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Book Reviews of A Passion Denied (The Daughters of Boston, Bk 3)

A Passion Denied (The Daughters of Boston, Bk 3)
A Passion Denied - The Daughters of Boston, Bk 3
Author: Julie Lessman
ISBN-13: 9780800732134
ISBN-10: 0800732138
Publication Date: 5/1/2009
Pages: 464
Rating:
  • Currently 4.5/5 Stars.
 43

4.5 stars, based on 43 ratings
Publisher: Revell
Book Type: Paperback
Reviews: Amazon | Write a Review

14 Book Reviews submitted by our Members...sorted by voted most helpful

southernsassygirl avatar reviewed A Passion Denied (The Daughters of Boston, Bk 3) on + 180 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
If you are looking for the greatest series in Christian fiction right now, then look no further than the Daughters of Boston series by Julie Lessman. I put off reading these books for months (why, I have no idea), but they were so well worth the wait. Never have I read such an edgy series that just sucked me in so much that I couldn't seem to read fast enough.

I have to admit that this third book, A Passion Denied, was probably my favorite of the Daughters of Boston series. While the first two are wonderful (and you definitely should read them in order), book three brought a little bit more "real life" to the whole picture. Faith and Charity are now married, and thus, have to deal with the joys and challenges that married life brings. Also, Marcy and Patrick's relationship has a wrench thrown into it that just adds more depth to the story. I felt that Julie did a great job of giving insight to both the good and the bad with each couple, all while giving advice through her characters on how certain situations should be handled. Scattered throughout the book are numerous snippets of Scripture that help prove the points Julie's trying to get across, and not once does it come across as preachy.

So, with all that said, don't even think about starting this series if youre not willing to stay up 'til at least midnight or later! Every single book in this series has been nothing short of fantastic, and I cannot wait for more!
cherryblossommj avatar reviewed A Passion Denied (The Daughters of Boston, Bk 3) on + 157 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
I cannot tell you how much I love Julie as a friend and an author. Her writing is incredible and touching and it gets under your skin and into your heart. I cannot highly recommend her books strongly enough



When I first had the opportunity to read the first book in this series "A Passion Most Pure", I was in love with the writing and the story life of the characters that became quickly so dear to me. Upon reading the second book, "A Passion Redeemed", I was enamored. It was shocking how characters that were so real, so flawed, and so human, were capable of getting so deep into my heart and emotions. Now, after having finished reading the third book in this series, "A Passion Denied", it is unrealistic for me to tell you that I am excited about the next series that will have three more books continuing the lives of these fictional characters that are as real to me as if I were a neighbor or friend down the street.



Overall, this book could, I say lightly, could be read alone, but I strongly suggest reading the prequels in order to really understand the personalities and intimacy of the characters. "A Passion Denied" appears to be a title that is understood right off the bat if you have read the back cover or know the characters. It is not until you actually read the story that you can comprehend just what that title means and so much more than you would have assumed.



Previously, Beth was just a young teen with her nose stuck in romance novels, as she becomes a young woman in the 1920's you realize there is so much more to her and heart than that. This is a journey to follow along with her to see where it is her heart really should belong. Full of romance, and of course passion, a thirst for understanding, and a hunger for the will of God to be fulfilled. This book is completely packed with page turn after turn of heart wrenching, palpitation forming emotion and action.



As for recommendations of reading, I would definitely state this book and series for the young woman and older, not a teen really, but the young woman who is learning in her faith daily and not afraid to see what God will show her in the power of words. If you have heard anything about these books, you know that they are not your typical inspirational romance, but they contain some heated moments. Passion is a powerful thing and even more so when put in the right place with the right center.
reviewed A Passion Denied (The Daughters of Boston, Bk 3) on
Helpful Score: 1
Lizzie OConnor is infatuated with John Brady. She knows it is love, but alas he thinks of her as a sister.or does he?

Sigh. I am going to have to tell yall right off Julie knows how to tell a story. As I closed the book with tears streaming down my face I just smiled. To be honest I have been long waiting for the book. I have loved Elizabeth from book one, A Passion Most Pure. She reminds me so much of me! A believer in true love, fairy tales, and a lover of books. She is a dreamer. And with the introduction of John Brady in book twowell I wanted to meet that fellow in real life :) He is handsome, and hardworking, and just a good guy.

