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Garwood, Julie - The Secret, A "Buddy Read" Start: 9/26/11
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I've had a bit of a giggle earlier when I was writing the questions. My husband's name is Iain, spelt the same way (which is a pain in the behind for him to always have to spell it out) and it's been weird in a way to read about a hero who is soooo different, yet same name. He came and stood behind me to say goodnight and saw his name on the screen and got all interested in what I was writing about him. :-D
LOL! Cute, CaroB. Did he like was he read?
I think he was disappointed it had nothing to do with him, but made me giggle.
I'm giggling too, b/c you can call out "Oh, Iain!" at a critical moment and he'll never be the wiser.
@Lisa re:post 4713. "...a healthy sense of self" Well put! It would help explain how she's so at ease with them so quickly.
14. Before this, it had been years since I'd read a Garwood, though I went through a stage where all I read where the three Js back in in my late teens (Jude Devereaux, Julie Garwood and Johanna Lindsey) really need to re-reading them!
15. I've just seen the next one in this series is his story, woohoo!
16. :-)
17. I'm envisaging that the women may be against her quite a bit. But not sure if that's because she's English or because she'll end up snaring the laird... it would at least balance out the fact that she has all the men enchanted :-)
18. I agree, the trouble will be enjoyable to read, but then so far the whole story is. I think what is making this so enjoyable is the dialogue. I can hear the tones in my head as I'm reading, Garwood's a hoot! I've been exactly in the mood for a light, fun read, and this is delivering perfectly so far!
Lisa Kay wrote: "I'm giggling too, b/c you can call out "Oh, Iain!" at a critical moment and he'll never be the wiser."ROFLMFAO!!!!! OMG, that's too funny!! I hadn't even thought of that :-) You are a gem!
@ CaroBPost #56
#13 - Yes. Still, I think she is "shy" but not "painfully shy".
#14 - Ah, yes. The 3 Js. I think JG holds up better than the other two. I've been thinking of trying one of JL's new ones. We'll see. My TBR tower is quite high.
#15 - Woohoo! Yes, I've been trying to get to
for a while now. Forgot it was his story. It has been a while since I've read it.#16 - Really! I getting sick and tired of every book I pick up having rape, rape, rape in it. Just finished
and -- surprise -- it had this, even though it is "young adult." At least it was "off camera."
Is the Pern series young adult? I had found them in the sci-fi/fantasy section. Will answers questions later today!
Lisa Kay’s Questions for Chapters 8 – 11 19. Oh, Judith was called before the priest, Father Laggan. What did you think was going to happen? Agnes was looking smug; think this is Judith’s last confrontation with her?
20. Whoa! Talk about prehistoric anecdotage. What did you think of that cemetery? What are your feelings about the religious belief that a woman must suffer the “sins of Eve?” Pretty sad, if you consider the belief that God is a comfort.
21. “Iain? Is something the matter? You’ve turned gray.” Iain figured out Judith’s Secret before the end of Chapter 8. Then he left quickly for three weeks (and two days!). What do you think he’ll do about? Where do you think he went? Looks like he has a few secrets of his own. That was some possessive kiss before he left. Phew!
22. Whatever was the Council discussing before Judith showed up?
23. “Graham was standing between us. I might have married him. No. I’m certain it was Iain. He kissed me after…Graham didn’t.” What did you think of that confusing wedding? You’re favorite quote from that scenario?
24. What was your favorite quote from the wedding night?
25. Did you like how Judith managed to keep Graham and Gelfrid in the Keep?
26. Who did you suspect of throwing the stones? Comments on how Judith handled Andrew? How Iain did?
27. What are Judith’s plans for Helen?
Sans wrote: "Is the Pern series young adult? I had found them in the sci-fi/fantasy section. Will answers questions later today!"Yes. It is under the both categories per GoodReads and Wiki.
Sans answers for Chapters 4 to 1113. Given how Judith’s reaction to Cameron’s anger/shouting, why is she not scared of any of the Highlander’s she’s travelling with?
