Kara G. reviewed on 4/10/2013 + 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!

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