Helpful Score: 7
I admit, I thought this hero had less charm than the big Scot in Garwood's The Wedding. Unlike that character, Nathan St. James seems to tease his poor bride just because he finds it amusing to see her upset and in a temper. Personally, it would have been a better book for me if she'd shot him in the groin with a cannonball sometime in the first few chapters.
But hey, don't listen to me, some people like the heavy handed Master of the Universe Macho man doesn't have to explain himself routine. But me, I still think he'd have benefited from an encounter with a speeding cannonball.
But hey, don't listen to me, some people like the heavy handed Master of the Universe Macho man doesn't have to explain himself routine. But me, I still think he'd have benefited from an encounter with a speeding cannonball.
Helpful Score: 3
I love all of Julie Garwood's historicals and this one is no exception.
What happens when the groom is 11 and the bride is 3? They don't meet up for another 20 years and the sparks fly!
What happens when the groom is 11 and the bride is 3? They don't meet up for another 20 years and the sparks fly!
Helpful Score: 3
Garwood's heroines are often klutzy, ditsy gals, and it can get tiresome, but once this heroine, Sara, gets kidnapped aboard her sweetie's pirate ship, comic mishaps come thick and fast. It was laugh-out-loud funny!
Truly an enjoyable read.
Truly an enjoyable read.
Helpful Score: 2
Great book.
Helpful Score: 2
great book..read it several times
Helpful Score: 2
I am a Julie Garwood avid reader. Love all of her novels. Takes place in England 1802.
Helpful Score: 2
A delightful, sensual story of two lovers destined for high adventure, and blissful rapture.
Julie Garwood is always a great read.
Julie Garwood is always a great read.
Helpful Score: 1
A lovely period romance. The author made me laugh and laugh throughout the tale. Excellent.
Helpful Score: 1
This book was really disappointing and I enjoyed Julie Garwood's previous book like "Ranson" and "The Secret" (highlander series). To quote one of the other reviewers ''she was so annoying, naive to the point of stupidity''. And not only this, SHE NEVER STOPPED COMPLAINING AND NAGGING!! Sarah's constant clutziness was beyond ridiculous. She had cried at least twice in EVERY SINGLE CHAPTER.... COME ON!!!!! She cries at the drop of a hat... I mean everything makes her cry... It was way too much. The fact that she almost sunk the ship, twice, with her umbrella is a testament to this fact. The chemistry between sarah and nathan wasn't at all strong either. Ultimately, this book was boring and such a dissapointment.
Helpful Score: 1
as always, she is an amazing writer. her books constantly make me want to re-evaluate my definitions of love and loyalty.
Helpful Score: 1
fantastic reading
Helpful Score: 1
A delightful sensual story of two lover destined to for high adventure, and blessful rapture.
Helpful Score: 1
A great read!
Helpful Score: 1
One of Julie Garwood's best work!
Helpful Score: 1
Sara Winchester was 4,Nathan, Marquessof St.James was 14 when they were married. He returns 15 years later to claim her; forces try to tear them apart; they realize they were meant for each other
Helpful Score: 1
Fantastic book, great author
So the story is about Sara Winchester and Nathan, Marquees of St. James. They were ordered to marry when he was 14 and she was 4 years old....... that's right FOUR! The reason was because the two families had been feuding for years and the king wanted peace and he thought the marriage would facilitate that peace. Sara's family talked bad about Nathan but she thought of him as her knight in shinning armor. Her family were not the nicest people. Nathan just wanted the gift the marriage contract would give them...at first.
Most of Julie Garwood's female character are very strong and Sara is strong but she is more of a "lady" than most of the others. I liked that change. Was I a little annoyed with Sara at first, yes, but I imagine a lot of women were like her back in the day. Sara has a strong mind. She is a bit of a dreamer and thinks only of the good in people.