I think because they made the effort to come to England to fetch her and because they are related to Frances Catherine or friends with her. Cameron is truly an unknown to her.
14 After reading “Through a Dark Mist” with you ladies, I am loving how readable this book is. I’m actually finding it hard to put down whereas I’d be quite happy to stop at the 2 chapter mark with TADM. Is anyone else finding this? Is it a completely unfair comparison?
I totally agree!! I don't think it's an unfair comparison, simply because these books are completely different genres. This is a light-hearted romance that was written recently and Through a Dark Mist is an old skool epic adventure.
15. Brodick openly states his interest in Judith when he asks Iain to let him know if he doesn’t want to keep her. What do you think of Brodick’s character at this stage? Are you surprised by his interest?
I really like him! He's gruff and arrogant without being too much of a jackass. I was surprised he'd lay claim to Judith so fast though. They didn't even spend time together like she and Iain did (since she did not share a horse with Brodick).
16. Is anyone else thinking that Judith is going to change the tradition of not many outsiders being allowed on Maitland land while she’s “visiting”? Oh, and that Agnes is going to need a b*tch-slap soon?
Yes and YES, PLEASE. What a harpy!
17. Talk about harsh, Iain telling Judith she places too much importance on herself! Why doesn’t Judith believe his apology? What do you think of the budding relationship and the hurdles they’re bound to face with the clan?
Why should she believe his apology? It didn't sound sincere, more like he HAD to say it even if he didn't mean it. The relationship is developing quickly and has had some rocky pitfalls along the way.
18. Judith as a midwife. Iain’s seen the ring. Any predictions on the trouble to come?
Drama!
19. Oh, Judith was called before the priest, Father Laggan. What did you think was going to happen? Agnes was looking smug; think this is Judith’s last confrontation with her?
I didn't know! I thought it might have something to do with not packing Isabelle's womb (a filthy practice that I am completely disgusted by). I think Agnes is going to cause some more troubles.
20. Whoa! Talk about prehistoric anecdotage. What did you think of that cemetery? What are your feelings about the religious belief that a woman must suffer the “sins of Eve?” Pretty sad, if you consider the belief that God is a comfort.
Don't get me started on religion.
21. “Iain? Is something the matter? You’ve turned gray.” Iain figured out Judith’s Secret before the end of Chapter 8. Then he left quickly for three weeks (and two days!). What do you think he’ll do about? Where do you think he went? Looks like he has a few secrets of his own. That was some possessive kiss before he left. Phew!
I was surprised how fast that was revealed! We know what he did about it, but I'm wondering when everyone else finds out. LOVED that kiss.
22. Whatever was the Council discussing before Judith showed up?
The alliance with the Dunbars or whoever is between them and the Maclean's (can't rightly remember the clan's name right now!)
23. “Graham was standing between us. I might have married him. No. I’m certain it was Iain. He kissed me after…Graham didn’t.” What did you think of that confusing wedding? You’re favorite quote from that scenario?
The wedding was awesome!
Fave serious quote: "Your past isn't important, he told her. He took hold of her shoulders and squeezed. His voice was low, fervent. "Let it go, Judit. You're going to belong to me. I'm going to be your family. I'll take care of you."
Fave humorous quote: "You're sleeping in my bed tonight. I thought you might want to be married first." and "Why in God's name do I love you?"
24. What was your favorite quote from the wedding night?
"She trusted him completely, and that fact was every bit as important to him as her love."
25. Did you like how Judith managed to keep Graham and Gelfrid in the Keep?
That was so sweet! I loved that they all saw right through her, but let her believe she'd managed them all to her own satisfaction.
26. Who did you suspect of throwing the stones? Comments on how Judith handled Andrew? How Iain did?
I was wondering if Agnes had a little boy. I liked how she took care of the problem and how Iain let her deal with part of the situation and added his own weight to the goings on.
27. What are Judith’s plans for Helen?
I think she's going to convince Helen to help her and they'll become the go-tos for midwifing.
Sans' questions for 12-1528. What do you think of Judith's "solution" for Helen's boredom and loneliness?
