The Gift

Author:

Julie Garwood

Published:

Pocket Books, 1990 ; 373 pages

Subgenre:

Historical romance -- Regency

Setting:

England, 1816

Main characters:

Nathan, Marquess of St. James, and Sara Winchester

Sexual explicitness:

Fairly explicit

Keywords:

Humor ; arranged marriages, family responsibility, feuds, pirates, ships

Reader rating:

Reader comments:

My best friend's sister got me into Garwood and I'm so glad she did. She is in my Collected Authors Library! (L.W., 5-19-98) A great book but Garwood has many more books that I enjoyed much more. Saving Grace is by far the best book Garwood has written and I would have to say my favourite book of all time. (T.G., 5-3-98) I loved this book. It made me laugh so hard that I cried. Nathan was such a strong character. It was the first one of this series that I read and I had to go buy the rest. Keep up the good work. I now collect of all J. Garwood's books. (T.S.G., 4-29-98) I love Julie Garwood's books. The Gift is definitely one of her best. I couldn't put it down. Sara and Nathan had me laughing and crying ( sometimes at the same time). Thanks Julie! (C.C., 3-21-98) I loved this book. The humor in it is wonderful and Sara works so hard to win over the crew--when she tells them she is going to go and make more soup I couldn't stop laughing. Also, when Dolphin asks Sara if Nathan has a nickname for her. Very Funny. I like it that Nathan knew as soon as he calmed down that Sara wouldn't betray him. I hate distrust that goes on for pages and pages. I love Julie Garwood's books. I wish she could turn them out at a faster clip, but then she probably would not be as good as she is. I would love to meet any of JG's heroes--my favorite being Gabriel or Ian or Alec or well you can see I love them all. Even the hardhead in the prize turns out to be great--actually I think Duncan and Madelyn are my favorite couple but it would be a close call. I love ALL of these books. (L.H., 3-15-98) I love Julie Garwood's books. The Gift is definitely one of her best. I couldn't put it down. Sara and Nathan had me laughing and crying ( sometimes at the same time). Thanks Julie! (C.C., 3-21-98) I loved this book. The humor in it is wonderful and Sara works so hard to win over the crew--when she tells them she is going to go and make more soup I couldn't stop laughing. Also, when Dolphin asks Sara if Nathan has a nickname for her. Very Funny. I like it that Nathan knew as soon as he calmed down that Sara wouldn't betray him. I hate distrust that goes on for pages and pages. I love Julie Garwood's books. I wish she could turn them out at a faster clip, but then she probably would not be as good as she is. I would love to meet any of JG's heroes--my favorite being Gabriel or Ian or Alec or well you can see I love them all. Even the hardhead in the prize turns out to be great--actually I think Duncan and Madelyn are my favorite couple but it would be a close call. I love ALL of these books. (L.H., 3-15-98) As much as I loved this book, there were definately others that could be considered more enjoyable and less predictable such as THE PRIZE or THE WEDDING. (C.N., 3-6-98) I love J. Garwood books!! This one was special to me b/c the heroine shared my name as well as my hair and eye color. Though I was confused when in Castles she was reffered to as having blue eyes. Ms. Garwood is a great writer of strong women characters, but in The Gift, she proves that she can also write a character as a more naieve woman and still have her be interesting and memoriable. Congratulations, Ms. Garwood, on achieving what few others can. Sara is not just a "simpering maid" but a believable person. Thank you for writing books worth reading. (S.E., 3-1-98) This is my favorite all-time romance novel! It made me laugh out loud again and again. I couldn't put it down; I read it cover to cover in a day, and since then, I've read parts of it numerous times over. Sara was so much fun, simply hilarious, and Nathan was the strong, protective, "I'm a man" type of hero that I love. Of course, the heroine must always "win" in the end and Sara did; Nathan never stood a chance! I loved it! Garwood is the best! I have read all her books and love them, but "The Gift" is the greatest! (J.D., 2-5-98) Julie Garwood is my favorite author and "The Gift" is one of her best. I think because, like I do, Sarah believes that Love is cherishing and trusting each other. I like how she teaches Nathan. I read that others believe the heroine was silly and naive, but I think