Michelle T. (scraphappy71) reviewed A Heart Revealed (Winds of Change, Bk 2) on + 13 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Wow! Julie Lessman has hit another home run with this second installment to The Winds of Change series! We first meet the O'Connor family in Julie's Daughters of Boston series, which you'll want to read first, before reading The Winds of Change series. All of Julie's books are meant to be read in order, as each story builds from the others - a gripping family saga that will keep you wanting more and more! Each book filled with passion, drama, and a heart for God that makes it next to impossible to set down!
It's without a doubt, that Julie's writing is among the best I've ever read. Throughout the story, I was drawn in by vivid, colorful dialogue, a charming setting that comes to life, and captivating characters that leave a lasting impression. I find the characters to be realistic, and each one with their own unique voice. And it's no secret, there are a lot of characters in this family saga, but Julie moves effortlessly between them. Each character has a unique personality that is vibrant and full of life, so much so that they nearly spring off the page!
And oh, the passion! As always, Julie's passion for romance and God shines brightly! It's truly what I love about her books, and Sean and Emma's story was no exception. From start to finish, Julie held me enchanted, with a gripping story that wouldn't let go. Needless to say, it is with great anticipation that I await the final installment of the O'Connor family saga! Two thumbs up, and highly recommended!
It's without a doubt, that Julie's writing is among the best I've ever read. Throughout the story, I was drawn in by vivid, colorful dialogue, a charming setting that comes to life, and captivating characters that leave a lasting impression. I find the characters to be realistic, and each one with their own unique voice. And it's no secret, there are a lot of characters in this family saga, but Julie moves effortlessly between them. Each character has a unique personality that is vibrant and full of life, so much so that they nearly spring off the page!
And oh, the passion! As always, Julie's passion for romance and God shines brightly! It's truly what I love about her books, and Sean and Emma's story was no exception. From start to finish, Julie held me enchanted, with a gripping story that wouldn't let go. Needless to say, it is with great anticipation that I await the final installment of the O'Connor family saga! Two thumbs up, and highly recommended!
Renee C. (steelergirl83) reviewed A Heart Revealed (Winds of Change, Bk 2) on + 54 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
"Drama, Drama, Drama in Julie Lessman's A Heart Revealed"
Are you surprised by the title of this post? Well you won't be since you now know that this is a review of Julie Lessman's latest novel, A Heart Revealed. If you are at all familiar with this series you know that drama is the key to each of these stories. If you're like me the more drama, the better and it comes in spades in this book.
Continuing the O'Connor saga is the story of Emma Malloy and Sean, the eldest O'Connor sibling. Each has a past that they let control their future and both must learn to give it to God for a chance at happiness. The unfolding story of Emma and Sean's romance is one that is sweet, passionate, and altogether frustrating. A friend asked if I threw the book across the room as I was reading, well let me just say that there are black and green spots on my wall where there once was only white paint. Emma is almost too giving and good. I wanted to throttle that girl if she tried to push Rose off on a certain character one more time and trust me I'm not violent in the least! If there's ever a series where you feel so connected to the characters it's this one! They come alive and one even has a cute quirk that will have you craving chocolate.
So grab a Snickers, a few lemon drops and a caffeinated beverage (you're gonna need it because you will want to stay up past midnight) and your copy of A Heart Revealed today. You won't regret it! If you haven't read a book by Julie I suggest getting to know the O'Connor family by reading the books in order starting with A Passion Most Pure, Book One in the Daughters of Boston series and going from there. Happy Reading!
Are you surprised by the title of this post? Well you won't be since you now know that this is a review of Julie Lessman's latest novel, A Heart Revealed. If you are at all familiar with this series you know that drama is the key to each of these stories. If you're like me the more drama, the better and it comes in spades in this book.
