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.

5 romantic, funny, very sexy stars!

Audio/Kindle/Paperback Review

Very rarely do I have the opportunity to read a book that isn't a review required read, but I needed something familiar, something comforting this past week, and so I chose to re-read/listen to this story.

I am so, so very glad I did!

I had read The Secret (paperback) years ago and never reviewed because I was on a Julie Garwood binge. Book after book, I didn't have time to stop and write down my thoughts because I couldn't stop reading long enough to do so. This story will always be a favorite read, but as a listen? It's amazing!

My review...

Julie Garwood was my first venture into Historical Romance, and the genre became an instant favorite. I grabbed every single Garwood HR I could get my hands on, and wept when I learned she wasn't writing HR anymore.

Okay, maybe "wept" is a bit of an exaggeration, but not much!

When people ask what my favorite HR novel is, I always think of Garwood's books. The Prize, The Bride, The Wedding... it's hard to pick an all time favorite. But I can honestly say, The Secret is right up there on the list.

And I've fallen in love with it, all over again.

This past weekend I listened (and read along - Kindle) to Susan Duerden not just read the book, but perform it. Her incredible ability to let each character's unique personality shine through made this an absolute delight to experience.

The prologue is one of the best I had ever read, and now listening to Ms. Duerden bring the wee little girls, Judith and Frances Catherine to life... then bring them together again as grown women whose friendship passed the test of time and will inspire Lairds and clansmen... truly, I can't put into words how much I enjoyed this story. No, how much I LOVE this story! Every page, every sentence, every word...

The bottom line...

As I said, my reading time is precious to me and there isn't enough of it, but when I needed something familiar and comforting, I chose this book. That in itself should bear testament to how much I adore The Secret.

I sighed, I smiled, I laughed... the witty dialog and laugh out loud banter, the sexual chemistry... it captured my heart and made me fall in love with the obstinate Laird Iain Maitland and the adorable, equally obstinate Lady Judith, all over again.

Knew I loved this book from the 1st listen

Would you listen to The Secret again? Why?

Yes, Good story line, interesting characters who actually make you laugh with what they say. The narrator is wonderful at creating the characters as well.

What did you like best about this story?

The love story was great, but also the sidelines where equally enjoyable.

What about Susan Duerden’s performance did you like?

She changed her voice for each of the main characters. She did a fabulous job!

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

yes, but I couldn't. It was hard to resist just calling in "sick" and burying myself in The Secret.

Any additional comments?

This is a series and I am sooooo hopeful that Audible will soon have the rest available.

I love this book!!!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Not only would I recommend this book, I have to anyone who will listen. I love Iain and Judith. The story was touching with the strong warrior that has a gentle side for his lady

What did you like best about this story?

I liked everything about this book. I can't choose just one instance

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

Iain and Judith

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When Iain found Judith after she had been hurt

story was fine but narration was grating

The narrator read every sentence with the most irritating inflection at the end. Every. Single. Sentence.

Her characters came off as pretentious and obnoxious, in a weak sorta pandering way. Granted, the writing was a bit insipid but I'm sure I'll be happier reading this book than listening to this narrator.

Didn’t care for narration

I probably would’ve liked this a lot better had I read it myself instead of listening to it. The narrator made the women sound like six-year-old little girls which was very annoying.

New narrator please!

Love the author! Love the book! Did not love the audio book.........because of the narrator. She spoke the woman's voice like baby talk. I'm glad I had already read the book, because I couldn't finish the audiobook.

Just downloaded The Ransom as well, before I realized it was the same narrator. Guess I won't be listening to it either.

Entertaining story, Narrator not my favorite

The story was entertaining, but the voices that the narrator chose to give the different characters were annoying. The high falsetto voices given to the female characters were difficult to listen to and the Scottish accent for the men seemed off. Not a favorite for sure

POOR NARRATION, "GIRLIE" STORY.

Unfortunately, the crazy, raspy, often too loud voices this narrator chose for the men, coupled with the" never matured" voices she stuck with for the main female characters were silly and distracting. However, I did enjoy the story, and do recommend the book, because I was able to get into the story enough to ignore Susan's take on Julie's characters.

Surprising book!

The main character of this book was very interestingly complex. Story well done. Read this series in order.

I listen to this at least once every six months!

I love this book. I read it many times throughout my life and when I saw it on audible I had to have it. The characters are so charming and lovable. I never get tired of this story. It makes me laugh every time I read it. It is worth reading for the marriage scene alone. Love it!!