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.

I really liked this book

I really enjoyed this book. Well developed characters, funny & endearing. At a time where women were owned & treated as property the writer sprinkles the 13th century men with a bit of modernity. It was one of those books you can't stop listening to and you hate when it ends.

Great Story & Romance in the Scottish Highlands

This story was excellent AND the narrator was also wonderful! (I am so glad I didn't let the poor reviews of this narrator dissuade me!!)
An absorbing historical romance with charming characters -- I loved this book and did not want it to end!! So sad to see that Audible doesn't have Ransom - the next in the series (hint, hint!)
The narrator does whisper and like another reviewer said the dialogue between Judith and Ian is outstanding -- pillow talk really and so seductive..... The whispers of the elders only added to the charm of these Scottish Warrior leaders.
More please......

The Secret is sweet!

This was my first time listening to a Julie Garwood book but I liked it very much! It was a sweet book with a swoon worthy hero (just the way I like it ☺️)! I love the friendship between Francis Katherine and Judith (Elizabeth). It was truly refreshing seeing a friendship between women that was based on love and respect for one another. This friendship inspired trust and love in others. The sex scenes were mild but the author did a good job of conveying the passion simmering between the two main characters. I must say there were parts where I laughed out loud and that is always a good thing. Lastly the narrator was great. I have started to listen to many books and realized that it would be a challenge to finish the book. Great book overall.

A Favorite

Judith's story is one I've read over and over. I never tire of it. I love all these Highlander stories!

Susan does a great job, absolutely soothing voice, wonderful to listen to.

One of my favorites!!!

I think I've listened to this story 9 or 10 times. It is so funny & romantic. A perfect combination for entertaining the reader/listener. Buy this book. You will love it. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️😀

The Secret

It was entertaining and enjoyable listening. Have always liked Julie Garwood books and Susan Duerden does an awesome job making the book s characters stand out.

Enjoyed....

This is Book 1 of 2. Unfortunately, I listened to Book 2 first as it was not clearly marked. However, I enjoyed it just as much as Book 2. Julie Garwood develops her characters with a great sense of humor and sex appeal. I loved them and was disappointed when it was over. I wanted the story line to go on.

Inspiring! Lovely!

If you are inexplicably drawn to the Scottish Highlands and are a hopeless romantic, this is a must read! It was torture to have to stop listening and go to work after my commute! The narration is flawless and easy to listen to. The characters are fun and easy to fall in love with. I enjoyed how the lead character, Judith, is a uniter and one who brings harmony to everything and everyone around her. I hated the book to end!

Awful voice acting.

The story was at sometimes captivating and beautiful but was all but completely ruined by the voice actor. She seems to have confused scots with cartoon pirates.

LOVE the Story

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

Yes, I love Julie Garwood and she did not disappoint. Love the story line and the characters it caught my attention from the beginning and held it through the whole story.

What aspect of Susan Duerden’s performance would you have changed?

I did not like how she whispered a lot when doing the male voices.