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Saving Grace
Updated cover of this Kindle edition.
When Lady Johanna learned that she was a widow, she vowed she would never marry again. Only sixteen, already 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!
When Lady Johanna learned that she was a widow, she vowed she would never marry again. Only sixteen, already 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!
436 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 1993
1460 people are currently reading
11637 people want to read
About the author
Julie Garwood
151 books12.5k followersWith more than 35 million books in print and 26 NEW YORK TIMES bestsellers, Julie Garwood has earned a position among America's favorite fiction writers.
Born and raised in Kansas City, MO, Ms. Garwood attributes much of her success to growing up in a large family of Irish heritage. "The Irish are great storytellers who relish getting all of the details and nuances of every situation. Add in the fact that I was the sixth of seven children. Early in life, I learned that self expression had to be forceful, imaginative, and quick," says Ms. Garwood.
She began her writing career when the youngest of her three children entered school. After the publications of two young-adult books, she turned her talents to historical fiction. Her first novel, GENTLE WARRIOR, was published by Pocket Books in 1985. Since then, she has branched into other genres including contemporary romantic suspense. Today, her name appears regularly on the bestseller lists of every major publication in the country, and her books are translated into dozens of languages around the world. Her bestselling novel FOR THE ROSES was adapted for the HALLMARK HALL OF FAME television movie ROSE HILL.
Ms. Garwood lives in Leawood, KS and is currently working on her next novel.
Born and raised in Kansas City, MO, Ms. Garwood attributes much of her success to growing up in a large family of Irish heritage. "The Irish are great storytellers who relish getting all of the details and nuances of every situation. Add in the fact that I was the sixth of seven children. Early in life, I learned that self expression had to be forceful, imaginative, and quick," says Ms. Garwood.
She began her writing career when the youngest of her three children entered school. After the publications of two young-adult books, she turned her talents to historical fiction. Her first novel, GENTLE WARRIOR, was published by Pocket Books in 1985. Since then, she has branched into other genres including contemporary romantic suspense. Today, her name appears regularly on the bestseller lists of every major publication in the country, and her books are translated into dozens of languages around the world. Her bestselling novel FOR THE ROSES was adapted for the HALLMARK HALL OF FAME television movie ROSE HILL.
Ms. Garwood lives in Leawood, KS and is currently working on her next novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,254 reviews
April 22, 2021
He leaned down, kissed the top of her head, and then whispered, “’Tis the truth, I am pleased I married you.”
Saving Grace has easily become one of my favorite historical romances. I’m pretty sure I had a dorky smile on my face the whole time I was reading this book. It was plot driven, character driven and so humorous! The story begins with the death of Lady Johanna’s piece of CRAP husband and her second marriage to a Scottish warrior, Gabriel MacBain. Throughout the course of the book, so many things unfold and we get to watch these lovable characters navigate the predicaments around them, as well as their interesting marriage.
Johanna was so lovable! She’s definitely the type of person I would love to befriend. She starts off rather timid because of the trauma she had to face at the hands of her late husband, but we slowly see that she possesses a quiet resilience and stubbornness. I really enjoyed seeing the way Johanna treated those around her – the friendships that she forged, the way she dealt with those in the clan that were making life difficult for her and her loving acceptance of Alex (Gabriel’s son). Seeing her flourish throughout the book was such a heart-warming journey that was such a delight to follow.
Gabriel was surprisingly more tender hearted than I was expecting. He was brutish and bossy most of the time but so thoughtful when it came to dealing with Johanna, even though it didn't always come across that way. He definitely orders Johanna around a lot and I know it annoyed some readers, but I thought it was so funny! I mean, it was really just his way of caring for her.
“…Alex and I would be lost without you. You’re the center of our family, Johanna. I’ve known that truth for a long while. I think that is why I was a bit overprotective. I wanted to keep you under lock and key so nothing would happen to you.”
Johanna and Gabriel were so sweet together. Seeing them try to figure each other out was so amusing! I loved seeing Gabriel try and prove himself to Johanna time and time again, showing her that he's not the same as her late husband. The way they grew to love each other was just so endearing, it made me so emotional and teary-eyed! I truly loved every moment of their romance.
Side note: If you prefer your HR to be more historically accurate, then you might want to skip this one as Saving Grace certainly has more of an anachronistic and modern feel to it. There's a lot of feminist ideas sprinkled throughout the story, and it's very prevalent in Johanna's character! I personally don't mind it...
Overall, Saving Grace was everything I've ever wanted in a Highlander romance. I honestly loved it so much and I can't wait to read this book again! If you’re looking for a funny HR with strong characters and an engaging plot that never stops, then I’d highly recommend this book!
Rating: 5/5
March 7, 2017
From the blurb, you might get the mistaken impression that the heroine is strong and smart. She's not. She's TSTL!
Yeah, it's contagious.
She never understands anything and is constantly asking for explanations from everyone. Strangely, this stupidity is mistaken often for cunning thinking. The men in her life are often thinking that she is purposely acting dumb in order to achieve her purpose. But, she's not. She's just dumb. That annoyed the crap out of me.
The dog in the book was smarter than her.
But, I have to admit that the book had its moments of funny.
"She is matchmaking," Keith announced.
It was as though he'd just shouted the alarm that they were under siege. The soldiers literally jumped from their stools. They bowed to Johanna and left the room in the space of a single minute. She didn't even have enough time to order them back into their seats.”
Yes, she is subtle in her matchmaking skills. This goes to show you that women have been matchmaking since the 1200's at least (although I'm sure cavewomen were telling their sons that they should bash a certain girl over the head and bring her home.)
Why do we do it, ladies? Is it Disney's fault? Is it Jane Austen's fault? Because we all know that a single man with a large fortune must be in want of a wife.
I admit that I was one of the worst matchmakers of my day. I set-up all my friends with other friends. Whenever I met a guy I was mentally picturing which of my friends he would best fit with. I'm not much better now. My schemey little mind is always thinking about which of my brilliant young goodreads friends would be good for my son who is now 20. Seriously, he's brilliant, hilarious, and adorable. Anybody????
Let me know.
But, about the book. It was set in an earlier time period than I like. No balls. No ton. And, probably even dirtier than I'm used to trying to ignore when I read HR. It was interesting, but I'm not in a rush to read more about this era. Just knowing all their grandkids probably died in the plague is depressing enough.
Yeah, it's contagious.
She never understands anything and is constantly asking for explanations from everyone. Strangely, this stupidity is mistaken often for cunning thinking. The men in her life are often thinking that she is purposely acting dumb in order to achieve her purpose. But, she's not. She's just dumb. That annoyed the crap out of me.
The dog in the book was smarter than her.
But, I have to admit that the book had its moments of funny.
"She is matchmaking," Keith announced.
It was as though he'd just shouted the alarm that they were under siege. The soldiers literally jumped from their stools. They bowed to Johanna and left the room in the space of a single minute. She didn't even have enough time to order them back into their seats.”
Yes, she is subtle in her matchmaking skills. This goes to show you that women have been matchmaking since the 1200's at least (although I'm sure cavewomen were telling their sons that they should bash a certain girl over the head and bring her home.)
Why do we do it, ladies? Is it Disney's fault? Is it Jane Austen's fault? Because we all know that a single man with a large fortune must be in want of a wife.
I admit that I was one of the worst matchmakers of my day. I set-up all my friends with other friends. Whenever I met a guy I was mentally picturing which of my friends he would best fit with. I'm not much better now. My schemey little mind is always thinking about which of my brilliant young goodreads friends would be good for my son who is now 20. Seriously, he's brilliant, hilarious, and adorable. Anybody????
