The Secret [Paperback]

Julie Garwood (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 2005

New York Times bestselling author Julie Garwood captures the Highland splendor of medieval Scotland in this breathtaking love story. The inspiration for her acclaimed bestseller Ransom, this classic tale is a passionate masterpiece from one of the best-loved storytellers of all time.

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 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!

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Ever since they met as children at the annual summer festival on the border of their two countries, Judith Hampton of England has been fast friends with Frances Catherine Kirkaldy of Scotland. Despite the enmity between the two lands in this period (the late 12th century), Judith is determined to attend the birth of Frances Catherine's first child and find her father, a Scottish laird she has never seen (when they finally meet, it is not in the fashion she had anticipated). En route to her friend's Highland home, Judith charms her escort, Frances Catherine's brother-in-law Iain Maitland. So she is baffled when Iain withdraws into his role of clan laird. Equally confusing is Frances Catherine's claim that after years with the Maitlands, she is still an outsider. But Judith determinedly forges friendships and reexerts her charms over Iain, leading to a lively, unconventional wedding. Woven into Judith's story is an intriguing, almost heretical message for a romance novel: a woman needs more than the right man to have a full, happy life. That Garwood ( Guardian Angel ) can argue this point and still deliver a delightful tale is an accomplishment.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Mass Market Paperback edition.

From School Library Journal

YA-- Vivacious Judith, a Brit, visits her friend in the untamed Scottish highlands of 1200. Little does she suspect that she will fall in love, marry, bring women's lib to her new village, and find her previously unknown father. The simple plot offers a pleasant blend of historical fiction and uncomplicated mystery. With well-developed, amusing characters, this entertaining novel pulls readers back in time to an unusual era, and is difficult to put down.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Mass Market Paperback edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 379 pages
• Publisher: Pocket Books (August 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1416517111
• ISBN-13: 978-1416517115
• Product Dimensions: 5.3 x 1 x 8.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (159 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #283,333 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Julie Garwood is the author of numerous New York Times bestsellers, including Fire and Ice, Shadow Music, Shadow Dance, Murder List, Killjoy, Mercy, Heartbreaker, Ransom, and Come the Spring. There are more than thirty-six million copies of her books in print.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

58 of 61 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars JULIE GARWOOD IS ONE OF A KIND!, April 25, 2000

By 

Stacey Timmins-Newman - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Secret (Mass Market Paperback)

All of Julie Garwood's books are wonderful - some of her books are classics - this is one of them! What exactly made this book stand out from all of the others? Easy I read it so fast I had to re-read the next day to enjoy the parts I missed. This book has everything: a friendship between two women that was part of the story not just a passing paragraph. I was able to read about a true friendship instead of a jealous rivalry. Most books pit one woman against another, it was refreshing in itself to read about Judith and Frances Catherine's relationship. Not to mention the friendships between the men. In my opinion, this is just one of the reasons that made this book special. Judith Hampton was a strong heroine, independent yet vulnerable. I loved her interaction with various characters and how her love for Iain became a part of her. But I have to admit one of my absolute favorite things about Judith was her reaction everytime she had to use her midwifing skills! LOL! Iain Maitland. Well, what can you say about a gorgeous highlander with a heart! He was breathtaking, strong, capable but most of all he was tender. The romance was a beautiful thing to read and their interaction together was hilarious! I laughed so much my sides hurt and I cried so much my head ached! The secondary characters made this book come alive. Brodick, Ramsey, Frances Catherine and Patrick were all part of the fabric of this wonderful story!

36 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Do I hear 10 STARS??, March 20, 2002

By 

Kristi Ahlers (Illinois) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Secret (Mass Market Paperback)

I would give this book 10 stars if possible. The story of Judith and Iain is wonderful. I finally re-purchased this book after the 17 layers of tape could no longer hold it together. If you have not yet read Garwood this is a perfect one for you to start with. The story is touching, funny, romantic did I mention funny? It really is a love story between two people and a love story about a family. After you read this one pick up the sequal "The Ransom" you won't be disappointed I promise!

22 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A SHEER WINNER!, November 18, 1999

By 

D. Guasp (Kissimmee, Fl) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Secret (Mass Market Paperback)

This book was exciting, funny and absolutely difficult to put down. I found myself trying to sleep but couldn't until I finished it. My family thought I was crazy from all the laughter they would here. I recommend it to EVERYONE! I can't wait to read RANSOM and see what happens to 2 other wonderful characters from this book. Julie Garwood is the BEST!