she showed courage by standing by her beliefs about love. (M.W., 2-1-98) Although I have liked many of Julie Garwood's books, I did not like this one. The heroine was rather stupid and the hero was almost cold. (C.P., 6-3-97) I ABSOLUTELY ADORE ALL OF YOUR NOVELS. THE HEROINES ARE SO FUNNY AND KIND HEARTED. I AM ALWAYS LOOKING FOR YOUR LATEST!!! (S.A., 5-9-97) THIS IS, AND WILL ALWAYS BE THE FUNNIST HISTORICAL ROMANCE I EVER READ! JULIE GARWOOD JUST KNOWS HOW TO TELL A STORY, AND MAKE IT SEEM LIKE YOU ARE THERE, SMELLING THE OCEAN, OR GETTING SEA SICK! FUNNIST PART IS WHEN SOME OF THE CREW ALMOST STARTED TO WEAR GARLIC AROUND THEIR NECKS! FIVE THUMBS UP!! (A.S., 5-8-97) All of your books are non-stop readers. I have all of them and I can't read another romance novelist's work anymore...you've spoiled me! (K.L., 5-6-97) This is the first Garwood book I read, and the one that started my Julie Garwood obsession. I've now read all of her books and The Gift is still one of my favorites. I also love the way that she ties characters that you fall in love with into other stories (like Judith McNaught). Julie Garwood makes me wish I could meet a hero like Nathan or Alec or Connor. Thanks for the romance. (J.B., 5-2-97) Ms. Garwood, This book was the one that started it all for me. Bec. of this book, I viewed romance novels in a new light. And bec.of this book I can no longer appreciate the other romance novelists works. This book spoiled me and I wish to remain spoiled. Never stop writing, Ms. Garwood. (A.R., 4-23-97) Ms. Garwood, This book was the one that started it all for me. Bec. of this book, I viewed romance novels in a new light. And bec.of this book I can no longer appreciate the other romance novelists works. This book spoiled me and I wish to remain spoiled. Never stop writing, Ms. Garwood. (A.R., 4-23-97) Funny! I laughed out loud more than once, especially when Sara found out about Nathan's mal de mer and used it to "teach him a lesson". (R.M., 4-22-97) This book was a Christmas gift in 1991 and I am so glad to have received it. I thought it was the most humorous romance novel I had read to that point. It also made me want to read more of Julie Garwood's books. I think my favorite so far was "For the Roses," and I did enjoy the Hallmark Hall of Fame production of "Rose Hill," although I would have liked it better had it followed the book more closely. Keep up the good work, Julie! (D.L., 4-22-97) I love all of Julie Garwoods books and this is a paricular favorite. Sara is endearing in her niavitee and Nathan was one of my favorite heros. (M.B., 4-21-97) I LOVED IT. I'VE READ THE GIFT NOW ABOUT 10 TIMES AND I STILL FIND MYSELF READING CERTAIN PIECES OVER AND OVER. KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK! (J.M., 4-16-97) What can I say, it was a great book to read. I couldn't let it go. It took me record timing to finish this book. (X.H., 4-16-97) The best of all her books. (T.C., 4-14-97) My absolute favorite book. Some of Julie Garwood's recent novels are disappointing but this one is just excellent. I have read it many times and still laugh out loud during some of the scenes. My suggestion for readers would be to read Garwood's middle books (Lion's Lady, The Secret, Guardian Angel, Castles, Honor's Splendor, The Prize, The Bride) and skip the rest. I am getting disappointed with her newer books because the heroines are beginning to all seem like the same person. There are too many references to the girl wringing her hands and trying to hide her fear while the hero knows that she is really frightened etc. etc. (A.S., 4-12-97) All of Julie's books have been greats reads. I started reading her in high school, and it turned out that my college roommates got hooked on her too. Her heroines have always been wonderful and her heros give us a sense of how it could be. Hey Julie..Keep up the great work, and I can't wait for the new book of short stories about the four Clayborne brothers...it's about time they met their matches... (J.T., 4-12-97) This was a fabulous book! I couldn't put it down. Julie Garwood injected a perfect amount of humor that makes this one of my favorite novels. (S.M., 4-12-97) Garwood was my 1st romance author, and I've read all her books. THE GIFT was fun. The characters adorable. I recommend it to anyone who wants to try Garwood!! (C.E., 4-11-97) I loved every single one of your books (L.A., 4-9-97) Since I have read every single one of Julie Garwood's books at least twice, I can say that it is safe to report that Garwood is