Continuing the O'Connor saga is the story of Emma Malloy and Sean, the eldest O'Connor sibling. Each has a past that they let control their future and both must learn to give it to God for a chance at happiness. The unfolding story of Emma and Sean's romance is one that is sweet, passionate, and altogether frustrating. A friend asked if I threw the book across the room as I was reading, well let me just say that there are black and green spots on my wall where there once was only white paint. Emma is almost too giving and good. I wanted to throttle that girl if she tried to push Rose off on a certain character one more time and trust me I'm not violent in the least! If there's ever a series where you feel so connected to the characters it's this one! They come alive and one even has a cute quirk that will have you craving chocolate.
So grab a Snickers, a few lemon drops and a caffeinated beverage (you're gonna need it because you will want to stay up past midnight) and your copy of A Heart Revealed today. You won't regret it! If you haven't read a book by Julie I suggest getting to know the O'Connor family by reading the books in order starting with A Passion Most Pure, Book One in the Daughters of Boston series and going from there. Happy Reading!
Helpful Score: 1
Since the first time I read about Emma Malloy, I have wanted to see her with a happy ending and I am glad to say it has finally come! The story didn't end the way I expected, but it was exceptional! I loved how the story included sub-stories with Charity & her husband and newlyweds Katie & her husband - since Charity is my favorite character this made it extra special.
I always wanted Emma and Sean to get together, ever since their first meeting I felt a spark between them, but because the ring on her hand belongs to another man that was never a possibility.
The trials Emma has gone through are heart-breaking and I learned in this book that Sean has gone through many of his own too. I knew of Emma's abusive husband before I read this book, but this story goes into much more of the details of that abuse - nothing too graphic, but you see how crazed with unfounded jealousy he was.
'A Heart Revealed' is Julie's best work to date - though my personal favorite is still 'A Passion Redeemed'. Julie just keeps getting better and better as an author and I can't wait to read her next book - which sadly is going to be the last book in this series. I highly recommend this book, but since all her books to date are about the same family, be sure that you read all three books in the 'Daughters of Boston' series and then book one in the 'Winds of Change' series first - so you won't spoil any of it for yourself.
I always wanted Emma and Sean to get together, ever since their first meeting I felt a spark between them, but because the ring on her hand belongs to another man that was never a possibility.
The trials Emma has gone through are heart-breaking and I learned in this book that Sean has gone through many of his own too. I knew of Emma's abusive husband before I read this book, but this story goes into much more of the details of that abuse - nothing too graphic, but you see how crazed with unfounded jealousy he was.
'A Heart Revealed' is Julie's best work to date - though my personal favorite is still 'A Passion Redeemed'. Julie just keeps getting better and better as an author and I can't wait to read her next book - which sadly is going to be the last book in this series. I highly recommend this book, but since all her books to date are about the same family, be sure that you read all three books in the 'Daughters of Boston' series and then book one in the 'Winds of Change' series first - so you won't spoil any of it for yourself.
Julie Lessman has done an increadable job AGAIN! A Heart Revealed is a passionate romance that keeps you reading! Truly one of my favorites of her books!
Katy M. (abookwormslegacy) reviewed A Heart Revealed (Winds of Change, Bk 2) on + 3 more book reviews
Need a book that is chockfull of passion--not only in romance, but also for the Lord? Julie Lessman is an author I highly recommend to give you just that! I thought I'd found my favorite by Julie when I read A Hope Undaunted, but I was wrong. A Heart Revealed is the best one I've read by Mrs. Lessman to date. Wowza!! Sean and Emma's story was so amazing, complicating, unique, romantic, and special...I can't help but still be wrapped up in the O'Connor world, even though I've finished the book!
After meeting Emma in previous books, and being intrigued by the O'Connor's first born, Sean, I was so ready to read their story. Emma made an amazing heroine that touched hearts everywhere with her outpour of love and sacrifice. Sean, also, was neat to get to know better. His own complicated life of bachelorhood added humor at the opening of the novel as he continually had to fend off woman's advances. And, in true Julie Lessman style, other couple's story come back into focus in A Heart Revealed--Luke and Katie, Marcy and Patrick, and Charity and Mitch. Loved reading the two stubborn newlyweds, Luke and Katie, adjust to married life!