Let me know.
But, about the book. It was set in an earlier time period than I like. No balls. No ton. And, probably even dirtier than I'm used to trying to ignore when I read HR. It was interesting, but I'm not in a rush to read more about this era. Just knowing all their grandkids probably died in the plague is depressing enough.
December 5, 2022
4,5 💖💖💖💖🌟🌟🌟🌟s❣️
There are so many reviews for this story that there is nothing left to comment on.
I loved Johanna and Gabriel’s journey!!! It was engrossing, beautiful, heartwarming and even had some funny moments.
I will definitely re-read it in the future and I wish JG had written the stories of the secondary characters.
There are so many reviews for this story that there is nothing left to comment on.
I loved Johanna and Gabriel’s journey!!! It was engrossing, beautiful, heartwarming and even had some funny moments.
I will definitely re-read it in the future and I wish JG had written the stories of the secondary characters.
December 30, 2024
December 30, 2024 review: Honestly, this is still one of my favorite romance books. I loved what Garwood did here and I always wished that she had gone back to revisit these characters but she never did. Johanna was and continues to be one of my favorite romance heroines because we get to see her change over time Garwood slowly over months shapes her. I always used to get annoyed in some of the regency romances when you had two people after knowing each other for a week deciding they wanted to be together. This book starts off as a marriage of convenience with Johanna slow to trust Gabriel for obvious reasons. The book works in the nefarious plots, her having to deal with gaining the clan's trust, and Gabriel starting to realize he needs and loves her very well. I absolutely adored the ending.
July 26, 2022 Review: I tend to re-read this book anytime I am sad or upset. It's been about 3 years and definitely needed this historical romance that introduced me what good romance writing can do. I honestly wish that Garwood had continued on with Johanna and Gabriel's story in a subsequent book, or maybe followed Johanna's brother Nicholas, but the ending to this book is always a great gut punch. Taking place 10 years after the start of this book we can daydream about what Johanna and Gabriel's life looks like now.
Original Review:I read this for Romance Book Bingo 2017: Man in a Kilt square.
I have to have some happy right now and this book is it. I have been reading this since I was 12 or 13 and still have a copy of it on my shelves. The heroine (Johanna) kicks butt. The hero (Gabriel) kicks butt. We actually have a hero/heroine who thank God do not have any rape scenes between them. They reluctantly fall in love with each other which I thought was hilarious. The little family between Johanna, Gabriel, and Gabriel's son was so cute. I was so happy with them. And then we have Judith's foster brother Nicholas and I maybe swooned a bit there.
Johanna was married when she was a child (typical for the time period) and her first husband is a wife beater and also apparently raped and harmed other women. When her husband is believed dead, she is commanded to remarry by King John. She agrees to marry a man her foster brother believes will protect her and also come to love her. That man is Gabriel MacBain, who is in charge of two clans who have recently come together after the death of his father.
Johanna wins my heart when on her wedding day when she freaks out over saying obey in her vows and wants to reword them or she's not going to marry. Gabriel who pretty much has enough of that, decides he is going to marry Judith (it's pretty much lust in first sight for the guy).
Johanna is very interesting though. Even though she appears meek and timid, we find out that she learns to read since it is forbidden for women at the time. She has a hard time reconciling the Church's teachings that she is less worth an oxen and that her husband beating her is okay. There is a scene with a rival clan where Johanna is like a freaking Valkyrie and it was awesome.
We do find out about Gabriel's background and his constant struggle to lead his clan due to issues that happened with Gabriel's father not claiming him. He is trying his best to get the two clans to come together, but the backbiting and refusal to trust one another is slowly tearing everything apart. Who knew that Johanna in the end will get them to ultimately come together.
I loved the secondary characters in this one a lot. We have Johanna's brother, servants galore, and Gabriel's trusted men. We also get to see though that Johanna though she may be timid around people, does not lack any backbone. And she decides after her first terrible marriage, she is not going to be beaten by anyone ever again.
The romance between Gabriel and Johanna is great. The love scenes were excellent and I did love it when Johanna starts getting demanding in bed. Hey, orgasms are great.
The writing and flow also works. Though I will say that towards the end things felt a little bit rushed and melodramatic. I didn't care because I was cheering things the whole time. Evil is slayed (temporarily) and we know that Johanna and Gabriel will get their happily ever after.
The book takes place during the 1200s so there was definitely issues aplenty between the Highlands (Scotland) and England at the time. I really enjoyed how Garwood weaved the politics of the day (King John being seen as a murderer and usurper) and how it all tied things together with Johanna. I maybe cheered when the evil priest gets his due in the end as he lays dying and calls out for his mother. I sure as heck toasted.
I also read this for Cannonball Read 14 Book Bingo. This fits the following bingo circle:
Gaslight: Set in a historical period before electricity was common; an unreliable narrator; lying liars who lie are involved; politics.
This definitely fits since this book takes place in 1200 in England/Scotland so there is no electricity, there is also a huge subplot dealing with the politics of the day with King John and the anger that the barons had concerning him during this period. Some readers may not know, but some of the fictional actions in this book are looped into real events with King John dealing with the rebellion of barons under him which led to the Magna Carta. This book has King John secretly killing his nephew Arthur.
July 26, 2022 Review: I tend to re-read this book anytime I am sad or upset. It's been about 3 years and definitely needed this historical romance that introduced me what good romance writing can do. I honestly wish that Garwood had continued on with Johanna and Gabriel's story in a subsequent book, or maybe followed Johanna's brother Nicholas, but the ending to this book is always a great gut punch. Taking place 10 years after the start of this book we can daydream about what Johanna and Gabriel's life looks like now.
Original Review:I read this for Romance Book Bingo 2017: Man in a Kilt square.
I have to have some happy right now and this book is it. I have been reading this since I was 12 or 13 and still have a copy of it on my shelves. The heroine (Johanna) kicks butt. The hero (Gabriel) kicks butt. We actually have a hero/heroine who thank God do not have any rape scenes between them. They reluctantly fall in love with each other which I thought was hilarious. The little family between Johanna, Gabriel, and Gabriel's son was so cute. I was so happy with them. And then we have Judith's foster brother Nicholas and I maybe swooned a bit there.
Johanna was married when she was a child (typical for the time period) and her first husband is a wife beater and also apparently raped and harmed other women. When her husband is believed dead, she is commanded to remarry by King John. She agrees to marry a man her foster brother believes will protect her and also come to love her. That man is Gabriel MacBain, who is in charge of two clans who have recently come together after the death of his father.
Johanna wins my heart when on her wedding day when she freaks out over saying obey in her vows and wants to reword them or she's not going to marry. Gabriel who pretty much has enough of that, decides he is going to marry Judith (it's pretty much lust in first sight for the guy).
Johanna is very interesting though. Even though she appears meek and timid, we find out that she learns to read since it is forbidden for women at the time. She has a hard time reconciling the Church's teachings that she is less worth an oxen and that her husband beating her is okay. There is a scene with a rival clan where Johanna is like a freaking Valkyrie and it was awesome.
We do find out about Gabriel's background and his constant struggle to lead his clan due to issues that happened with Gabriel's father not claiming him. He is trying his best to get the two clans to come together, but the backbiting and refusal to trust one another is slowly tearing everything apart. Who knew that Johanna in the end will get them to ultimately come together.
I loved the secondary characters in this one a lot. We have Johanna's brother, servants galore, and Gabriel's trusted men. We also get to see though that Johanna though she may be timid around people, does not lack any backbone. And she decides after her first terrible marriage, she is not going to be beaten by anyone ever again.
