Saving Grace

What I liked: upbeat, positive, no angst between H/h other than contrived arguing, don’t recall any religious cussing, or much in the way of any cussing, liked the character’s personalities. What irritated me: the heroine’s naïveté that was meant to be cute or endearing. At first the H/h’s back and forth dialogue was delightful, but then it got annoying because it felt like the majority of the book was the ‘cutsy’ (not sure how to spell cute in that sense) dialogue between the H/h and not enough of a storyline. I would have liked a little less graphic sex, but it didn’t feel cheap. I began skimming around the halfway point, and the plot didn’t really become interesting until I neared the end. I guess all in all it was just about their relationship, and I wanted more. I would have loved to have felt like I was learning something new about the setting, era, way of life, hardships, etc.

Love this book

SummaryLady Johanna has recently become a widow, and against her wishes King John has commanded that she marry a Scottish Laird Gabriel MacBain. A warrior and leader, a man who has combined the strength of two clans, separate but together in harmony. Johanna knows that she has little choice, but she refuses to be treated the way her previous husband treated her. So in the moment where she meets her future husband, she feels fear, but she also feels an attraction she can’t explain. She senses he is a man of honor and integrity and has a son that is in need of a mother. Johanna married The MacBain. But as a English woman she never realized the difference in living with Scots…their culture, way of manner and speaking, very different but full of zest and passion. There are changes to be done, and Johanna is willing to do whatever it takes to win the hearts of the two clans and bring them together as one clan, to charm the little boy who needs affection and love, and above all to win the heart of her gruff warrior MacBane, who needs her compassion and love in a life where he has only known duty and loyalty.The HeroGabriel MacBain, is the laird over two clans, both the MacBains and the MacLaurin’s. He is illegitimate, but has proved himself to be a talented warrior and leader. The responsibility of bringing them together is not an easy task, but marrying a woman he doesn’t know, brings him land and a place of safety and security for his people and will protect them at all costs. Gabriel has a son Alec, but isn’t sure if he is his by blood, but he claims him wholeheartedly with no regrets. Gabriel is such a great hero, and plays the perfect role for Saving Grace. I just couldn’t get enough of his hard and gruff exterior, but on the inside he is as soft as a teddy bear at times. You see his loyalty and strength, and I admired his manner toward those he protected and care for. He respects the opinion of those in his clan.The HeroineJohanna, has a sweet and loving nature. And this nature comes natural to her. She hasn’t had a easy life since she got married. She believes that she is barren and unable to have children. Her first husband was not kind to her. But she grew up with a loving family. Johanna has quite the cunning mind, and I loved this heroine…she never ceased to surprise me. She is intelligent, and strong-willed, she stands on her own, and demands respect and affection. She doesn’t back down from standing firm in what she believes in. I loved her passion for life, and how she wants to help the clan as much as her husband does.Plot and Story LineI am in the process of re listening to all of Julie Garwood’s books, and I had such a fun time with Saving Grace. It has been way too long since I have had a chance to reconnect with this story, and I am still amazed in how much I truly loved this one. Saving Grace is an enriching romance that just had me listening as much as possible. The narrator is quite talented, and I loved her inflections. She handles the accents and various voices quite well. If you have yet to read Saving Grace or even listened to an audiobook from Julie Garwood…you are definitely missing out on something wonderful. Nothings brings me more joy than listening to one of her historical’s and we see such a charming and sweet romance. There are so many moments to love…I love how our heroine of the story fights for the clan in ways you don’t see coming. I love the scene where she teaches the men manners…and the throwing of dishes….spectacular. She is willful at times and a fighter, I love how this small timid woman stands up to these Scottish warriors. You gain respect for her pretty quickly. I also adored the little boy Alec….who is so in need of some good mothering. I love how he reacts to Johanna and they bond to each other pretty quickly. The story has a deep plot at times, with some intensity especially toward the end, that really grabs at you, and a twist I wasn’t expecting, but knowing Garwood I should have expected it. Saving Grace is a story of redeeming love, and carving a new life out of unexpected circumstances.The CoverI really like all the covers for this story. But I really adored the audio version, I love how you see the difference in the colors of the plaid, adds dimension and you see how that connects to the story.Overall ViewSaving Grace is a truly magnificent story that pulls at you, a tale of sacrifice, riveting emotion and a deep and abiding love.

I enjoyed this book. It was interesting from the start of the book until the end. Johanna is such an interesting heroine. She started off as timid but eventually, her true personality came through when she realizes that her new home with MacBain is safe for her. I liked watching their relationship grow. Even though he’s gruff an keeps wanting her to do nothing and rest, he gives in to her requests all the time (after grumbling about it). She’s very clever and kind hearted and eventually made her place in the clan. The plot is interesting with various storylines with a triumphant and satisfying ending.

I first read this book over 20 years ago, and to be honest, had forgotten about it. The second reading, for me, was just as enjoyable. Both the hero and heroine are classic Garwood....and that's a good thing! Garwood has obviously put in a lot of research into this era and setting (Scotland, early 1200s) and some of it may be difficult for readers. The heroine, Lady Johanna, is a widow at 16 after a 3 year marriage. Unfortunately, this was not uncommon at the time. Women were treated as chattel and it was not only condoned but encouraged by some in the Church.To escape a marriage arranged by the King, widowed Lady Johanna is encouraged by her foster brother to marry his friend, Gabriel MacBain and move with him to the Scottish Highlands. MacBain only agrees because it will help him keep the property that he has claimed...which rightfully belongs to Johanna. Fearful of men because of the brutal treatment of her late husband, she soon learns to overcome her fears and stand up for herself. There are scenes in this book that are so hilariously funny that I actually went back and read them again. I truly fell in love (again) with the rough and rugged Highlanders who are fierce in battle but tender with women. The plot is wonderful, the dialogue some of the best that I have read, and the characters are so well done that you will remember them long after the book is finished.A 5 Star rating from me means that I will, at some point in time, reread this book...again.

I constantly go back to this book to read again. It's a fantastic story and characters.. whenever I'm in a rut and don't know what to read I read my favourite books by Julie as they never disappoint and it's always like I'm reading it for the first time and never boring..

I have this one in paperback and have almost worn it out I have read it so many times. The cover on this one is ridiculously illkeeping with the story and would have put me off if I had not already read the book. Heart and flowers it is not. Humour from beginning to end and fantastic characters. I just wish Nicolas and . Clare`s story had come to print. It would have been great to see that romance unfold along side the King John drama

Julie Garwood's Saving Grace is an enchanting historical romance, with lovable characters and you'll definitely be hating the odious villains, this is one book you won't be skipping through. I was absorbed throughout and have re-read this book a number of times, its a nice bit of escapism when trying to get away from a pile of work for a bit or just to relax.

Such a lovely romance story, set in England/Scotland in early 13th century. Really enjoyed it

I love this book