Now Nathan is a whole different story. He likes being alone and doesn't want to depend on anyone especially a woman. He is jaded, but kind. He is at times a contradiction to himself. He would say he doesn't care about her feelings but then do things that would spare her delicate feelings. It was very sweet. But he does have a tendency to yell a lot...at her. But believe me it is funny when he does. My favorite line was when someone asked what endearments he calls her by and Sara says, "Damn it Sara." She did this because he never called her by endearments and wanted to upset him. Then he turns around and says "Damn it, Sara!" and then he starts laughing.
I could go on and on about this book but I will stop because I do not think I can do it justice. So much happens but I will not ruin it for you. I am going to stop now and just say....this is a very good book and you should think about reading it!
Most of Julie Garwood's female character are very strong and Sara is strong but she is more of a "lady" than most of the others. I liked that change. Was I a little annoyed with Sara at first, yes, but I imagine a lot of women were like her back in the day. Sara has a strong mind. She is a bit of a dreamer and thinks only of the good in people.
Now Nathan is a whole different story. He likes being alone and doesn't want to depend on anyone especially a woman. He is jaded, but kind. He is at times a contradiction to himself. He would say he doesn't care about her feelings but then do things that would spare her delicate feelings. It was very sweet. But he does have a tendency to yell a lot...at her. But believe me it is funny when he does. My favorite line was when someone asked what endearments he calls her by and Sara says, "Damn it Sara." She did this because he never called her by endearments and wanted to upset him. Then he turns around and says "Damn it, Sara!" and then he starts laughing.
I could go on and on about this book but I will stop because I do not think I can do it justice. So much happens but I will not ruin it for you. I am going to stop now and just say....this is a very good book and you should think about reading it!
I loved this Book, It is one of the few books that Myself and my two daughters agree on.
It is laugh out loud funny. Sara is so well meaning but it always turns out wrong.
She is one of those pepole, that you would tell please don't help me.
The only thing I can say about Nathan is he is sooo HOT! This is my favorit Garwood book
ever.
It is laugh out loud funny. Sara is so well meaning but it always turns out wrong.
She is one of those pepole, that you would tell please don't help me.
The only thing I can say about Nathan is he is sooo HOT! This is my favorit Garwood book
ever.
There are not many historical authors that I like - Julie Garwood is definitely one. Lisa Kleypas, Amanda Quick, Jude Deveraux are also on that list. Maybe the whole list. This book is great, as are all her others. The Bride is my favorite.
Lady Sara Winchester is a different kind of heroine - ditzy, naive and thoroughly optimistic. She was forced to marry Nathan St. James by royal decree when she was a very young child, and has fantasized about him as her prince charming ever since. When Nathan claims his bride 14 years later, she is in for a surprise - he is surly and mistrustful, not to mention a semi-reformed pirate and general social outcast. The story of how these two come together and learn to live with one another is hilarious. And Sara does not come empty handed. She comes with her widowed aunt that she rescued.
Now Nathan is a whole different story. He likes being alone and doesn't want to depend on anyone especially a woman. He is jaded, but kind. He is at times a contradiction to himself. He would say he doesn't care about her feelings but then do things that would spare her delicate feelings. It was very sweet. But he does have a tendency to yell a lot...at her. But believe me it is funny when he does. My favorite line was when someone asked Sara what endearments he calls her by and she says, "Damn it Sara." She did this because he never called her by endearments and she wanted to upset him. Then he turns around and says "Damn it, Sara!" and then he starts laughing.
I thought The Gift was a great book, certainly one of the best in the series. (Speaking of the series, there are four books, not three. "The Lion's Lady" is the first. Then "Guardian Angel", "The Gift", and "Castles".) The two main characters are lovable, and have good chemistry, not mention some GREAT and really witty conversations. Of course, the book is more enjoyable if you have read the other two in this series first. Then you will understand how Nathan is a far more complex character than what appears on the surface. "Castles" ties up all the loose ends of the plot within the plot and interweaves all the main characters from all 4 stories very nicely.
Julie Garwood has created a thoroughly interesting plot and setting, a great cast of minor characters, and a great book! I recommend it highly.
