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Fans who have pined away for many years in search of more of Julie Garwood’s beloved historical romances are finally getting their deepest wish fulfilled! And as one such fan myself, I am happy to report that Julie Garwood’s newest release is a gem that more than lives up to her previous historical romances. Princess Gabrielle of St. Biel grew up with tales of the elusive treasure of St. Biel dancing in her head. As the sheltered daughter of one of England’s most influential barons, she is prized for her beauty and innocence--and now about to become a powerful bargaining chip for King John. He pledges Gabrielle to Laird Monroe in the hopes of achieving peace amongst the unrest in the Highlands. But everything changes for Gabrielle when she stumbles upon a scene of unimaginable cruelty and treachery. With one shot of her arrow, she saves a life, but begins a war. Embroiled in Highland intrigue, Gabrielle finds herself under the protection of Laird Colm MacHugh—yet it is her heart that truly needs protection, for she cannot help but fall in love with such a handsome and intriguing man. SHADOW MUSIC has all the ingredients of Julie Garwood’s finest—an arrogant, yet tender hero, a feisty, yet gentle heroine, and an endearing set of secondary characters that are brought vividly to life with Ms. Garwood’s pen. I loved getting the chance to revisit with Clan Buchanan (Brodick, from Ms. Garwood’s RANSOM), and acquaint myself with new “friends” in Clan MacHugh. Ms. Garwood lays out an interesting plot with many unique twists and turns, along with a slew of dastardly villains with their own twisted agendas. Tightly woven among these threads is also the mystery of St. Biel’s treasure, and the menacing baron who would do anything to get his hands on it. But the best part of SHADOW MUSIC is just the warm fuzzy feeling I received from the opportunity to be back in Julie Garwood’s Highlands. Because the truth is, no one does the Highlands like Julie Garwood. With her fierce warriors that hide their tender hearts behind their pride, her quirky priests who quake in their robes at a Highland Laird’s scowl, and the camaraderie between friends, spending several hours in Julie Garwood’s Highlands is like coming home for me. As I close the book on Ms. Garwood’s first historical romance in many years, my heart is a bit heavy. I feel as though I am leaving behind my treasured friends after I’ve just found them. Yet, it is my hope that Ms. Garwood has more in store for her readers (especially Liam’s story, if I may be so bold as to suggest it!). For all who have waited with baited breath for this release, I am pleased to say that, yes, SHADOW MUSIC more than lives up to the expectation and comes with my highest recommendation. And for those who may be discovering Ms. Garwood’s historical romances for the first time, well, you are truly the lucky ones.
Reviewed by Cindy |
SHADOW MUSIC
Posted December 2007 |
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