Meet Julie Garwood

Julie was born in 1946 in Kansas City, Missouri. She is the sixth of eight children in a large Irish family. At the age of six, Julie had her tonsils removed and complications from the surgery resulted in a long period of recuperation. She fell hopelessly behind in school and never caught up. "I was a slow, slow reader," Julie says. "I hated it." At the age of 11, her mother discovered her daughter's secret and promptly enrolled her in a summer remedial reading class at the local high school. "When I got there the nuns immediately realized I wasn't even remedial. By chance, Sister Mary Elizabeth passed us in the hall and was drafted to tutor me." They spent the summer together, and Julie came to know Sister Elizabeth as a friend and mentor. The patient teacher eventually unlocked the door to the world of reading. "She taught me to love the written word. First, she introduced me to the Nancy Drew mysteries. One of her favorite authors was O. Henry, and he became one of mine, too. Of course, some of the vocabulary was beyond me so I had to look up a lot of words. I sat on a large dictionary -- got up, looked up a word, sat back down." Julie jumped up and down like a jack-in-the-box all summer.

Julie married young with Gerry Garwood and they had three children: Gerry Jr., Bryan Michael and Elizabeth. She began her writing career when the youngest of her three children entered school. After the publication of two young adult books, she turned her talents to historical romance fiction. Her first romance novel, Gentle Warrior, was published by Pocket Books with her married name in 1985 -- there have been over 20 novels since then. Her name appears regularly on the bestseller lists of every major publication in the country, including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, The Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times and Publishers Weekly. The popularity of her books expands with each new publication, and she is now read and enjoyed in many languages around the world.

With tens of millions of books in print, Julie Garwood has clearly earned a position among America's favorite fiction writers. Her reputation as a masterful storyteller is solidly founded in her ability to deliver stories with appealing characters, powerful emotions, and surprising plot twists. Readers claim that it's the humor as well as the poignancy of her novels that keep them laughing, crying and thoroughly entertained. Julie attributes much of her success to growing up in a family of Irish heritage. "The Irish are great storytellers who relish getting all the details and nuances of every situation. Add in the fact that I was the sixth of seven children. Early in life I learned that self-expression had to be forceful, imaginative and quick," says Julie.

Julie lives with her family in Leawood, Kansas. When her schedule allows time away from family and career, she devotes her efforts to promoting literacy, and especially enjoys sharing her love of reading with student groups.

The Clayborne Brides Trilogy: Romance in the West

FOR THE ROSES
When four streetwise boys find a baby girl in a New York City alley, they make a pact to raise her the way they should have been raised. They travel west and secure a ranch in Montana where they become a mismatched, but loyal family...until Harrison MacDonald comes along and attempts to return Mary Rose to her father. The difficult situation becomes more difficult when Harrison falls madly in love with Mary Rose.

THE CLAYBORNES ARE BACK AND LOVE IS IN BLOOM!
First introduced in Julie Garwood's magnificent New York Times bestseller For the Rcses, which inspired the Hallmark Hall of Fame television film Rose Hill, the Clayborne brothers of Blue Belle, Montana, have been embraced by millions worldwide. Now Julie Garwood spins the individual stories of these three spirited brothers -- once a mismatched gang of street urchins -- in a trio of special novels that begins with One Pink Rose.

One Pink Rose

Travis Clayborne may be the youngest of the Clayborne brothers, but he's most definitely his own man. Unless it means saying no to his beloved Mama Rose. And that's why Travis is escorting young Bostonian Emily Finnegan to Golden Crest, Montana -- where she'll discover what awaits her as a mail-order bride. Emily has made it perfectly clear that she's taken charge of her destiny and nothing is going to interfere. Falling in love with the perfect stranger isn't part of her plan, but the journey with Travis across this beautiful, rugged land opens her eyes...and her heart. Perhaps her destiny isn't exactly as she imagined.

