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.

Nice Scottish story.

I started listening to this book and then stopped because I didn't care for the narrator. I wanted to find out how the story proceeded so I decided to try it again. The story was fine, nothing exciting and nothing exceptional, just a nice listen. The narrator was a bit annoying though. I did make it through but I don't think I'll listen to another story by Susan Duerden. Just not to my liking.

Good

So good it kept me up late, LOL. I look forward to reading more in this series.

A Fun Read

I enjoying smiling while I'm listening/reading a book, and this book certainly accomplished that. Although I appreciate the effort it takes to have different voices, at first, it bothered me that all the men seemed to have throat issues and the women can't do more than a whisper. Overall, I thought it was great and I look forward to the next one.

Awesome!

I really enjoyed listening to this audio book! I would definitely suggest listening to it!

Five Stars for Me!!!

Susan Duerden is an awesome narrator. I have never listened to a woman who could get the essence of the characters so well. Her voices are absolutely amazing. Oh yes, and I truly enjoyed this audio book. Just right in the story telling and the intimate encounters. Not over the top sex but just right. I don't think I'm a prude but taking a whole chapter (unless you're looking for that of course) to describe a sex is a little much for me. Personally, I like the intimate encounters however the story should move forward. I really like Julie Garwood's writing and will download future audio books.

Excellent listen.

Surperb Story, Awesome narrator!

A friend referred this book - love the narrator she is great in telling the story and giving each character a personality. Cute story just wish there were more steamy sex, but I very much enjoyed the story and will listen to others by Susan Duerden the narrator. Very entertaining story.

Classic Story-Poor Narrator!!

Any additional comments?

The story is a classic historical romance by Ms. Garwood. Unfortunately, I found the narrator to be VERY annoying! The vioce of Mary Francis never grew up and the voice of Ian was just scary! I think if she had read the story in her normal voice I would have liked it more. Hopefully for the sequal (Ransom) they use the already-recorded audio version by Rosalyn Landor. It is available in CD.

Romance ,joy and happiness

I thoroughly enjoyed the cast of characters in the story line. Most of all the description of the Highlands and their appreciation of the English lady....and what she brings to this story. Enjoy Idid.

Did not care for the narrator

I did not like the narrator for this story. All of the male characters sounded constipated and the breathy urgency of the narration was hard to listen too.

Good to remember how to influence others

The struggle to fit in is real. This is a good reminder that being real and being kind go far in gaining freindship.