Saving Grace by Julie Garwood

Hero: Gabriel McBain
Heroine: Johanna
Grade: A+

When Lady Johanna learned that she was a widow, she vowed she would never marry again. Only sixteen, already she possessed a strength of will that impressed all who looked past her golden-haired beauty. Yet when King John demanded that she remarry—and selected a bridegroom for her—it seemed she must acquiesce, until her beloved foster brother suggested she wed his friend, the handsome Scottish warrior Gabriel MacBain.

At first Johanna was shy, but as Gabriel tenderly revealed the splendid pleasures they would share, she came to suspect that she was falling in love with her gruff new husband. And it was soon apparent to the entire Highlands clan that their brusque, gallant laird had surrendered his heart completely. But now a desperate royal intrigue threatened to tear her from his side—and to destroy the man whose love meant more to her than she had ever dreamed!

This was one of the books by Julie Garwood that I read twice before moving on to the next book on my TBR pile. Yes, this book was that good.

You see, Lady Johanna is one smart cookie. You can see why she's such a smart cookie when you read the book (trust me, you won't be sorry you read it, it's a GREAT book), but above her smartness, she's also very strong. What I liked most about this book (besides the to die for hero and brother) is we see Johanna's growth in character as the story progresses, you see her as the weakling she seemed to be at the very beginning and with the help of Gabriel McBain, she comes out of her shell and transforms into this beautiful woman who knows her own mind and is no longer afraid to show it.

The turn around in Johanna is a most enjoyable feature in this story, because you can see why Gabriel couldn't help but fall in love with Johanna, because buried deep inside of her was a spirit so strong and so true that anyone would have wanted to help bring it out, I'm so very glad that it was Gabriel who came to her rescue, when Nicholas practically gave Johanna to him, it was such a great blessing to the both of them, because they both needed each other, quite desperately.

This entire story is one of the best love stories I've read to date. I may say that a lot, but this one is one that will stay with you long after you've finished the book. It's that good.

Gabriel is a strong hero who needs Johanna just as much as she needs him. I loved the ending, when Gabriel is standing behind Johanna the entire she says her speech to Raulf? Loved it. I loved what Gabriel helps her do at the end too, that scene was so sweet and so poignant, I love it to pieces.

Some memorable scenes from this book:

• When Johanna tells Alex that Gabriel gave her a son as a wedding gift, Awww.
• The teaching of manners at the dining table.
• Johanna sewing the plaids together.
• The Punishment Stick.
• Johanna's nickname for Glynis.
• Johanna saving Claire's life with her arrow.
• Johanna fainting when they're trying to find a way to get a noser.

My list can go on, seriously...that's how much I love this book. Another thing I loved about this book was Baron Nicholas, I was mad at Gabriel for a little bit on Nicholas' behalf and I thought it was extremely nice of Nicholas to stand up for Claire the way he did, even though I did start out a bit standoffish where Nicholas was concerned because of you know what (well those of you who have read this book, knows that I'm talking about, if you haven't, read it so you can know too!), he was her brother and what not...

Okay seriously, I can go on and on about why I love this book so much, but I'll stop here, just suffice it to say that this book is the bomb dot com and you're missing out on some serious good reading if you haven't read this book, so get on it right this minute!

...what are you still doing on this blog? Get thee hence to the bookstore and get this book and read it, dag nabbit! =)

A+ that's what this book gets!

Rene Lyons (humble guest reviewer) says:

Well, first let me thank the ladies of SF for allowing to add my two cents to this review. See, SG is a book dear to my heart. This was the book I read that inspired me to write.

What drew me to this book was the tortured heroine. JG did it in a way that women who suffered such abuse in 'real life' could relate and have a heroine with enough strength to inspire courage in themselves. I think that's what drew to me to this book and had me instantly falling in love with Johanna. Her reaction to her husband being dead hit my heart like an arrow and had me staying up for almost twenty-four hours straight to finish the book.

Johanna's dignity and strength truly made her, a herione worth admiring.

Now, Gabriel...ah...he is all things wonderful to me and to this day still stands as my favorite hero.

Johanna's journey from 'cautious' to learning how to enjoy life was heartwarming. The love between her and Gabriel lept off the page. So much so, that when her 'dead' husband returns (I hate him too much to even write his name here. lol) and she stands proud before him, you can just feel her love for not only Gabriel, but her newfound family as well.

I think it goes without saying that I give this book an A+

Grace says:

This is without a doubt yet another winner by JG. Once again JG has been able to successfully throw elements of witty humor, sass and poignant moments to tug at your heart, and make you want to read and re-read this one over and over.

The JG trademark - ending one chapter and beginning the next in direct contradiction - is also evident in this book right from the very beginning. It made me laugh, as it always does, to see one chapter end with Gabriel predicting that Johanna won't deny him, and will marry him...and then to see Johanna flat out denying him on the very next page. I do so love these contradictions!

It was a true joy to see how this book progressed. At first we got a little glimpse of the horror Johanna had been living in, married to Raulf, causing her to tame her spirit in fear of being wrongfully punished. But while she was very cautious and even somewhat afraid - and rightly so - her first marriage was never able to break her.

It is through Gabriels gruff but surprisingly gentle ways that Johanna begins to feel a certain ease that she had not been given the freedom to feel, being married to Raulf. Gabriel reassured her countless times and ways that he would more likely lay his life on the line to protect her, than harm any part of her. A promise he made to her, right from the beginning.

As the book continued on, we saw Johanna slowly start to build up her sense of esteem and belonging to the clan, and even unleashing her fiesty sass on her husband whenever the mood struck. It was so wonderful to see Johanna finally feel safe enough to let her true colours show and be at ease. Reading about scenes where Johanna was no longer afraid to sass Gabriel back when he was roaring at her for something or other was another great treat, because it just demonstrated exactly how far she had come during her time in the Highlands. I think Johanna is probably one of my most favoured JG heroines, because she showed so much strength and courage, even when it was very difficult for her to do so.

Now Gabriel..Oh how I love Gabriel MacBain. He's a fierce warrior through and through but surprisingly, or perhaps not, he was just as capable of being very gentle and considerate to his petite little wife. Not to mention, quite protective. It was so cute to see him chasing Johanna down to make her rest all the time so she didn't get sick and die on him. And it was also cute to read about Gabriel realising he was a warrior who loved his wife..and who was hell bent on making his wife love him too.

"She'd snared him all right, blindsided him she had...."

"There was only one course of action left to him. Johanna was going to have to love him. By God, he wasn't about to let himself become this vulnerable without gaining equal measure."

All in all, this one is definitely a keeper. Just the storyline between Gabriel and Johanna makes this well worth the read, but the addition of secondary characters and even love interests make it even better. If you haven't read this one yet, I'd highly recommend it. You wouldn't want to miss out, now would you? *grin*

5/5