Saving Grace: Amazon.ca: Julie Garwood: Books

Product Description

From Publishers Weekly

Set in 13th-century England and Scotland, this rollicking adventure is among Garwood's ( The Bride ) most enjoyable. The news that her despicable husband is dead has left beautiful 16-year-old Lady Johanna both wealthy and available. Wicked King John wants to marry her to one of his henchmen, but her beloved foster brother convinces the powerful highland laird Gabriel MacBain to put aside his natural repugnance for all things English and wed the girl. Emotionally scarred by her first marriage, Johanna is intimidated both by her strange surroundings and by the outsized, gruff laird; but with the help of an eccentric old soldier and MacBain's illegitimate son, Johanna learns to hold her own with the soldiers, their wives and her new husband. Then an unwelcome surprise tests her newfound courage. Garwood endows the novel with a first-rate setting, a splendid supporting cast and witty dialogue that more than offsets the rote predictability of Johanna's great beauty and MacBain's forceful charisma.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From School Library Journal

YA-An entertaining story with many amusing elements. In 1206, a hastily arranged marriage unites Johanna, recent widow, with MacBain, a Scottish laird. The woman learns new customs, creates some problems but solves others, and falls in love with her husband in this turbulent time of mixed loyalties. The characters are believable-they are real people with a variety of emotions, strong allegiances at home and on the battlefield, but are tender and caring individuals too. Sufficient details of the period provide adequate background to make the people and times come alive, but the story doesn't become bogged down with these technicalities. The abundant dialogue, humorous incidents, and quick pace make this a good choice for anyone looking for light historical romance.
Claudia Moore, W.T. Woodson High School, Fairfax, VA
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

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Customer Reviews

71 Reviews

5 star:		(59)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

Average Customer Review

4.7 out of 5 stars (71 customer reviews)

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Most helpful customer reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Stop, read this, and buy..., Nov 4 2003

By

fedora_girl (Philippines) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Saving Grace (Mass Market Paperback)

This is one of the best --- if not the best --- books by Julie Garwood that I have ever read.

Gabriel MacBain, the hero of this story, was not just another prototype of what I deem to be "the Garwood hero," though there were a few things in common. He never tried to change his wife, and was honest with her when it came to the important issues. He had no qualms about falling in love with her; he didn't even go through the stage of denial that most of Julie Garwood's characters from other books went through.

Johanna, the wife & another protagonist, was empowering. She believed she deserved to be treated well though people tried to bring her down. She was also devoted to her husband without being a doormat.

The book was laced with lots of humor. I found myself laughing over it, and rereading certain pages. What made some parts really funny was that they were believable.

The plot was also no weakling. One never guesses what is about to happen next, but I'm not going to give too many hints, or I'll spoil the book (like some of the other reviews did for me). Even if you do learn some of the tidbits that would have been better found out when reading the book, it's still a great read! Buy it...soon.

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5.0 out of 5 stars I've Loved Two Copies to pieces, July 11 2008

By

A. Pepin "Love Being Literate" (Ontario, Canada) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)

This review is from: Saving Grace (Mass Market Paperback)

First, I need to say that I loved this book...Both the first copy I read to tatters and the second copy that is half way there. If you are ever going to pick up only one Julie Garwood book (I strongly suggest you pick up at least two more..."The Bride" followed by "The Wedding") this would be the one to choose.

Second...Though written ages ago, I have to dispute the previous suggestion that the heroines are always perfect. They may all have something physically appealing about them, but they have character flaws that cannot be denied.

In this novel, Johanna was beautiful, but weak and timid. She allowed herself to be bullied and intimidated until well within the story when a stronger side began to emerge. In "The Bride", Jamie allowed herself to be used as a servant by her stepfather, defending him and her pitiful stepsisters along the way. In "The Wedding", Brenna was impish as a child and grew to be an absent-minded woman who was prone to babbling.

The beauty of the book is that the character's appearance is based upon your interpretation. If it makes you feel better to imagine her with a crooked nose, do it. Only the groundwork is laid by the author when it comes to what you picture one to look like. The development of the traits and the telling of the story are the important parts.

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5.0 out of 5 stars A very charming romance, Sep 14 2003

By

Mary Wetherby (East Grand Rapids, MI United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)

This review is from: Saving Grace (Mass Market Paperback)

I loved this book, as I have all of Ms. Garwood's historicals. A word of warning before you read any of the other reviews here: Many of the following reviews contain SPOILERS! I found that out the hard way when I was buying the book here. But, I bought it anyway. I was glad I did as it's one of Ms. Garwood's best. Don't hesitate to add it to your collection. Just use caution in reading the following reviews.

Enjoy.

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Most recent customer reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars One of her Best
I got this book when it first debuted on hardback ten years ago, and I must say that I've reread this story dozen of times since. Read more

Published on Aug 21 2003 by Jennifer French

4.0 out of 5 stars Read it 3 times
I hate reading a book again when I already know the ending. However, I've made an exception with all Julie's books. I love Johanna and Gabriel. Read more