The romance between Gabriel and Johanna is great. The love scenes were excellent and I did love it when Johanna starts getting demanding in bed. Hey, orgasms are great.
The writing and flow also works. Though I will say that towards the end things felt a little bit rushed and melodramatic. I didn't care because I was cheering things the whole time. Evil is slayed (temporarily) and we know that Johanna and Gabriel will get their happily ever after.
The book takes place during the 1200s so there was definitely issues aplenty between the Highlands (Scotland) and England at the time. I really enjoyed how Garwood weaved the politics of the day (King John being seen as a murderer and usurper) and how it all tied things together with Johanna. I maybe cheered when the evil priest gets his due in the end as he lays dying and calls out for his mother. I sure as heck toasted.
I also read this for Cannonball Read 14 Book Bingo. This fits the following bingo circle:
Gaslight: Set in a historical period before electricity was common; an unreliable narrator; lying liars who lie are involved; politics.
This definitely fits since this book takes place in 1200 in England/Scotland so there is no electricity, there is also a huge subplot dealing with the politics of the day with King John and the anger that the barons had concerning him during this period. Some readers may not know, but some of the fictional actions in this book are looped into real events with King John dealing with the rebellion of barons under him which led to the Magna Carta. This book has King John secretly killing his nephew Arthur.
March 23, 2016
I've read one other book by Julie Garwood. I wasn't that impressed with it, and after this one, I don't think I'll give her any more chances to wow me. There's a pervading sense of insult throughout this entire story. I feel like it's insulting to abused woman, insulting to alpha males, and insulting to highland Scots. Every single character is a caricature, and the humor relies entirely on the farcical, which gets damned annoying. It's also too long. Garwoood took the thinnest concept for a plot and managed to stretch it out to over 400 mediocre pages. The interactions between Johanna and Gabriel consisted of Gabriel grunting and uttering the proverbial "Me man, you woman, you shut up and do as man say", to which Johanna would respond with a sigh and/or eyeroll, then walk away...or, worse, start petting Gabriel to calm him down.
Like he's her fucking pet.
It's weird. And it's boring. And did I mention it's insulting?
Like he's her fucking pet.
It's weird. And it's boring. And did I mention it's insulting?
November 6, 2011
Having heard such high praise about this book, I had sky-high expectations and expected to be blown away by it. Unfortunately, that didn't happen - not in the firsst half of the story, anyway. It took me a long time to like Gabriel - too arrogant and distant - and Johanna - too ditzy and scared. At one point, I was ready to scream if he told her to rest one more time! That was funny at first, like a recurring joke, but it got old pretty fast - probably because she didn't put a stop to it soon enough to suit me. Considering what she'd gone through during her first marriage, when she'd been a silent victim of spousal abuse, I completely understood her fears when it came to Gabriel, who was this "big and bad" Highland warrior, and I knew she needed time to get over them so I gave her some slack, but I couldn't wait to see her grow some spine. When she finally did... Wow, it was like I was reading another book! It was funny, touching, action-packed, everything I had expected to find at first, and I could not put the book down. Wonderful save, Ms. Garwood! :)
Now, addressing the age issue that had me concerned before I started reading this book... Unless I missed it, neither Gabriel's nor Johanna's age was mentioned in the story. Aside from her brother saying that she had gotten married the first time when she was “still a child”, there was not other clue in the book and I only “knew” she was sixteen years old at the beginning of story because I read the book description. I know this is a minor detail and it shouldn't have bothered me, but it did. I like knowing how old the H/h are, especially if one of them is that young.
All in all, this was another very good story by Ms. Garwood, and she's now officially one of my favorite authors.
Now, addressing the age issue that had me concerned before I started reading this book... Unless I missed it, neither Gabriel's nor Johanna's age was mentioned in the story. Aside from her brother saying that she had gotten married the first time when she was “still a child”, there was not other clue in the book and I only “knew” she was sixteen years old at the beginning of story because I read the book description. I know this is a minor detail and it shouldn't have bothered me, but it did. I like knowing how old the H/h are, especially if one of them is that young.
All in all, this was another very good story by Ms. Garwood, and she's now officially one of my favorite authors.
March 10, 2019
3.5 Stars
Overall Opinion: I got this book off the GR list for highlander romances, and it was an enjoyable read. If anyone has any other recommendations for highlander romances -- I'd love to hear them (because the list was kind of lacking)! I really liked both characters and I liked their banter with each other, which are both things that I think Ms. Garwood does well with her HR books. I'm going to drop my rating because of the pacing at first and the lackluster epilogue, but otherwise it was a solid HR read!
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Johanna and Gabriel's story. Johanna is a young English widow that is in need of a new husband to protect her from the King. Gabriel is in need of having the rites to the land that should be his but is in the possession of Johanna from her dead husband, so they agree to marry. It is obvious to Gabriel that Johanna's past husband didn't treat her right, so he instantly goes into protective mode with her. Johanna feels free for the first time and has to learn to truly be herself. There is some clan and country drama, a few sexy times, and some sweet scenes...and they get a HEA ending.
POV: This alternated between focusing on Johanna (mainly) and Gabriel in 3rd person narrative, but does focus on some other side characters.
Overall Pace of Story: Good. I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well. The beginning did start out rather slow though and I found it hard to keep my interest.
Instalove: No, they take a little while to develop stronger feelings.
H rating: 4.5 stars. Gabriel. I really liked him. He was all bark and no bite when it came to the h, and I loved how he accepted people when others wouldn't.
h rating: 4.5 stars. Johanna. I really liked her. I appreciated her strength even when she was scared and had a bad past, and I appreciated how she cared for others unconditionally (like Alex).
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: No
Heat level: Good. They have some good tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story. Pretty minimal and on par with HR in my opinion.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW/OM drama: Yes **BIG SPOILER**
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No
Separation: No
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: While the (super short) epilogue did give us some fun closure, it wasn't about the h and H! I wanted a farther glimpse into their HEA with maybe ! I still will call this a HEA, but I definitely wanted more.
Safety: This one should be Safe for most safety gang readers
Overall Opinion: I got this book off the GR list for highlander romances, and it was an enjoyable read. If anyone has any other recommendations for highlander romances -- I'd love to hear them (because the list was kind of lacking)! I really liked both characters and I liked their banter with each other, which are both things that I think Ms. Garwood does well with her HR books. I'm going to drop my rating because of the pacing at first and the lackluster epilogue, but otherwise it was a solid HR read!
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Johanna and Gabriel's story. Johanna is a young English widow that is in need of a new husband to protect her from the King. Gabriel is in need of having the rites to the land that should be his but is in the possession of Johanna from her dead husband, so they agree to marry. It is obvious to Gabriel that Johanna's past husband didn't treat her right, so he instantly goes into protective mode with her. Johanna feels free for the first time and has to learn to truly be herself. There is some clan and country drama, a few sexy times, and some sweet scenes...and they get a HEA ending.
POV: This alternated between focusing on Johanna (mainly) and Gabriel in 3rd person narrative, but does focus on some other side characters.
Overall Pace of Story: Good. I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well. The beginning did start out rather slow though and I found it hard to keep my interest.
Instalove: No, they take a little while to develop stronger feelings.
H rating: 4.5 stars. Gabriel. I really liked him. He was all bark and no bite when it came to the h, and I loved how he accepted people when others wouldn't.
h rating: 4.5 stars. Johanna. I really liked her. I appreciated her strength even when she was scared and had a bad past, and I appreciated how she cared for others unconditionally (like Alex).
