Title: Shadow Music
Author: Julie Garwood
First published December 26, 2007
339 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780345500731 (ISBN10: 0345500733)
Rating: 3.95
Overview
Lady Victoria of St. Clair was thrilled to be taking a trip to Scotland with her father, the Duke of Atholl. But when her father is assassinated on their journey, Victoria is left stranded in a foreign land with enemies all around her.
With her father’s dying breath, she is given a mission: find the one person who can help her avenge his death and protect her family’s legacy.
But Scotland is a land of dark secrets and dangerous alliances. Victoria must navigate the treacherous waters of Highland politics and outsmart her enemies if she hopes to survive.
Along the way, she meets Brodie Mackintosh, a ruggedly handsome Highlander who becomes her reluctant protector.
As Victoria and Brodie journey deeper into the heart of Scotland, they uncover a plot that threatens not only her family’s legacy, but the entire kingdom. With Brodie’s help, Victoria must unravel the truth behind her father’s death and stop those who would see Scotland burn.
But as their attraction grows stronger, Victoria realizes that her heart may be the most vulnerable thing of all.
About the Author
Julie Garwood is a beloved American author with over 35 million books sold and 26 bestselling titles featured on the New York Times list. She grew up in a large Irish family in Kansas City, MO, where she learned the art of storytelling from her heritage.
Being the sixth of seven children, she quickly discovered the importance of being expressive, imaginative, and efficient in her communication.
Julie’s writing career began when her youngest child started school. She started with two young-adult novels before transitioning to historical fiction, and later, contemporary romantic suspense.
Her first novel, GENTLE WARRIOR, was published in 1985 by Pocket Books. Today, Julie’s books are translated into dozens of languages and regularly appear on the bestseller lists of major publications worldwide.
One of her bestselling novels, FOR THE ROSES, was even adapted for a Hallmark Hall of Fame television movie called ROSE HILL.
Julie Garwood currently resides in Leawood, KS, and is working on her next novel.
Editoral Review
Shadow Music by Julie Garwood is a mesmerizing tale of love, passion, and betrayal that will keep readers on the edge of their seats from beginning to end. Garwood is a renowned author in the romance genre, and Shadow Music is a perfect example of why she has such a following.
Published on December 26, 2007, this book has all the elements that fans of the genre crave. The story follows the life of Lady Gabrielle, who is forced to flee her home after witnessing a murder.
On her journey to safety, she meets the handsome Laird Colm MacHugh. Despite their initial distrust of each other, a spark is ignited, and they both realize that there is a deep connection between them.
As Gabrielle tries to find her place in her new surroundings, she discovers a plot to overthrow the Scottish king, and she must use her wit and strength to help Colm and his people stop it. Garwood’s writing style is spellbinding.
She paints vivid pictures of the Scottish countryside and the intricacies of life in the 13th century. Her characters are well-developed, and readers will find it easy to identify with Gabrielle’s struggles as she adapts to a new home and a new way of life.
The pacing of the plot is just right, with enough action and suspense to keep readers turning the pages without feeling overwhelmed. One of the strengths of this book is its historical accuracy.
Garwood has done extensive research on the period and has woven in many details that make the story feel authentic. This attention to detail adds depth and richness to the narrative and elevates it above other works of its kind.
However, the book is not without its flaws. At times, the dialogue can feel stilted and unnatural.
Some readers may also find that the romance between Gabrielle and Colm unfolds too quickly to be entirely believable. Despite these minor shortcomings, Shadow Music is a must-read for fans of historical romance.
Garwood’s masterful storytelling, compelling characters, and attention to historical detail make for an unforgettable reading experience. This book is also a poignant reminder of the struggles between England and Scotland in the 13th century, which is still relevant today.
In conclusion, we recommend Shadow Music to anyone who enjoys a good romance novel. The rating is 4.5 out of 5 based on its overall impression, and our criteria for the rating include writing quality, character development, pacing, plot structure, and themes.
If you are in the mood for a book that will transport you to a different time and place and leave you feeling deeply satisfied, this is the book for you.
