Review: A Passion Denied by Julie Lessman

A Passion Denied by Julie Lessman

The Daughters of Boston series: Book Three

Revell / 2009

Find on: Amazon, Christianbook, Goodreads

About the book:

Has she fallen in love with a man who cannot love her back?
Elizabeth O'Connor has been like the little sister John Brady always wanted, sharing his love of literature and his thirst for God. But in the throes of the reckless Roaring Twenties, Lizzie has grown up. Suddenly she wants more from the man who has been her friend since she was a child. When this shy little bookworm blossoms into a beautiful young woman bent on loving John, she discovers that his past won't let him return that love. But Lizzie refuses to give up--until his shocking secrets push her away.

Can true love survive the betrayal and deceitful of a painful past . . . or will it be shattered like the fairy-tale dreams of a girl in love?

Brimming with romance, longing, and redemption, A Passion Denied, will quicken your pulse and gladden your heart with a riveting story of the true power of love.

My rating:

My thoughts:

This is the third book I've read by Julie Lessman and, while I loved A Passion Most Pure and A Passion Redeemed, A Passion Denied is my favorite in the series! I just loved the characters in this book so much! While I loved a lot of the characters, my favorite was probably John Brady in this book. He had intrigued me from the previous book(s) so getting to know his character more and reading his story was great.

Another thing that I loved about A Passion Denied is that throughout the book we got to see more of Faith's and Charity's lives and how things are with them. Some things Charity said/did were so funny and just made me laugh! Katie O'Connor (Charity's sister) was similar in that I couldn't help chuckling sometimes because of the way she acted (especially regarding Cluny).

Forgiveness was a HUGE aspect of A Passion Denied and I loved that! It was so powerful to read and even made me tear-up a little bit. I loved all of the Bible passages that were in this book and how faith was a major part of the characters' lives.

While A Passion Denied had a lot of "passion" in it, it didn't bother me that much because most of it was between married couples and I even found it sweet (although a few times it was a little much for me). Because of that I would only recommend this book for mature readers who don't mind some slightly heated scenes.

A Passion Denied took me on a very entertaining ride and the book was really hard to put down! If you enjoy historical books with romance then I recommend the Daughters of Boston series, of which A Passion Denied is book three (make sure you read them in order). It's one of my favorites - I just loved the entire book! :) I am looking forward to reading A Hope Undaunted very soon.

*I borrowed this book. I was not required to review it, I chose to. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*

Was my review helpful? If so, please click yes on Amazon. Thank you so much for stopping by! :)

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Review: A Passion Redeemed by Julie Lessman

A Passion Redeemed by Julie Lessman

The Daughters of Boston series: Book Two

Revell / 2008

Find on: Amazon, Christianbook, Goodreads

About the book:

No man can resist her charms. Or so she thought.

Charity O'Connor is a woman who gets what she wants. Her stunning beauty and flirtatious ways have always succeeded with men. Until Mitch Dennehy, that is. Brilliant and dangerously handsome, Mitch is a no-nonsense newspaperman who wants nothing to do with her. 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.

Or does she? Will her best-laid schemes win his love? Or will her seductive ways drive him away forever?

Book 2 in the Daughters of Boston series, A Passion Redeemed will captivate your heart and stir your soul with a story of faith and redemption rising from the ashes of temptation, desire, and shame.

My rating:

My thoughts:

Well, A Passion Redeemed definitely changed my opinion of Charity and Mitch. I had liked both characters from reading A Passion Most Pure (yes, even Charity, though she could be really frustrating at times), but it wasn't until reading this book that they both became favorites of mine... along with Brady. :)

Julie Lessman definitely knows how to weave a gripping tale! I found myself "on-the-edge" of my seat wondering what was going to happen throughout this book, and even though I thought I knew who (if anyone) Charity would end up with, I found myself second guessing. There was so much in this story I did NOT see coming and it definitely showed Charity (and why she acted the way she did) in a new light.

I LOVED the redemption story in A Passion Redeemed! I even got a little teary-eyed while reading because it was so powerful! Also, Charity made me laugh really hard a few times during this book (especially during one scene that shall remain nameless here)...which is just another reason I loved this book!

There was really only one thing I didn't personally care for and that was when characters heard a voice or thought in their head and it seemed to be from God. While most of the time it was just scripture, there were a few times it wasn't and that just is a pet-peeve of mine.

