Let's Talk About Julie Garwood discussion
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Group Read for May (contains spoilers)
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Thanks ☺ ♥ it too.
Getting ready to read again ☺
Ok I will join Even tho I read it like a million times
Well, I haven't read it quite a million yet. Only about half a million myself. But I never get tired of it. ☺
Let me know when you guys/gals are ready to discuss. Does anyone want to post questions or just talk about it?
I thought I'd post a few questions about the first few chapters...Prologue thru Chapter 3
1. Is this your first read by Julie Garwood? If so, how do you think it stands up compared to other books you've read by her? How does it stand up compared to books by other historical romance writers?
2. How important do you believe the prologue is to the story? Do you think it should be deleted or edited down? Too much information? Not enough?
3. Laird Ramsey has been away from his clan. Do you think his clan is resentful of him? Do you believe their loyalty is questionable?
4. The MacPherson clan seems to have a lot of faith in Laird Sinclair's ability to protect them. Do you believe it's misplaced? Do you believe a good solution will be found for both the Sinclairs and the MacPhersons?
5. Gillian's rescue of the boy shows great courage, even though she is scared of heights. What did you think about that? Did it affect how you felt about Gillian?
6. Michael is not Michael. Were you surprised?
7. Gillian has elected herself as Alec's protector. Is she doing a good job?
8. What about this Brodick that Alec keeps mentioning? Do you have any opinions about this "mean" man?
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okey dokey ☺
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Let me know folks when I need to post more questions.
Finished it again. Sigh.....
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1. Is this your first read by Julie Garwood? If so, how do you think it stands up compared to other books you've read by her? How does it stand up compared to books by other historical romance writers?
Lord, no! I’ve lost count of the number of books I’ve read by JG and the number of times I read each book. Most of her historicals are on my “re-read for comfort” bookshelf.
2. How important do you believe the prologue is to the story? Do you think it should be deleted or edited down? Too much information? Not enough?
It think it is very important. I think it is just right. Love that we are pulled right into the action of the story.
3. Laird Ramsey has been away from his clan. Do you think his clan is resentful of him? Do you believe their loyalty is questionable?
I did wonder about this the first time I read it. I sure it would be natural for some to feel resentful.
4. The MacPherson clan seems to have a lot of faith in Laird Sinclair's ability to protect them. Do you believe it's misplaced? Do you believe a good solution will be found for both the Sinclairs and the MacPhersons?
No. And yes.
5. Gillian's rescue of the boy shows great courage, even though she is scared of heights. What did you think about that? Did it affect how you felt about Gillian?
I think she is very brave. Very well done, but not too much of a ‘Mary Sue’.
6. Michael is not Michael. Were you surprised?
Very! Nice twist.
7. Gillian has elected herself as Alec's protector. Is she doing a good job?
Yup. Love that she is so fiercely protective in the small things and large.
8. What about this Brodick that Alec keeps mentioning? Do you have any opinions about this "mean" man?
I figured he was going to be a one fierce highlander. Didn’t believe the “mean” for a moment.
Thanks LK.2. I agree. I do think, however, that if she HAD to edit it down that the prologue would have been the place to do it. But there is so much told to us that I fear it could hurt the story if that was done.
3. The first time I read this I don't think I really thought about it. But it would make sense.
4. The 2 old guys were a hoot, weren't they?
5. I think it really made you fall in love with Gillian. How loving and caring and giving and selfless and brave she is.
8. I loved Brodick but I didn't feel he was portrayed as mean and barbaric as we are told he is.
You want to do some questions or wait?
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#2 - I agree.
#4 - Yes, they were. JG writes old and young characters well.
#5 - Definitely!
#8 - Yes, but a lot of that is from a kid's perspective, isn't it? I know I thought my uncle was gruff and... dare I say, "mean"? when I was little. Later, when I grew up, I realized he was just a strict military man.
Let's wait and see what happens to these posts.
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Lisa Kay’s Questions for Chapter 4 – 7
10. Well, I wouldn’t mind being bounced around a circle of hunky Highlanders, but I did feel sorry for poor Henley. No question here, just a
11. Well, we all know that Gillian’s ruse to get Brodick to come to her is going to backfire on her, (view spoiler) but it is still fun, right?
12. I’m loving that Alec spits after every utterance of King John’s name, LOL! That I can really believe happened. Can’t wait to hear/see what Brodick does when he mentions him. Any predictions?