Now Nathan is a whole different story. He likes being alone and doesn't want to depend on anyone especially a woman. He is jaded, but kind. He is at times a contradiction to himself. He would say he doesn't care about her feelings but then do things that would spare her delicate feelings. It was very sweet. But he does have a tendency to yell a lot...at her. But believe me it is funny when he does. My favorite line was when someone asked Sara what endearments he calls her by and she says, "Damn it Sara." She did this because he never called her by endearments and she wanted to upset him. Then he turns around and says "Damn it, Sara!" and then he starts laughing.
I thought The Gift was a great book, certainly one of the best in the series. (Speaking of the series, there are four books, not three. "The Lion's Lady" is the first. Then "Guardian Angel", "The Gift", and "Castles".) The two main characters are lovable, and have good chemistry, not mention some GREAT and really witty conversations. Of course, the book is more enjoyable if you have read the other two in this series first. Then you will understand how Nathan is a far more complex character than what appears on the surface. "Castles" ties up all the loose ends of the plot within the plot and interweaves all the main characters from all 4 stories very nicely.
Julie Garwood has created a thoroughly interesting plot and setting, a great cast of minor characters, and a great book! I recommend it highly.
This is a very old book that is slightly warp buy time
Very entertaining story.
You can't go wrong with a Julie Garwood book and this one delivers! A great read.
The Gift is about Nathan St. James and Sara Winchester who were forced to marry when they were 14 and 4 years old. Years after the wedding, Nathan comes to collect Sara so their marriage contract can be completed. They set sail for an island with Sara's Aunt Nora, who Sara rescued from her family. One mishap after another happens on the way, while Sara and Nathan grow closer. Upon their return to England, they are confronted with an upcoming scandal ...
It has been thirty years since I last read this book, but it was just as much fun as I remembered. The story opens with a unique twist - King George III facilitates a marriage between two feuding families to end the conflict. The prize is a fortune in cash and a piece of disputed land when the marriage is consummated, and an heir is born. The groom is Nathan, Marquess of St. James, and the bride is Lady Sara Winchester. The twist - Nathan is fourteen and Sara is four. Obviously, consummation will have to wait.
Fourteen years later, Nathan is ready to bite the bullet and claim his bride. He's not enthusiastic about it but needs the cash to help establish the shipping company he and his friend Colin formed. There's a fun scene between him and Colin as they discuss Nathan's plan to retrieve his bride. Meanwhile, Sara is impatiently waiting for Nathan to come for her. Her life with her family has been miserable, and now she needs help to rescue her aunt. Letters to Nathan have gone unanswered, so she takes matters into her own hands.
Sara is something of a ditz. She is typical of the young ladies of the period - overprotected, undereducated, and utterly naïve about the real world. The opening scene of her planned rescue shows her oblivious to the danger around her. I laughed out loud as I watched her actions, completely understanding Nathan's disbelief as he followed her. This is just the beginning. I liked Nathan's protectiveness as he followed her, rescued her, and got her aboard his ship. The shipboard scenes with Sara were frequently hilarious as she tried to win over the crew, whom she called her staff, with often disastrous results.
Watching this pair's relationship develop had me laughing out loud throughout the book. Nathan, a man of his time, is arrogant, certain of his place in the world, and convinced that he knows best. He has no intention of falling in love, as women are not to be trusted. Sara, on the other hand, is bluntly honest in expressing her thoughts and feelings. She tells Nathan she is everything he could possibly want in a wife. She lets him know when she is angry or disappointed in him. She also tells him that she loves him and gets frustrated when he doesn't reciprocate. I enjoyed watching Sara wriggle her way into his heart with him all the way. His 'aha' moment was great, and I loved watching him try to fix his mistakes. His method of doing so was a fantastic ending to the book.
There is also tension because of the underhanded actions of Sara's father and uncle. Nathan's protectiveness toward Sara was needed to counteract their actions. Things became complicated when a lie ran up against Nathan's distrust of women, which caused him to make a stupid mistake. Sara's love for Nathan never faltered, though she questioned her belief about his feelings for her. There's a terrific scene where her Nathan-instilled confidence enabled her to come out on top of a confrontation with her uncle. I laughed out loud at the men's reactions. The resolution of that problem was excellent.
