Narrated by Susan Duerden

The Publisher Blurb: Judith Hampton was as beautiful as she was proud and loyal. Her dear Scottish friend from childhood was about to give birth, and Judith had promised to be at her side. But there was another, private reason for the journey from her bleak English home to the Highlands: to meet the father she had never known, the Laird Maclean. Nothing prepared her, however, for the sight of the Scottish barbarian who was to escort her into his land … Iain Maitland, Laird of his clan, a man more powerfully compelling than any she had ever encountered.

In a spirited clash of wills and customs, Judith reveled in the melting bliss of Iain’s searching kisses, his passionate caresses. Perplexed by her sprightly defiance, bemused by her tender nature, Iain felt his soul growing into the light and warmth of her love. Surely nothing would wrench her from the affection and trust of Iain and his clan … not even the truth about her father, a devastating secret that could shatter the boldest alliance, and the most glorious of loves!

My Take on the Story: The Secret, originally published in 1992, is the first in Garwood’s medieval Highland Lairds series. Being a Garwood historical, you know there will be some fictional license taken with historical details. Judith was raised near the English-Scotland border, so she speaks Gaelic but with an accent. That takes care of one detail. Although Judith is not married, she spent a lot of time discussing modern birthing methods with a midwife so that she could be of assistance to her friend’s birthing. Another subject neatly explained. Judith is outspoken on women’s issues, a precursor to 20th century suffragettes, and manages to get the clan women on board for having a say in clan business. I’m not saying no woman did these things in 13th century Scotland; I’m just saying it isn’t a book overly concerned with sticking to the realities of medieval life.

When I read it in print, I got from the story that Judith brought to the clan a lot of new-fangled and modern ideas from England – you know how modern those English could be in 1200 – and slowly won the clan over to some of her thinking. She also learned about herself, and her character development was realistic, if not necessarily medieval. Once I decided the book was meant to be humorous, I relaxed a little and enjoyed the ride.

My Take on the