Not only do you get Elizabeths story and Johns story in A Passion Denied but you once again get to catch up with the OConnor clan. You get to see into the marriages of Faith and Collin, and Charity and Mitch. And you get to see the family dynamics between the sisters. And of course we get to learn more about Marcy and Patrick. One of my favorite things about the Daughters of Boston series has been the characters. All of them! I am a series kind of girl. I love getting to know all of the family characters and enjoy getting the glimpses into their lives. Julie does a fabulous job of weaving together not only the main characters stories but the back story of the family. You get a real idea of family dynamics in the Daughters of Boston series, you get to see how sibling rivalry can affect relationships, or what happens when there is tension between the parents or you get to see how sometimes marriage problems can lead to intimacy problems. Nothing is glossed over but it is dealt with, even if it may be painful. I loved the introduction of a new character, Cluny. His scenes in the book made me laugh and made me cry. He represents so many of us, looking and longing for love. If you cannot tell by now, A Passion Denied is my favorite book this year. :)

In A Passion Denied we get to see how we can let our past destroy us, if we let it. John Brady has a past that most people would regret. In fact I cringed at times and my heart hurt thinking of how wounded he was. Julie does an amazing job of creating tension. Real life tension. As I was reading I realized how much I am so like the characters in the book. I know things in my head but often I dont transfer them to my heart. I know God forgives but sometimes I forget to forgive myself.

The reason I connect with Julies books so much is this simple fact, she creates a wonderful world of romance and passion with the powerful message of the goodness and grace of our God. My Friends this is why I recommend her to so many people. Well that and she is one of my most favorite people :)
sugarandgrits avatar reviewed A Passion Denied (The Daughters of Boston, Bk 3) on + 79 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
A great conclusion to the Daughters of Boston series! Great job, Jules!
reviewed A Passion Denied (The Daughters of Boston, Bk 3) on + 3 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
When did Brady's sweet, innocent Beth become Lizzie, the girl of his dreams? For Elizabeth O'Connor it couldn't come fast enough! Falling in love with Brady was as natural as breathing, now if the bull-headed man would just admit that she is not his "little sister", but the woman God made for him! Another too-good-to-put-down read from Julie Lessman.
reviewed A Passion Denied (The Daughters of Boston, Bk 3) on + 4 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Julie Lessman is an increadable author that never dissapoints! A Passion Denied is full of Passionate Romance! Your emotions with be brought to the surface while reading this AMAZING book!
reviewed A Passion Denied (The Daughters of Boston, Bk 3) on + 4 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
It's the Roaring 20's and Elizabeth, or Lizzie as she goes by now, is all grown up. She has changed her look to accentuate the fact that she is a woman now, not a little girl - bobbed her hair, figure flattering dresses, make-up, etc. She is longing for Brady to notice her as the woman she is and to stop treating her like she is the little sister he never had.

Brady has a past that has haunted him for years, one that he has yet to deal with and makes him feel unworthy of being with Lizzie. When a man from his past visits him, it all threatens to come to light.

I loved seeing a more in depth view of Lizzie,
because she was only a minor character in the first two books and an adolescent at that. I feel as though I know her so much better now.

A Passion Denied was a wonderfully enjoyable read, and I highly recommend it! I would strongly suggest that you read A Passion Most Pure and A Passion Redeemed before you read this book - as this story is a continuation of a family saga.
ambeen avatar reviewed A Passion Denied (The Daughters of Boston, Bk 3) on + 2 more book reviews
I absolutely love this series. I cannot get enough of the O'Connor family! The characters are just wonderful and the pages fly by (I read this 450+ page novel within a week). I still haven't decided if A Passion Denied is now my new favorite in the series or not. It is a strong contender for sure. I am very eager to read the continuing story lines of this family in Lessman's next series. It can't come soon enough!
ashleyw avatar reviewed A Passion Denied (The Daughters of Boston, Bk 3) on + 3 more book reviews
WOW! I just loved this book. I couldn't stop reading. The Daughter of Boston series is a most read! Be perpared to stay up till 5:00am (I know I did). Julie Lessman, puts God front and center in this series yet, you don't feel as if your being preach too:~)And A Passion Denied is by far the best book in The Daughter of Boston.

