Margaret C. (cherryblossommj) reviewed A Love Surrendered (Winds of Change, Bk 3) on + 157 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Read from September 04 to 20, 2012
*sigh* It cannot be over! It's okay really. Another series is coming. Yes, yes I know it's not the O'Connor clan in Boston, we're jumping to San Francisco, but it is the heart and the artistic quill of Julie Lessman putting ink to the page, so I will survive. A Love Surrendered is amazing, but why am I surprised? Oh, well I mean I'm not surprised, it is just that I really wish I had a better word that amazing. I suppose you could read this one alone, but why deprive yourself of the rest of the "whole family" story? Yes, yes, you could definitely read this one and go back and delve into the rest, but you might spoil the surprise that is really in the pages of the first one. Now, now... I will review this book - but this is the end, the sixth book of a saga, and the third and final book in this trilogy (The Daughters of Boston and Winds of Change). If you are a mature reader ready to open up your imagination to the wonders of romance and how it can be used when in the proper avenues that God intended, you will be surprised and enthralled at the wonderful peace and love that God will provide.
A Love Surrendered is the story of the second of the brothers O'Connor, a story of past mistakes, present trials, and future blessings to join that of his sisters and other brother. Throwing in a flavor of Irish Boston and a hint of small town newbie Julie Lessman weaves an amazing canvas that reminds me a bit too much of a past that I'd rather forget. Julie does that. She finds plots and characters that are so real and jump from the page into the reader's heart and imagination and cause a relationship that only helps one to grow both in their own spiritual presence but also in the emotional well being as well.
Annie, Gracie, Suz or Susannah Grace is an amazing woman learning who she really is and where she is going in life. I've found myself relate to Julie's heroines in the past, but never before was there one so dead on that it was a bit shocking to see how much I could relate. (If only I read this before certain events in my life...) Oh to the blessing that this book and story might provide for such gentlemen and ladies to truly glean from others mistakes, or almost mishaps instead of making their own.
Steven is probably my favorite of Julie's heros to date. (Is that possible?) From the very first scene I knew that I loved him, and I did through out. Now I want to go back and read the entire saga and search the pages for the bits and pieces of him that came onto the page interwoven in the rest of his family's story. How amazing is it to be able to relate so much to a male character and really know all the bits of his heart both to the unforgiveness to his own mistakes as well as the thought that there is just no point. Watching Steven be able to grow and learn the true love of Christ brings a sigh to my heart and it's the kind of thing I just want to give this book to everyone I meet and scream, read it! Read the whole series! Your life will change!
The kicker for me is that I downloaded this book as a galley and converted it for my Kindle, it's not even out yet (well I suppose you can buy a Kindle copy now, early) but I cannot wait to get my hands on a real copy, because you better believe this is going on my keeper shelf. The desire for this journey started around my birthday in 2007 shortly after I first started reading and reviewing as Creative Madness that Makes Me Myself (now Creative Madness Mama). It was in 2008 when I really found Julie's writing, and in 2009 when I met Julie in person. I have to say that she is the most amazing prayer warrior I have ever met and it shows through on her pages. They are not preachy in an overwhelming way, but it brings through and highlights the scriptures in an enlightening way just begging for more.
I think I read once that someone said if only we could get another story from Julie once a month. Oh if that would even be enough?! A Love Surrendered is one of those stories that is a perfect example of why I read and the types of things I want to share and promote in Christian Historical Fiction.
While this is Annie and Steven's story it's also more than that. This is a touch on Katie and Luke, Emma and Sean, Charity and Mitch, Faith and Collin, Marcy and Patrick and of course Gabe the addition as well. It's amazing what Julie packs on a page, and boy would I love to go to one of those Thanksgiving dinners!