13. Geez. I forgot Brodick is blond. How did that happen? Do you have a preference for hair color in your heroes?
14. Were you surprised Gillian switched the goblets? Would you have tried the same thing? Mother’s fire! Eek! Man-oh-man! I think I would have taken the mickey. You? (view spoiler)
Gonna answer in the morning. Past my bedtime. (yawn!)
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Lisa Kay’s Questions for Chapter 4 – 7 10. Yeah, poor Henley.
11. It was very inventive. I never would have thought to use that ruse to get someone's attention.
12. I don't remember him (Brodick) spitting. Love kids. They can be so cute at times.
13. I'm not partial to blondes but Brodick is a favorite hero. I tend to like dark haired heroes but I know several blondes I've fallen for hard.
14. Yes, the sneaky girl. hehe. I loved it when she told Kevin to sit down. I would have taken it too. I'm too much of a baby. I hate pain.
lol. yeah it would but it wouldn't help his "mean" image.
Questions for Chapter 8 through 1415. Alec didn't want to take a bath because he didn't want to smell like a girl. What do you think of the men's solution to take a bath with him and use the soap?
16. I was surprised that Brodick didn't immediately send someone to Ramsey but had to be persuaded to do something by Gillian. What are your thoughts?
17. What did you think of the story Gillian told Alec about when she didn't talk for a year? What do you suppose Brodick thought hearing it?
18. Were you surprised that Brodick has a brother?
19. The homecoming was heart-wrenching. Do you think they overreacted or underreacted or was it how you would expect? Did you get teary eyed? (ok, I confess I did).
20. Brodick's men won't let Maitland's men near Gillian. So funny! Do you think they should have?
21. Ramsey arrives and Brodick seems to expect a certain response from Gillian regarding Ramsey. Did he get it? What do you think it is about Ramsey that makes the women go gaga over him? I mean besides his looks.
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15. Alec didn't want to take a bath because he didn't want to smell like a girl. What do you think of the men's solution to take a bath with him and use the soap?
That was funny. Now they make up a bouquet of roses. ☺
16. I was surprised that Brodick didn't immediately send someone to Ramsey but had to be persuaded to do something by Gillian. What are your thoughts?
I think he wanted to handle things himself and he wasn’t’ thinking of a parent. I’m glad he could see the wisdom of her reasoning. It means he isn’t too full of himself.
17. What did you think of the story Gillian told Alec about when she didn't talk for a year? What do you suppose Brodick thought hearing it?
I would have loved to know what he thought! Maybe a little sad?
18. Were you surprised that Brodick has a brother?
Yes, I remember being surprised. I thought it was a set-up for another book in the series, but he is already married.
19. The homecoming was heart-wrenching. Do you think they overreacted or underreacted or was it how you would expect? Did you get teary eyed? (ok, I confess I did).
Me too.
20. Brodick's men won't let Maitland's men near Gillian. So funny! Do you think they should have?
It was very funny. I would image that was the norm, though. Nice in that it shows they claim her, too. I don’t know if they should have or not. I know Gillian wouldn’t have done anything, and I don’t think Maitland would have, either.
21. Ramsey arrives and Brodick seems to expect a certain response from Gillian regarding Ramsey. Did he get it? What do you think it is about Ramsey that makes the women go gaga over him? I mean besides his looks.
I think he has the magical “it” factor. I’ve been told one of my brothers-in-law has it, but I’ve never seen it. My BF just commented on it recently and I told her, “Yeah, so I’ve heard. But I don’t see it.” I think b/c I was so attracted to my ex. I guess you would call it charisma. So, I totally understand Gillian.
LK#15 I loved that part. Very inventive of the guys to get the job done. I'm sure the scent didn't stay with them for too long.
17. Yeah, sad. Probably angry that she was put in that situation in the first place. He was probably plotting his vengenance even then.
20. No I don't think they would have done anything either. I laughed when Dylan came in and was offended that the Maitland men were ignoring her.
21. Yep, charisma. I've met a few with but I've never been the sort to go weak-kneed and googoo eyes over guys. Except for on here. lol
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#15 - LOL! True enough!
#17 - True!
#20 - LMAO! Yeah, that was good.
#21 - Oh, yes! Definitely there are a lot that work on me in Romancelandia.
Hi! *waves* If it's not too late, I'd love to join the buddy read. :) This will be my first Julie Garwood Book.
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Yep, not too late :)
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22. Did I only say Brodick was contrary? Geez. Too mild a word. By the end of Chapter 15 he’s set to marry Gillian. Think her lack of interest helped nudge this along? Were there other contributing factors? Comments.