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: No
Heat level: Good. They have some good tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story. Pretty minimal and on par with HR in my opinion.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW/OM drama: Yes **BIG SPOILER**
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No
Separation: No
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: While the (super short) epilogue did give us some fun closure, it wasn't about the h and H! I wanted a farther glimpse into their HEA with maybe ! I still will call this a HEA, but I definitely wanted more.
Safety: This one should be Safe for most safety gang readers
October 21, 2022
This remains an enjoyable light HR, both the main characters are more than likeable - Highland warrior Gabriel McBain, and Johanna, who was married at a young to an abusive turd. So in her second marriage to Gabriel it takes her sometime to find her feet, both hesitantly falling in love.
Initially Johanna appears timid but it quickly becomes clear that Garwood has imbuded Johanna with steel. Gabriel is a fab match for her.
Garwood has created moments that will have you laughing/smiling, and the end is one I always enjoy. Wonderfully, all the people in this book, who deserve to be slapped with some serious karma really do.
One of many Garwood's HR books I re-read.
Initially Johanna appears timid but it quickly becomes clear that Garwood has imbuded Johanna with steel. Gabriel is a fab match for her.
Garwood has created moments that will have you laughing/smiling, and the end is one I always enjoy. Wonderfully, all the people in this book, who deserve to be slapped with some serious karma really do.
One of many Garwood's HR books I re-read.
April 11, 2022
I wanted to love this one so much. We have a British woman marrying a Scottish laird and it's Julie Garwood! This book has so many rave reviews! But I found it more boring than anything else. The heroine's husband dies and he was very abusive. Because the heroine now has his lands, the hero wants to marry her to have control of those lands for his people. Gabriel is very kind and nothing like Johanna's first husband. I enjoyed the beginning when they got married and Johanna learned to trust Gabriel. But he kept on yelling at her to rest and not do anything. And this goes on for hundreds of pages. We have one scene where Johanna goes hunting and things get intense. But then more nothing happens until the end where everything goes down in about 30 pages. I had such a hard time getting through this book. The romance was cute, but the plot left me wanting so much more.
July 15, 2023
As some of you may or may not know, my favourite author, Julie Garwood, passed away last month. Garwood introduced me to HR and I will forever be thankful for that. She had given me and countless other amazing heroes and heroines to read and love. Rest in Peace, Garwood.
To pay tribute to this loss, I finished my last re-read of her HR collection with Saving Grace.
I remember the first time I read this that I started out a bit reluctant because I don't usually read widowed heroines. I thought it would make her lose all her wonder and innocence characteristics which I liked and Garwood specialized at. But Johanna, our heroine, has all of that! So during this re-read, I savoured every bit of humour and cheesy scenes.
"I won't have her disappointed either. She trained me to be a good wife." She put her hands on her hips and waited. Her husband didn't have anything to say. "Well?" she demanded when he stubbornly remained silent.
He let out a sigh. "Well, what?"
"You're supposed to tell me I'm a good wife," she cried out, her frustration evident.
"All right," he soothed. "You're a good wife."
She shook her head. "No, I'm not," she admitted.
He rolled his eyes heavenward.
Johanna and Gabriel are one hell of a pair. Gabriel is a little overprotective at times, and I understand that. He was scared Johanna would die because she looks weak. He had been dreaming of a family and he thinks it would only be a fantasy, but then Johanna came and he was surprised. Unlike Garwood's usual hero who often tried to hide their affections, Gabriel was open. He didn't care who's watching and liked to show that he cared, and his way of taking care of her is so funny because he didn't know anything. It's cute how he was so frustrated over her continuing to have adventures.
"Aye, you could have been killed, wife."
She smiled. It wasn't the reaction he'd hoped to gain. How could he ever teach her caution if she didn't understand the dangers all around her?
He scowled with frustration. "I have been trying to get used to having a wife, Johanna. You make the adjustment difficult. Why in God's name are you smiling?"
I do admit that it is slow and cringey at times with the "Love conquers all" message, and the heroine sometimes did stupid things (a bit inconsistent, even), but still, we get to see them grow together as a character and a couple amidst distracting clansmen events and that growth is spectacular.
It is a sweet read. Slow? Yes, but sweet and cute nonetheless. Of course, some will be bothered/bored by the pacing and plot, but rather than boring, I find it relaxing. So if you're not easily bored and need to take things slow with a calmer read, this one's for you. It has that Garwood touch to it, and with everything going on, I needed that familiarity.
You will be missed, Garwood!
To pay tribute to this loss, I finished my last re-read of her HR collection with Saving Grace.
I remember the first time I read this that I started out a bit reluctant because I don't usually read widowed heroines. I thought it would make her lose all her wonder and innocence characteristics which I liked and Garwood specialized at. But Johanna, our heroine, has all of that! So during this re-read, I savoured every bit of humour and cheesy scenes.
"I won't have her disappointed either. She trained me to be a good wife." She put her hands on her hips and waited. Her husband didn't have anything to say. "Well?" she demanded when he stubbornly remained silent.
He let out a sigh. "Well, what?"
"You're supposed to tell me I'm a good wife," she cried out, her frustration evident.
"All right," he soothed. "You're a good wife."
She shook her head. "No, I'm not," she admitted.
He rolled his eyes heavenward.
Johanna and Gabriel are one hell of a pair. Gabriel is a little overprotective at times, and I understand that. He was scared Johanna would die because she looks weak. He had been dreaming of a family and he thinks it would only be a fantasy, but then Johanna came and he was surprised. Unlike Garwood's usual hero who often tried to hide their affections, Gabriel was open. He didn't care who's watching and liked to show that he cared, and his way of taking care of her is so funny because he didn't know anything. It's cute how he was so frustrated over her continuing to have adventures.
"Aye, you could have been killed, wife."
She smiled. It wasn't the reaction he'd hoped to gain. How could he ever teach her caution if she didn't understand the dangers all around her?
He scowled with frustration. "I have been trying to get used to having a wife, Johanna. You make the adjustment difficult. Why in God's name are you smiling?"
I do admit that it is slow and cringey at times with the "Love conquers all" message, and the heroine sometimes did stupid things (a bit inconsistent, even), but still, we get to see them grow together as a character and a couple amidst distracting clansmen events and that growth is spectacular.
It is a sweet read. Slow? Yes, but sweet and cute nonetheless. Of course, some will be bothered/bored by the pacing and plot, but rather than boring, I find it relaxing. So if you're not easily bored and need to take things slow with a calmer read, this one's for you. It has that Garwood touch to it, and with everything going on, I needed that familiarity.
You will be missed, Garwood!
December 2, 2021
Wanted to enjoy a cute HF, this what not it. Full review to come.
December 10, 2021
3.5 stars
im having a jolly time making my way through the entire of Julie Garwoods HR collection, but this one is a little bit on the miss side of the hit or miss scale. i didnt vibe with the h. for some reason, i found her attempts at Englishizing (??) the Highlands people to be a little beyond her place??? i mean, she was just teaching them some manners, and she was the lairds wife, so it was well within her rights, but at the same time i feel like she was trying to change them, and it didnt sit well with me. although, i do have to admit, there were some funny moments that resulted from that.
also, i wasnt so keen on the side plot that had some woman lying about being “ruined” by one of the man in the clans and that she was “pregnant.” idk i feel like i judged these ladies rather harshly when they were just trying to stand up for themselves and protect their person in any way they could, but... oh well, sue me for being picky and difficult. 🤷♀️ i enjoyed the romance well enough, but there wasnt much in the way of plot. like the whole thing about the h’s “state secret” and her abusive ex-husband didnt come into play until the third act. not that it was a problem.
its rather common in a Julie Garwood book. but i feel compelled to nitpick the plot just cause i wasnt comepletely enamored by the romance. anyway, brownie points for the h’s character development. i still didnt vibe with her, but that doesnt mean i couldnt recognize her risilience and how she grew from timid to a stronger, more stubborn, and outspoken individual. also brownie points for the H and his son. oh, and the ending was spectacular and quite powerful too. the way the h took back her power... yes, queen! sorta reminded me of Khaleesi the Breaker of Chains.
