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Liked It2 of 2 members found this review helpful “What a great story. Gabriel is Johanna's protector, boy does she need one and yes a sequel to this book is so needed to follow Johanna's brother and new wife love story! Anyways, I do so love how Gabriel shows his love to Johanna but doesn't say it, and I love how Johanna accepts Gabriel as he...” see full review » see other reviews » |
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“fantastic... wow .....”
kervie l wrote this review Thursday, November 5 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“A few years ago I enjoyed nearly two dozen Julie Garwood books especially her historical romance.”
Dawn wrote this review Saturday, October 17 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“love this story! ”
Hanna M wrote this review Tuesday, July 21 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“I love this story a definite must read if you like Julie Garwood”
Lizzie G wrote this review Tuesday, July 14 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“Saving Grace is a wonderful story that I keep coming back to - the reader's attention is held from start to finish - another incredibly good book by Julie Garwood.”
Dianne S wrote this review Sunday, May 31 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“If I want to read a Medieval Romance, Julie Garwood is my go-to-author! Following the footsteps of THE PRIZE and HONOR'S SPLENDOUR, SAVING GRACE is another beautiful novel from Ms. Garwood. From the witty dialogues, delightful exchanges between the lead characters, the wonderful supporting characters, the Scottish Medieval backdrop... I can read this book over and over again!
babaylansamaynila wrote this review Thursday, May 14 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
Young, beautiful, and newly-widowed, Lady Johanna became the wife of the MacBain - Gabriel MacBain that is. A Highlander who is a powerful laird to two clans. Johanna was reluctant to marry Gabriel at first because of her bitter experience with her first abusive husband. She also doesn't like the idea that Gabriel is big, burly, has a foul attitude and yes, handsome. But due to the insistence of her beloved foster brother and Gabriel himself, she gave in. She also softened her heart towards her Highlander husband when she met Alex, Gabriel's illegitimate son. Johanna believes that she's barren - which was one of the reasons why she was beaten by her first husband. So when she learned of Alex, she immediately accepted the child, much to the surprise and satisfaction of Gabriel. The wedding was totally hilarious and it's the best wedding scene I've ever read with Johanna vowing that she will love, honor, and try to obey her husband upon occasion.
Johanna was very fearful towards Gabriel at first. She's also very timid and she doesn't interact with her household not only because Gabriel wants her to rest all the time, but also because of her past experiences. She doesn't want to get attached to anyone, including Gabriel because in the end, she will get hurt. But her behavior changed months after her wedding. Through her newfound freedom, she slowly becomes a courageous woman who isn't afraid of her husband, his big dog Dumfries, and anyone else. Because of her quiet defiance, she got the respect of the MacBain and MacLaurin clans which eventually lead to the union of the two. She also learned how to tame her husband when he's in a foul mood - a discovery so funny, thanks to her interaction with Dumfries.
Gabriel is the illegitimate son of the former Laird MacLaurin. He was never acknowledged by his biological father but this didn't become a hindrance for him to become the Laird of the MacBains. When the Maclaurins' fort was attacked by the English, they asked the protection and guidance of Gabriel thus making him their laird. He's a man of strength and honor. His unquestionable trust towards his soldiers was proven when he defended them from another laird who accused them of wrongdoing.
The story of a young Gabriel, dreaming of a family - with his wife sewing by the hearth is very touching. But what really endeared me to Gabriel is his total acceptance of his love for Johanna. He didn't deny or fight off his feelings. Instead, he became determined to make her fall in love with him no matter what it takes!
LOVE IS A TRICKY AFFAIR all right!
Another brilliant thing about this novel is the secondary characters. From the old MacBain warrior Auggie and his obsession with balls and holes; the good Highlander priest MacKechnie; the MacBain and MacLaurin soldiers (Johanna can't stand their rambunctious nature so she sets her sights in teaching them proper manners - a scene so funny and very endearing since the soldiers don't want to disappoint her!); Claire MacKay, the resilient woman who was humiliated by another laird; Johanna's very hilarious attempts in matchmaking; Alex's devotion towards his new Mama; and Johanna's foster brother, Baron Nicholas Sanders... all of them contributed in the beautiful love story of Gabriel and Johanna.