23. I kind of like that Brodick is scary. Is that weird? However, I especially like that Gillian isn’t afraid of him.
24. I was surprised that Brodick asked Gillian if she loved him. And more surprised she answered right away in the affirmative. I like the directness of these two characters. No Big Misunderstanding here. You?
25. I had to laugh about Brodick’s going back to England with Gillian. Of course, I’ve read the story before. Think this guy will blend in? Not that he blends in in Scotland, LOL!
26. **sigh** I just love the end of Chapter 16. No question here. Just a sigh. Any other memorable quotes so far for you? Guess I should mention sighing over Chapter 17 too. Short, but sweet.
27. What did you think of Father Laggan? His appearance was brief; did you get a clear enough picture of his character? Did you laugh when he said he liked to sleep in a bed alone, and then glared at Brodick? LOL!
28. Was that wedding (view spoiler) too funny, or what? Any favorite quotes? Are the Buchanans all tricksters?
29. Do you like the way that Brodick distracted Gillian down that cliff? He can whisper in my ear anytime.
30. Uh! Brodick said King John’s name and didn’t spit or curse. Of course, the sentence didn’t have any positive or neutral connotation.
31. Gillian hasn’t seen Gideon, has she? And what is going on with Proster?
Lisa Kay’s Questions for Chapter 15 –19 22. I think Gillian touched a part of him he didn’t know existed. And after all, Gillian was the one in the first place to claim they were to be married. Brodick is only acting on what was already set in motion. Lol I don’t think there was a lack of interest on either part. They both felt the chemistry.
23. I know the story stated he was a scary feller, a barbarian and a savage, but I really didn’t feel he was all that scary. The story had too light of a feeling to it to really give credence to that. But yes, I like that Gillian isn’t afraid. The horse is another matter.
24. Yes, that is one thing I like about Ms Garwood. She didn’t go with the old formula using the Big Misunderstanding as a plot device.
25. Lol. No he wouldn’t blend in.
26. I find this book to be very quotable. Love that quote and also ““You have many flaws, he announced.... “But there was one flaw that made all the other imperfections pale in comparison.”
“Was?” she asked. “I don't have this flaw any longer?”
“No, you don't.”
“Pray tell,” she muttered in exasperation, “what was this terrible flaw?”
He grinned. “You used to be English.””
27. What a hoot!. Another thing I love about Ms Garwood is her ability to add quirky characters into the story.
28. Poor Gillian didn’t have a clue. It was funny how people were trying to distract her from getting the truth.
29. One of the things I loved about Brodick was his ability to see what was needed.
30. To do the spit and curse thing would have been a little childish in my opinion. Not to say he probably did do it when he was with just the men.
31. Pride, of course. Proster is a MacPherson and has a lot of pride in what he is and didn’t like being told he can’t be one anymore.
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#22. Yes, loved their chemistry!
#23 – I totally agree with you. Brodick is not “dark” and scary and neither is the book. Still, he was pretty much considered such just b/c he was not in “society”.
#24 – Thank goodness!
#26 – Yes, so cute!
#27 – Yeah, there is a story there! LOL!
#28 – Yes, not easy to write that scene and make it work/flow.
#29 - ♥Brodick♥
#30 – I was just telling my brother-in-law about this the other day. LOL! (He asked for a beer and I didn’t have any, so I offered a Ginger Ale. He looked like he wanted to spit. LOL!)
lol @ lk #30
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36. Man-oh-man! Is Bridgid’s mother a piece of work? Do you think some women just don’t have the “maternal instinct” – or, in this case, is it muted by the “mating instinct”? Well, it is all good, as it gets her in the castle with Ramsey. Comments?
37. Now, I wonder who Bridgid desires? **hee hee** Was that scene funny to you? I know you have both finished the book, but did you guess this before it was revealed?
38. What did you think of the two young boys, Steward & Donal?
39. So, Gillian thought she was only betrothed. Well, she realized something when she was on horseback and Brodick draped the scrap of plaid over their hands, so she not completely clueless. Were you surprised she assumed this?
40. Were you surprised that Christen refused to meet Gillian. By what percentage do you think this had to do with her husband’s edict?
41. Oh, dear! Bridgid and Gillian are going in search of Christen tomorrow. Think they’ll run into trouble?
42. The cat is out of the proverbial bag now; Gillian knows she’s married. What was the funniest part, or best quotes, of The Big Reveal to you?