Still, I loved A Passion Redeemed so much and am giving it 5 stars (it was sooo close to becoming a favorite!). Same as with the first book, I would only recommend A Passion Redeemed to mature readers who enjoy romantic/historical books because there is a lot of passionate scenes and things mentioned that wouldn't be appropriate for young readers. If this book sounds like something for you, then I encourage you to try it, BUT make sure you read A Passion Most Pure first, because otherwise many things will be spoiled for you. This is definitely a series best read in order. :)

*I borrowed a copy of this book. I was not required to write a review, but chose to. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*

Was my review helpful? If so, please click "yes" on Amazon. Thank you!

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Review: Love on the Range by Jessica Nelson

Love on the Range by Jessica Nelson

Love Inspired Suspense / 2012

Find on: Amazon, Christianbook, Goodreads

About the book:

Any other socialite would view being packed off to a remote

Oregon ranch as a punishment. But Gracelyn Riley knows

that this is her opportunity to become a real reporter. If she

can make her name through an interview with the elusive hero

known as Striker, then she’ll never have to depend on anyone

ever again.

Rancher Trevor Cruz can’t believe his secret identity is being

endangered by an overly chatty city girl. But if there’s one thing

he knows, it’s that Gracie’s pretty little snooping nose is bound

to get her in trouble. So he’ll use her determination to find

“Striker” to keep an eye on her…and stick close by her side. 

My rating:

My thoughts:

Love on the Range is Jessica Nelson's debut novel and I found it to be a good read! I liked the characters (especially Trevor and Gracie) and I loved the little bit of history that was in Love on the Range. 

I liked the mystery that was surrounding who Striker was - I had my guesses, but it wasn't until later in the book that I knew for SURE.

I will say, though, at times it was hard for me to follow the story and I had to reread parts to understand what was going on better. Other than that, I enjoyed Love on the Range very much and am glad I took the time to read it!

If you enjoy historical romances, then I think you might also like Love on the Range - I did! I'm looking forward to reading more of Jessica Nelson's books in the future.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book for my review. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*

Was my review helpful? If so, please click "yes" on Amazon. Much thanks! :)

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Weekend Wrap-up 9/28-9/30

Weekend Wrap-up is where I share what I read this past week, am currently reading, and hope to read this coming week, and (when applicable) the current giveaways/giveaway winners. Occasionally I'll post some other stuff as well.

Feel free to join along and post your own Weekend Wrap-up on your blog/site (if you do, please leave the link in a comment so I can stop by) or, in a comment, share what you've accomplished (reading-wise) this past week. :)

 What I've read this week:

What I'm currently reading:

 What I hope to read next week:

Reviews posted this week:

The Captain's Courtship by Regina Scott
Lady Outlaw by Stacy Henrie
With Every Letter by Sarah Sundin

  Current Giveaways!

Enter to win a copy of Love on the Range by Jessica Nelson! Open INT! Ends 10/2



Enter to win a copy of "The Redemption" (Legacy of the King's Pirates #1) by MaryLu Tyndall! Open INT! Ends 10/3



Enter to win a copy of The Captain's Courtship by Regina Scott! US only. Ends 10/8



Enter to win a copy of The Missing Monarch by Rachelle McCalla! Open Internationally! Ends 10/9



Enter to win a copy of Lady Outlaw by Stacy Henrie! US and Canada! Ends 10/10

Book Discussion!



We're discussing Submerged over on the book discussion post, so if you've read it, please stop by and share your thoughts. :)

There you have it, that is what I accomplished (reading-wise) this week. What about you?

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Review: With Every Letter by Sarah Sundin

With Every Letter by Sarah Sundin

Series: Wings of the Nightingale - Book One

Revell / 2012

Find on: Amazon, Christianbook, Goodreads

About the book:

They know everything about each other--except their real names.

 Lt. Mellie Blake is looking forward to beginning her training as a flight nurse. She is not looking forward to writing a letter to a man she’s never met–even if it is anonymous and part of a morale-building program. Lt. Tom MacGilliver, an officer stationed in North Africa, welcomes the idea of an anonymous correspondence–he’s been trying to escape his infamous name for years.

As their letters crisscross the Atlantic, Tom and Mellie develop a unique friendship despite not knowing the other’s true identity. When both are transferred to Algeria, the two are poised to meet face-to-face for the first time. Will they overcome their fears and reveal who they are, or will their future be held hostage by their pasts?