(read as an audiobook)
im having a jolly time making my way through the entire of Julie Garwoods HR collection, but this one is a little bit on the miss side of the hit or miss scale. i didnt vibe with the h. for some reason, i found her attempts at Englishizing (??) the Highlands people to be a little beyond her place??? i mean, she was just teaching them some manners, and she was the lairds wife, so it was well within her rights, but at the same time i feel like she was trying to change them, and it didnt sit well with me. although, i do have to admit, there were some funny moments that resulted from that.
also, i wasnt so keen on the side plot that had some woman lying about being “ruined” by one of the man in the clans and that she was “pregnant.” idk i feel like i judged these ladies rather harshly when they were just trying to stand up for themselves and protect their person in any way they could, but... oh well, sue me for being picky and difficult. 🤷♀️ i enjoyed the romance well enough, but there wasnt much in the way of plot. like the whole thing about the h’s “state secret” and her abusive ex-husband didnt come into play until the third act. not that it was a problem.
its rather common in a Julie Garwood book. but i feel compelled to nitpick the plot just cause i wasnt comepletely enamored by the romance. anyway, brownie points for the h’s character development. i still didnt vibe with her, but that doesnt mean i couldnt recognize her risilience and how she grew from timid to a stronger, more stubborn, and outspoken individual. also brownie points for the H and his son. oh, and the ending was spectacular and quite powerful too. the way the h took back her power... yes, queen! sorta reminded me of Khaleesi the Breaker of Chains.
(read as an audiobook)
August 11, 2011
Where to begin?
In fear of sounding pathetic, I'd have to say that Julie's Saving Grace found me.
My aunt works in a hotel, and they always find books left behind (I know, blasphemers!). They store them neatly in shelves and, my guess is, wait for someone to take them home.
I was 9 or 10 at the time, when she brought me in to pick something out for myself.
English being a foreign language and all, I really didn't know which one to pick, so I reached my hand into the back of the shelf and fished out Saving Grace.
I don't have to tell you this was my fist love and I've beed a Garwood fan ever since.
My childhood was not a happy one, so books started to be an escape for me - friends that were there to make me laugh, cry and envision love (I had yet to experience :D) as brave and unwavering.
For a while there Julie's were the only novels I've read. :D
Needless to say, my Julie Garwood shelf, and Saving Grace, is a personal favorite, especially now, when it's too hot outside, so I revisit the Highlands and meet my dear old friends.
Thank you, Julie.
You've ignited a passion for reading in me and I will be eternally grateful for your books.
Oh yes. I'm a graduate student of English literature now, all thanks to this book that made me love English so much.
Time to go back to my book. :)
In fear of sounding pathetic, I'd have to say that Julie's Saving Grace found me.
My aunt works in a hotel, and they always find books left behind (I know, blasphemers!). They store them neatly in shelves and, my guess is, wait for someone to take them home.
I was 9 or 10 at the time, when she brought me in to pick something out for myself.
English being a foreign language and all, I really didn't know which one to pick, so I reached my hand into the back of the shelf and fished out Saving Grace.
I don't have to tell you this was my fist love and I've beed a Garwood fan ever since.
My childhood was not a happy one, so books started to be an escape for me - friends that were there to make me laugh, cry and envision love (I had yet to experience :D) as brave and unwavering.
For a while there Julie's were the only novels I've read. :D
Needless to say, my Julie Garwood shelf, and Saving Grace, is a personal favorite, especially now, when it's too hot outside, so I revisit the Highlands and meet my dear old friends.
Thank you, Julie.
You've ignited a passion for reading in me and I will be eternally grateful for your books.
Oh yes. I'm a graduate student of English literature now, all thanks to this book that made me love English so much.
Time to go back to my book. :)
July 16, 2018
Ohh be demek istiyorum öncelikle. Bu kadını çevirmeyerek adeta hakaret ediyorlar bize bence. Tarihi aşk romanlarında sevdiğim ne varsa hepsi bu kitapta vardı, tekrar yazara hayran oldum. Sıkmıyor, gereksiz yanlış anlamalarla bizi yormuyor, salak salak gurur meseleleri yok... Zevk alarak okudum. Karakterler yine usta işi tabi ki. Çeviride tek sıkıntı birbirlerine hanım-bey olarak hitap etmeleri. Yani kuzey İskoçya'dan bahsediyoruz -woman diyor zannımca orijinalinde- Türk filmine çevirmeye ne gerek vardı diye düşünüyorum. Onun dışında akıcı bir çeviri olmuş.
October 15, 2022
I just read this for the millionth time and I still love it. Not as good as my favorite ,'Honors Splendor', but still better than anything I have read lately. Great possessive hero who was amazing, a strong heroine, and men in Kilts. Who wouldn't love this book. I loved Auggie and his love of the game that would eventually be called Golf. Sticks and rocks and holes. It was pretty cute. She had been married before but her husband was evil and beat her mercilessly. She was barren and totally unhappy, when she is told he died. Loved her reaction. She is then made to marry again by the bad king john and she got Gabriel who was so good to her. They fall in love and then a horrible truth comes out. will there be a war? You habe to read to find it out. Lol. So many great characters in this story. Glad I reread it.
October 3, 2024
Listened to the Audio 2/26/18: I enjoyed the narrator, though I wish she'd done a different voice for Gabriel. The story is just as stellar as ever.
Re-read 02/08/13 - LOVE!
How many times do you suppose I can re-read this and review it by saying LOVE!? Because I feel like this could go on forever.
Re-read 11/14/11 - LOVE!
This is one of my top 5 favorite Julie Garwood books. I absolutely adore everything about it from the setting to the characters.
The overall message - that women are just as important as men - could have become preachy, but it didn't. Johanna dealt with a lot during her first marriage and I like that Garwood addressed her issues. She was a strong character who really came into her own throughout this book. My heart ached for her and all she endured.
Gabriel I loved right from the beginning. His honor and strength were immediately evident, but it was his caring and compassion with Johanna that won me over.
Re-read 02/08/13 - LOVE!
How many times do you suppose I can re-read this and review it by saying LOVE!? Because I feel like this could go on forever.
Re-read 11/14/11 - LOVE!
This is one of my top 5 favorite Julie Garwood books. I absolutely adore everything about it from the setting to the characters.
The overall message - that women are just as important as men - could have become preachy, but it didn't. Johanna dealt with a lot during her first marriage and I like that Garwood addressed her issues. She was a strong character who really came into her own throughout this book. My heart ached for her and all she endured.
Gabriel I loved right from the beginning. His honor and strength were immediately evident, but it was his caring and compassion with Johanna that won me over.
September 8, 2019
One of my favourite books by Julie Garwood.
May 2, 2015
Summary
Lady Johanna has recently become a widow, and against her wishes King John has commanded that she marry a Scottish Laird Gabriel MacBain. A warrior and leader, a man who has combined the strength of two clans, separate but together in harmony. Johanna knows that she has little choice, but she refuses to be treated the way her previous husband treated her. So in the moment where she meets her future husband, she feels fear, but she also feels an attraction she can’t explain. She senses he is a man of honor and integrity and has a son that is in need of a mother. Johanna married The MacBain. But as a English woman she never realized the difference in living with Scots…their culture, way of manner and speaking, very different but full of zest and passion. There are changes to be done, and Johanna is willing to do whatever it takes to win the hearts of the two clans and bring them together as one clan, to charm the little boy who needs affection and love, and above all to win the heart of her gruff warrior MacBane, who needs her compassion and love in a life where he has only known duty and loyalty.