definitely one of the most wonderful authors in the world, along with Jude Deveraux and Judith McNaught. The naivete and innocence each heroine shares make the story more fairy-tale like, which is great for those that are hopeless romantics, such as me. One mistake I noted was that in CASTLES, the story about Alessandra and Colin, Sara Winchester had blue eyes, while in the Gift, she had brown eyes. Just curious to know which color they are. I am anxiously awaiting Garwood's new book, and I hope that it will come out soon. However, if I may add a suggestion, the character Brodick from the book THE SECRET would make a wonderful hero. Thank you very much. =) (A.R., 4-4-97) Loved it! Eagerly awaiting her next book. (L.P., 3-31-97) In "THE GIFT", I saw myself...Not that I'm from the 19th century, but the fact that people can actually identify with characters in Garwood's books speaks for itself. The family struggle and the loyalty that Sara showed a husband who had trouble trusting was so touching...If you haven't read this book, definately read it! (J.W., 3-26-97) I love this story ! it makes me remember what I love about romance in the first place. In fact Garwood is a leader in her genre. (R.D.F., 3-19-97) I love and own each of Garwood's books and can't wait for the next. "For the Roses" was my first Romance and I can't stop. The Gift was one of my favorites: exceptional. (P.D., 3-16-97) I laughed out loud and envied Nathan and Sara their love. I have never been anything but in love with Ms. Garwood's stories. And now that I've found she writes under the pen name of Emily Chase... well lets just say I'll be making a visit to the library tomorrow!! (S.C., 3-10-97) This is my all-time favorite book!! (A.V., 3-8-97) I'am very happy for this bok (S.C., 3-3-97) I stated reading Julie Garwood in the 7th grade and have continued into college. Julie Garwood's books provide for me a world of my own. Thanks so much!!!!!! (T.S.W., 2-10-97) The Gift and The Prize are by far the most increditable books by Garwood that I have read. Her humor is both witty and therapeutic. The women in her novels are very clever for the women of thier era. They show bravery and loyalty. (D.F., 2-1-97) I have read this book 4 or 5 times! One of my favorite romance books. (L.M., 1-18-97) I love all of Julie Garwood's book. I try to get them on the first day of release. The last few that I bought were her hardbacks!!. Must Read!! (D.H., 1-12-97) I generally like Julie Garwood but I didn't like Sara's character in this book. She was silly, immature, naive and, sometimed, downright stupid. I couldn't figure out why anyone would actually want to be married to such a little girl. Nathan too was disapointing -- a little too cold. I never felt like he really loved Sara, more like tolerated her for the sex. (J.S., 1-3-97) This book was an incredible read.This was the first romance I've ever read and I loved it.I have been a loyal follower of her novels and own all of them. She must have a wonderful imagination to write such great books.I eagerly await her next treasure. (S.L., 12-30-96) Excellent book, I read it twice. MUST READ!!! (R.H., 12-25-96) Julie Garwood is the best...I haven't been able to put one of her books down yet!!! (D.C., 12-9-96) I love Julie Garwood books, The Gift was no exception. Can't wait till the next one. (L.W., 12-3-96) It was a great book. Julie Garwood is one of my favorite writers. The Gift was my favorite book and i can't wait too the next one comes out! (C.E., 10-19-96) I loved this book. I was disapointed that Nathan and Sarah were not mentioned more in Colin's book. This is my favorite book because it is a romance between two people and was not cluttered by outside problems. This is love. I laughed harder at this book than any other I have ever read! Way to go Julie! (M.K., 10-19-96) Garewood is a better romance writer than most. She makes her heroines rather naive, but then which romance writer doesn't. At least her heroines are never raped by the hero and then fall in love with them. If I wanted rape glorified, I guess I would marry a rapist or something. Her heroine's generally use their brains and her heroine's rarely enjoy violence, which is a pleasent change from other writer's whose pages are filled with more gore than a Stallone movie! (M.T., 10-10-96) I laughed my way through this book, it was so delightful. The series was wonderful, and I appreciated that, instead of making Sara a carbon copy. (R.G., 9-27-96) I could't put it down. (L.H., 9-20-96) I recommend