29. Why is Gelfrid so obsessed with Judith nearly losing an eye??
30. Iain's realized he's been caught in the Big "L" trap! Is the timing right? Did you think he'd admit it so soon?
31. Judith really is a great character. Would you have thought to create a festival for the children to get the adults to loosen up and relax for a day, socialize, get to know their clan members better?
32. I was wondering if there was a sibling for Judith somewhere. Before you read any further, how did you think the kidnapping would turn out?
33. And the truth is out. What do you make of everyone's reactions (Laird Maclean, Douglas, Iain, Graham)?
34. Why is Iain being such an asshat and not fixing things between him and Judith right now?
35. The Agnes issue was quietly dealt with. Were you expecting something bigger, more dramatic?
36. Quite a bit happened at the end of this book. Frances Catherin had twins, nearly the entire clan was packed up and ready to follow Iain and Judith, a new era of power dawned, and the Maitlands and Macleans have an alliance. Did this ending satisfy you? Was it too wrapped up, too mushy, any loose ends you noticed?
Ladies, thank you once again for such a fun read! I adored this book and I would love to read the next one with you guys!
CaroB’s answers to Lisa Kay’s Questions for Chapters 8 – 11 19. Oh, Judith was called before the priest, Father Laggan. What did you think was going to happen? Agnes was looking smug; think this is Judith’s last confrontation with her? I knew she would probably get in trouble for helping with the birth, but was really surprised at all the supporters she seemed to have when she walked out. Agnes didn’t strike me as someone who gives up easily.
20. Whoa! Talk about prehistoric anecdotage. What did you think of that cemetery? What are your feelings about the religious belief that a woman must suffer the “sins of Eve?” Pretty sad, if you consider the belief that God is a comfort. Don’t get me started on the historical injustices heaped on women in the name of religion. We could be here a while!
21. “Iain? Is something the matter? You’ve turned gray.” Iain figured out Judith’s Secret before the end of Chapter 8. Then he left quickly for three weeks (and two days!). What do you think he’ll do about? Where do you think he went? Looks like he has a few secrets of his own. That was some possessive kiss before he left. Phew! Well after that kiss, she can’t say he didn’t say goodbye:-) I was surprised he left for that long with such little notice. No idea where he’d gone.
22. Whatever was the Council discussing before Judith showed up? The upcoming nuptials, I’m guessing.
23. “Graham was standing between us. I might have married him. No. I’m certain it was Iain. He kissed me after…Graham didn’t.” What did you think of that confusing wedding? You’re favorite quote from that scenario? I absolutely loved it, geez it made me laugh out loud! I don’t know that I have a favourite but the one that started me laughing was “It’s your fault the woman’s barren?” Gelfrid asked, trying to understand. “How can that be, Winslow?”
24. What was your favorite quote from the wedding night? “If you had pleased me any more, you would have killed me. Satisfied now?”
25. Did you like how Judith managed to keep Graham and Gelfrid in the Keep? Yes, she’s wily, that one, but has a good heart.
26. Who did you suspect of throwing the stones? Comments on how Judith handled Andrew? How Iain did? I thought it might have been Agnes or Agnes’ daughter. I liked that Judith wanted to handle the problem herself, but also thought Iain helped to give Andrew a place in the way he disciplined him.
27. What are Judith’s plans for Helen? she’s going to keep her! :-)
Ditto on the sequel Sans! I definitely want to know Brodick' story!
@CaroB re: message 6420. Total mind meld on the "don't get me started"!
21. I kept wanted a few pages from Iain's POV to see how he was coping with being away from Judith for 2 weeks.
23. Gah, I forgot about the barren conversation! That was awesome. My family was giving me funny looks, I kept laughing at my book and almost spit my beer out a few times. XD
24. Another great line. *_*
Should we plan out the sequel for early November? October is looking really full for buddy reads and I don't want to hold up anyone by lagging behind.