A Heart Revealed is an amazingly complex and touching story, dealing with things from marital abuse to long-buried, hidden sins. One of my favorite things to watch was Emma's slow journey toward complete redemption from her sins of the past. Seeing Sean touch her life and help to heal her from the ugly scars...it was such a touching story! My favorite, as I said already!
When trying to describe Julie Lessman's writing style, the word `vivacious' continually comes to mind. Her words seem to leap from the pages, bringing each story to life right before my eyes. From the heated moments to the heartbreaking scenes, the reader is transported right into the character's head and heart. It swallows you whole and doesn't release you till the very end!
With a peek into all these married couple's lives, there are several sweetly heated scenes in bed as these marriages--spanning from newlyweds to veterans--weather the storm of life together, side by side. Nothing overtly explicit beyond kisses and caresses, though. Out of the books I've read by Julie Lessman, A Heart Revealed had the least physical contact between the two main characters. Which I think was one of my favorite parts--Sean and Emma's love for each other stemmed from a deep friendship, and did not begin with physical interest.
From beginning to end, readers are sure to be swept into this wonderful addition to the O'Connor family legacy. I am eagerly anticipating Steven's story, due to come out next year. If you're a die-hard romantic, then your bookshelf will not be complete without Julie Lessman's novels on them! I highly recommend you read them in order, to fully grasp the whole, complex O'Connor legacy, but each and every book is a treasure, to be sure. When Julie puts pen to paper, the results are sure to be a heart-warming read!!
After meeting Emma in previous books, and being intrigued by the O'Connor's first born, Sean, I was so ready to read their story. Emma made an amazing heroine that touched hearts everywhere with her outpour of love and sacrifice. Sean, also, was neat to get to know better. His own complicated life of bachelorhood added humor at the opening of the novel as he continually had to fend off woman's advances. And, in true Julie Lessman style, other couple's story come back into focus in A Heart Revealed--Luke and Katie, Marcy and Patrick, and Charity and Mitch. Loved reading the two stubborn newlyweds, Luke and Katie, adjust to married life!
A Heart Revealed is an amazingly complex and touching story, dealing with things from marital abuse to long-buried, hidden sins. One of my favorite things to watch was Emma's slow journey toward complete redemption from her sins of the past. Seeing Sean touch her life and help to heal her from the ugly scars...it was such a touching story! My favorite, as I said already!
When trying to describe Julie Lessman's writing style, the word `vivacious' continually comes to mind. Her words seem to leap from the pages, bringing each story to life right before my eyes. From the heated moments to the heartbreaking scenes, the reader is transported right into the character's head and heart. It swallows you whole and doesn't release you till the very end!
With a peek into all these married couple's lives, there are several sweetly heated scenes in bed as these marriages--spanning from newlyweds to veterans--weather the storm of life together, side by side. Nothing overtly explicit beyond kisses and caresses, though. Out of the books I've read by Julie Lessman, A Heart Revealed had the least physical contact between the two main characters. Which I think was one of my favorite parts--Sean and Emma's love for each other stemmed from a deep friendship, and did not begin with physical interest.
From beginning to end, readers are sure to be swept into this wonderful addition to the O'Connor family legacy. I am eagerly anticipating Steven's story, due to come out next year. If you're a die-hard romantic, then your bookshelf will not be complete without Julie Lessman's novels on them! I highly recommend you read them in order, to fully grasp the whole, complex O'Connor legacy, but each and every book is a treasure, to be sure. When Julie puts pen to paper, the results are sure to be a heart-warming read!!
This is the second book of the Winds of Change series. The author is able to weave together the threads of an intricate story, as if she is weaving a magnificent cloth. Oh, what a complex story! This is Julie Lessman at her best. If you missed this book, when it first came out, get it now, along with the rest of the series.
Charity L. (kingsdaughter1611) -
I have to admit, I have heard both good and bad things about this author. I have heard that Julie Lessman's books are too edgy to be called Christian, yet others claim the edgy is not really edgy, just a natural relationship between a couple. So I was kind of anxious to review this book. Would it be too edgy? Or would it be a good read that I would enjoy? I suggest you read below for my thoughts.
