JULIE GARWOOD
|| The Wedding || Come The Spring || Rebellious Desire
|| One Red Rose || One White Rose
|| One White Rose || One Pink Rose
|| The Wedding || For the Roses ||
Last review(s) added 2/23/98 The Wedding This is a terrific sequel to her book "The Bride".
Scotland, 12th century: In this time normally a man is looking for
a wife and not reversed. But, Lady Brenna was a little girl and she
didn't think about rules and so she proposes three times to Laird
Connor MacAlister. Now, years later, he wants to marry her but
only because Brenna is now to marry his enemy.
Connor kidnaps the dumbfounded Brenna who can't understand why a man
wants to marry her because of a proposal she made as a child. The
wedding takes place in the woods and all the highlanders have
blue color on their faces. So, here Connor learns for the first time
that he has a very high-spirited wife. The wedding itself isn't
over till Brenna is sure she does the right thing.
When the Laird takes his young wife to his castle, Brenna is
shocked. Only a lot of stone with no comfort. This is a new
task for her so from there she put in order Connors life and
home. Soon he realizes that he can't live anymore without Brenna
on his side and that they are in love, but his enemy wants to get
revenge.
A fabulous book with two fantastic characters. They are impetuous and
untamed. Fun and entertainment are guaranteed for the reader!
Come The Spring Historical
"Come The Spring" is quite an adventure. Not the typical romance for Julie Garwood. What I
come to expect in her books are exceptional romances complete with an abundance of hero and
heroine interaction. A building of a beautiful relationship. In "Come The Spring," the hero and
heroine don't meet up for quite some time. This is not to say that it wasn't good, only that I felt
extreme anticipation for the time the two would meet.
This story is also different in that you are never quite sure who the hero and heroine are going to
be. If you will remember in the previous Clayborne stories Daniel Ryan has "stolen" Cole's
compass. Well, you will find yourself bouncing back and forth trying to determine which one is
the hero Cole, Daniel, or maybe even Marshall Cooper (Daniel's friend). Not only the men, but
the women will throw you for a loop as well. (I did not read-up on this story, so I was going in blind.)
In the beginning a woman is narrating the story. She happens to be in the bank when there is a
robbery. It didn't dawn on me at first, but there is no mention of her name as she is re-telling the
story to the reader.
Eventually evidence is discovered that does place a woman in the bank at the time of the robbery.
Which then leads the men investigating to believe that the woman probably witnessed the killings.
Now, they have to figure out who it is and there just happens to be three suspects Jessica,
Grace, and Rebecca. In your mind you immediately try to pick out the main heroine. But, as the story
unfolds and all three women are protecting each other, you just aren't sure what to think. It
wasn't until the time that one of the guys starts noticing how attractive the heroine was that I
could finally guess which two might be the ones to get together. Of course, no one said that a romance
could only have one hero and heroine.
Quite a different story for sure, but never-the-less still romantic and definitely suspenseful. Don't
miss it if you are a Garwood fan.
Rated 5.0
Copyright 1996
Reviewed 2/21/98 by Isolde Wehr
Historical
Rated 4.5
ISBN# 0-671-00333-X
Copyright 1997
Reviewed 2/23/98
Back to the top
Rebellious Desire
Rated 4.5
Copyright 1986
Reviewed 10/26/97 by Isolde Wehr
Okay, okay I say it. I would not be able to give a Julie Garwood book a bad rating. One reason is that she is one of my favorite authors and the other is that she writes so good that I never would have such an idea.
Caroline Richmond has just arrives in England to meet her father which she hasn't seen for 14 years. On the trip to London she protect another traveler from robbers. The man is in the first moment more then amazed to get help from a woman. When another stranger rides up to the carriage, Caroline is willing to defend the wounded man. Jered Marcus Benton, Duke of Bredforn, is fascinated by the courage of the young woman who says she will shoot at his horse if he doesn't say who he is.