The Hero
Gabriel MacBain, is the laird over two clans, both the MacBains and the MacLaurin’s. He is illegitimate, but has proved himself to be a talented warrior and leader. The responsibility of bringing them together is not an easy task, but marrying a woman he doesn’t know, brings him land and a place of safety and security for his people and will protect them at all costs. Gabriel has a son Alec, but isn’t sure if he is his by blood, but he claims him wholeheartedly with no regrets. Gabriel is such a great hero, and plays the perfect role for Saving Grace. I just couldn’t get enough of his hard and gruff exterior, but on the inside he is as soft as a teddy bear at times. You see his loyalty and strength, and I admired his manner toward those he protected and care for. He respects the opinion of those in his clan.
The Heroine
Johanna, has a sweet and loving nature. And this nature comes natural to her. She hasn’t had a easy life since she got married. She believes that she is barren and unable to have children. Her first husband was not kind to her. But she grew up with a loving family. Johanna has quite the cunning mind, and I loved this heroine…she never ceased to surprise me. She is intelligent, and strong-willed, she stands on her own, and demands respect and affection. She doesn’t back down from standing firm in what she believes in. I loved her passion for life, and how she wants to help the clan as much as her husband does.
Plot and Story Line
I am in the process of re listening to all of Julie Garwood’s books, and I had such a fun time with Saving Grace. It has been way too long since I have had a chance to reconnect with this story, and I am still amazed in how much I truly loved this one. Saving Grace is an enriching romance that just had me listening as much as possible. The narrator is quite talented, and I loved her inflections. She handles the accents and various voices quite well. If you have yet to read Saving Grace or even listened to an audiobook from Julie Garwood…you are definitely missing out on something wonderful. Nothings brings me more joy than listening to one of her historical’s and we see such a charming and sweet romance. There are so many moments to love…I love how our heroine of the story fights for the clan in ways you don’t see coming. I love the scene where she teaches the men manners…and the throwing of dishes….spectacular. She is willful at times and a fighter, I love how this small timid woman stands up to these Scottish warriors. You gain respect for her pretty quickly. I also adored the little boy Alec….who is so in need of some good mothering. I love how he reacts to Johanna and they bond to each other pretty quickly. The story has a deep plot at times, with some intensity especially toward the end, that really grabs at you, and a twist I wasn’t expecting, but knowing Garwood I should have expected it. Saving Grace is a story of redeeming love, and carving a new life out of unexpected circumstances.
The Cover
I really like all the covers for this story. But I really adored the audio version, I love how you see the difference in the colors of the plaid, adds dimension and you see how that connects to the story.
Overall View
Saving Grace is a truly magnificent story that pulls at you, a tale of sacrifice, riveting emotion and a deep and abiding love.
Lady Johanna has recently become a widow, and against her wishes King John has commanded that she marry a Scottish Laird Gabriel MacBain. A warrior and leader, a man who has combined the strength of two clans, separate but together in harmony. Johanna knows that she has little choice, but she refuses to be treated the way her previous husband treated her. So in the moment where she meets her future husband, she feels fear, but she also feels an attraction she can’t explain. She senses he is a man of honor and integrity and has a son that is in need of a mother. Johanna married The MacBain. But as a English woman she never realized the difference in living with Scots…their culture, way of manner and speaking, very different but full of zest and passion. There are changes to be done, and Johanna is willing to do whatever it takes to win the hearts of the two clans and bring them together as one clan, to charm the little boy who needs affection and love, and above all to win the heart of her gruff warrior MacBane, who needs her compassion and love in a life where he has only known duty and loyalty.
The Hero
Gabriel MacBain, is the laird over two clans, both the MacBains and the MacLaurin’s. He is illegitimate, but has proved himself to be a talented warrior and leader. The responsibility of bringing them together is not an easy task, but marrying a woman he doesn’t know, brings him land and a place of safety and security for his people and will protect them at all costs. Gabriel has a son Alec, but isn’t sure if he is his by blood, but he claims him wholeheartedly with no regrets. Gabriel is such a great hero, and plays the perfect role for Saving Grace. I just couldn’t get enough of his hard and gruff exterior, but on the inside he is as soft as a teddy bear at times. You see his loyalty and strength, and I admired his manner toward those he protected and care for. He respects the opinion of those in his clan.
The Heroine
Johanna, has a sweet and loving nature. And this nature comes natural to her. She hasn’t had a easy life since she got married. She believes that she is barren and unable to have children. Her first husband was not kind to her. But she grew up with a loving family. Johanna has quite the cunning mind, and I loved this heroine…she never ceased to surprise me. She is intelligent, and strong-willed, she stands on her own, and demands respect and affection. She doesn’t back down from standing firm in what she believes in. I loved her passion for life, and how she wants to help the clan as much as her husband does.
Plot and Story Line
I am in the process of re listening to all of Julie Garwood’s books, and I had such a fun time with Saving Grace. It has been way too long since I have had a chance to reconnect with this story, and I am still amazed in how much I truly loved this one. Saving Grace is an enriching romance that just had me listening as much as possible. The narrator is quite talented, and I loved her inflections. She handles the accents and various voices quite well. If you have yet to read Saving Grace or even listened to an audiobook from Julie Garwood…you are definitely missing out on something wonderful. Nothings brings me more joy than listening to one of her historical’s and we see such a charming and sweet romance. There are so many moments to love…I love how our heroine of the story fights for the clan in ways you don’t see coming. I love the scene where she teaches the men manners…and the throwing of dishes….spectacular. She is willful at times and a fighter, I love how this small timid woman stands up to these Scottish warriors. You gain respect for her pretty quickly. I also adored the little boy Alec….who is so in need of some good mothering. I love how he reacts to Johanna and they bond to each other pretty quickly. The story has a deep plot at times, with some intensity especially toward the end, that really grabs at you, and a twist I wasn’t expecting, but knowing Garwood I should have expected it. Saving Grace is a story of redeeming love, and carving a new life out of unexpected circumstances.
The Cover
I really like all the covers for this story. But I really adored the audio version, I love how you see the difference in the colors of the plaid, adds dimension and you see how that connects to the story.
Overall View
Saving Grace is a truly magnificent story that pulls at you, a tale of sacrifice, riveting emotion and a deep and abiding love.
April 17, 2019
Hayatımda okuduğum en barbar olmayan highlandli herif ve bir sahne için fazlasıyla uzun olmasına rağmen atlamadan okuduğum ve gülmeden duramadığım komik sahneye sahip kitap olabilir.
Biraz daha höd dese güzel olurdu bence. Biraz değil bi kere dese hiç demedi enteresan fşvşfşf
Kız 16 bu arada. Herifim Allah bilir büsbüyük ama sonuçta yani mis gibi *kırık kalp*
Ne demiştim Julia için: seni veren Allah'a şükürler olsun
Gabriel çok güzelsin ÇOK
Biraz daha höd dese güzel olurdu bence. Biraz değil bi kere dese hiç demedi enteresan fşvşfşf
Kız 16 bu arada. Herifim Allah bilir büsbüyük ama sonuçta yani mis gibi *kırık kalp*
Ne demiştim Julia için: seni veren Allah'a şükürler olsun
Gabriel çok güzelsin ÇOK
ben güzelden anlarım
xoxoxo
iko
January 6, 2019
Classic JG heroine...a little naive, but not as helpless and frail as the men think she is. Endearing, unique secondary characters. A touch of humor, and the ending packs a punch. Especially the last few lines. Glad I finally read this one!