Fourteen years later, Nathan is ready to bite the bullet and claim his bride. He's not enthusiastic about it but needs the cash to help establish the shipping company he and his friend Colin formed. There's a fun scene between him and Colin as they discuss Nathan's plan to retrieve his bride. Meanwhile, Sara is impatiently waiting for Nathan to come for her. Her life with her family has been miserable, and now she needs help to rescue her aunt. Letters to Nathan have gone unanswered, so she takes matters into her own hands.
Sara is something of a ditz. She is typical of the young ladies of the period - overprotected, undereducated, and utterly naïve about the real world. The opening scene of her planned rescue shows her oblivious to the danger around her. I laughed out loud as I watched her actions, completely understanding Nathan's disbelief as he followed her. This is just the beginning. I liked Nathan's protectiveness as he followed her, rescued her, and got her aboard his ship. The shipboard scenes with Sara were frequently hilarious as she tried to win over the crew, whom she called her staff, with often disastrous results.
Watching this pair's relationship develop had me laughing out loud throughout the book. Nathan, a man of his time, is arrogant, certain of his place in the world, and convinced that he knows best. He has no intention of falling in love, as women are not to be trusted. Sara, on the other hand, is bluntly honest in expressing her thoughts and feelings. She tells Nathan she is everything he could possibly want in a wife. She lets him know when she is angry or disappointed in him. She also tells him that she loves him and gets frustrated when he doesn't reciprocate. I enjoyed watching Sara wriggle her way into his heart with him all the way. His 'aha' moment was great, and I loved watching him try to fix his mistakes. His method of doing so was a fantastic ending to the book.
There is also tension because of the underhanded actions of Sara's father and uncle. Nathan's protectiveness toward Sara was needed to counteract their actions. Things became complicated when a lie ran up against Nathan's distrust of women, which caused him to make a stupid mistake. Sara's love for Nathan never faltered, though she questioned her belief about his feelings for her. There's a terrific scene where her Nathan-instilled confidence enabled her to come out on top of a confrontation with her uncle. I laughed out loud at the men's reactions. The resolution of that problem was excellent.
This one was better than "Guardian Angel," the "prequel," but still a LOT more (and unnecessary) head-hopping than necessary. Annoying heroine, the ending felt a little rushed, but the humor in this story helped tip the balance to make it enjoyable and not a waste of time.
Book 3 in a series....Nathan's story
Treachery and misunderstandings will try the passion between these two lovers.
Third in the Regency series. Very different female character in that she loves the hero from the very beginning and is upfront about it all. Not your typical romance book that way. I enjoy Garwood's books and like to use them to break up the typical romance reads.
Story of a girl who knows her destiny and a man who takes a little time being convinced. Even though their marriage took place when she was only 4 years old, Sara spends her time growing up waiting for her husband to claim her, cherish and love her. Nathan eventually comes to claim her but needs some convincing on the love and cherish part.
Read it a couple times. I'm not nessissarly into this genre anymore so it's here for you.
From Publishers Weekly
This bland romance, which borders on formulaic, recycles a few elements from Garwood's earlier novel Guardian Angel . In 1802, in an attempt to bring peace between two warring families, the king arranges a marriage between the 14-year-old Nathanialsp ok Baker, marquess of St. James, and Lady Sara Winchester, who is four. Fourteen years later and now a pirate, Nathan wishes to claim his bride--and the property that comes with her--but the Winchesters aren't cooperating. Nathan decides to indulge in a "clean, uncomplicated kidnapping" and spirits his wife out of England on one of his ships. In fact Sara, long infatuated with her absent, mysterious husband, settles into life at sea quite cheerfully, enlivening the voyage by accidentally destroying a couple of sails, giving the crew food poisoning and setting the vessel on fire. Despite it all, her determined affection for and faith in Nathan and his crew gradually wins her a place in their crusty, seafaring souls and a loyalty that is tested when, on their return to London, Sara's father threatens to expose an old scandal that could ruin the St. James name.