this book to all first time romance readers because it has essentially all the characteristics of what has endeared me to this genre: humor, touching characters, and a good story. Sarah is great and Nathan is wonderful. (U.Y.R., 8-20-96) I agree with the person who wrote in and said that they prefered Jade (Guardian Angel) and Christina (Lion's Lady) to the Gift's Sarah. Although I do not mind reading Julie Garwood's mindless fluff once in a while, I do not understand why she, as well as other romance writers, persist on make the heroines of their novels so irritatingly cutesy. For example, one of Garwood's heroines, (I don't remember which, they're all alike) was prone to a great deal of tripping and chin bumping. We were, of course, suppose to find this charming and endearing. NOT! These novels always try to pass their heroines' stupidity off as "naivete" or "innocence". Is this their take on what the ideal woman should be like? (J.K., 8-20-96) Julie Garwood is one of my all time favorite romance authors. Sara is a decent heroine, but I prefer the strength and adventurous natures of Jade (Guardian Angel) and Christina (Lion's Lady). (G.K., 7-25-96) Wonderful books. Julie Garwood's books are worth having on your best loved bookshelves. I try to keep two copies of everything. One set of copies are for loaning out and the other are my own private do-not-touch-or-die books. I am always eagerly awaiting her next book. Once you've read a book by Julie Garwood you will love her as much as I do. So give her a try! (M.B., 7-12-96) The four books Garwood has written that feature these same characters are by far my favorite. What a great mini series they would make! (P.A., 6-25-96) Sweet, funny, and superbly written (C.N.C., 6-4-96) Once again, she is the best. I read "The Gift" and the sense of humor she wrote with kept me going until the end. I just couldn't put it down. (P.T., 5-29-96) I HAVE READ EVERY BOOK THAT JULIE GARWOOD HAS WRITTEN, AND CAN'T WAIT FOR THE NEXT ONE. I LOVED THE GIFT, IT MADE ME LAUGH, IT MADE ME CRY, IT TUGGED AT MY HEART. (R.A., 5-15-96) I really enjoyed this book. I kept laughing towards the end of the book, and had a hard time finishing a page. (P.C., 5-15-96) Julie Garwood is my favorite romance author because she is so funny and also because her characters are happy together before the end of the novel. It's nice to read a book when the reader gets to enjoy the characters' happiness before the last two pages of the book. (J.J., 4-28-96) I LOVE ALL BOOK BY JULIE GARWOOD!!!!. (A.A., 4-25-96) I love all Garwood's books. They are rich in characters, one all women can relate with and I have not found one book that I have not kept on my shelf for future reading - I can reread them at least once a year. (S.K., 4-12-96) I really don't have much to say, except it is a great read. Definitely one of the funniest books of all time. A stress reliever, and a beautiful romance. I loved the book. (K.G., 4-6-96) I live in Holland and find it difficult to get the books. I have still managed to get 4 of Julie's Books. I have love and (laughed) with them all. My favorite is The Secret. I recommend the books so highly that I have lent them to a Dutch girl friend and her whole family read them (and wanted more titles written by her). Please keep up the good work. (L.V.L., 4-2-96) Great book, I have it on my keeper shelf along with her other books. The only thing I found wrong was she changed his hair color. In Guardian Angel it was black and in The Gift it was auburn. Did anyone notice this? (C.J., 3-30-96) The Gift is one of my favorites. I've re-read it at least a dozen times and I still enjoy it every time. I love the humor in this book! (P.M., 3-27-96) Julie Garwood is my favourite Romance novelist. I snap up all of her books from the shelves the second they're released. She had a wonderful way of presenting her characters, which always has me in stiches, and I really like the way she links her novels together by bringing back old characters. (R.S., 3-27-96) "The Gift" was wonderful! Ms Garwood is a talented storyteller with a delightful sense of humour. Love and laughter! A perfect combination. I recommend "The Gift" and each of her other books wholeheartedly. (A.P., 3-26-96) I have yet to read a bad book from Julie Garwood but the Bride was her best. (B.D., 3-24-96) Great series of books. As soon as you have a new release I'm first in line to buy it. Thank you for the entertainment. (E.A., 3-24-96)

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