Sans wrote: "Should we plan out the sequel for early November? October is looking really full for buddy reads and I don't want to hold up anyone by lagging behind. ..."I have my in-laws arriving on the 5th November. Could we do it first thing in November so we're finishing up by the 7th?. They'll be jet-lagged the first couple of days (they're staying for 3 weeks, talk about don't get me started!!) so think I should be fairly safe.
That'll be fine! We shot through this one in 4 days, so I'm thinking we could definitely do the same with Ransom. If you and Lisa Kay (assuming she'd like to re-read it) want to start reading on Saturday or Sunday (29/30 Sept), I can make plans to be home that weekend. Did you want to join the
buddy read? We've got it penciled in to start on 24 Sept.
I thought I was only one day ahead of you guys? Do you mean 24 Oct? Sure, that gives me enough time to get the book! Thanks:-) It'd be nice if there was a buddy-reads folder rather than having to find the author's thread every time.
Sans' answers for 12-1528. What do you think of Judith's "solution" for Helen's boredom and loneliness?
I didn't expect that, but Judith really gave Helen her pride and sense of belonging back.
29. Why is Gelfrid so obsessed with Judith nearly losing an eye??
The joke was starting to wear thin for me.
30. Iain's realized he's been caught in the Big "L" trap! Is the timing right? Did you think he'd admit it so soon?
It worked for me, especially with him being so grumpy about it for a couple weeks after. Awwwww.
31. Judith really is a great character. Would you have thought to create a festival for the children to get the adults to loosen up and relax for a day, socialize, get to know their clan members better?
Not me. I can't think in terms like that. I'd invite everyone over to explore the library (if there was one) but that's it.
32. I was wondering if there was a sibling for Judith somewhere. Before you read any further, how did you think the kidnapping would turn out?
I couldn't decide if this would be an "easy" resolution or a messier one. I figured everything would turn out well, just wasn't sure how her dad and brother would take to her.
33. And the truth is out. What do you make of everyone's reactions (Laird Maclean, Douglas, Iain, Graham)?
I loved that her dad said he would have broken his oath to never return to England in a heartbeat if he knew about her. Douglas was a lot more likable when he stopped trying to get her in his bed. Iain, I wanted to kick him for saying the wrong things. I understand Judith's safety came before her feelings, but he really could have said it better! I was ready to trip Graham down the stairs. He really screwed up.
34. Why is Iain being such an asshat and not fixing things between him and Judith right now?
*aiming a kick at his shins*
35. The Agnes issue was quietly dealt with. Were you expecting something bigger, more dramatic?
That subplot was really tiny and didn't end up mattering in the long run.
36. Quite a bit happened at the end of this book. Frances Catherin had twins, nearly the entire clan was packed up and ready to follow Iain and Judith, a new era of power dawned, and the Maitlands and Macleans have an alliance. Did this ending satisfy you? Was it too wrapped up, too mushy, any loose ends you noticed?
I liked the show of support for Iain and Judith and that Graham/the Council were able to finally move forward with the times. It was a little more sappy than I was expecting, but at least the story didn't end with Judith announcing her pregnancy. That would have been a bit much for me. ^_^
CaroB wrote: "I thought I was only one day ahead of you guys? Do you mean 24 Oct? Sure, that gives me enough time to get the book! Thanks:-) It'd be nice if there was a buddy-reads folder rather than having to f..."Ugh. Yeah, I mean October. Sorry, last minute calendar work for my boss has me stuck in this week!
I like the idea of a buddy reads folder too!
That happens to me all the time, and I only do 2 shifts a week so I can't blame the boss :-)
LOL!Hey, did we lose Lisa Kay?
Gosh I hope not!PM'd her.
CaroB's answers to Sans' questions for 12-1528. What do you think of Judith's "solution" for Helen's boredom and loneliness? I thought it was brilliant… if only I could find a Helen for myself…! It alleviates Helen’s lonliness, gets her to contribute instead of feeling like charity and brings some more life back into the keep.
29. Why is Gelfrid so obsessed with Judith nearly losing an eye?? I think he’s just a bit of a Grumpy Old Man, glass-half-empty type but in a funny way.
