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.

good story... annoying voices

I liked the story. have books playing in background during work all day long...
story ok
..voices ridiculous...horrid. horrid
really put you off the story. it took a lot to get thru the book...

Truly enjoyable!

The story was fantastic really. Funny, emotionally provoking at times. I love how I was immediately hooked in the beginning as sometimes the hook is slow to come. The narrator is gifted to be sure but her growling Scottish accent for the men was a little grating on the nerves. Just because they are worriers doesn’t mean they have to growl/shout everything even when whispering. Only reason I gave her 4*’s instead of 5.

Big fan of Julie Garwoood but terrible narration

I really enjoyed Julie Garwood’s “The Bride”, “The Wedding”, and “Saving Grace” and was really looking forward to listening to another one of her books. The stories and narrators for those books were fantastic. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE have “The Secret” re-recorded! The narrator Susan Duerden was so terrible. The male voices were horrible and raspy, like Grievous from Star Wars. The women were too high pitched, and the inflections and general narration were not well done either. It was painfully distracting from the story to have to listen to such awful voices. It’s such a shame, because the book was good. I made it through to the end, but in the future I’ll avoid this narrator and get the kindle version for books Susan Dierden narrates on Audible.

What a fantastic book! Thank you, Julie Garwood!

Judith and Frances Catherine met as small children .
Their friendship lasted, when Frances Catherine
was expecting her first child, she wanted Judith
by her side. Laird Iain Maitland was one of the
Highland Warriors sent to bring Lady Judith
to Frances Catherine. Get ready for a love
story that will melt your heart, true friendship
a fiesty English lady whose love and loyalty
will turn the Maitland clan around!
Julie Garwood, I've read and listened to
your books over and over, they are
just as exciting as the first time!

Recommended

One of my favorite stories. This one is a little different from the other historical stories and the first of a three story series. Judith I sdcc s forward thinking woman in a time when women are very suppressed. Ian is a laird who is held back by the old rather backward ways of his clan. They are a match for the ages.

Julie Garwood is at the top of my must read authors. I have read most of her stories multiple times. I have been reading her work for many years and she just gets better.

a second read

I read this book a few years back and decided to try the audio version. Loved it both times.

Story was sweet, but the narrator

I couldn’t stand the male voices from this narrator. She made them sound like they were all villains.

Captivating

So we’ll performed. I felt like I was part of the story. Just beautiful! Highly recommend!

Revisiting an old favorite

My mom and I went on a road trip so I decided on an old favorite of both of ours to listen to during the drive. Julie Garwood did a wonderful job of keeping her story relevant to the time period while also making sure the heroine was never just chattel. My mom and I had a good chuckle at the heroine being able to ride the stallion that previously only allowed two men on him, because of course she was an accomplished rider but couldn’t cook to save her life. There were so many places to chuckle and cheer, making the story enjoyable and time go by quickly.

Meh

I almost didn't finish it. The story is just OK, the characters were somewhat ok... though I'm not sure the MMC had any redeeming qualities...
The bigges issue though was the narration was almost unbearable. The narrators cadence was weird and the character voices bad and often indistinguishable from other characters of the same gender.
I purchased another book with the same author and narrator and felt the same about that one. I won't listen to any more books from this author or narrator.