This is not the right beginning for a relationship, but Jered is impressed by Caroline. Back in London he search out any information he can get about her. Jered is sure that she also likes him. Between both develops a passionate fight in which they only can be together the winner if Jered will see that his feeling for Caroline is love, not only desire.
The duke is a stubborn fellow and Caroline needs strong nerves till he sees that the fight is superfluous.
A sparkling and funny tale. This story insists on jokes, humor, and a lot of good
mood. It shows again how good Julie Garwood is in her job.
Rated 5.0
ISBN# 0-671-01010-7
Copyright 1997
Reviewed 8/24/97 by Pam
Absolutely charming! Sensational with adoring characters. Julie Garwood has done it again. One just does not feel disappointment after reading one of the stories in the Clayborne Series.
"One Red Rose" is the tale of Adam Clayborne. He is a passionate man and romantic to boot! I was in love with him myself at the end of the story.
Genevieve Delacroix has a gift from God. But, her ability to sing and warm the heart of anyone within hearing distance has gotten her into some trouble. Who would expect anything less of a Clayborne than to assist someone in need.
Adam is that someone this time around. He knows that Genevieve is in trouble and wastes no time in tracking her down to try to help. What he doesn't expect is to fall in love along the way.
This is definitely a keeper and left me anxiously awaiting the last of the series,
"Come The Spring" which is due out this fall.
One Red Rose
Rated 5.0
Copyright 1997
Reviewed 7/27/97 by Anne-Marie
The last in the Clayborne brothers trilogy proved to be as good as the rest.
Adam is not escaping Mama Rose's plans to have him wed the beautiful and intelligent Genevieve Delacroix. Marriage is the last thing on his mind. Adam likes his life just the way it is.
Genevieve has been involved in something that she feels no longer makes her worthy to marry the honorable Adam. But, Genevieve will not tell Adam what her troubles are.
At a celebration, Adam watches Genevieve receive a telegram. Her reaction to the news is unsettling! Suddenly, she has left Rosehill. Adam finds the telegram and reads it. He no longer has a choice but to find Genevieve and rescue her.
The attraction between these two is strong and they fall in love.
This was a great read, but too short!! Can't wait till the conclusion of the
Clayborne Saga comes out in the fall. It had better be 300 or more pages!!
Rated 5.0
Copyright 1997
Reviewed 7/27/97 by Anne-Marie
This is the second novel in the trilogy of the Clayborne brothers. It involves Douglas Clayborne, the brother who possesses a quiet strength.
There is an evil man who has shot and killed Isabel Grant's husband and who now has guards everywhere to watch her every move. He wants to marry her and is determined to force Isabel into needing him to survive.
Then enters Douglas who is coming to check on the horse he was promised by Isabel's husband. He happens upon her in a rather unique situation. Douglas helps Isabel through the difficult time and feels a need to protect her from the danger that threatens her life.
This was another wonderful Garwood story that was definitely too short!!!
One White Rose
Rated 5.0
ISBN# 0-671-01009-3
Copyright 1997
Reviewed 6/28/97 by Pam
Passionate, charming and utterly delightful is the story of Douglas Clayborne and Isabel Grant. Julie Garwood is a master with words and "One White Rose" is no exception.
Isabel is all alone and doing whatever she can to keep the "bad guys" at bay. Douglas drops in to pick up an Arabian horse that he purchased from Isabel's husband. Quite a surprise is awaiting him upon his arrival to her cabin.
Isabel needs Douglas in more ways that one. He finds himself attracted to the red haired, freckle-faced beauty and protecting her becomes instinct.
A romance builds between the two, being stranded together for eight weeks does nothing to calm the sexual tension that builds during this time. Romantic to boot, Douglas is sensual and loving. His calling Isabel, Sugar, gave me goosebumps.
My only disappointment was the same as with "One Pink Rose," I wanted more.
A full-length novel would have suited me fine.