This bland romance, which borders on formulaic, recycles a few elements from Garwood's earlier novel Guardian Angel . In 1802, in an attempt to bring peace between two warring families, the king arranges a marriage between the 14-year-old Nathanialsp ok Baker, marquess of St. James, and Lady Sara Winchester, who is four. Fourteen years later and now a pirate, Nathan wishes to claim his bride--and the property that comes with her--but the Winchesters aren't cooperating. Nathan decides to indulge in a "clean, uncomplicated kidnapping" and spirits his wife out of England on one of his ships. In fact Sara, long infatuated with her absent, mysterious husband, settles into life at sea quite cheerfully, enlivening the voyage by accidentally destroying a couple of sails, giving the crew food poisoning and setting the vessel on fire. Despite it all, her determined affection for and faith in Nathan and his crew gradually wins her a place in their crusty, seafaring souls and a loyalty that is tested when, on their return to London, Sara's father threatens to expose an old scandal that could ruin the St. James name.
Back Cover:
A child bride, Sara Winchester had grown into a winsome beauty, joyfully anticipating the day when ehr husband Nathan, Marquess of St.James, would return to clain her heart at last. Charmingly innocent, she dismissed the ancient feud that divided Nathan's family from her own...and she was totally unaware of his past exploits as the nototious pirate, Pegan. The man who now stood before her was perplexing, arrougand, and powerfully handsome...a warrior-gentleman whose touch aroused her to the wildest, deepest pleasures of love.
Nathan had never bared his soul to any woman but he was soon utterly beguilded and exasperated by Sara's sweet, defiant ways. Aboard his ship, The Seahawk, she was brave, impervious, and determined to win his heart completely. Yet, upon their return to England, her love would be sorely tested as a vile conspiracy tried to tear them apart. When their future at stake, they would discover the true destiny of their passion...for all time!
This is a great book. I couldn't put it down. Julie Garwood is amazing once again!
A child bride, Sara Winchester had grown into a winsome beauty, joyfully anticipating the day when ehr husband Nathan, Marquess of St.James, would return to clain her heart at last. Charmingly innocent, she dismissed the ancient feud that divided Nathan's family from her own...and she was totally unaware of his past exploits as the nototious pirate, Pegan. The man who now stood before her was perplexing, arrougand, and powerfully handsome...a warrior-gentleman whose touch aroused her to the wildest, deepest pleasures of love.
Nathan had never bared his soul to any woman but he was soon utterly beguilded and exasperated by Sara's sweet, defiant ways. Aboard his ship, The Seahawk, she was brave, impervious, and determined to win his heart completely. Yet, upon their return to England, her love would be sorely tested as a vile conspiracy tried to tear them apart. When their future at stake, they would discover the true destiny of their passion...for all time!
This is a great book. I couldn't put it down. Julie Garwood is amazing once again!
A child bride,Sara Winchester had grown into a winsome beauty ,joyfully anticipationg the day whne her husband Nathan,Marquess of St.James,would return to claim her at last. Charmingly innocent,she dismissed the ancient feud that divided her and Nathan's families..and she was totally unaware of his past exploits as the notorisous pirate,Pagan. The man who now stood befor her was perplexing,arrogant and powerfully handsome...warrior-gentleman whose gentle touch aroused her to the wildest,deepest pleasures of love.Nathan had never bared his soul to any woman,but he was soon utterly beguiled and exasperated by Sara's sweer,defiant ways.Aboard his ship,The Seahawk,she was brave,imperious and determined to win his heart completely..yet upon their return to England,her love would be sorely tested as a most desperate conspiracy sundered them from one another.Now as their future trembled in the balance,they would discover the true destiny of their passion...for all time.
This is the paperback with the characters on the cover (not the bow). Its the 1991 print. Some yellowing from aging.
