Shadow Music by Julie Garwood (2007, Hardcover)

Garwood fans waited for this return to the historical genre. It takes place in old Scotland where Gabrielle, the last of her royal line, has been betrothed to a stranger by King John himself. Now, the book does take a bit of going into to before it grabs you. Once Gabrielle meets Colm MacHugh there is no other man that will do. The story is set against a bloody landscape of battlefields and castles. What Colm and Gabrielle share is forbidden love. Colm also holds a powerful secret that his enemies would do anything to possess. The theme is not new, but Ms. Garwood does her best to make it a breathtaking read. Those of you who wish to know the origin of the fiery feud between the MacKennas and the Buchanans will have your answer in this book.

I wanted to love this book. Really I did. I have been a fan of JG's historicals since I first read her book "The Bride" and I have read every historical she has written since. And with only one or two exceptions I've loved them all. Unfortunately "Shadow Music" isn't one of them. And like all of her fans, I waited years for her to write another historical romance because, in my opinion, she does that better than anyone else I've ever read. But, where in all of her previous historicals the story grabs you practically from the first sentence and never lets go, this book just never seemed to get off the ground. The author spends the first 140 pages or so just building up to the meeting of the h/h and the magic that was always so apparent in her other books never materializes. The chemistry and sensuality of her past books is sadly lacking in this one. I hate to say it, but before I buy another book from Ms. Garwood I will pay more attention to what other reviewers have to say.

I love Julie Garwood's books and collecting her hardback books. My daughter had just bought that book and I read it and loved it so much I had to add it to my collection. It takes me back to Scotalnd as a nation and not part of the United Kingdom. To a country that turned back the Roman Empire.

If you love Julie Garwood's old books, then you'll love this one and it's companion book, "Shadow Dance". I have been a Garwood fan for years but I'm not as fond of her newer material. I have enjoyed the historical romances and the family bonds that go on forever! I also would rather read a hardback book because the print is larger and the book is more stable. It is also harder to misplace! When you buy your books on ebay or halfbay, you can afford the hardback editions even before the paperback edition is released!

This is not Julie Garwoods best although it is still an entertaining read. The chapters were sometimes abrupt and not as descriptive as some of her other books. The characters felt a little under-developed and that left you wanting more depth to some scenes. I wanted more of the two lead characters stories and development of their relationship.
If you love any of the author's other books you will like this one and it is worth reading.
Not sure that this review will help, but good reading to all.