ONE WHITE ROSE

Douglas Clayborne's intolerance of cruelty of any kind has made him a champion of the defenseless. When he arrives at Isabel Grant's ranch to pick up a stallion he's purchased and discovers the danger that threatens her, he refuses to leave the vulnerable woman alone. Convincing the strong-willed beauty that she need him is another matter. douglas can stop the men from stealing her ranch, but her cannot stop Isabel from stealing his heart.

One Red Rose
Adam Clayborne has always put great stock in the power of books. As an escaped slave -- and a wanted man -- reading has been his only ticket to the wonders of distant lands. Adam is content with his life as a confirmed bachelor, which is why his Mama Rose has summoned the irresistible Genevieve Delacroix to Montana. Also a former slave, Genevieve shares his dream of seeing the world, but she arrives to find Adam unfailingly polite...and just as distant. Undaunted, Genevieve determines to teach Adam what he'll never learn from a book -- that true freedom only comes when you open your heart.

COME The SPRING
The sequel to "For the Roses" is "Come the Spring". The saga continues as quick-draw Cole Clayborne is forced to become a U. S. Marshall. It's Daniel Ryan, a hard man set on vengeance, who desparately need Cole's help with a gang of malicious murderers. Their quest leads them to three beautiful women. One of them witnessed the murders...but which one? Daniel and Cole do what it takees to find the real witness, but thy didn't bargain on falling in love in the process.

PRINCE CHARMING

Lady Taylor's grandmother refuses to die until her granddaughter is safely married. Therefore, she arranges the wedding to Lucas Ross, a mountain man from Montana Territory who desparately needs the money to free his younger half-brother. They plan for the marriage to be in name only, but fall in love and find themselves with an instant family. They travel to Montana territory where Taylor realizes that her prince charming is the greatest gift her grandmother could ever have given her.

Historicals: Julie Garwood

Ransom

Julie Garwood weaves an intricate tapestry of intrigue and emotion in this daring new novel. Two unforgettable heroes from her novel "The Secret", Scottish chieftains Ramsey Sinclair and Brodick Buchanan, return to help an exqusite English beauty fight for her home, her family, and her father's reputation. Barely five and seven years old, Gillian and her sister Christen witness the brutal slaying of their father by the evil Baron Alford. Alford is determined to recover the jeweled box King John left in Gillian's father's care. He is furious when the box slips through his finger, only to be lost for more than a decade. Fourteen years later, Gillian has forged a life for herself, but vows to find her long lost sister and the precious treasure box. Under the protection of the Scottish lairds, Gillian and her new ally, Bridgid KirkConnell fight the unscrupulous Baron Alford. With her special storytelling gifts in full force, Julie Garwood spins an unforgettable page-turner of passion and loyalty, justice, honor, and love.

The Wedding

Kidnapped on the way to an arranged marrage, Lady Brenna finds herself married to quick tempered laird Connor MacAlister, without hopes of love from her new husband. On their wedding day, he had assured her that she could return to her home in England as soon as she had given him a son. Brenna is unaware that her marriage is merely the first act of vengeance against her bethrothed, Connor's sworn enemy. She remembers when she proposed to Connor ten years ago, when she was just a child dazzled by his charming smile. She sets out to win his heart. When a legacy of revenge ensnares Brenna in a furious clan war, only her faith in her gallant hero can save her. Soaring adventure and dazzling romance make this a delightful tale worthy of listing as a New York Times bestseller.

Saving Grace

Herione Lady Johanna-an abused and battered wife, wed to Baron Raulf, a vassal of King John of England-is pleased when the news comes that her husband is dead. The sixteen year old widow vowed that she would never marry again. However, King John demanded that she marry and selected the bridegroom, until her beloved foster brother suggests that she wed his friend, handsome Scottish warrior Gabriel McBain. It soon became apparant to the entire Highlands that their laird had surrendered his heart completely and Johanna found herself falling in love with her gruff new husband. There is a little of the testing of wills between the two, lots of time between the sheets, and a bit of drama to thrill the reader. This is Garwood's hardcover debut.