*Thanks to Revell Books for loaning an eBook through Netgalley, you better believe I'm going to add a real one to my shelves!*
*sigh* It cannot be over! It's okay really. Another series is coming. Yes, yes I know it's not the O'Connor clan in Boston, we're jumping to San Francisco, but it is the heart and the artistic quill of Julie Lessman putting ink to the page, so I will survive. A Love Surrendered is amazing, but why am I surprised? Oh, well I mean I'm not surprised, it is just that I really wish I had a better word that amazing. I suppose you could read this one alone, but why deprive yourself of the rest of the "whole family" story? Yes, yes, you could definitely read this one and go back and delve into the rest, but you might spoil the surprise that is really in the pages of the first one. Now, now... I will review this book - but this is the end, the sixth book of a saga, and the third and final book in this trilogy (The Daughters of Boston and Winds of Change). If you are a mature reader ready to open up your imagination to the wonders of romance and how it can be used when in the proper avenues that God intended, you will be surprised and enthralled at the wonderful peace and love that God will provide.
A Love Surrendered is the story of the second of the brothers O'Connor, a story of past mistakes, present trials, and future blessings to join that of his sisters and other brother. Throwing in a flavor of Irish Boston and a hint of small town newbie Julie Lessman weaves an amazing canvas that reminds me a bit too much of a past that I'd rather forget. Julie does that. She finds plots and characters that are so real and jump from the page into the reader's heart and imagination and cause a relationship that only helps one to grow both in their own spiritual presence but also in the emotional well being as well.
Annie, Gracie, Suz or Susannah Grace is an amazing woman learning who she really is and where she is going in life. I've found myself relate to Julie's heroines in the past, but never before was there one so dead on that it was a bit shocking to see how much I could relate. (If only I read this before certain events in my life...) Oh to the blessing that this book and story might provide for such gentlemen and ladies to truly glean from others mistakes, or almost mishaps instead of making their own.
Steven is probably my favorite of Julie's heros to date. (Is that possible?) From the very first scene I knew that I loved him, and I did through out. Now I want to go back and read the entire saga and search the pages for the bits and pieces of him that came onto the page interwoven in the rest of his family's story. How amazing is it to be able to relate so much to a male character and really know all the bits of his heart both to the unforgiveness to his own mistakes as well as the thought that there is just no point. Watching Steven be able to grow and learn the true love of Christ brings a sigh to my heart and it's the kind of thing I just want to give this book to everyone I meet and scream, read it! Read the whole series! Your life will change!
The kicker for me is that I downloaded this book as a galley and converted it for my Kindle, it's not even out yet (well I suppose you can buy a Kindle copy now, early) but I cannot wait to get my hands on a real copy, because you better believe this is going on my keeper shelf. The desire for this journey started around my birthday in 2007 shortly after I first started reading and reviewing as Creative Madness that Makes Me Myself (now Creative Madness Mama). It was in 2008 when I really found Julie's writing, and in 2009 when I met Julie in person. I have to say that she is the most amazing prayer warrior I have ever met and it shows through on her pages. They are not preachy in an overwhelming way, but it brings through and highlights the scriptures in an enlightening way just begging for more.
I think I read once that someone said if only we could get another story from Julie once a month. Oh if that would even be enough?! A Love Surrendered is one of those stories that is a perfect example of why I read and the types of things I want to share and promote in Christian Historical Fiction.
While this is Annie and Steven's story it's also more than that. This is a touch on Katie and Luke, Emma and Sean, Charity and Mitch, Faith and Collin, Marcy and Patrick and of course Gabe the addition as well. It's amazing what Julie packs on a page, and boy would I love to go to one of those Thanksgiving dinners!
*Thanks to Revell Books for loaning an eBook through Netgalley, you better believe I'm going to add a real one to my shelves!*
Michelle T. (scraphappy71) reviewed A Love Surrendered (Winds of Change, Bk 3) on + 13 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Oh, where to begin! There's so much to love about the latest installment by Julie Lessman! A Love Surrendered has so many beautiful facets, and I loved them all! From the unique setting of the Ocean Pier Dancing Pavilion, the dynamic characters, the heartwarming family connections, and some of the best dialogue I've ever read . . . A Love Surrendered has all the makings of a novel that will sweep you away to another time and place!
