it:

(review of isbn 0671744216)

11/22/08

Two women, one from Scotland and one from England, maintain a close friendship despite tensions between their two nations (during the 12th century).

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Sam rated it:

(review of isbn 0671744216)

11/18/08

bookshelves: romance

Read in November, 2008

I have been reading a lot of Garwood recently and I have to say this so far has been my favorite of her historical romances. I really liked the characters, Judith and Iain were well matched, and there was the typical misunderstandings and angst, but it wasn't as annoying as other books that I have read of Garwood's (ie: Slow Burn / The Wedding.) I laughed at the characters and loved the introduction of characters (Broderick) that I had already read about in other books.
I had borrowed this fr...more

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S. rated it:

(review of isbn 0671744216)

10/26/08

bookshelves: reviewed

Read in October, 2008

I'm a sucker for romance books involving Highlanders and Julie Garwood's books are perfect to satisfy the craving. Her characters are always charming. While her heroines usually border on too-sweet (and this book was no exception) it was still a satisfying read. You won't find any angst or betrayal or rediculous misunderstandings here. This book is perfect if you are in need of some easy reading that will make you smile.

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Lucy rated it:

(review of isbn 0671744216)

05/19/07

bookshelves: lent, novels-of-intrigue, reread, the-mile

Probably my favorite Julie Garwood. Not only does she spell Iain correctly, he's also probably the most reasonable male Ms. Garwood created. I remember when I was a youngster and was in Germany by myself, I had this book with me and must have read it 3 or 4 times for want of anything else in English to read. I can still read it just about any time and love it.

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Jennifer rated it:

(review of isbn 0671744216)

03/31/08

bookshelves: romance

Read in March, 2008

Judith, from England, travels to Scotland to help her best friend Frances deliver her first child. She is escorted by Iain, the laird. Naturally enemies by birth, Iain is attracted Judith and marries her.

This was not an overwhelming read--Garwood has some better romances, but it was still fun.

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Kim rated it:

(review of isbn 0671744216)

11/12/07

recommends it for: Anyone and everyone

This is my favorite book of all times. Julie Garwood writes in such a way that you feel you are right there with the characters. I love all Julie Garwood books. Her romance books are not trashy but well written. I have given some of her books to my friends to read and they all love them too.

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Amy rated it:

(review of isbn 0671744216)

03/09/08

Read in March, 2008

I finally finished the book !! I have to admit I really liked it. It is nice to go back in a historical time, and relive romance and adventure. I recommend (as long as you don't mind a few mushy love scenes), it is absolutely a loved-up form of Braveheart but with a happy ending.

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Stephanie rated it:

(review of isbn 0671744216)

10/06/08

Read in January, 2008

It was a good book, fine for bedtime reading, but it won't be getting multiple re-reads like "Ransom". I think the issue was the protagonist- I just didn't find Judith nearly as interesting as Gillian. I did like the relationship between her and Iain, however.

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Kelli rated it:

(review of isbn 0671744216)

07/02/08

Read in June, 2008

Great plot and characters, the only bad thing I can say is that I thought once Judith finally did met her father (sorry for the spoiler) it lost all the tense buildup when everything worked out to perfectly. Overall great book!!!

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Diana rated it:

(review of isbn 0671744216)

02/16/08

bookshelves: historical-romance, owned, romance

Lady Judith, an Englishwoman, goes to help her Scottish friend give birth, and is met with suspicion by her friend's clan--especially the laird, Iain.

Great book. A perfect mix of humor, tension, and quirky personalities.

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Joanne rated it:

(review of isbn 0671744216)

11/11/08

Read in November, 2008

Loving it. Can't put it down. Takes place in the late 1100's Scottland. Two childhood friends who by rights should be enemies have maintianed friendship until adulthood. Of course there is romance too!

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BookMaven rated it:

(review of isbn 0671744216)

08/01/08

bookshelves: historical-romance-highlands

Read in March, 2004

recommended to BookMaven by: Just found it at Book Store
recommends it for: all women

Julie Garwood is the definitive romance writer. Her books, as well as this one are always fun, historically informative, have delicious dialogue and complex plots! If her name is on it, I read it.

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Sarah rated it:

(review of isbn 0671744216)

07/30/08

The first time I read this was many years ago.... I laughed so hard. I love Julie Garwood's stories. Yes it's a romance, BUT it is really good. Every time I reread it, I still laugh.

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Joene rated it:

(review of isbn 0671744216)

04/01/08

bookshelves: highlanders, historical-romance

A perfect story about Lady Judith, an Englishwoman, and her best friend, who is married into the Maitland clan (Highlanders). Funny, fast paced, and entertaining. GREAT STORY!!!!

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