Lisa Kay’s Questions for Chapter 20 –23 36. Yes, some women don’t have that mother’s instinct. My own mom for one. Oh, I know she loves me in her own way but we never got much affection from her growing up and even now there feels like a bit of a distance. But she wouldn’t throw me out of the house because of her husband. I don’t think. Lol. I think my mom would at least find a place for me. Haha. So many have said they feel that Ramsey and Bridgid should have had their own book. I agree. I would have loved to see more of their relationship.
37. Yes, I guessed. lol
38. Annoying but harmless. Kind of glad they didn’t get pounded.
39. Lol so funny. I’m not sure what I thought. I don’t remember thinking they were married the first time I read this so I assume I must have thought like Gillian.
40. At first I thought it was all hubby’s doing. 100% but later after reading this through I revised it to maybe 20%. I didn’t understand Christen’s reasoning. But I have never had anything that traumatic happen to me so…
41. Duh!
42. Haha. Poor Father Laggan and his telling her to keep away from him. Also Bridgid assuming that Gillian would be back.
Pamela's Questions for Chapters 24 - 2843. The "deed" is done. Was you satisfied? Was "it" done right? lol
44. What did you think of the story Ramsey told about Bridgid and Marion? Did you laugh as hard as I did?
45. Gillian has finally given up the names. How long did you think it would take them to go to England? Did you expect Brodick to leave that instant?
46. Gillian and Bridgid were attacked. Were you surprised when Proster came to rescue them? What about Gillian's injury? Comments? Were you surprised at who the attackers were?
47. Gideon told Brodick south. Why do you suppose he did that?
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#36 - Yeah, my birthmother was the same way. At least she was kind enough to give us up to a wonderful couple - who I consider my parents.
#40 - Totally agree with you.
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#43 - Yes, definitely. Very sweet with just the right amount of humor.
#44 - Yes, it was hilarious. I know I've said it before, but a part of me feels sorry for Marion. LOL! The other part is laughing my ass off.
#45 - Yup! LOL!
#46 - The first time I read this, yes! A small part of me always wonders if a person is painted too black; however, I was still surprised.
#47 - Well, I know the answer to this b/c I finished the book -- again! LOL! Should I say?
Lisa Kay’s Questions for Chapter 20 –23 36. Man-oh-man! Is Bridgid’s mother a piece of work? Do you think some women just don’t have the “maternal instinct” – or, in this case, is it muted by the “mating instinct”? Well, it is all good, as it gets her in the castle with Ramsey. Comments?
I think she's despicable. I do think some women do not possess a maternal instinct. But, I also think some women are so hungry for love (due to their own childhood experiences & emotional insecurities) that they often choose men over their children. It's quite sad because then it becomes a vicious cycle.
37. Now, I wonder who Bridgid desires? **hee hee** Was that scene funny to you? I know you have both finished the book, but did you guess this before it was revealed?
Ramsey and Bridgid are cute together. I wish they would have gotten their own book. I haven't finished the book yet but I knew right away, as soon as Bridgid told Ramsey she was in love with someone, that he was the guy she was referring to. lol
38. What did you think of the two young boys, Steward & Donal?
I feel the same as Pamela on this one - they are annoying but harmless.
39. So, Gillian thought she was only betrothed. Well, she realized something when she was on horseback and Brodick draped the scrap of plaid over their hands, so she not completely clueless. Were you surprised she assumed this?
Yes, I was surprised she didn't pick up that Brodick was actually marrying her. I thought it was funny when she said, "I got married on a horse?" lol
40. Were you surprised that Christen refused to meet Gillian. By what percentage do you think this had to do with her husband’s edict?
I think it's definitely her husband who is intervening.
41. Oh, dear! Bridgid and Gillian are going in search of Christen tomorrow. Think they’ll run into trouble?
Yes, definitely. lol
42. The cat is out of the proverbial bag now; Gillian knows she’s married. What was the funniest part, or best quotes, of The Big Reveal to you?
"I got married on a horse." lol
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#36 – Oh! Excellent point about some women choosing men over their children, Rachel!
#39 – LOL!
#41 – LOL!
#42 – LOL! ““Good Lord Almighty. He’s got her now.” was pretty funny too! **snortsnort**
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48. I can just hear Brodick roaring when he found out his wife was missing. You?
49. I guess I spoke too soon about there being no Big Misunderstanding. There is one. Well, at least a Little Misunderstanding, since Bridgid translated the fireside conversation for Gillian and told her that the only reason Brodick married her was to find out the names of the Englishmen. Good thing she keeps telling herself it can’t be true. Does she really believe that, or is she trying to convince herself?