As with all of Julie's books, the writing is top notch! No matter where the story takes you, you can't help but be pulled into the scene, where your senses are sure to be awakened. You'll be surrounded by the sights, sounds, and feelings of angst, humor, passion, and love . . . and it's a beautiful thing, indeed! Like good coffee or chocolate, a Julie Lessman novel is a sweet treat to be savored! I'm so grateful that Mrs. Lessman continues to write stories that touch the heart on so many levels!
And rest assured this story is not one dimensional -- not only do we get to experience the burgeoning love of Annie and Steven, we get to peek into the lives of our favorite characters from past books in the O'Connor family saga. It's all woven together perfectly, and includes the trademark Passion with a Purpose, that readers have grown to love from Julie Lessman's novels. It's that spiritual thread that is always so well done, and never an afterthought. Not only am I entertained, I'm able to walk away from the novel having gleaned something through the beautiful messages of faith and God's love.
Since each book builds on the previous book, you'll want to be sure to start with the Daughters of Boston series, followed by The Winds of Change series. This is definitely a series that you need to read in order to get the full effect, and I highly recommend both series! It's Christian Historical fiction with drama, passion, and romance that you won't want to miss!
As with all of Julie's books, the writing is top notch! No matter where the story takes you, you can't help but be pulled into the scene, where your senses are sure to be awakened. You'll be surrounded by the sights, sounds, and feelings of angst, humor, passion, and love . . . and it's a beautiful thing, indeed! Like good coffee or chocolate, a Julie Lessman novel is a sweet treat to be savored! I'm so grateful that Mrs. Lessman continues to write stories that touch the heart on so many levels!
And rest assured this story is not one dimensional -- not only do we get to experience the burgeoning love of Annie and Steven, we get to peek into the lives of our favorite characters from past books in the O'Connor family saga. It's all woven together perfectly, and includes the trademark Passion with a Purpose, that readers have grown to love from Julie Lessman's novels. It's that spiritual thread that is always so well done, and never an afterthought. Not only am I entertained, I'm able to walk away from the novel having gleaned something through the beautiful messages of faith and God's love.
Since each book builds on the previous book, you'll want to be sure to start with the Daughters of Boston series, followed by The Winds of Change series. This is definitely a series that you need to read in order to get the full effect, and I highly recommend both series! It's Christian Historical fiction with drama, passion, and romance that you won't want to miss!
Debbie H. (bookworm-too) reviewed A Love Surrendered (Winds of Change, Bk 3) on + 10 more book reviews
This is perhaps my favorite book so far. It really touched me and evoked such strong emotions as I read it. Well done, Julie! I was a blubbering, teary-eyed mess at one point during my reading! Good thing everyone else was still asleep! I have just finished reading this book and I dearly loved it.Sad to see this series end, but glad there this another series to go! :)
Charity L. (kingsdaughter1611) -
I feel exactly like the others who have reviewed this book. I can't believe this amazing series is over!! I mean seriously, I feel like I know the O'Conner family and all their children and relatives. From Patrick and Marcy all the way down to Annie and Steven. Of course my favorite would be Luke McGee and Katie:) Not sure why but I just loved the feisty Katie and boy, if you don't swoon over Luke? You got problems!!
I have to tell you, if you have not read a book by Julie Lessman, you have got to pick up one of her books! Preferably starting with the first one, A Passion Most Pure, and leaving off with this one. They are filled with a lot of romance, good humor and even better spiritual lessons. And when I say lessons, I am talking hard thoughts here! One of these times is when Faith is talking to Annie and she tells her that, "Real love denies self to give those we love God's best."Wow!! That just speaks if we think about it.