Happy Reading,
Ashley
scraphappy71 avatar reviewed A Passion Denied (The Daughters of Boston, Bk 3) on + 13 more book reviews
As stated on Julie Lessman's website, her books certainly deliver passion with a purpose! They provide the perfect balance of romantic and spiritual passion. I have thoroughly enjoyed the entire Daughters of Boston series. Julie Lessman is an incredibly talented author! She weaves her story and characters all in a way that keeps you turning the pages long into the night.

The characters, the dialogue, and the setting are all written in a way that completely draw you in. I found myself rooting for the O'Connor family just as if they were my own. Top notch writing, indeed!

Not only am I entertained with the stories, but I am drawn closer and strengthened in my walk with the Lord. God is using Julie in an amazing way to bring glory to Him.

I highly recommend Julie's books to anyone who enjoys Christian romance with a little heat! Julie's Daughters of Boston series has earned a place in my TOP favorite books category! I can't recommend them highly enough.

I will be waiting with anticipation for the release of book 1 in her Winds of Change series due out in September 2010. Book one is titled A Hope Undaunted, book 2 is A Heart Revealed, and book three is titled A Soul Restored.
reviewed A Passion Denied (The Daughters of Boston, Bk 3) on + 4 more book reviews
A spectacular ending to a thrilling series!
I dont know how Julie Lessman does it, but every time I pick up one of her 470 page books, I am swept away and not released until I have set the book down. Not much gets done when I have a Lessman book in my hands!
The twists and turns this novel takes kept me riveted to the spot. The drama doesnt end with just Lizzie and Brady, but spreads to all three married couples and expounds with each page turned. I cheered and moaned for each character, but primarily for Lizzie as she struggled to show Brady just how much she loved him.
I felt I have become a part of the OConnor family and if it werent for the fact that Katys story is coming up, I would probably sit right down and cry.
The love expressed in the book made my heart race and my blood warm, but it was the spiritual message that I adore so much about Julie Lessmans fiction. Her words speak to my heart and lift me up, they are the message I need to hear right then. Only through God could that be possible.
All I can say in closing it what I said at the beginning A spectacular ending to a thrilling series. Really that is all that needs to be said!
reviewed A Passion Denied (The Daughters of Boston, Bk 3) on + 82 more book reviews
*sigh, catching my breath* My goodness, this beautiful author knows how to keep her readers wanting to see the happy conclusion with this beloved family in fiction! Denied is Elizabeths story of the OConnor family and its hard to believe shes gone from a child to a lady so quickly. Thats one of the best pleasures of this series, watching the characters grow up as they do. In this book we get to experience the wonderful relationship between Faith and Charity, the relationships with their husbands, and how these sisters encourage Lizzy in her desire to win John Bradys heart once and for all. It was non stop amusement and touching moments seeing how these sisters banded together to see their baby sister happy.

Elizabeth Beth is now 17 (turns 18 before the story is over) and tired of John Brady not noticing her, everyone else knows her as Lizzy. One of the goals in this book is for Lizzy to kiss Brady, but will this endeavor cause their friendship to end?

Faith is having a small marital issue with Collin; Charity is having the opposite marital issue with Mitch; Patrick is working long hours at the newspaper to keep up with all the work placing restraint on his marriage to Marcy (they have now been married for 26 years-WOW). Someone from Patrick and Marcys past shows up presenting another obstacle to overcome and more praying. I took great pleasure when Patrick throws this obstacle out of his house thinking the person was a friend. This is a letter Id love to address to Patrick regarding the whole issue