The Secret

This delightful novel is one of Julie Garwood's best. Beginning with the developing friendship between Judith, an English girl, and Frances Catherine, a Scot lass. both are only four years old when they meet at a border fair. Over the years they share their deepest secrets. Frances Catherine fears giving birth and when she becomes pregnant by her Highland husband, Patrick, she send for Judith. Laird Iain Maitland, brother to Patrick, is elected to fetch her. When he meets Judith, he finds her polite, stubborn, sweet, tender-hearted, brave and beautiful. He is surprised by his growing desire for the Englishwoman. Judith feels attracted to the huge, scowling Scot, despite his bluster. She sees an intelligent man with a kind heart, an arrogant confidence in his abilities, and a fierce handsomness that makes her heart pound. Even though they agree nothing can come of their attraction, desire and fate keep throwing them together. Judith's past is filled with secrets that make the road to romance difficult and threaten to ruin her relationship with Iain. The Secret" is a definite keeper. Pick it up the first chance you get. It's a touching, funny and memorable love story.

The Bride

Another of Garwood's bestselling romance novels is THE BRIDE. King Henry has commanded Baron Jamison to marry off two of his daughters to Alec and Daniel Ferguson, lairds of their own Highland clans. Captivated by the exceptional beauty of the youngest daughter, Jamie, Alex weds her against her father's wishes. Jamie encounters hostility from Alec's clan and must overcome their distrust. She brings Mary Kathleen, Alec's daughter from his first marriage, to live with them. Her ready and open acceptance of Mary Kathleen endears her to just about everyone and Alec admits that she has stolen his heart. the couple's passion for each other is an integral part of the story. Alec becomes possessive of Jamie's body, mind, and heart. Jamie is a mix of vulnerability and competence, with an endearing flw of a poor sense of direction. She has a temper that matches her husband's. Their banter and insults are stinging but affectionate. You won't be able to put this book down. It will make you howl with laughter and shed "happy" tears.

The Gift

THE GIFT In an attempt to bring peace between two feuding families, the king arranges a marriage between Nathan St. James, 14, and Sara Winchester, 4. Fourteen years later, Nathan must claim his bride in order to claim the riches that were promised in the marriage contract. He has never trusted women and refuses to let Sara into his heart. Sara, who has dreamed of loving Nathan for years, works hard to earn the loyalty of the crew of Nathan's ship, but invariably botches things. Despite it all, she gradually wins a place in everyone's heart and learns that, despite what her mother told her, making love can be as satisfying for a woman as it is for a man.

THE LION'S LADY

Christina Bennett arrives in London in the early 1800's and is in total control of her new life...until she meets Lyon, the Marquis of Lyonwood. He causes her to loose all control...but that can't happen because he would find out about her secret past. You can read "Guardian Angel" to continue the saga of Lyon and Christina.

GUARDIAN ANGEL

The powerful Marquis of Cainewood (Caine) is determined to avenge his brother's death. He poses as the pirate who he believes killed his brother to draw him out. Instead, he draws the beautiful Jade. She needs protection and he's willing to give it to her...but, exactly who is protecting whom? Find out in this novel set in London in 1815. The saga of Caine and Jade continues in "The Gift".

Historicals: Judith McNaught

Romance novels set before World War I are classified as Historicals. This genre has may sub categories, including Indian romances, Westerns, Civil War, ante-bellum, and pirate romances. Award winning, best selling authors of historicals include Catherine Coulter, Jude Deveraux, Julie Garwood, Brenda Joyce, Johanna Lindsay, Judith McNaught, Amanda Quick, and Jannelle Taylor.