30. Iain's realized he's been caught in the Big "L" trap! Is the timing right? Did you think he'd admit it so soon? no, I didn’t see that coming, but in a way, I appreciated that the angst of the L word didn’t get drawn out as is usually the case with these alpha-type heros.
31. Judith really is a great character. Would you have thought to create a festival for the children to get the adults to loosen up and relax for a day, socialize, get to know their clan members better? Talk about thinking outside the box, I thought it was a great idea and something that is very obviously needed for the clan to connect.
32. I was wondering if there was a sibling for Judith somewhere. Before you read any further, how did you think the kidnapping would turn out? I’ve finished the book, sorry. But I hadn’t seen that coming and had expected a much worse outcome at the beginning of the chapter. And I felt so sorry for Douglas! What a scummy mummy he turned out to have!
33. And the truth is out. What do you make of everyone's reactions (Laird Maclean, Douglas, Iain, Graham)? I was glad that Laird MacLean reacted the way he did, and so disappointed in Graham.
34. Why is Iain being such an asshat and not fixing things between him and Judith right now? I think it’s mainly arrogance that he knows best and she’ll keep.
35. The Agnes issue was quietly dealt with. Were you expecting something bigger, more dramatic? For sure! It seemed anticlimactic after all the build-up.
36. Quite a bit happened at the end of this book. Frances Catherin had twins, nearly the entire clan was packed up and ready to follow Iain and Judith, a new era of power dawned, and the Maitlands and Macleans have an alliance. Did this ending satisfy you? Was it too wrapped up, too mushy, any loose ends you noticed? It was a bit too nicely wrapped up, I would have liked to know what the fall-out was in England with Judith’s family from her escape to the Highlands. Also, it seemed to me that neither Judith or Helen really enjoyed being a midwife but there just wasn’t a better option. All in all though, I didn’t think too hard about this book, and I enjoyed it all the more for it. I was just so in the mood for a humorous, light read and this delivered.
Lisa Kay’s Answers to Sans' Questions for 12-15 28. What do you think of Judith's "solution" for Helen's boredom and loneliness?
Loved it. Very kind hearted.
29. Why is Gelfrid so obsessed with Judith nearly losing an eye??
I think older people obsess on “health” issues more than younger people do. I hate to stereotype, but it is true.
30. Iain's realized he's been caught in the Big "L" trap! Is the timing right? Did you think he'd admit it so soon?
I think it was perfect. **sigh** Loved reading about his own epiphany. That he realized she changed his life. Then, of course, he had to go and be all male and think about how she might use this against him.
31. Judith really is a great character. Would you have thought to create a festival for the children to get the adults to loosen up and relax for a day, socialize, get to know their clan members better?
Nope. But it makes total sense. And such fun! Wish I was there.
32. I was wondering if there was a sibling for Judith somewhere. Before you read any further, how did you think the kidnapping would turn out?
I’ve read this a couple of times, so I was totally surprised by the brother. I did wonder was her father was doing regarding an heir, but that is as close as I got to that secret. Man-oh-man! Was her mother a bitch or what?
33. And the truth is out. What do you make of everyone's reactions (Laird Maclean, Douglas, Iain, Graham)?
I though Laird Maclean’s was perfect. Who knows his part in the whole affair, but he was too derogatory to me toward Judith; glad he was taken down a peg or two. Douglas was a little rough and I’m glad he had something to think about the next time he thinks of taking just any old lass to his bed. Glad Iain gave him the back of his hand too, for hurting Judith (though, I guess it was unintentional – he could have been more careful). Also, that he was protecting Judith could have been explained to her more thoroughly would have been a bit better; we as readers got it, but I’m not sure Judith did. Graham was being himself; he was frightened, no doubt; however, I hope he learned something too; I was really glad he wasn’t too full of himself to not apologize later.
34. Why is Iain being such an asshat and not fixing things between him and Judith right now?
I know! I think he was still a bit worried that he was in danger of becoming “milk toast.”