There are little side stories as there always is in Julie's books. Between Emma and Collin losing their children and the heartbreak that is connected with this situation, to Luke and Katie who are having trouble trusting each other with other people, down to Patrick and Marcy who are in a struggle over adopting little Gabe. There were times I laughed and plenty of times I cried. Julie knows how to pen an emotional ride for her readers.
This is an excellent book with a beautiful story if you pay attention. You can tell Julie does her research and it shows by the attention to detail. Can't wait for the next series and all the new people we get to meet! Way to go Julie!!
Available October 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
I received a copy of this book for review purposes. I did not receive any monetary compensation.
I have to tell you, if you have not read a book by Julie Lessman, you have got to pick up one of her books! Preferably starting with the first one, A Passion Most Pure, and leaving off with this one. They are filled with a lot of romance, good humor and even better spiritual lessons. And when I say lessons, I am talking hard thoughts here! One of these times is when Faith is talking to Annie and she tells her that, "Real love denies self to give those we love God's best."Wow!! That just speaks if we think about it.
There are little side stories as there always is in Julie's books. Between Emma and Collin losing their children and the heartbreak that is connected with this situation, to Luke and Katie who are having trouble trusting each other with other people, down to Patrick and Marcy who are in a struggle over adopting little Gabe. There were times I laughed and plenty of times I cried. Julie knows how to pen an emotional ride for her readers.
This is an excellent book with a beautiful story if you pay attention. You can tell Julie does her research and it shows by the attention to detail. Can't wait for the next series and all the new people we get to meet! Way to go Julie!!
Available October 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
I received a copy of this book for review purposes. I did not receive any monetary compensation.
Very good series comes to an end. Steven finally finds to one to settle down with, but many complications arise to keep him apart from his true love. Recommended!
Sob. Do I really have to write the last review for the last OConnor book? Well, I wont cry just yet, as there is one forthcoming OConnor prequel, but I have a feeling it just wont be the same to leave this dramatic, loveable family after spending six books knowing them. Well over 2500 pages have been consumed through my eager fingers over the years and this family has truly become my own.
This novel definitely had a different angle working against it as we dont know the heroine from previous novels. Before, all the love stories have grown out of present relationships, but with Annie and Steven, its brand new. I honestly, wasnt sure how I would like that. Would I like the heroine? Or would she just be a hussy coming in brand new to steal the final hero?
WellllBesides the fact that I gave the book five stars and absolutely loved the fabulous twist I never saw coming, I loved Annie. Shes sweet and innocent, but has an edge to her that does not give this girl a weak spine. I loved her!
What I love so much about these series of novels, is the entire book is never about just one love story or one issue. Its about several couples weve fallen in love withand simply dont want to say good-bye! Each story layers to build a cohesive and page-turning read. Talk about a heart-sigh on that last page.
Ive loved these books. There is more than a twinge in my heart to leave them behind. But I plan to visit those pages again soon!
This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publishers for my copy to review.
**Available October 2012 from Revell, a division of Baker Publishers**
This novel definitely had a different angle working against it as we dont know the heroine from previous novels. Before, all the love stories have grown out of present relationships, but with Annie and Steven, its brand new. I honestly, wasnt sure how I would like that. Would I like the heroine? Or would she just be a hussy coming in brand new to steal the final hero?
WellllBesides the fact that I gave the book five stars and absolutely loved the fabulous twist I never saw coming, I loved Annie. Shes sweet and innocent, but has an edge to her that does not give this girl a weak spine. I loved her!
What I love so much about these series of novels, is the entire book is never about just one love story or one issue. Its about several couples weve fallen in love withand simply dont want to say good-bye! Each story layers to build a cohesive and page-turning read. Talk about a heart-sigh on that last page.
Ive loved these books. There is more than a twinge in my heart to leave them behind. But I plan to visit those pages again soon!
This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publishers for my copy to review.
**Available October 2012 from Revell, a division of Baker Publishers**