Historical romance novels set in Regency England between 1800 and 1820 are categorized as Regency Romance. Rengencies usually describe a "sweet" romance where the love scenes are not graphically described. Readers of the Regency novel are sticklers for details, readily spotting any errors the author might make regarding material inappropriate for the time period. Clothing, housing, mannerisms, political climate must all conform to the dictates of the Regency period.

Our particular journey through the glitter and pagentry of the historical genre will focus on authors Judith McNaught and Julie Garwood. Future updates of Kiss and Tell will add additional historical romance novels. If you have favorites you would like added in these reviews, e-mail the book title and author. We are here to share the wonderful world of romance.

Whitney, My Love by Judith McNaught

WHITNEY, MY LOVE, Set against the background of Regency England's country charms and glittering society, the novel takes saucy hoyden Whitney Stone on the journey to romance. Wisked away to Paris to address her teenage crush on a neighbor, Whitney blossoms into a ravishing beauty and becomes the darling of Parisian society. She returns to England to win the hear of Paul, her childhood love but finds herself bargained away by her bankrupt father to the handsome Duke of Claymore, Clayton Westmoreland. Outraged, she defies her new lord, refusing to relinquish her dream of perfect love. Clayton's dark, languorous eyes reveal his smoldering passion and seduce Whitney into a gathering storm of desire. Before Whitney can explore her attraction to the Duke, a series of misunderstandings threaten her future happiness. Clayton wants Whitney and plans to have her, despite a number of obstacles. Judith McNaught's first bestseller, is a classic example of the quality of her writing and the resulting enjoyment of her fans. It's a romance not to be missed!

A KINGDOM OF DREAMS By Judith McNaught

"A Kingdon of Dreams" tells the tale of the first Duke of Claymore, tall, dark, handsome Royce Westmoreland. Dubbed "The Wolf" by Henry VII, the very mention of his name strikes fear into the hearts of his enemies. Although he is a warrior who has won many battles, all he seeks is a woman who accepts him for the man he is and not the legend. Jennifer Merrick agrees to her father's wish that she marry Royce. She and her step-sister Brenna are kidnapped by Stefan Westmoreland, "The Wolf's" brother. Royce is captivated by her fiery beauty and comes to want her as he's wanted no woman before. After failed attempts to escape, Jennifer and Royce strike a bargain. Several plot twists leave each of them bitterly hurt and humliated. Jennifer ponders where her loyalties really should lie-with her husband or her family. The story will make you laugh and cry and has some of the most tender love scenes. It's a novel for a special spot on your keeper shelf.

Almost Heaven by Judith McNaught

Golden haired Elizabeth Cameron was orphaned at a very young age and left to handle her father's gambling debts. As Countess of Havenhurst, she had to make an adventageous match in order to save her home from the auctioneer's block. Her chances are ruined when her attraction to Ian Thornton causes a scandal and she becomes an outcast in society. When they meet again, Ian is rough and cold, believing Elizabeth betrayed him. When he realizes his error, he concocts a scheme to gain society's acceptance for Elizabeth. It's a beautiful love story of a couple realizing their love for one another and the triumph of love over fate, ultimately conquering all. Ian Thornton isn't your usual hero. Aside from being a self made man and a deadly marksman, he is a genius. He also isn't afraid of falling in love, and expressing his affection for Elizabeth in public. ALMOST HEAVEN is one of my all time favorites, serving a torrent of emotions that overwhelm you as you read this novel.

Something Wonderful by Judith McNaught

Once again, Judith McNaught offers a enthralling romance in a Regency setting in her novel SOMETHING WONDERFUL. Swept into a fascinating new world, Alexandra Lawrence, a naive innocent country girl, weds rich, powerful Jordan Townsende, Duke of Hawthorne. Amid the glittering lights of London society, Alexandra becomes ensnared in a tangled web of jealousy and revenge, stormy pride and overwhelming passion. Jordan hides behind a cold, arrogant mask, but Alexandra remembers the tender, vital, sensual man she married. Now, she must fight for his very life and reclaim the rapturous love they shared.