35. The Agnes issue was quietly dealt with. Were you expecting something bigger, more dramatic?
Yes. Surprised at that. Glad Iain set her straight, though I would have loved to have heard that scene.
36. Quite a bit happened at the end of this book. Frances Catherin had twins, nearly the entire clan was packed up and ready to follow Iain and Judith, a new era of power dawned, and the Maitlands and Macleans have an alliance. Did this ending satisfy you? Was it too wrapped up, too mushy, any loose ends you noticed?
Yup. Nope. Gardwood gets away with corny and mushy where other authors don’t; maybe b/c she turns it on its ear a bit. She always makes me smile for so long that by the time I get to the end, I’ve residual happiness.
Ladies, thank you once again for such a fun read! I adored this book and I would love to read the next one with you guys!
I loved reading this one with you ladies too! November looks good to me. This will have to be the one CaroB squeezes in.
@ Sans#14 – True they are different subgenres.
#15 –Ah, yes! Didn’t realize they didn’t share a horse. That close proximity will get you ever time.
#18 – “Drama! LMAO! You are too funny, Sans!
#19 – I thought it might have something to do with not packing Isabelle's womb (a filthy practice that I am completely disgusted by).
Really! Toxic Shock Syndrome for the Medieval Age.
#20 – Don't get me started on religion.
Another three-way Mind Meld!
21 – Yes, that was some kiss!! Whooowee! **wipes perspiration from brow**
22 – Yeah. I think they were talking about the feuding clans.
23 – Loved the “sleeping in my bed tonight” quote too.
24 – There were so many good lines from the wedding night. I liked her trying to explain:
“A man can always…you know,” she stammered out. “But some women can’t, and if I’m one of those women, then I’ll disappoint you.”Such a crack up. Looks like this is a long time fear. Loved that he wasn’t quite certain what she meant; he’s not a male-slut; and his certainty that she would believe whatever he told her was soooooo funny, because we know it not to be true.
“You won’t disappoint me.”
“I really do believe I will,” she whispered. “I think I’m one of those ones who can’t, Iain.”
“You can,” he told her with great authority. He wasn’t at all certain exactly what she was talking about, but it seemed to be important to her, and she certainly needed his confidence now. He was the experienced one, after all, and he knew she would believe whatever he told her.
#26 – Yes, I liked that little bit of mystery, as well as how it was handled.
#27 – MM on Helen!
I was 1/2 way through answering Sans' Q's and I got hit with a migraine... took a nap... now I'm back.
@ CaroB# 19 – Yes, that scene where she walks out of the cottage and there are all those supporters was a nice touch.
#20 – Another ménage MM! LOL! (Don’t judge me; you started that!)
#21 – Still sighing over the kiss!
#23 – "How can that be, Winslow?" That was good, CaroB.
#27 – "She’s going to keep her! :-)" LOL! Good one. **snort, snort** :o)
Sans wrote: "LOL!Hey, did we lose Lisa Kay?"
I think you are psychic! Must be b/c you are a sister migraine sufferer. Thanks for missing me. :)
CaroB wrote: "Gosh I hope not!PM'd her."
:o)
@ CaroB#28 – Ditto! She engaged Helen brilliantly.
#31 – Yes, loved the festival. If this had been expanded, I would not have minded.
#32 – “Scummy Mummy!” – Love it!
#34 – “…she’ll keep.” Oh, you like those puns, same as me. LOL!
#36 – Good point about the fall-out in England and if Judith wanted to stay a midwife. I kind of like that angst she would torture herself with b/f each delivery. Sort of like stage fright. I did that a bit, on occasion, when I was called in to take care of an emergency balloon pump patient. Loved it doing it, but was nervous on the car drive in and changing into my scrubs.
Lisa Kay wrote: "@ CaroB#20 – Another ménage MM! LOL! (Don’t judge me; you started that!)
..."
LMAO!!!! Love it!!
Nothing But Reading Challenges
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Post #42
#10 – The only time I've disagreed is when I had an ex who was great for a laugh, but could never be serious. Too much of a good thing!
Yes, that would get a little frustrating.