The Secret

Highlands' Lairds, Book 1

By: Julie Garwood

Narrated by: Susan Duerden

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.

Whats not to like?

Its got everything we love in a romance. A strong woman, a rough tough man who agains his will falls in love. Julie Garwood has long since been one of my favorite historical romance authors. I read this book years ago and was hesitant about listening to it on Audible, but I took the chance and am so glad I did.

Awesome story and great performance!

If you could sum up The Secret in three words, what would they be?

Romantic, Sassy, Engaging.

What did you like best about this story?

I love a spirited woman and Judith was beautifully developed with a nice blend of compassion, spirit, and humility. I also enjoyed the humor in the story - many times I laughed out loud! I really loved all the charaters - Ian was strong but tender and so respectful.

Have you listened to any of Susan Duerden’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I haven't listened to her before but I totally enjoyed listening to her and definately look forward to listening to her again.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Definately made me laugh and when I had to put the book on pause, I couldn't wait until the time I could begin to listen again.

Any additional comments?

I really enjoyed this story - my first Julie Garwood book but won't be my last. She writes a great book. I loved the charaters, the romance was very sweet and perfectly (and respectfully) graphic. The narrator only added to the story making it very enjoyable - I didn't want it to end. I wish the next book was avaliable "Ransom" and read by the same narrator!

NARRATOR

This book is great, I didn't know that a reader could ruin a good book but this narrator can do it to any book......

Creepy Male voices

What did you love best about The Secret?

This book was so greatly written. It completely draws you in and it is easy to loose yourself.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Lady Judith's character is wonderful in her naivete (sp) then later in her strength.

What didn’t you like about Susan Duerden’s performance?

Those creepy male voices she gave were almost nightmare inducing. Everything ranging from what you would imagine Gollum would sound like to Vald Dracula. The male voices really detracted from the story!

Great laughs!

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

Oh yes, great story line and amazing characters.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Secret?

The wedding!

What about Susan Duerden’s performance did you like?

Yes, she did a great job with the voices and personalities.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

OHGosh, I was driving during the wedding scene and almost had to pull over because I was laughing so much!!!

Any additional comments?

I recently started reading Julie Garwood's books and this one is by far my favorite!!!

Great story..But..

Any additional comments?

Great storyline and some laugh out loud moments. Judith was a perfect heroine, funny and smart, and Iain was a georgeous and wonderful hero. The book was not filled with so much angst it made you crazy. I absolutely hate angsty books.
Love, love, loved the council members: Graham, Gelfrid, Owen, Duncan and Vincent. Loved Francis Catherine and Patrick. Loved Alex and Brodick. It was just a really great read and I'm going to read Ransom now.
There was just the right amount of sex in the book, too.

As to the narrator: Ms. Duerden has some awesome emotions she puts in her books. I loved her laughing and crying and yelling but I especially loved that everytime the book called for a whisper, which was a lot, she whispered. It was perfect.
The only thing I didn't like was that EVERY man had a very raspy voice, like a 2 pack-a-day smoker, and there were a lot of men. I can honestly say that I didn't like the voice of any man in this book but because she read it with so much emotion I was able to overlook that.

Ok listen

Story was odd. Narrator was whiney. There were good parts but overall I would not recommend. I kept waiting for it to get better.

Good story with a sense of humor

I enjoyed the story. The premise isn't exactly unique, but the plot works. It's engaging and fun, and I also enjoyed Garwood's principal characters' humor and humanity. The relationship between Frances Catherine and Judith and between Judith and Ian are complex and engaging. Other characters were also lively additions to the story, with both depth and individuality.

But...

... Susan Duerden has entertained me wonderfully in other novels (I just finished Eloisa James' "Seven Minutes in Heaven" and her narration was excellent) but in this particular case, I was puzzled by the decision - either hers or the director's - to make every male voice some version of gravelly, growling shouting. I have to imagine that, once Ms. Duerden finished reading this, her throat had to hurt. I found it distracting and annoying... and disappointing.

I really wish this was better

There were definitely good parts to this book; however, overall it was not all that interesting or captivating like you wish it would be, especially for a Julie Garwood novel.

Very Enjoyable, Slightly Repetitive

The Secret: Highlands' Lairds, Book 1 is a "difficult to put down read". I was captivated from the very first page. Judith, the leading lady, is enchanting, and lovable, and while Ian, the Laird of his clan is typical to Highland stories, you can't help but root for them to get together, and find their way. I am looking forward to the continuation of this series.
Having said that, Susan Duerden, whom I generally enjoy as a narrator, was slightly sing song in her narration, and some of her voices sounded quite strained.
Julie's attempt/style of humor is cute, but, at least in this novel, seemed repetitive, i.e. the chaos, confusion and misunderstandings that were always evident at the Elder Meetings.
These attempts were really fluff though, and didn't affect the actual storyline. This novel is definitely credit worthy.