This is easily one of the sweetest feel-good reads I’ve picked up in a while. The plot isn’t super complicated, the writing style is very easy to follow, and read much quicker than I had thought it would. Iain was a perpetual face palm for me, and Judith made me want to bury my head in my pillow from sheer incredulousness, but their ridiculousness made me laugh and I thought they were well suited for one another. The ending was definitely quite cheesy (I didn’t really care for the hoity-toity feminist twist at the end especially given the era, but it wasn’t that bad either), and there were many parts I found less than realistic, but it was overall a fun read. I have to say I’m very pleased with Ms. Garwood’s work so far and will definitely be picking up another in the very near future.

The Secret takes us back into time to the Scottish Highlands, medieval time period. Where we have Judith Hampton who is English, but never knew her father, except for his ring, and her mother not caring one whit about her welfare. Having gone from different relatives homes, and now a grown up woman, has studies childbirth for her closest and best friend Frances Catherine, who is married to the brother of Laird Maclean. So when the Iain's goes to retrieve Judith on behalf of his brother and his wife, he never expected to find her so beautiful. Iain is used to obedience as being the leader of his clan, however Judith clashes her will with his on every occasion they are together, not used to such defiance, Iain is quite intrigued by this English woman, whom he desires for himself, but knows its complicated to do so, especially since his clan despises the English, however Judith is another story althogether, for she is nothing like the weak willed English he has known. Judith only mission was to come to her friend Frances Catherine's rescue, and help her give birth, but never realizing how much she ached for Iain tender embrace and passionate kissing and knows that she is falling in love with this Scottish Laird, who would surely hate her once he knew who her father truly was, but will he still love her when he finds out the truth? And will there be a happily ever after? The Secret is another favorite of mine to read from Julie Garwood, I just love her scottish historicals they are my favorite books of her that I love to read from. In The Secret we have Judith who is English and at this time in History the Scots and the English hate each other. So when Iain brings her to his clan, at first Judith is considered a outsider to his clan. However as things progress throughout the story we see that she starts to make her home in the clan and with Iain. Where both Iain and Judith will find a glorious and passionate love in each other that they never expected to find. I found that Julie Garwood, especially in The Secret, brings to life the magic and adventure of this time period in the Highlands. With wonderful characters that will charm and delight you, and a plot that will only entice you into reading more and more of this wonderful author!!

3.5/5 stars

5 stars 🌟 this was ADORABLE! And hilarious. Omg. 🥺I haven’t giggled or felt so giddy reading in awhile. Iain and Judith were so funny and cute. And the friendship between Judith and Frances Catherine was so special. It’s rare that medieval novels place importance on women’s friendship, but it was done so well here. Absolutely loved this!

Up there now with the favorites. It was a cozy romance. No big misunderstandings and all sweet--like toothachingly sweet. the ending was a little outthere and not much s but it was soo good!!!

I stayed up until 5 in the morning to finish this book so if that doesn't convince you to read this book, I don't know what will.

4.5 stars! This book was so good. It's been too long since i read a historical romance, and damn this one was amazing, and made me remember how much i loved it. The friendship was beautiful... And the relationship was full of chemistry and funny! Definitely interested in reading more from this author.