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All the stars!

I cannot remember the last time I smiled and swooned so much while reading a book and I’m now convinced that no one writes swoony, feel-good historical romance like Julie Garwood 😍 This is definitely my favorite JG so far. There was just so much to love about this book, I simply didn’t want it to end��

Some of my favorite quotes:

(Judith and Frances Catherine when they were little girls who had just met)
Because Judith was so determined to impress her new friend, she didn’t think about the consequences any longer. She reached out to slap the bee, but as soon as she felt the flutter of its wings against the palm of her hand, it tickled her so she instinctively closed her fingers. Then she started wailing. Frances Catherine bounded off the rock to help the only way she knew how. She started wailing, too. Judith ran around and around the rock, screaming so vigorously she could barely catch her breath. Her friend chased after her, screaming just as fiercely, though in sympathy and fear rather than in pain.

(Judith’s first interaction with Iain and his warriors)
No one said a word for a long, long while. They all rudely stared at her. She couldn’t stop herself from rudely staring back, though her attention was centered solely on their leader. She didn’t think she’d ever seen such a magnificent sight in all her life. The man fascinated her. He was certainly the biggest of the lot. His broad shoulders fairly blocked out the sun shining down behind him, and only rays of light surrounded him, giving him an invincible, magical appearance.

He finally looked down at her. Judith’s breath caught in her throat. Dear Lord, he had beautiful eyes. It was a mistake, asking him to give her his full attention, she decided, because his penetrating gaze robbed her of her concentration.

(I love love loved how utterly besotted Iain’s big tough warriors were with Judith, and how much it rankled him)
Several minutes passed before Brodick spoke again. “Let me know, Iain.�� “Let you know what?�� “If you’re going to keep her or not.�� “And if I’m not?�� “Then I am.��

Judith reached the clearing and then stopped. Iain didn’t understand why she was hesitating until he turned and noticed his men had all extended their hands to her. Each was beckoning her forward.
“She’s riding with me.��

They spent the last night in a beautiful forest called Glennden Falls. Birch, pine, and oak trees were so thick in the area, the horses could barely get through the narrow path. A mist, more white than gray, and nearly waist high in some spots, floated around the greenery, giving an air of magic to the paradise.

“This is what I envision Heaven to be, Iain,�� she told him. He seemed surprised, took a good look around him, and then, in his arrogant way, said, “Perhaps.�� It was evident the man had never taken the time to appreciate the beauty around him. She told him so. He gave her a long, thorough look that started at the top of her head and ended at the tips of her boots. He moved forward, gently touched the side of her face, and then said, “I’m noticing all right.��

When you’re next in the mood for an enchanting, sweet, sexy romance with wonderful characters, great world-building and a love that will make you smile, I highly recommend The Secret!