One Pink Rose
Rated 4.5
ISBN# - 0-671-01008-55
$2.99 U.S.; $3.99 Can
Copyright 6/97
Reviewed 5/18/97 by Pam Tullos
"One Pink Rose" is another charming tale written by Julie Garwood.
Travis Clayborne, the youngest of the Clayborne brothers is on a venture, thanks
to Mama Rose. All he has to do is deliver a young woman to her fiancé and then
go about his plans of finding a thief.
Emily Finnegan is in need of an escort to Golden Crest, Montana where her
fiancé awaits her arrival. Due to unusual circumstances, Emily has gone through
several escorts already. Who would be the next best escort? -- well the
handsome Travis Clayborne, of course.
This was a very cute story. I was not disappointed in the characters, they were
Garwood characters, that's for sure. Strong personalities and definitely a touch
of humor.
I just wanted more. 150 pages was not enough!
Rated 4.5
ISBN# - 0-671-01008-5
Copyright 1997
Reviewed 5/97 by Anne-Marie
This was a continuation of Julie's "For the Roses" historical romance. It picks up
the story line with Travis Clayborne. Julie is coming out with three of these
mini-books before she finally finishes the Clayborne story with "Come the
Spring" this fall. The other two mini-novels to be released soon are, "One Red
Rose" and "One White Rose."
This is a funny story. Lots of Garwood's humor and rich characters. Travis
loves his Mama Rose and would do anything for her. As a favor, he agrees to
escort a young Bostonian woman named Emily Finnegan to Golden Crest where
her fiancee awaits her. Previously, Emily was jilted at the alter. Her sister ran
away with her fiancee so this time she decides she will marry someone she
doesn't know or love so that she cannot be hurt like that again. She has only
gotten to know her new fiancee via letters.
Travis falls for Emily but at first he thinks it's just lusting. She is also drawn to
him and almost "gives in" to his demands. When she realizes her attraction to
this man she becomes concerned because she is after all engaged to be married.
You are going to love all the little curves this story throws at the hero and
heroine. I am a true blue Garwood fan and was not disappointed in this story.
Rated 5.0
SBN# - 0-671-87100-5
Copyright 1996
Reviewed 4/11/97 by Pam Tullos
If I had to choose one favorite author, it would be Julie Garwood. I wait
impatiently for her books to come out in paperback and this one has to be her
best yet. I was not in the least disappointed with this newest paperback release
"The Wedding." I say that after each of her books mind you, but this one is, after
all, perfect.
At each turn of events, each romantic, humorous, or loving scene, each
argument, and certainly each time Brenna declared "they were starting over," I
could only respond with a sigh. Everyone around me must think I am crazy.
Sigh.
Brenna is the 7th of eight children in her family, Gillian, William, Arthur,
Matilda, Joan, Rachel, Brenna and Faith. With a goal of securing land in
Scotland, her father pledges Brenna to Baron McNare.
Laird Connor MacAlister aims to steal McNare's bride before they can wed. A
long-running conflict sets him seeking revenge in the most effective way
possible. The best way to succeed is to steal the McNare's bride.
Lady Brenna does not baulk the marriage to Connor overly much. She did ask
him to marry her -- three times no less. She is strong, loving, warm-hearted,
caring, brave, forgetful in an endearing way, oh, I could go on an on.
Connor is cold and very set in his ways. He is determined to seek revenge on the
murderer of his father. At the advice of his dying father, he will love no woman
for he is sure to end up with a ailing heart.
Crispin and Quinlan are best-friends of Connor. They stand beside him
throughout the story and become entranced by Brenna as easily as Connor. The
only difference is they are willing to admit it and it takes Connor the entire book
to realize he love's his wife.
Each character is wonderful, enlightening, and enjoyable . They are superb and
highly delightful. There is, of course, a villain and villainess who receive their
do in the end.
A grand story by Garwood. I could not settle for less than a 5.0.