August 8, 2022
Read:2021
One of my favorite JG books! I love watching the h become a strong woman, even if her husband always making her sit in a chair.
One of my favorite JG books! I love watching the h become a strong woman, even if her husband always making her sit in a chair.
February 25, 2018
3.5 stars.
August 31, 2025
Лейди Джоана и Леърд Гейбриъл Макбейн
Както винаги, щом прочета, че главната героиня е вдовица, малко се колебая дали книгата ще ми хареса. Обикновено с този сюжет героините или са обичали много предишния си съпруг и се боят да обичат отново, защото се страхуват, че ще е измяна към починалият им съпруг, или той се е държал ужасно, малтретирал я е и след това тя се бои да позволи на друг мъж да се доближи до нея. В тази книга беше именно вторият вариант. Другото, което ме тревожеше е, че когато овдовява главната героиня е на 16 години, и три години преди това е била омъжена, което ще рече на 13. Знам, че едно време е било така, и все пак, не е най-приятната представа, която ми създава книгата.
Та, омъжена на 13, Джоана живеее в непрестанен ад. След като не успява да зачене през първата година на брака си, мъжа й я обявява за ялова, и издевателства ужасно върху нея. Прави така, че да няма никакви приятели, малкото приятелства, които създава с прислугата са жестоко наказвани. Още от началото на брака си, съпруга й я пребивал за най-малкия повод, и през цялото време парадира с любовниците си пред очите й. Когато Джоана научава, за смъртта му, тя е повече от облекчена.
Минават шест години и краля решава, че трябва отново да й намери съпруг. Тогава брат й, който знае избора на краля се застъпва за сестра си и урежда брака й с Гейбриъл Макбейн, леърд на два обединени клана, чийто дом е унищожен от хората на съпруга на Джоана. Сега, след като овдовява, тя става собственик на земите на клана на Гейбриъл и ако се омъжи за него, земите стават негови. Тук трябва да вметна, че много ми допадна факта, че преди да се омъжи за Гейбриъл Джоана държи да получи и анулиране на брака си, защото, когато съпруга й умира, тялото му така и не е открито, и тя държи да бъде анулиран брака й, за да не хване гадняра да се окаже жив... както се случва обикновено в книгите ;)... и тя да се окаже пак в неговият плен, а брака й, с новият й съпруг да излезе незаконен. Наистина ама наистина ми допадна това решение на героинята ни <3.
В началото Гейбриъл, е доста резервиран, но скоро започва да се привързва към малката си съпруга, която преобръща целият му живот. Тя е умна, нежна и забавна, жена, която със сигурност може да обикне. Джоана от своя страна приема брака си с него, когато научава, че той, не само няма нищо против, че тя не може да има деца, ами има и малък син, който е незаконно роден. Младата жена се е примирила, че никога няма да има щастлив брак и дете, но изглежда с Гейбриъл ще намери точно това.
Книгата беше точно в стила на Джули. Грамаден, намусен герой, от който всички се боят и който става мека като памук когато се отнася до жена му. Джоана пък е смела, умна, нежна и много забавна героиня. Книгата беше чудесна. Джуали умело преплита интересни факти, чудати герои, малко тайнственост и най-вече любов. Любов, която побеждава всяко препятствие изпречило се на пътят й. Давам й 5***** и я препоръчвам горещо на феновете на Джули.
Българското издание от ИБИС е повече от пркарасно. Превода е чудесен, и успява да ни въведе плавно в историята, грабвайки ни и увличайки ни така, че не можем да оставим книгата дори за миг, докато не я прочетем. Корицата както обикновено е цветна и много красива. Жената на корицата доста ми напомня на Джоана, млада, нежна и красива. Лично аз съм много щастлива, че Ибис избяха да издават именно тази авторка и с нетърпение очаквам да ни зарадват с още нейни книги. <3
Сюжетни линии:
👰♀️ вдовица
🤝 уреден брак
🏴☠️ шотландски воин
💘 slow burn romance
🌄 тайнствено приключение
⚠️ Предупреждения:
🪦 смърт на съпруг
👰 политически брак
⚔️ насилие и боеве
🕵️♂️ заговори
😟 страх и неувереност
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Както винаги, щом прочета, че главната героиня е вдовица, малко се колебая дали книгата ще ми хареса. Обикновено с този сюжет героините или са обичали много предишния си съпруг и се боят да обичат отново, защото се страхуват, че ще е измяна към починалият им съпруг, или той се е държал ужасно, малтретирал я е и след това тя се бои да позволи на друг мъж да се доближи до нея. В тази книга беше именно вторият вариант. Другото, което ме тревожеше е, че когато овдовява главната героиня е на 16 години, и три години преди това е била омъжена, което ще рече на 13. Знам, че едно време е било така, и все пак, не е най-приятната представа, която ми създава книгата.
Та, омъжена на 13, Джоана живеее в непрестанен ад. След като не успява да зачене през първата година на брака си, мъжа й я обявява за ялова, и издевателства ужасно върху нея. Прави така, че да няма никакви приятели, малкото приятелства, които създава с прислугата са жестоко наказвани. Още от началото на брака си, съпруга й я пребивал за най-малкия повод, и през цялото време парадира с любовниците си пред очите й. Когато Джоана научава, за смъртта му, тя е повече от облекчена.
Минават шест години и краля решава, че трябва отново да й намери съпруг. Тогава брат й, който знае избора на краля се застъпва за сестра си и урежда брака й с Гейбриъл Макбейн, леърд на два обединени клана, чийто дом е унищожен от хората на съпруга на Джоана. Сега, след като овдовява, тя става собственик на земите на клана на Гейбриъл и ако се омъжи за него, земите стават негови. Тук трябва да вметна, че много ми допадна факта, че преди да се омъжи за Гейбриъл Джоана държи да получи и анулиране на брака си, защото, когато съпруга й умира, тялото му така и не е открито, и тя държи да бъде анулиран брака й, за да не хване гадняра да се окаже жив... както се случва обикновено в книгите ;)... и тя да се окаже пак в неговият плен, а брака й, с новият й съпруг да излезе незаконен. Наистина ама наистина ми допадна това решение на героинята ни <3.
В началото Гейбриъл, е доста резервиран, но скоро започва да се привързва към малката си съпруга, която преобръща целият му живот. Тя е умна, нежна и забавна, жена, която със сигурност може да обикне. Джоана от своя страна приема брака си с него, когато научава, че той, не само няма нищо против, че тя не може да има деца, ами има и малък син, който е незаконно роден. Младата жена се е примирила, че никога няма да има щастлив брак и дете, но изглежда с Гейбриъл ще намери точно това.
Книгата беше точно в стила на Джули. Грамаден, намусен герой, от който всички се боят и който става мека като памук когато се отнася до жена му. Джоана пък е смела, умна, нежна и много забавна героиня. Книгата беше чудесна. Джуали умело преплита интересни факти, чудати герои, малко тайнственост и най-вече любов. Любов, която побеждава всяко препятствие изпречило се на пътят й. Давам й 5***** и я препоръчвам горещо на феновете на Джули.
