The Secret

Author:

Julie Garwood

Published:

Pocket Books, 1992 ; 379 pages

Subgenre:

Historical romance -- Medieval

Setting:

Scotland, 1200

Main characters:

Iaian Maitland and Lady Judith Hampton

Sexual explicitness:

Fairly explicit

Keywords:

Humor ; arranged marriages, feuds, friendship, long lost family, pregnancies

Reader rating:

Reader comments:

This was a graduation present from my grandmother! Can you believe it a book. Well, that was perhaps the best present anyone has ever given me. I was a typicall teenager that if it was assigned there was no way I was giong to read. This book enlighten, insprired, and overall capitvated my imagination. Thank you, this will always be my favorite book out of the hundreds that I know now. Thank you for creating a world that my mind can be active. (A.C., 5-21-98) i have never read a book by julie garwood that i did not like and did not put down until i was done........she is the best (T.H., 4-14-98) The Secret was the first book that I ever read from Juile. It has given me a way of seeing how friends should be and sometimes what they are. I loved this book when I first read it and when I read it again the same emotions that hit me the first time hit me again the fifth time. I love her books, Juile is an amazing writer she makes it seem as if you are right there with them through the whole thing. I have also read The Black Lion, For the Roses , and One Pink Rose , One White Rose , and One Red Rose. All these books have spece and they have all mad me laugh and cry as I read them. Thank you Ms. Garwood for such great stories and I hope you continue making more. (P.R., 4-3-98) Great book! I love every Garwood book I've read and collect them to read over and over. Please give us a sequel about Brodick's search for a bride. (P.K., 3-13-98) I have all of Julie Garwood's books. I only buy a few authors in hard back. She is one of them. I am waiting for a story on Brodick & Ramsey. I know that it will be as enjoyable as all her other books. I have hooked all my friends on her books. (C.H., 3-11-98) The first book I read by Julie Garwood was CASTLES. I was immeadatley looking for more of her books. Alesandra in CASTLES was so innocent and funny with all her lists, as was Judith when she finished delievering the first baby in THE SECRET. The men of these tales are bold yet romantically sound and very..very realistic. I would recommend her anyday to me friends. (C.N., 3-6-98) This was the first book I read by J. Garwood and since then I've been an avid fan of her writings. I've read and owed most of her books except those new releases. I recommended her books to my friends and they just loved it! No one can beat J. Garwood on historical romances. You're simply one of the best! (T.L.I., 3-3-98) I really liked this book, it was fantastic. I have every book she's ever written(as Julie Garwood). (K.G., 2-13-98) This was the book that got me hooked on romances. I have never felt so attached to characters before. It's a shame I had to sart out with this book, because now few can compare. I sincerely hope that Ms. Garwood considers a book on the next journey to find an English bride using the members of Iain's clan. (J.S., 2-2-98) I got my Mom hooked on J. Garwood through "For the Roses". Now we are sharing her books back and forth whenever we can get together. It has given us something in common! I enjoy the fact that the main characters have faults that add spice to the storyline. Ian Maitland and Catherine are believable, endearing characters. (C.M., 6-3-97) I have just discovered Julie Garwood, and am a convert! The Medieval books are my favorites! A co-worker introduced me to these treasures and I have already collected almost every one. The stories are wonderful and keep me reading until the wee hours of the morning. Keep Them Coming. I am addicted. (S.B., 5-29-97) I had a great time reading this book. I just discovered Julie Garwood and I'm having the best time going through her backtitles. I vote for a sequel showing Brodick's adventures (J.E., 5-27-97) This is the first Julie Garwood that I've read and I've been hooked ever since. The plots are excellent and the characters are spectacular. Julie Garwood is my favorite arthur and I await her newest books, One Red Rose, One White Rose, Coming of the Spring. (L.A., 5-22-97) "DID'NT WE PROMISE NOT TO DRINK ANOTHER MAN'S ALE?" THIS BOOK MADE ME GO THROUGH ALL EMOTIONS. MY FAVIROTE PART IS WHEN THEY STOP BY A COTTEGE FOR A NIGHT,AFTER PICKING JUDITH UP, AND THE OWNER OF THE COTTAGE DID'NT ACCEPT HER. ALL OF THE MEN SHE WAS RIDING WITH(4) FLANKED HER, WITH ONE MAN ON EACH SIDE SHOWING THAT THEY ACCEPT HER, AND WOULD PROTECT HER WITH THERE LIVES.THAT