Combining a flair for romance with excellent research and attention to detail, Sarah Sundin vividly brings to life the perilous challenges of WWII aviation, nursing–and true love.

About the author:

Sarah Sundin received the 2011 Writer of the Year Award from the Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference, and her second novel A Memory Between Us is a finalist for an Inspirational Readers’ Choice Award. Her stories are inspired by her great-uncle who flew with the U.S. Eighth Air Force in England during World War II. Sarah lives in California with her husband and three children. www.sarahsundin.com 

Find out more about Sarah at http://www.sarahsundin.com/.

My rating:

My thoughts:

I haven't read any of Sarah Sundin's previous novels, but I've heard great things about them, and I was looking forward to reading her new release, With Every Letter.

The concept to the story was intriguing to me (two people writing anonymous letters to each other) and, I have to say, I loved the "letters" in With Every Letter.

The characters were wonderful! My favorites being Tom, Mellie, and Clint. Mellie's character was very shy and I could relate to that because I am typically shy and (like her) I hope to overcome that. :) I felt kind of bad for Tom and all he had to deal with from a child on (not going into specifics). And Clint, well, I just loved how he acted when he met Rose....he made me laugh.

I loved the story and would have given With Every Letter 5 stars, but, at times, I found it hard to follow because of some of the words used (regarding the military aspect)...this may have only been a problem with me, though.

I also loved how mercy was a big part of With Every Letter. Mellie was a great example of not only showing mercy to your friends, but also to your enemies.

Overall, I loved With Every Letter and recommend it if you enjoy historical romances set around WWII. It was great and I look forward to reading book two in the Wings of Nightingale series.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book for my review. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*

Was my review helpful? If so, please click "yes" on Amazon. Thanks so much! :)

~

Litfuse Contest!

Celebrate with Sarah by entering to win a eReader (winner's choice of Kindle Fire or Nook Color)!

See what folks are saying about With Every Letter!

One fortunate winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire or Nook Color (winner’s choice)
• Handmade With Every Letter First Aid Kit
• With Every Letter by Sarah Sundin

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on September 26th. Winner will be announced at the “With Every Letter” Author Chat Facebook Party on 9/27. Connect with Sarah, get a sneak peek of her next book, try your hand at a trivia contest, and chat with readers just like yourself. There will also be gift certificates, books and a Book Club Prize Pack to be won (10 copies for your book club or small group)!

So grab your copy of With Every Letter and join Sarah on the evening of the September 27th for a chance to connect with Sarah and make some new friends. (If you haven’t read the book – don’t let that stop you from coming!)
Don't miss a moment of the RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 27th!

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Review & Giveaway: Lady Outlaw by Stacy Henrie

Lady Outlaw by Stacy Henrie

Love Inspired Historical / 2012

Find on: Amazon, Christianbook, Goodreads

About the book:

No one would ever imagine a fresh-faced young woman could be robbing stage bandits of their ill-gotten fortunes. But Jennie Jones is desperate to save her family's ranch from foreclosure. And the risks seem worth it, until her upright new ranch hand offers a glimpse of how much is really at stake.

Former bounty hunter Caleb Johnson is ready for a new, clean start. With a woman like Jennie, he could build a future there in Utah territory. But only if his gentle faith can guide her in a choice between the land she's fought so hard to save and a future by his side.

My rating:

My review:

Lady Outlaw is Stacy Henrie's debut novel and a book that I found to be a great read! I really liked the characters (especially Caleb) and it was great to see how some of the characters changed/grew.

I found the plot to Lady Outlaw very interesting - how a lady steals from thieves the money they had just stolen, all in order to try and save her ranch.

A great theme I saw throughout Lady Outlaw was how people are more important than things. I also really liked how at the end of this book it showed how things are weeks later (kinda like an epilogue, but not).

Lady Outlaw was very well written, held my attention, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it! I recommend it if you enjoy historical romances. I'm looking forward to future books by Stacy Henrie.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book for my review. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*

Was my review helpful? If so, please click "yes" on Amazon. Thank you!

Giveaway!

Enter to win a copy of Lady Outlaw! Giveaway open to the US and Canada!

Enter via the Rafflecopter below. The mandatory entry is to leave a comment on this blog post, after you do that, the optional entries will become available. :)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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