Rated 4.5
ISBN# 0-671-87098-X
$6.99
Reviewed 10/8/96 by Pam Tullos
Julie Garwood outdid herself again with "For The Roses." A feelings of warmness and compassion, and a sense of family are what you will feel surrounding the characters in the setting of this novel. These feelings will envelope you as well as you read through this charming and witty story. As usual Garwood's sense of humor, a large element you will find in all her novels, will again captivate you in the 561 pages of this historical romance.
Now, to tell you a little about the story itself. The prologue leads in with four young boys finding a small bundle of joy (along with some cash) amongst the trash in the alley they call home. They mutually agree that they should raise the baby themselves, so she will always feel wanted and part of a family. (The scene involving the discovery of the sex of the baby is sure to make you laugh.) They themselves have been separated from their parents for some reason or another and feel unwanted and unloved. Their present unhappiness and feelings of insecurity make them more determined to help Mary Rose Clayborne - the name they have chosen for the baby - have the best life possible with love all around her.
They do very well for her and their adventure brings them into a life not one of them had ever dreamed would be possible or that they would even be remotely part of.
Each chapter, including the first, flashes back with letters to their "mama." Many relay childhood antics of Mary Rose that leave you smiling. The story begins with them all grown up and the baby is now a young lady who has completed her schooling and is returning home to the ranch, Rosehill, which is located in a deep valley in the Montana Territory.
Well, now, who is the actual hero? One of her four big, burly brothers, Adam, Cole, Douglas or Travis, who will win your hearts after your first meeting with them, or Lord Harrison Stanford Macdonald, the "inept" gentleman making his way through town, maybe to stay? It's Harrison of course. But you will no doubt wish there was more to come for the four big brothers. (Maybe Garwood will surprise us with more of their lives in a future novel.)
Their mama, who you will only get to know through letters, is actually Adam's mother. None of his brothers nor Mary Rose has ever met her. This does not weaken the impact she has on their lives over the years. Even with all the rough times, each child is admired for their goodness. Mary Rose is a caring and loving individual. She's a helper of anyone in need. Adam is their leader and has taught them all how to read and write. Douglas loves animals and works with them so well they feel he has veterinary qualities. He even tends to their ailments on occasion. Travis is a thinker and debater. He asks all the questions and analyzes every situation. Cole is their brawn, their protector, he handles a gun with expertise.
Lord Harrison is a gentleman and a lawyer, who works for Lord Elliott. He is in Montana on another search for Lady Victoria, daughter of Lord Elliott and Lady Agatha, who was kidnaped as an infant and never found. He has set himself up as an "inept" gentleman wanting to learn the ways of ranch life in order to get closer to Mary Rose Clayborne and her brothers. He needs to determine two things before he makes a move and reveals his real reason for being there. Is she the long lost Lady Victoria, and if she is, how did she end up with the four men she refers to as her brothers.
Mary Rose Clayborne takes in and mends every lost soul she finds. Whether they are ailing is some way, just in need of some help, or want friendship, her good heart insists she do what she can to help. She convinces her brothers to teach Lord Harrison everything they know about ranching, to help fix his "ineptness." She takes gift baskets to a disfigured woman who hides herself away from other people. And a classmate of hers ends up on her ranch in need of a place to stay.
Harrison plays the part of being inept so well, that getting Mary Rose to believe he isn't really that way is quite a challenge. After an act of bravery of his part, she just can't believe he possess the skills to be her savior, and insists he was just having a spell. Needless to say, this does nothing for his ego.
It isn't long before the brothers realize there is a serious attraction growing between their sister and Harrison. Adam insists on a promise from Harrison to respect Mary Rose's honor. He promises, but is put to the test almost immediately. Can he uphold his own honor and keep a promise? You'll have to read to find out. . .
Harrison's secret breaks through to the surface and threatens the security of family the Clayborne's have come to know and have had for many years now. Several challenges are set before them and could tear apart their loving family.
This is a very long book, but well worth your time. You will read your way
through the typical good guys, along with some bad guys, and Harrison will do
his best to save the day.