Once and Always by Judith McNaught

Hot passion sizzles though this searing historical romance. Judith McNaught combines breathtaking mystery and the magic of romance in this novel. Orphaned and alone, Victoria Seaton sails to England to claim an long-lost inheritance. She is awed by the elegance of Wakefield, the sumptuous estate of her distant cousin, the notorious Lord Jason Fielding. Bewildered by his arrogant demeanor, yet drawn to his panther-like grace, she came to sense the searingly painful memories that smoldered in the depths of his jade-green eyes. Unable to resist her spitfire charm, Jason ravishes her with his kisses, arousing in her a sweet, insistent hunger. Wed in desire, they are enfolded in a fierce, consuming joy, free at last from the past's cruel grasp. Then, in a moment of blinding anguish, Victoria discovered the shocking treachery that threatened their love.

Until You

A sequel to "Whitney, My Love", which won the "Romantic Times" Award for Best New Historical Novel. Sheridan Bromleigh is on her way from America, chaperoning the spoilt heiress Charise Lancaster, who is to marry Lord Burleton. But pea-brained Charise elopes with a man she meets on board ship. Sheridan wonders how she'll explain it to Lord Burleton, Charise's intended.

Stephen Westmoreland stands at the pier waiting to explain his role in Burleton's fatal accident the night before. Right before his eyes, Sheridan steps in the path of a cargo net loaded with crates. When she awakens three days later, she has no memory but wonders why everyone calls her Ms. Lancaster. In no time, she find herself falling in love with the dazzling English earl and imagines her life unfolding with wondrous possibilities.

The author takes a beautiful, spirited girl on a glorious romantic adventure and has lots of fun with the mistaken identity plot. Readers will find a completely entertaining romp from start to finish.

Meet Judith McNaught

Judith McNaught soared to stardom with her stunning bestseller Whitney, My Love. Since then, she has gone on to win the hearts of millions of readers around the world with such breaktaking novels as Once and Always and the New York Times bestsellers Something Wonderful, A Kingdom of Dreams, Almost Heaven, Paradise, Perfect and Until You. Judith McNaught lives in Houston, Texas, where she is currently working on her next novel.

Romantic Suspense

The Ideal Man, Julie Garwood

Julie Garwood is among the most critically acclaimed - and popular - romance authors around, with thirty-six million copies of her books in print. And now, with The Ideal Man, Garwood is poised to expand that already huge audience.

Dr. Ellie Sullivan has just completed her residency at a large urban hospital. While jogging in a park nearby, she witnesses the shooting of an FBI agent in pursuit of wanted criminals, a couple identified as the Landrys. The only person to see the shooter's face, Ellie is suddenly at the center of a criminal investigation.

Agent Max Daniels takes over the Landry case. A no-nonsense lawman, he's definitely not the ideal man that Ellie has always imagined, yet she's attracted to him in a way she can't explain.

Ellie heads home to Winston Falls, South Carolina, to attend her sister's wedding. Shortly after she arrives, though, she receives a surprise visitor: Max Daniels. The Landrys have been captured, and she'll be called to testify. But they've been captured before, and each time the witnesses are scared into silence - or disappear before they can take the stand. Max vows to be Ellie's shadow until the trial, and it isn't long before sparks fly.

HeartBreaker, Julie Garwood
After the death of his parents, the kindly Buchanan family raised Tom Madden, but his younger sister, Laurant, grew up in a posh Swiss boarding school. Although circumstances kept them miles apart, the two remained in close touch. Now, a homicidal killer involves the siblings in a twisted, dangerous game. In the shadow of the confessional, the psychopath reveals his murderous past to Father Tom and terrifies his confessor with a plan to kill again. His next intended victim is Laurant Madden. Heartbreaker loves a challenge and dares the authorities to catch him in a chilling game of cat and mouse. Father Tom calls upon his trusted friend, FBI agent Nick Buchanan, to track down the mysterious killer. In spite of her immediate attraction to Nick, Laurant resents his protective manner and take charge attitude. As the stalker gets closer and the danger increases, Nick and Laurant are drawn closer together and ultimately fall in love.

