The Secret

Highlands' Lairds, Book 1

By: Julie Garwood

Narrated by: Susan Duerden

Length: 12 hrs and 46 mins

Publisher's summary

New York Times best-selling 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!

©2013 Julie Garwood (P)2013 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

narrator voice

did not like the narrator's voice when it came to the male parts. sounded like they were yelling.

I was expecting story with a side of romance

From the rave reviews, I expected this to be a great story with a side of romance. Instead, the main course was relationships with a very small side serving of an interesting story.

There was a whole lot of whispering...rather strange, but ok. Also the word thrust seemed overused. I think books that overuse a single word or two seem poorly written, personally. Just something I notice, but maybe it's just me.

As for the recording, the narrator made all of the women sound like little girls and all of the men sound...I dunno how to describe it, but unattractive. I love a good Scottish accented man, but not the way they were portrayed in this. On the flip side, I love the narrator's natural voice, when she isn't speaking as one of the characters, and I actually also loved her accent for the Scottish women (if a bit higher pitched than I'd prefer).

Overall...Meh. I didn't hate it, could have lived without ever having heard it, but it passed the time while I was on an airplane.

This was ok

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

I would say that it helped time go by as I drive to work.

The story was ok, but the narration was not very good. The women all sounded like little girls and the men either whisper or screech.

Would you recommend The Secret to your friends? Why or why not?

I would not recommend this book to my friends.

Would you be willing to try another one of Susan Duerden’s performances?

Probably not; I do not like how she narrates.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

I would probably see this book as a movie.

I love Julie Garwood's books...

I love Julie Garwood books. The narrator is slightly monotonous but could bear thru it.

good romance, but to explicit

Would you try another book from Julie Garwood and/or Susan Duerden?

yes, because I love her stories, I just wish she would not make scenes in the book, so sexually explicit. The story is good without the explicit details.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

Very good ending. I am a sucker for a happy ending.

Which character – as performed by Susan Duerden – was your favorite?

Daniel

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

no

Any additional comments?

'The sexual scenes took up to much of the book.

Most have for Garwood fans

Duerden brings Garwood's characters to life. You won't be able to put it down. Now to enjoy Ramsom,

always enjoy Garwood

I always enjoy her books and this was no exception I love the story the characters and the sense of humor I have a hard time putting it down

Sweet story

I loved the narrator! Usually I don’t like “baby” voices on female characters, but this one was done so sweetly, I felt protective over the two young women. I loved the accents, too!

A favorite

This book has been a favorite of mine for many years. Audio edition has a wonderful voice and gives life to each character.

The Secret : Highlands by Julie Garwood.

Light Romantic story enjoyable for light fun reading. Story about the predudice Scottish Highlanders hatred for the English, which turns into a romance with the accent on women have rights too.
Julie Duerden nice quiet reader.