Tracy’s review of Honor’s Splendour by Julie Garwood

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Tracy’s review of Honor’s Splendour by Julie Garwood.

In the feuding English court, gentle Lady Madelyne suffered the cruel whims of her ruthless brother, Baron Louddon. Then, in vengeance for a bitter crime, Baron Duncan of Wexton—the Wolf—unleashed his warriors against Louddon's main. Exquisite Madelyne was the prize he catured...but when he gazed upon the proud beauty, he pledged to protect her with his life. In his rough-hewn castle, Duncan proved true to his honor. But when at last their noble passion conquered them both, she surrendered with all her soul. Now, for love, Madelyne would stand fast...as bravely as her Lord, the powerful Wolf who fought for...Honor's Splendour.

Baron Duncan Wexton is determined to thwart his enemy. In a plan to get back at Baron Louddon, Duncan enters his fortress under the guise of a truce. But Louddon plans on freezing Duncan to death and dumping his body elsewhere. Louddon does not want to be charged with Wexton’s murder. But after the guards start to get too cold themselves and head indoors Louddon’s sister, Madelyne, comes to Duncan’s rescue. Duncan is struck by Madelyne’s kindness and though he planned on taking her with him when his troops arrived he decides that it will be even a better thing now that he actually likes her.

Madelyne confuses the hell out of Duncan and his brothers as she’s not anything like they expected. Duncan doesn’t let that stop him from getting closer and closer to the woman and eventually letting feelings grow. When the King sends word that Madelyne is to be returned to court Duncan does the first thing he can think of to save her and they end up marrying.

But marrying Madelyne and falling in love with her doesn’t stop outside forces from interfering and eventually the truth must be told about the warring Baron’s. Who will the King believe and what will happen to Duncan and Madelyne…as well as Duncan’s family?

Holly, Lori and I got into a discussion about Julie Garwood at one of the So Cal blogger get togethers. I mentioned that I really hadn’t read that many books by her and could they recommend any that were absolute must reads. Holly didn’t hesitate and said, “Honor’s Splendour.” Well, I ordered it from the library but apparently everyone and their mother and the horse they rode in on…and maybe even their dog wanted to read the book from 1991 because I was like 200th in line to get the book! Holy Cow. Needless to say that I almost forgot about it completely by the time I got the email from the library that said, “it’s here!”

When I started the book I wasn’t sure what to expect but quickly got completely sucked into the story. Madelyne was fascinating in her personality as well as all of the mythology stories that she told about Odysseus and some other great mythological characters. She was a truth-teller and I loved that about her. She never lied and it was intriguing to see how telling the truth shocked and stumped the other players in the story.

Duncan was also a great character. I think he was told so well and exactly as I thought what a Baron would be like back in 1099! Garwood didn’t try to make him ahead of his time or some brute who then spewed words of love later. He was just a man who loved his family and learned a lot about them after Madelyne went to live at his home. He could be brutal when he was wronged or in a fight but he could also be gentle with Madelyne, and eventually others, without becoming someone he wasn’t.

The secondary characters in the book played a huge role and they were written so well and were so engaging. Duncan’s brothers and his sister was wonderful and of course Louddon, that bastard, was awful. I always know when a villain is written well because I really hate them! lol

I’m so happy that Holly told me to read this book! I can’t say enough good things about it to tell you how much I loved it. It was a wonderful love story that had humor and family and treachery and, and…well, you just have to read it for yourself. Believe me, it will be worth your time.

Rating: 5 out of 5

You can read more from Tracy at Tracy’s Place.

This book is available from Pocket Books. You can buy it here or here in e-format.

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