The Secret

Last week I wanted a light, enjoyable read for the long drive to and from Ottawa to bring my oldest home from university. Julie Garwood is known for her light romance series and The Secret, the first book in her Highland's Laird series, fit the bill so I easily downloaded a copy onto my iPad from my library's digital collection. 

I read this book many years ago - so long ago, in fact, that it's not even on my GoodReads account. I only remembered that I had enjoyed it and it was set in Scotland. Even though times change and, generally speaking, light Historical Romance isn't my jam anymore, I thought I'd give it a whirl. Knowing that this isn't my usual genre, I'm basing my review on what this book is - a simple, light romance with a cool setting and some brawny Highlanders thrown into the mix. Not a bad way to spend many hours on the 401, am I right? 

This story is set in the beauty of the Scottish Highlands and focuses on the friendship of two women who met as children, the burgeoning romance between two unlikely people and some secrets thrown in for good measure. Is it predictable? Of course. Does it have a lot of depth? Nope, but I was intrigued by the underlying secrets and the theme of women's lack of rights. 

But I was disheartened that the secondary plots, which promised some interesting story lines but didn't add much to the overall plot. I realize that it's a light read but some issues being fixed too easily - namely how Judith wins over even her staunchest critics effortlessly, set up grassroots women's movement and generally wins at life in the Highlands despite her English citizenship and pedigree. I dinna think so, lass. I guess I wanted to see more of her struggle. I was also surprised that there wasn't more oomph to the romance between Judith and Iain. Truth be told, I didn't really like Iain and would rather have had things spiced up between Judith and Iain's right-hand man, Brodick. 

Overall, this book is exactly what it's supposed to be - a light read with romance. It's not fine literature but it is a simple and predictable story that was an easy and fairly enjoyable read with men in kilts. 'Nuff said.

My Rating: 3.5 stars

Author: Julie Garwood

Genre: Historical Romance (Scotland)

Series: #1 from Highland's Laird series)

Type: eBook

Source: Local Public Library Digital Collection

Publisher: Dutton Books

First Published: July 1, 2011

Opening Lines: They became friends before they were old enough to understand they were supposed to hate each other.

Book Description from GoodReads: 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, private 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!