The Laird by Juliana Garnett is one of my keepers. I've read this book countless times since it was released in 2002. Kristie has this book on her TBR pile and asked for a review. The blurb:
She is the enemy of his clan, the friend of his foe,and the most beautiful prisoner he has ever seen, She is Judith Lindsay, the brazen you beauty who's bound by blood and honor to her beloved England---even now, as she's bound by her captors in the Campbell family's keep. As future laird of this proud Scottish clan, Robert Campbell knows he should treat the Lindsay woman with contempt. The feud between their people has clamed the lives of his borhters. But when he sees the quiet strength in Judith's soul--and the fire in her eyes--his heart must surrender to a very different battle.
Set in 1327 Scotland. Angus Campbell has a sworn allegiance with the Earl of Argyl. The Earl wants his young son wed to Mairi Lindsey and Angus sends his sons on the "foolhardy" mission of kidnapping the little girl. Robert "Rob" Campbell knows his father is sending his brothers to their death. An unhealed wound keeps him from the mission.
The mission is a success, but at a high cost, all of Rob's brothers are dead and they end up with 2 hostages, one wanted (little Mairi) and one unwanted Lady Judith Lindsay.
Lady Judith is the English widow of Kenneth Lindsey, Mairi's uncle. After her husbands death she is left in Scotland as she has no value to her English family. Basically she is little Mairi's caregiver and refuses to let them leave her behind when the little one is kidnapped.
Through trials and tribulations, Judith and Rob fall in love. The rest of the book brings you to their HEA.
This book is everything I look for in a Medieval. It is dark and at times violent. I don't know how accurate the history is, but it feels right. It's not a fluffy Garwood and it's not a contemporary in Medieval clothing. I felt like I was transported to 1300 Scotland and that really works for me.
7 comments:
I think I need to go to the UBS tomorrow...
And I need to go through my TBR pile :)
Sounds very good. Have you read any other Garnett book? I have 4 of hers under Garnett and 2 under Virginia Brown (same writer)
I generally avoid Scottish historicals but this sounds good. I have never heard of this author. I've been looking for a good medieval so I'm going to put this one on my list.
Hi Ladies:
Juliana Garnett/Virginia Brown has been a secret favorite of mine for years. When I talk about medievals I always bring her up, but no one seems to join me on my bandwagon, so perhaps it's just me.
I love her writing style and voice.
I don't necessarily love everything, but The Laird, The Scotsman, The Baron are particular favorites of mine.
AAR gave The Laird a B-, but if you read the review I think the reviewer is nit picking, but RT gave it a 4 which I guess is a B. Maybe I'm overlooking the flaws, I'll go see if Mrs. G reviewed it.
Have a good one.
Tara
One more, The Knight.
Mrs. G's reviews fell between 85-87, not bad--LOL.
Tara, although I don't consider her my autobuy, I like most of what I've read from her. I got this thing for Highlanders, y'see.
My faves are The Scotsman and The Baron. The Quest, The Knight and The Vow are not bad. In fact, I was just at a rental the other night and was very tempted to pick up The Laird as I haven't read that one. Look what you've inspired me to do. :)
AG,
She probably doesn't write enough to be considered an "autobuy", I don't think she's had anything new in a few years, but I wouldn't hesitate to pick up something new if it comes out.
Tara
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