WAS THE MOST ROMANTIC THING, AND IT'S BEAUTIFUL TO KNOW THAT THERE STILL IS FRIENDSHIPS OUT THERE, THAT WAS MUCH LIKE FRANCES CATHERINE, AND JUDITH HAMPTON! (A.S., 5-8-97) I have loaned my copy to everyone on my floor at college. They return it to me with moist eyes. (J.L.A., 4-28-97) Absolutely Fabulous! Julie Garwood is my favorite romance author and "The Secret" is my favorite romance novel. I have read it several times and I still enjoy it as much as I did the first time!!!!! (D.M., 4-24-97) Ms. Garwood, You MUST make a sequel to this book!!! I HATED to finish it. You are a literary genius !!! Thank you. (A.R., 4-23-97) I loved this book!!! Read all of her books, they're great. (M.M., 4-22-97) What can I say about Julie Garwood? She is by far the best author that I have ever had the pleasure reading. I've hooked both my sister and best friends into reading her, and we hope that she comes out with sequels on The Secret. (K.E., 4-20-97) Excellent - her characters become family members to me. I hate to finish the book - so when finished I but it way for 6 months then re-read it again, again, and agin. (C.K., 4-15-97) Prince Charming was given to me by my sister, Joanie, to read. It took me a few weeks to decide to read it since it wasn't what I usually read. After reading it, I had purchased and read every one of Julie Garwood's books within two months. I tell all my friends about her, and ANXIOUSLY await the publications of her new novels. I would like to know when we can expect her next book, after THE WEDDING! Incidently, my husband likes her novels also!!..!!!!! (J.B., 4-16-97) This book made me laugh and cry. What a wonderful book. I love your other books too, Saving Grace and The Wedding. Actually, I've read all your books. Each individual book gives me hope that love is really still out there. (X.H., 4-16-97) this is the first garwood book i've read. it was great and i had a hard time puting it down. Scotland's my favorite background for romance novels. i can't wait to start another of her books. (F.C., 4-14-97) How to keep it brief? I'm in love with Iain Maitland AND Judith. Ms. Garwood always describes my dream man but this book was my dream life. I have read it 3 times in the past year. I would love to read the sequel with Brodick or a prequel with Frances Catherine and Patrick. (A.M., 4-14-97) THIS BOOK IS GREAT. IT HAS EVERYTHING. KEEP IT UP. (D.R.H., 4-10-97) Julie Garwood is the BEST romance novelist I have ever read!! I tell my husband, if he's going to buy me a book, make sure it is a Julie Garwood! No one compares to her. (K.A., 4-7-97) JULIE GARWOOD'S BOOKS ARE THE BEST, I HAVE READ EACH ONE AND LOOK SO FORWARD TO HER NEW BOOKS. (M.G., 4-7-97) I love your books, they are the best for making me laugh,cry and downright angry. I have all of your books. I read on and combed the bookstores for more. Thanks for taking me away. pam (P.K., 4-3-97) I LOVE IT...but what about the warriors who went "hunting" in England for their brides? What about Patrick and Frances Catherine??? (J.W., 3-26-97) Have read and re-read all your books...all very enjoyable. Don't lose your sense of humor. I wish I could have known you back in your days of parochial school. Keep up the great writing and wonderful stories. (S.C.L., 3-25-97) Please Francis Catherine and Patrick's story. Their love is so wonderful, it makes you wonder how they got that way. (M.L., 3-13-97) wish there was a sequal (C.H., 3-12-97) Julie Garwood is possible the best romance writer around today. "The Secret" is my favorite. I've been hooked since I read "The Bride". Since then, I've gone back and read all her earlier works and eagerly await the next one. I don't even mind buying hardbacks. (H.M., 2-27-97) I love it! This is one of her best. I love the friendships and how the woman stood up for what they believed. GREAT! (J.S., 1-28-97) The characters made this one of my favorite books.Prince Charming was the first of this author that I've read, but The Secret comes in an engaging second. (N.G., 1-17-97) This is the first of all of Ms.Garwood's books I have read. It is a very relaxing and comfortable book that gives one the feeling of something lost in years gone by. I have all of Ms. Garwood's books and re-read each of them often. (M.H., 1-12-97) This is my favorite of all the Garwood books. I just love the friendship between the two women, in the face of all the opposition. I read this book over and over! Keeper! (D.H., 1-12-97) Great (S.G., 1-7-97) This is my all time favorite Julie Garwood Book I've read it and reread it so many times that I had to purchase another copy of the book. I never get bored with it. I wish that Ms Garwood would write the sequal how Brodrick