I thoroughly enjoyed this book and liked everything about it. I was surprised that it got some bad reviews, but not everyone has the same tastes. I thought this book was one of Garwood's best ones and both my husband and I have read it a few times and never got tired of it. I was definitely happy to be able to replace my old, tattered paperback with the Kindle version.
Garwood didn't go into as much historical detail as some historical romance writers, but I didn't notice any glaring anachronisms, either. Garwood's writing mechanics were excellent, as is usual with her books.
I thought the plot was more character driven, with the focus on the developing relationship between the hero and heroine, as opposed to a plot driven story with lots of action. The main protagonists were a slightly eccentric heroine and a gruff hero who didn't know what hit him after he married the heroine. She talks circles around him and his men, and manages to capture their hearts. I enjoyed the back and forth banter between the hero and heroine and found it amusing. I think it's the type of light banter and dialogue reminiscent of the old screwball comedies that one either loves or hates.
I also liked the characterization of the heroine; she had an innocent naivety coupled with native shrewdness and intelligence. Her feelings were easily hurt, but she didn't hold a grudge, had a warm heart and looked for the best in people, sometimes giving them the benefit of the doubt when they didn't deserve it. I didn't feel that she was a "too stupid to live" heroine; she was young, insecure, and was desperate to please her husband's family so they would like her, but she would only be pushed so far.
The hero had been raised as a warrior, believing that showing softer emotions made a leader look weak. He has been raised to believe that a leader had to be an authoritarian figure who gave orders, expected them to be obeyed, didn't give explanations or put up with being questioned, contradicted, or disobeyed. Otherwise, he felt it would make him look like a weak leader and that he would not be respected by his men or clan. When he married the heroine, he intended to remain in control and aloof, and he expected her to obey him at all times, without ever questioning him. It was a pleasure to see him alternately stern, infuriated, bemused, befuddled, aghast, warm and loving, as he and the heroine developed a loving relationship. I didn't think he was a jerk. He seemed to be a product of his time and circumstances as far as his beliefs in how he needed to act, but he had a lot of good qualities. He thought daughters should be treated lovingly and not sold to the highest bidder, that it was the duty of the strong to look after the weak, and that women and children should never be abused. He was loyal to his people, and even as a child, he wouldn't leave the injured behind to save himself. His people were loyal to him and respected him, which was an indication of his character. Even when he thought he should be firm with the heroine, he didn't have the heart to deliberately hurt her feelings, he tried to understand her and he was never abusive. When he did things that upset her, like leaving her belongings behind, it was early in the story when he didn't understand the finer points of communicating with one's wife and not doing things that would upset a wife. He wasn't being mean or sadistic; he just didn't have a clue about being a husband. From the beginning, he started to try to understand what the heroine needed from him and then he made every effort to adjust to marriage and to balance the tenderness of a husband with the firmness of a warrior.
This was a light, enjoyable book that kept me engaged and entertained. When I reread it today, I was in a "hard to please" slump and was having trouble deciding what type of book I was in the mood for. I just wanted something that was not too demanding but not too light, something that would make me smile and put me in a better mood. This book was perfect. I highly recommend this book to others looking for the same qualities in a book.
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Popular Highlights in this book
One of us will surely die before the other, but the memories will sustain the one left behind.Highlighted by 192 Kindle readers- Women, his brother had told him, had the unique ability to rid themselves of their anger simply by acknowledging it.Highlighted by 136 Kindle readers
- It was time for her to stop fearing her future and let go of her desperate hold on her past, and as soon as she made the decision to do just that, the most wondrous thing happened to her. She willingly gave herself to him.Highlighted by 134 Kindle readers
Another masterpiece from Julie Garwood!
Reviewed in the United States on June 13, 2021
I loved “The Wedding” just as much if not more than “The Bride.” I don’t know how Julie Garwood does it!! I completely fell for Connor and Brenna. Their playful banter practically sent my heart soaring.I previously mentioned in my review of The Bride that one aspect I preferred was the great depiction of medieval Scotland. Julie Garwood's vivid description does not disappear in this sequel, which I greatly appreciated! Once again, the storyline felt believable and I was completely immersed in the beautiful country crafted by my imagination.I found myself enjoying this story’s heroine more than the previous one’s. I loved how Brenna did not shy over her large appetite. She was not afraid of expressing herself and always told Connor exactly how she was feeling about certain matters.The enemies to lovers trope was wonderfully executed in this novel. Connor held so much anger towards the man that killed his father. So much so that he convinced himself he could only feel anger and could not love Brenna. Julie Garwood pulled my heartstrings by having Brenna tear down Connor’s walls. I cannot wait to give this story a reread!!!Jess Approved?: ✓
Reviewed in the United States on June 13, 2021
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Top reviews from the United States
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Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on June 28, 2016
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on October 3, 2014
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on June 13, 2021
I loved “The Wedding” just as much if not more than “The Bride.” I don’t know how Julie Garwood does it!! I completely fell for Connor and Brenna. Their playful banter practically sent my heart soaring.
I previously mentioned in my review of The Bride that one aspect I preferred was the great depiction of medieval Scotland. Julie Garwood's vivid description does not disappear in this sequel, which I greatly appreciated! Once again, the storyline felt believable and I was completely immersed in the beautiful country crafted by my imagination.
I found myself enjoying this story’s heroine more than the previous one’s. I loved how Brenna did not shy over her large appetite. She was not afraid of expressing herself and always told Connor exactly how she was feeling about certain matters.
The enemies to lovers trope was wonderfully executed in this novel. Connor held so much anger towards the man that killed his father. So much so that he convinced himself he could only feel anger and could not love Brenna. Julie Garwood pulled my heartstrings by having Brenna tear down Connor’s walls. I cannot wait to give this story a reread!!!
Jess Approved?: ✓
I previously mentioned in my review of The Bride that one aspect I preferred was the great depiction of medieval Scotland. Julie Garwood's vivid description does not disappear in this sequel, which I greatly appreciated! Once again, the storyline felt believable and I was completely immersed in the beautiful country crafted by my imagination.
I found myself enjoying this story’s heroine more than the previous one’s. I loved how Brenna did not shy over her large appetite. She was not afraid of expressing herself and always told Connor exactly how she was feeling about certain matters.
The enemies to lovers trope was wonderfully executed in this novel. Connor held so much anger towards the man that killed his father. So much so that he convinced himself he could only feel anger and could not love Brenna. Julie Garwood pulled my heartstrings by having Brenna tear down Connor’s walls. I cannot wait to give this story a reread!!!
Jess Approved?: ✓
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Top reviews from other countries
Beckie Bookworm
humorous forced marriage historical
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on June 17, 2021
C Ramsay
Just started reading Julie Garwoods books.......
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on February 14, 2011
