A Passion Redeemed by Julie Lessman
My review
rating: 5 of 5 stars
Absolutely incredible writing with a story that keeps you going until the end. A great addition to the plot lines of the O'Connor clan and their attachments. I'd say that so far A Passion Most Pure is still my favorite, but only because I'm stubborn. This is definitely a book that could be enjoyed alone, but for the understanding and purposes behind it's story I strongly urge any reader to start with the first book.
So, with that said, let me tell you that I really struggled with this book. Not with enjoying it, no, I loved it. The characters are so real to me, and I can see and hear their tears as well as their giggles. I see the facial expressions and I get exasperated with their thoughts. The talent of Julie Lessman is clear and in no way a debate. This is a definite page turner full of passion. I just really despise Charity. In an attempt to not give away the first book, I'll tell you she did some woefully maneuvering that is common to girls today, but it hit home with me with a person I remember well. The problem is that no matter what she went through as a child, and no matter how many moronic things she does as a young woman, she is still human and prone to sin. I see that, I know that, and I know that God loves her. I know that she is too ignorant to open her eyes, open her heart and realize it and it drives me absolutely mad. I've read so many reviews of people who hate her one page, and cry with her on the next, but I really just felt no pity for her. Yes, I am disgusted with certain events and never would wish her harm, but she did bring it on herself many times over, and never learned from it.
I am happy with the story and how it ends. But at 468 pages, I still was pulling for a different ending in my personal opinion. The problem with as much as it hits home in memory of that girl to the core, she just wasn't my blood related sister, I can also see myself in some of Charity's emotions, with shutting down and not caring after heartbreak. But the problem is, I do not believe that she really was "heart" broken, but "ego" broken.
The book was fabulous. It's on my keep shelf, and I'll hesitate to let it leave for a borrower. I cannot wait for more in the series, and the plausible second series. I just do not love Charity. I pray for her -- for the real people who are like her in mind, body, and soul -- for healing and for realization of how much God loves them, but if ever there were a time when I did not want someone to get their desires, it is with her. Maybe years later I'd relent, but she needs time to focus on what matters, otherwise she'll just lose it again, and her god will not be God.
Okay, done ranting and preaching now. I'd love to discuss the book further with anyone interested.
View all my reviews.
Book 1 (January 2008)
Publisher: Fleming H. Revell, Baker Publishing Group
A Passion Most Pure
She's found the love of her life. Unfortunately, he loves her sister ...
As World War I rages across the Atlantic in 1916, a smaller war is brewing in Boston. Faith O’Connor finds herself drawn to an Irish rogue who is anything but right for her. Collin McGuire is brash, cocky, and from the wrong side of the tracks, not to mention forbidden by her father. And then there’s the small matter that he is secretly courting her younger sister. But when Collin’s affections suddenly shift her way, it threatens to tear Faith's proper Boston family apart.
Go back to here to read my intense and personal review of A Passion Most Pure and the first chapter.
Book 2 (September 1st, 2008)
Publisher: Fleming H. Revell, Baker Publishing Group
A Passion Redeemed
Book 2 is Charity's story, a woman who puts her faith in her beauty rather than in God. It is a story of redemption and faith rising from the ashes of temptation, desire and shame.
Depth of beauty … shallow of heart, Charity O’Connor is a woman who gets what she wants. She sets her sights on a man who wants nothing to do with her. Although the sparks are there, he refuses to fan the coals of a potential relationship with a woman who ruined his life. Charity burned him once, destroying his engagement to the only woman he ever truly loved. He won’t play with matches again. But Charity has a plan to turn up the heat, hoping to ignite the heart of the man she loves. And she always gets what she wants—one way or another.
Go back here to read a blurb about Julie and get a link to read the first chapter.
Book 3 (Coming Spring 2009)
Book 3, working title A Passion Denied, is the story of Faith and Charity’s little sister, Lizzie, a shy bookworm who dreams of a fairy-tale romance. It unfolds a man’s dark past and a young girl’s shattered dreams … and the God who redeems it all.
Elizabeth O’Connor is the little sister John always longed for. With a fire for God in his belly, he has been her spiritual mentor since she was thirteen, sharing her love of literature and her thirst for God. But when his gangly protégé blossoms into a beautiful young woman bent on loving him, he refuses to act on the attraction he feels. His past won’t let him go there. Unfortunately, “Lizzie” won’t let him go anywhere else … until his dark and shocking secrets push her away.
4 comments and creative thoughts:
Does sound intriguing.
I've read the first one. I just got to money for the next two! Sooo good. I didn't like Charity either. So, your review of how you felt with the ending is intriguing. I want to read it now.
I like the idea of the connected stories. Interested in what you said about the ending of this one. Curious.
oh this is a great one in the series i never thought it was possible for me to like charity but it happened she is now one of my favorites! be sure to read the third one!
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