gets an English Bride or if he does. (H.O., 12-24-96) Words cannot explain how enchanting this book is. It is filled with feelings and thoughts that would brake anybody's heart. Lady Catherine is Heaven and Laird Iain is Heaven's God. (M.L., 12-22-96) This book is great. You'll read it more than once! Julie Garwood is the best author in romance today. (B.W., 12-14-96) This is the best book I have ever read! I have all of Garwood's books. She is my favorite author. Hope she comes out with something new soon! (T.B., 11-21-96) Really love this book. I laugh and cried a lot...I fell in love with the main figures in this book. The setting is GREAT and the dialog is fabulous! The first book I read of Ms Julie and I fell in love with her books. (A.F., 11-20-96) I have read all of Julie Garwood's books and they are all fabulous. However, to me this is her best. I have read it so many times I know most of it by heart. (S.B., 11-18-96) One comment: My book is falling apart and it's *not* because of a faulty binding! (C.R., 11-8-96) My copy is falling I part I read it so much. It's my "comfort food" of romance novels. (B.S., 10-29-96) Love Garwood's stuff she can't write fast enough!! (K.B., 10-20-96) Like all her others this one is excellent (A.S., 10-15-96) Like all her books, this one is superb, but I have to admit it is my own personel favorite. Whenever I see someone undecided in a book- store, I hand them this one. (K.P., 10-7-96) This is the best all time book by Garwood!!! Urge everyone to read it. Run don't walk to the bookstore to read this book! (D.O., 10-4-96) I enjoyed it. (L.H., 9-20-96) I loved this book!! I've read almost all of your books. Please keep them cooming! (K.C., 9-18-96) I'm a big Garwood fan. I just wish her books didn't come out in hardcover first -- waiting the extra six months for the paperback is hard. (K.B., 9-11-96) I love historical romances, and Julie Garwood is very good at mixing humor with adventure and romance. (M.C., 8-25-96) Julie Garwood is definitly one of the better romance writers out there! A friend lent me one and I went out and got them all!! This was one of my favorites! The characters really move you! (T.M., 8-1-96) Julie Garwood is the funniest, romantic author I've ever read. She has made me laugh outright while reading. She writes wonderful stories. Based on her dedications, I think it would be wonderful, if not interesting, to meet her family. (J.D., 7-24-96) All I want to say is that this is a must read, one of Julie Garwood's best---I've read it again and again! (J.B., 7-13-96) Great Book!! Loved it from Beginning to End. (R.R., 7-11-96) This is by far my favorite of Julie Garwood's books, I have read all of her books but i keep coming back to this one! (J.L., 7-1-96) I really enjoyed it & enjoy all of Julie Garwood's novels. However, after a while they tend to get a little too formulaic. Such is the case with this one. (J.K., 6-3-96) I thought it was a great book. A must read!! (B.V., 5-26-96) I was laughing so hard I had tears in my eyes! I know when I pick up a Garwood book, it's going to be great. I wish there was a sequel to find out if the men who went to England to look for brides got any! Wouldn't that be great! (M.S., 5-15-96) Julie Garwood is one of the best writers on the shelf. I have kept all of her books and after reading For The Roses I wrote her a letter, and she was kind enough to write me back and answer my questions. I fell in love with Cole and I am eagerly awaiting his story! (K.S., 5-15-96) I had borrowed a book from the library and I instantly became hooked on Julie Garwood. I have all her books. The Secret was absolutely wonderful. I laughed a lot while reading it. Garwood is my most favorite romance author. (S.D.N., 5-14-96) I like this book very much because this shows adventure and true meaning of friendship. But my favorite is Guardian Angel. Hope you could update me with her latest novel. I'm really waiting for "For the roses". (J.C., 5-14-96) One of my first Garwoods, and I liked it enough to go looking for her other books. Loved the hero--what a hunk--his protectiveness of and devotion to the heroine. Great story! (D.N., 5-12-96) This is the best of Julie's books that I have read. I loved the story, and learning about childbirth (and how people in that time thought about childbirth) was really interesting (and funny). Also the love/hate relationship between Scots and the English was well done. All the people that I have given this book to read (it's hard to get them here) loved it and wanted to read more of her books. Please keep up the good work. (L.V.L., 5-7-96) I love all her books. (M.C.L., 5-2-96)

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