So far, all three of Julie Garwood's medieval novels that I read are great! What makes them unforgettable is how the love story between the main protagonists develops, in a fun-filled way. The heroines have very endearing qualities that will make readers like them. In Johanna's case, it's her transformation from a timid and shy creature to a bold and strong-willed woman. She's also good with her bow and arrow btw. Plus, there's a huge surprise in the middle of the story, something that Johanna never expected!
Read Saving Grace... it's entertaining and thoroughly engaging! ”
“I love her historicals the most”
Patti G wrote this review Sunday, May 10 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“my first ever read novel...mesmerized by it....”
ma. sheila a wrote this review Monday, March 30 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Married to a wealthy and powerful baron at a young age, Lady Johanna lived a rather solitary life, trapped in a loveless marriage with an abusive and oppressive husband. Made to feel worthless, she kept her agony a secret, opting to suffer in silence while praying fervently to God for salvation. Then one day, she thought that her prayers are finally answered when she hears the news that her husband, Baron Raulf, is dead. But it doesn't take long before she is faced with another catastrophe for King John intends to marry her off to another baron, one whom she fears and abhors. When her brother, Nicholas, hears of the king's intentions, he convinces Johanna to marry a Scottish laird whom he holds in high regard, for he knows that Johanna's life is in danger if she stays in England because she holds some knowledge that will incriminate the king.
Michelle wrote this review Saturday, February 28 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
Born illegitimate, Gabriel MacBain carried the taint of his bastardry for a long time. Never once acknowledged by his father, Laird MacLaurin, he learned to fend for himself growing up to be a respected and esteemed warrior. When an English army attacked the Highlands, his late father's clan turned to him and he became Laird over the two clans, the MacBains and the MacLaurins. When Nicholas approaches him offering his sister's hand in marriage, he adamantly says no, but upon realizing that Johanna had a legitimate claim on their land, he reluctantly agrees and secretly vows to stay away from his future wife after they marry.
But both are in for a surprise for it doesn't take long before their initial hesitation leads to acceptance of each other. While Gabriel thought that Johanna was too timid for his liking, he realized that this was the effect of her abusive marriage, and immediately felt an overwhelming need to protect her. As for Johanna, she quickly realizes that underneath the gruff exterior lays a tender and kind-hearted man who will respect and keep her safe. And it was good seeing Johanna come out of her shell and learn to stand up for herself. Yes, she does start off quite timid from the start, but this is understandable considering her age and experience with her previous husband. That's why I liked how she managed to tame Gabriel's fearsome dog, earned the respect of his men and befriend the jealous women from the MacLaurin clan. And I especially enjoyed Gabriel's pride in her, and more importantly, the fact that he is the first one to admit his love for her and how much he needs for her to trust and love him.
SAVING GRACE is a medieval romance set in 13th century England and Scotland. Featuring great characters, I enjoyed seeing the love that blossomed between the Gabriel and Johanna. Their tenderness toward each other is something to cherish and, in the end, I was happy that Johanna has finally met her own archangel.
This is my first Julie Garwood book (indeed, a terrific introduction) and I look forward to reading more of her work. ”
“I love this book! Gabriel is your typical growling Highlander laird (me like) and Johanna is a beautiful English woman who hasn't had an easy life before marrying Gabriel. I've read it a couple of times in Dutch so I already knew the story, but everytime I read this book it makes happy.
Moon wrote this review Tuesday, December 23 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
When Lady Johanna learned that she was a widow, she vowed she would never marry again. Only sixteen, she possessed a strength of will that impressed all who looked past her golden-haired beauty. Yet when King John demanded that she remarry - and selected a bridegroom for her - it seemed she must acquiesce, until her beloved foster brother suggested she wed his friend, the handsome Scottish warrior Gabriel MacBain.
At first Johanna was shy, but as Gabriel tenderly revealed the splendid pleasures they would share, she came to suspect that she was falling in love with her gruff new husband. And it was soon apparent to the entire Highlands clan that their brusque, gallant laird had surrendered his heart completely. But now a desperate royal intrigue threatened to tear her from his side - and to destroy the man whose love meant more to her than she had ever dreamed...”