Julie Garwood keeps the reader captivated by the breathtaking suspense, rapid pacing, and shattering climax. She's in familiar territory with the steamy sensuality her readers experienced in her best-selling historical romance novels. The passionate love scenes are sure to please. There are several subplots for added interest. One reviewer describes HEARTBREAKER as a pinch of Psycho and a generous helping of General Hospital. I rate Ms. Garwood's first venture into contemporary romantic suspense as an overwhelming success.

Black Heat, Norman Kelley

Norman Kelley pulls out all the stops in his new hardcover mystery, BLACK HEAT. Take a twenty year old murder, a missing persons case and a resurgence of Black Nationalism, add a gritty private investigator with heavy baggage and raging hormones and you have a riveting novel that keeps you breathless from beginning to end. Former prosecutor Nina Halligan has her hands full when she agrees to find the daughter of former movie queen Victoria Thorn and slain civil rights leader Malik Martin. Victoria has just been released from confinement after suffering a breakdown when she witnessed her husband's assassination. P. I. Nina butts head with NYPD cops suspected of involvement in Malik's death, then conservative followers of the slain leader's replacement kidnap her. Several bodies surface during her investigation and attempts to silence her jeopardize her life.

Perfect, Judith McNaught

Julie Mathison has constructed a perfect life for herself. Nothing and nobody can destroy her happiness - until she meets the man of her dreams. Zack Benedict is on the run, accused of murder of his wife. Desperate to prove his innocence, he uses Julie as a pawn in a dangerous game.

NIGHT WHISPERS, Judith McNaught
Sloan Reynolds is a policewoman in a small Florida community. A sudden invitation arrives from her long absent father and her sister, Paris, asking Sloan to meet them and indulge in the Palm Beach social season. Although she is unmoved by the long-overdue parental gesture, she agrees to enter her father's life to assist FBI agent Paul Richardson in his investigation of fraud, conspiracy and murder. Against her deepest instincts, Sloan finds herself attracted to one of the chief suspects, Noah Maitland, a multinational corporate player. When a shocking murder shatters the seductive facade of wealth and glamour, Sloan maneuvers through a maze of deceit and passion to find the truth.



WATER'S EDGE, Judith McNaught

At thirty-two, Broadway star Leigh Kendall has a dazzling career and is engaged to be married. she never imagines anyone would want to hurt her. But driving home one night, her car is forced off the road and plunges into a river. As she sinks into the murky depths, Leigh can only question who would do this to her. When she drifts back to consciousness, she finds herself in a stone-cold medieval setting in which she plays the role of a lady locked in a power struggle with a notoriously cruel British warlord. As she struggles to make sense of the events that propelled her to her current predicament, she strings together clues to where and who she is. Leigh soon discovers that she has actually set out on a compelling mystery: Solving her own murder.

Deep South, Nevada Barr

Best-selling author Nevada Barr offers another Anna Pigeon adventure as the feisty park ranger signs on for a promotion down south in Mississippi, the Natchez Trace Parkway. Being a yankee and a woman doesn't make the new job any easier, but Anna is up to the challenge. Anna does what she must to find the murderer of a 17 year old girl who's killed on prom night and found with a KKK style sheet covering her head. Local sheriff Paul Davidson is on hand to give a helping hand. Expect suspense, danger, and a group of interesting characters. After reading this thriller, you'll be hooked and clamoring for more. Grab Ms. Barr's hardcover, BLOOD LURE.

The award winning author has eight previous Anna Pigeon mysteries including the New York Times bestseller DEEP SOUTH. She lives in Mississippi, where she was most recently a ranger on the Natchez Trace Parkway.