50. Loved the wake-up scene. I’m not morning person and prefer people don’t talk to me for the first 15 -30 minutes. I can bounce out of bed and get moving fast, if I have to; I just prefer to take my time and putter around until I get the feel of the day. You?
Lisa Kay’s Questions for Chapter 32 –35
52. Well, we get to (view spoiler) How did you feel about the battle that ensued? Too long, too short, or just right?
53. The reunion with Christen was bittersweet – and bitter. I was glad that Christen finally warmed a bit toward Gillian. But again, a part of me was surprised that Christen, in an effort to escape painful past memories, really didn’t wish to pursue an adult relationship with Gillian. Sad. Comments?
54. I was still raw after Christen’s rejection, so I really ached when Gillian returned home and found Brodick gone. Just when she needed him so. Comments?
55. Were you surprised at Bridgid’s decision to go to England with Gillian? At that point, did you already know what she had planned in the back of her mind?
Lisa Kay wrote: "@ Rachel#36 – Oh! Excellent point about some women choosing men over their children, Rachel!
#42 – LOL! ““Good Lord Almighty. He’s got her now.” was pretty funny too!..."
Thanks, Lisa!
Yes, that was funny! I also like when the Father Laggan says, "Didn't the lass hear a word I said?..."lolol If I were Gillian, I wouldn't have listened either. Brodick is YUM. I love those gruff dangerous barbaric heroes. lol
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Join the club, Rachel! LOL!
Lisa Kay’s Questions for Chapter 29 –31 48. I can just hear Brodick roaring when he found out his wife was missing. You?
I believe every Sinclair, MacPherson and Buchanan and maybe a few other neighboring clans heard it lol
49. I guess I spoke too soon about there being no Big Misunderstanding. There is one. Well, at least a Little Misunderstanding, since Bridgid translated the fireside conversation for Gillian and told her that the only reason Brodick married her was to find out the names of the Englishmen. Good thing she keeps telling herself it can’t be true. Does she really believe that, or is she trying to convince herself?
I don’t mind the little misunderstandings. I hate it when they drag em out for the entire novel though. A little of both. Trying to convince herself that she really believes it. lol
50. Loved the wake-up scene. I’m not morning person and prefer people don’t talk to me for the first 15 -30 minutes. I can bounce out of bed and get moving fast, if I have to; I just prefer to take my time and putter around until I get the feel of the day. You?
I’m normally up and at em. Occasionally I have a day where I’m sluggish and hard to completely wake up.
Lisa Kay’s Questions for Chapter 32 –35
52. Well, we get to (view spoiler)[ Gideon’s perfidy. And one of the reasons he listed was Ramsey allowing Bridgid to turn him down. Vanity personified. (hide spoiler)] How did you feel about the battle that ensued? Too long, too short, or just right?
Actually rather short but I’m glad. I don’t really like fight scenes
53. The reunion with Christen was bittersweet – and bitter. I was glad that Christen finally warmed a bit toward Gillian. But again, a part of me was surprised that Christen, in an effort to escape painful past memories, really didn’t wish to pursue an adult relationship with Gillian. Sad. Comments?
It was a hard scene for me. I can’t really understand her (Christen). I would have thought the reunion would have been more touching with the sisters hugging and crying all over each other and promises to never part again, etc…
54. I was still raw after Christen’s rejection, so I really ached when Gillian returned home and found Brodick gone. Just when she needed him so. Comments?
The scum! No, really, it was best this way. He had to do it and it was the only way in his mind.
55. Were you surprised at Bridgid’s decision to go to England with Gillian? At that point, did you already know what she had planned in the back of her mind?
I figured Bridgid would go with her. No surprise there.
I just want to say that I was hoping it would turn out that Bridgid was Gillian's sister. I'm still stubbornly holding out hope that "Christen" was lying.
lol @ Rachel I wanted that too first time I read this book
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#48 – LMAO! True, true!
#49 – Yes, everyone has misunderstandings; like you, I don’t want them to drag on and on.
#50 – Ah! Biorhythms.
#52 – ☺
#53 – Yeah, even on the ump-teenth re-read, that part still gets to me.
#55 – You are so clever, Pamela. ☺
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Let's Talk About Julie Garwood
Books mentioned in this topic
Fair Game (other topics)Ransom (other topics)
Participants:
Pamela
Nicpref
Aphrodait
lurkers:
Lisa Kay