Dear Patrick OConnor:
Im currently reading about the problem youre facing with Marcy and I have to say, youre really misunderstanding your bride in this situation. She endured a crush on Sam for a time and then courted him briefly. She never realized the man he really was therefore even though she loved him, she couldnt have understood unconditional love before you came along. Sam was never a real friend to you and he hasnt changed. He only sees what he cant have and because of that he lives in an unhappy existence. He is a jealous, selfish, inconsiderate, petty, and deceitful person that you need to stay away from and forgive as God gives you the strength to do so. He never loved Marcy and he will say anything to break up what he knows to be a powerful marriage you and Marcy enjoy. Please dont give in to those lies, please believe that Marcys heart is forever yours, and place your trust back in Gods capable hands. Because when God ordains a marriage between two beautiful people like you and Marcy, let no man attempt to put that ordination asunder or that man will suffer consequences. Its not worth it, Patrick, you are truly loved both by God and by Marcy. Looking forward to the part in this story when you receive this revelation.
Your faithful reader, Kara
PS. Thank you for being so protective of your daughters, thats such a blessing to read about in your family!

Okay, had to put that out there  Marcy and Patrick have smaller roles in this book, but overall the OConnor family is still a huge part of each others lives and its so refreshing to see them together whether theyre eating, praying, playing games, or comforting one another..it never gets old watching them as a family. They learn in everything that God is big enough, that He loves them enough, that His grace is sufficient enough, and that His peace will sustain them through anything. Heres some precious advice to Marcy from Mrs. Gerson when Marcy is suffering through something new:

The kind of love you and Patrick share always tips the scales in the others favor. Patrick cant do that right now, Marcy, but you can.
Marcy swallowed hard. How? It was a whisper, a faint surrender.
Fourfold, my dear. First, you repent for any bitterness youve held up until now. Second, you learn from the Master. Once, when Jesus was asleep in the boat with his apostles, a storm threatened. The Bible says that Jesus rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. You will do the same. When bitterness comes, you will rebuke it in Jesus name, and he will send the calm. Third, you will put feet to your faith, because action speaks louder than words. And love, my dear, speaks louder than anything. That means you will demonstrate your love for Patricka love note, a favorite dessert, a kind toneregardless of how he treats you. And finally, my dear, you will pray. Pray for God to soften his heart, to wrest him free of from the grip of sin, and to bless him. And this, Mrs. OConnor, is the most powerful step of all. Because if you are faithful to the first three, your prayers will unleash the power of heaven.

During the apology scene with John Brady and his siblingswhy did they feel the need to spike his punch if they genuinely forgave him? This gets explained later on and I DID NOT see it coming. However, that scene had me suspicious and later on I realized why.

It has TRULY been a pleasure reading this series and watching this family overcome any obstacles that came their way. The OConnors are flawed in various ways, but Lessman does a brilliant job of showing that God can get us through anything if we just surrender to Him and trust Him with our heart (this lesson is done without preaching). Forgiveness is also a HUGE theme throughout this series and sometimes the person wronged has to forgive multiple times before healing has been completed. Ive learned that communication is utterly relevant even in ideal marriages and that communication is something we learn in our relationship with God. I also learned that marriage is something we need to seek God about before considering making a commitment, but it is worth fighting for when you marry the person God has designed for us as a partner. Im looking forward to the Winds of Change series and Im so happy that the OConnors got their happy ending. I highly recommend A Light in the Window, the prequel to this saga and where it all starts..Marcy and Patricks story AFTER reading these three books!
bookworm-too avatar reviewed A Passion Denied (The Daughters of Boston, Bk 3) on + 10 more book reviews
I absolutely loved this series! I enjoyed this book as much as the other two in the trilogy. I am so happy to have found Julie Lessman's books. The O'Connors seem so real I hated to see this book end. Then I found out that there is a prequel to this series so I bought it to read on my tablet. I hope everyone enjoys these books as much as I have. But if not, I have enjoyed them enough for everyone. I've stayed up late to finish these wonderful books.
maydayzee avatar reviewed A Passion Denied (The Daughters of Boston, Bk 3) on + 754 more book reviews
It's been a joy to travel the journey of reading The Daughters of Boston series. This final novel is quite a roller coaster ride. There are so many twists and turns, and ups and downs. There are no lulls in this novel.

I love that these books aren't only about a featured sister of the family, but each book is about the whole O'Connor Family. The family is so warm and inviting, it made me wish they were next-door friends. If you enjoy stories about love, forgiveness and redemption, you will enjoy A Passion Denied.

I'm looking forward to reading The Best Gift of All: An O'Connor Christmas Novella, which has been added to the series.