Friday, January 04, 2013

Julie Lessman's A Love Surrendered ~ Reviewed

By Julie Lessman
Published by Revell
ISBN# 987-0-8007-3417-6
416 Pages

Back Cover: Orphaned in Iowa, Annie Kennedy moves to Boston to stay with her spinster aunt. She longs for romance to fill the void left by her parents' death. But when she falls hard for Steven O'Connor, the man who broke an engagement to her sister, Annie is worried. Will he break her heart too when he discovers who she really is?

Review: Thanks to Revell for the review copy of A Love Surrendered, another installment in the Winds of Change series.

Julie’s new novel is set in Boston, Mass, in 1932, highlighting the Prohibition era. The author pulls out all the stops in this novel filled with drama, love and a few surprises. Some that make you re-read the page to make sure you read it correctly! Grin!
A passion most pure is the theme that stood out to me in this novel. God’s the example of love and will help us honor one another in all of our relationships. The author naturally weaves this theme throughout the story.

I adore Julie’s sense of humor too. Gabe is a young gal after my own heart. I also enjoy the relationship she had with Patrick and Marcy O’Connor, her foster parents. I had to laugh out loud at the trouble Gabe just happened into, take a peek..

“Did you break Victor Kincaid’s Jaw? Patrick O’Connor barked and looks at Gabe, “Let-me-rephrase that,” he leaned close, face flushed.

“Did-you-swing-the bat – that-broke-Victor Kincaid’s Jaw?”

“It was an accident.” Gabe whimpered.

“Yes, I’m quite sure it was. Just like tar on Sister Mary Veronica’s chair, the gold fish in the water fountain, and my personal favorite a snake in the confessional.” LOL! Never a dull moment with Gabe around!

Sean and Emma O’Connor face some startling realities of their own. Charity and Mitch, Maggie Kennedy, Katie Rose and Luke McGee are all in this novel too; making this book a great family affair. I delight in the family scenes where everyone gets together. It reminds me of the Christmas scene in the movie, While you Were Sleeping. In it Sandra Bullock hugs the present she was given as she looks around the room with a huge smile on her face, watching the love this family has one for one another as they laugh and open presents. She was thrilled to be included in the joy of Christmas morning.

I’ve felt part of the O’Connor family in the same way. This author has a gift for including the reader in the family gatherings. It’s been fun to be part of it all.

No family is perfect including the O’Connor’s but they love one another fiercely, hold each other accountable, which creates intense family drama at times; along with emotional twists and turns as they live life together, walking out their faith as best they can. If you haven’t read a book by Julie I highly recommend this series.

Make time to nestle in for a great fun with the O’Connor family. Oh, the things you can talk about at book club. I’d add A Love Surrendered, to your reading list.

Reviewed by: Nora St.Laurent

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