A Heart Revealed is actually part of a series but can be read alone. I would suggest reading up on the characters though as it could get confusing trying to figure out which woman is with what man:) I know a little bit about these books so I knew who most of the characters were. But I still got confused a couple times! LOL! There are a lot of people in these books:) One thing I have to say about them is they are really big. It is a nice sized book and this is not your normal read. Parts of it are funny while other parts are sooo deep it takes a while to really take it all in.
Sean is a likable guy but I have to say my favorite is still Luke. He is from the previous book, A Hope Undaunted, and him and Katie get married in the beg. of this one. Mitch and Charity are probably my favorite couple. Emma is one of my favorites but not my most favorite:) I often felt bad for her while reading this book but at the same time, she has a quiet strength that is often shown. Rory, her ex-husband, was quite the jerk and I wanted to slap him myself. You feel Emma's trust in Sean and then how it is ripped away. I felt badly because I know he didn't mean for it to happen, but at the same time, it is sooo hard for Emma to trust.
I feel like I do have to bring up, this is an edgy book. But there was nothing in it I felt was inappropriate. There are normal relationships between husbands and wives. And it is descriptive, but not to the point of wrong. I would not feel comfortable with a young teenager reading this book, but I totally enjoyed reading this book. The banter between the O'Conner siblings is lovely and humorous. And Charity is soo funny:) I really like her, even with her reputation.
Overall this is a book that I liked reading. It is funny yet very thought provoking at times. The family is very real and the characters have their good points and they still have their flaws. Great book, Julie!!
I received a copy of this book for review purposes. I did not receive any monetary compensation. All thoughts are 100% mine.
Available September 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
A Heart Revealed is actually part of a series but can be read alone. I would suggest reading up on the characters though as it could get confusing trying to figure out which woman is with what man:) I know a little bit about these books so I knew who most of the characters were. But I still got confused a couple times! LOL! There are a lot of people in these books:) One thing I have to say about them is they are really big. It is a nice sized book and this is not your normal read. Parts of it are funny while other parts are sooo deep it takes a while to really take it all in.
Sean is a likable guy but I have to say my favorite is still Luke. He is from the previous book, A Hope Undaunted, and him and Katie get married in the beg. of this one. Mitch and Charity are probably my favorite couple. Emma is one of my favorites but not my most favorite:) I often felt bad for her while reading this book but at the same time, she has a quiet strength that is often shown. Rory, her ex-husband, was quite the jerk and I wanted to slap him myself. You feel Emma's trust in Sean and then how it is ripped away. I felt badly because I know he didn't mean for it to happen, but at the same time, it is sooo hard for Emma to trust.
I feel like I do have to bring up, this is an edgy book. But there was nothing in it I felt was inappropriate. There are normal relationships between husbands and wives. And it is descriptive, but not to the point of wrong. I would not feel comfortable with a young teenager reading this book, but I totally enjoyed reading this book. The banter between the O'Conner siblings is lovely and humorous. And Charity is soo funny:) I really like her, even with her reputation.
Overall this is a book that I liked reading. It is funny yet very thought provoking at times. The family is very real and the characters have their good points and they still have their flaws. Great book, Julie!!
I received a copy of this book for review purposes. I did not receive any monetary compensation. All thoughts are 100% mine.
Available September 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
Debbie H. (bookworm-too) reviewed A Heart Revealed (Winds of Change, Bk 2) on + 10 more book reviews
I just loved this second book in the Winds of Change trilogy by Julie Lessman. This book tells the story of Sean O'Connor and also keeps up with the rest of the O'Connor family as well. I am eager to read the next book. I can't seem to put these books down once I start reading them. Thankful to be retired so I can devote time to my love of reading.
I really enjoyed this book. Although some of the male characters would not be my choice for a husband, the strength and bravery of the female characters, especially sweet Emma, overcame their flaws. Julie Lessman writes good, long stories. Recommended!