Българското издание от ИБИС е повече от пркарасно. Превода е чудесен, и успява да ни въведе плавно в историята, грабвайки ни и увличайки ни така, че не можем да оставим книгата дори за миг, докато не я прочетем. Корицата както обикновено е цветна и много красива. Жената на корицата доста ми напомня на Джоана, млада, нежна и красива. Лично аз съм много щастлива, че Ибис избяха да издават именно тази авторка и с нетърпение очаквам да ни зарадват с още нейни книги. <3
Сюжетни линии:
👰♀️ вдовица
🤝 уреден брак
🏴☠️ шотландски воин
💘 slow burn romance
🌄 тайнствено приключение
⚠️ Предупреждения:
🪦 смърт на съпруг
👰 политически брак
⚔️ насилие и боеве
🕵️♂️ заговори
😟 страх и неувереност
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September 2, 2011
Definitely not one of my favorite Julie Garwood books. The beginning was depressing and I just didn't liking the heroine. I'm eating my words when I said, in my Ransom review, there wasn't a Julie Garwood heroine I didn't love. The ending, however, saved the book for me. In fact, it's my favorite ending of all the Julie Garwood books I've read. It was beautiful, poignant, and the symbolism of Gabriel placing his hands on Johanna's hands, helping her break the punishment rod, brought tears to my eyes. And the last sentence of the epilogue... brilliant and had me smiling for hours.
May 18, 2016
4 Stars
Great story BUT
Other than that I found the female lead to be slightly annoying with her arsenal of white lies,but she kind of made up for it by the end.Great but more of a one-time read.
Great story BUT
Other than that I found the female lead to be slightly annoying with her arsenal of white lies,but she kind of made up for it by the end.Great but more of a one-time read.
April 6, 2024
I love Julie Garwood's books. I read a lot of them in high school. They are fantastic. This one is amazing. I recommend to everyone!
August 16, 2019
Le doy 4/5⭐
March 30, 2023
Old bookie friend reminded me I never reviewed this one even though I've re-read it often so here goes after a recent re-read...
One of the best of Garwood’s old historicals; it features a heroine who bravely finds a way out of an abusive situation- and, fortunately, into a love match. A hero who is gruff but noble. And an intrigue plot featuring kings and conspiracies.
Okay, okay, it’s a romance novel plot, solved with a perfect Happily Ever After ending, accompanied by men too amazing to be believed and women who every woman wants to believe they can be, but whatever, that’s what I love about JG old historicals.
Johanna has been beaten and told she’s less than dull-witted cattle in God’s grand scheme of things but she’s never believed it in her heart. When her husband is lost and thought dead she ensures her release from her enslavement, (for that’s what her marriage was), by blackmailing an annulment out of devious King John. Thinking her independence secure, she’s less than pleased, to say the least, when her beloved brother secures another husband for her- mostly, she’s scared witless. But she moves ahead, determined to be courageous.
Gabriel Macbain is the Laird of a renegade Scottish clan formed from the merging of two. His new wife and the land that comes with her will help with the merging. but she needs more than a husband. She needs a protector, for she has a secret that will change the destiny of kings and countries.
The Macbain is a strong leader, but his little wife is stronger. And when they come together as partners in life as well as in love, they become a force to be reckoned with. She may have started off as a means to an end, but she actually becomes his saving grace.
This is one that sticks with you- sometimes between re-reads, I'll forget a plot point or two, but certain aspects will remain. Saving Grace I always remember as- "The one where the heroine sews two plaids together". (you'll understand why such a mundane task stuck with me when you read it.)
One of the best of Garwood’s old historicals; it features a heroine who bravely finds a way out of an abusive situation- and, fortunately, into a love match. A hero who is gruff but noble. And an intrigue plot featuring kings and conspiracies.
Okay, okay, it’s a romance novel plot, solved with a perfect Happily Ever After ending, accompanied by men too amazing to be believed and women who every woman wants to believe they can be, but whatever, that’s what I love about JG old historicals.
Johanna has been beaten and told she’s less than dull-witted cattle in God’s grand scheme of things but she’s never believed it in her heart. When her husband is lost and thought dead she ensures her release from her enslavement, (for that’s what her marriage was), by blackmailing an annulment out of devious King John. Thinking her independence secure, she’s less than pleased, to say the least, when her beloved brother secures another husband for her- mostly, she’s scared witless. But she moves ahead, determined to be courageous.
Gabriel Macbain is the Laird of a renegade Scottish clan formed from the merging of two. His new wife and the land that comes with her will help with the merging. but she needs more than a husband. She needs a protector, for she has a secret that will change the destiny of kings and countries.
The Macbain is a strong leader, but his little wife is stronger. And when they come together as partners in life as well as in love, they become a force to be reckoned with. She may have started off as a means to an end, but she actually becomes his saving grace.
This is one that sticks with you- sometimes between re-reads, I'll forget a plot point or two, but certain aspects will remain. Saving Grace I always remember as- "The one where the heroine sews two plaids together". (you'll understand why such a mundane task stuck with me when you read it.)
November 1, 2023
4 stars
Saving Grace is Johanna and Gabriel's story. I love a good marriage of convenience story and this one was wonderful. I love how Johanna was with Gabriel's clan and watching them fall in love was beautiful.
Saving Grace is Johanna and Gabriel's story. I love a good marriage of convenience story and this one was wonderful. I love how Johanna was with Gabriel's clan and watching them fall in love was beautiful.
Audio book source: Audible
Story Rating: 4 stars
Narrators: Rosalyn Landor
Narration Rating: 4 stars
Genre: Historical Romance
Length:14h 8m
June 6, 2015
Overall rating: 4 "Saving Grace" stars!
Triggers:
Cheating:
Love triangle:
Sex with om/ow:
Intimate pasts:
Om/ow drama:
HEA:
Johanna has just been informed that her husband was killed and all she can think to do is thank God for freeing her finally. You see Johanna was in a very abusive relationship with a man who believed women were loved least of all creatures (even an ox) by God. He abused her mentally and physically for their three years of marriage. It is through this marriage that she finds out she is barren and that only infuriates him further. So upon his death, she is in no rush to marry again. Of course, King John of England has other ideas.
It is through this and her brother, Nicholas', pushing that allows her to meet and marry Lord McBain aka Gabriel. He is definitely a gentle giant. Born a bastard and also having a son that is in essence a bastard - because you don't even know who his true father is, he doesn't have time for much else then being a leader and father. However, Nicholas talks him into marrying his sister to inherit her lands in exchange for making her safe. He doesn't know it yet, but when he meets her, his life will change forever and for the better.
When he sees her, he is immediately entranced and their story goes on from there. Will Johanna learn to accept her marriage to Gabriel and grow to love him? Will Gabriel admit that he is in love with Johanna even though Lord's don't have time for matters of the heart? You will have to read to find out!
Triggers:
Cheating:
Love triangle:
Sex with om/ow:
Intimate pasts:
Om/ow drama:
HEA:
Johanna has just been informed that her husband was killed and all she can think to do is thank God for freeing her finally. You see Johanna was in a very abusive relationship with a man who believed women were loved least of all creatures (even an ox) by God. He abused her mentally and physically for their three years of marriage. It is through this marriage that she finds out she is barren and that only infuriates him further. So upon his death, she is in no rush to marry again. Of course, King John of England has other ideas.
It is through this and her brother, Nicholas', pushing that allows her to meet and marry Lord McBain aka Gabriel. He is definitely a gentle giant. Born a bastard and also having a son that is in essence a bastard - because you don't even know who his true father is, he doesn't have time for much else then being a leader and father. However, Nicholas talks him into marrying his sister to inherit her lands in exchange for making her safe. He doesn't know it yet, but when he meets her, his life will change forever and for the better.
When he sees her, he is immediately entranced and their story goes on from there. Will Johanna learn to accept her marriage to Gabriel and grow to love him? Will Gabriel admit that he is in love with Johanna even though Lord's don't have time for matters of the heart? You will have to read to find out!
She was his love, his joy, his companion. She was his saving grace.
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