Mary N. (maggysue) reviewed A Passion Redeemed (Daughters of Boston, Bk 2) on + 811 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
So good! This is such a good series by Julie Lessman! Highly recommended!
Linda D. (stormyinAlabama) -
Book 2 is Charity's story, a woman who puts her faith in her beauty rather than in God. It is a story of redemption and faith rising from the ashes of temptation, desire and shame.
Depth of beauty ⦠shallow of heart, Charity O'Connor is a woman who gets what she wants. She sets her sights on a man who wants nothing to do with her. Although the sparks are there, he refuses to fan the coals of a potential relationship with a woman who ruined his life. 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 wantsâ"one way or another.
Depth of beauty ⦠shallow of heart, Charity O'Connor is a woman who gets what she wants. She sets her sights on a man who wants nothing to do with her. Although the sparks are there, he refuses to fan the coals of a potential relationship with a woman who ruined his life. 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 wantsâ"one way or another.
Lori S. (sugarandgrits) -
Another winner, Jules! Thank you!
Michelle T. (scraphappy71) reviewed A Passion Redeemed (Daughters of Boston, Bk 2) on + 13 more book reviews
As with all of the books in the Daughters of Boston series, I give this book 5 stars! Julie Lessman's writing is first-rate and on the mark! If you're looking for a story that marries romance, passion, and a love for Christ, then look no further. You will find this and so much more in all of Julie Lessman's books.
It's apparent that Julie has a huge heart for God, and I am thankful that she uses her writing talent to bring glory to Him. It is such a blessing to have the opportunity to read Christian fiction that has some "sizzle" to it, knowing that it won't cross the line into anything inappropriate.
Romantic passion and God's Word are perfectly balanced to me in Julie's books. You're not served one, without the other. As I like to say, they're "married" together in such a way that you're entertained with an incredible story, while at the same time, there are scriptural references that help strengthen your walk with the Lord.
It's PASSION with a PURPOSE as Julie says, and I agree with this 100% I highly recommend each book in this series!
It's apparent that Julie has a huge heart for God, and I am thankful that she uses her writing talent to bring glory to Him. It is such a blessing to have the opportunity to read Christian fiction that has some "sizzle" to it, knowing that it won't cross the line into anything inappropriate.
Romantic passion and God's Word are perfectly balanced to me in Julie's books. You're not served one, without the other. As I like to say, they're "married" together in such a way that you're entertained with an incredible story, while at the same time, there are scriptural references that help strengthen your walk with the Lord.
It's PASSION with a PURPOSE as Julie says, and I agree with this 100% I highly recommend each book in this series!
Charity OConnor puts all of her worth and meaning of life into her outward beauty. Longing for a man who refuses her advances, Charity does everything within her power with tragic results. Will she finally turn to the love of God, or blame Him when she doesnt get her way?
Often in a series of books, characters who played a minor role in the first and then get a major role in the second often come across as perfect in the first and suddenly flawed in the second. It is often what makes series difficult for me to really get into right away. But for all those who read A Passion Most Pure, we know Charity is flawed and I was looking forward to how Julie Lessman would redeem this poor, lost girl. She did it marvelously.
This book was a breath of fresh air. Often in books the character is put through great tragedy to learn their lesson, but in this case Charity went through great personal and internal struggles, that continued to build until she wasnt sure where to turn. It made for great reading and a wonderful different perspective.
What Lessman book isnt complete without passion? Julie keeps it Biblical, while showing the tragedies of stepping outside the boundaries of the Lord and the sweetness of true and pure love inside the Lords blessing. I could go on forever! Another wonderful novel and I cant wait to read book three!!
Often in a series of books, characters who played a minor role in the first and then get a major role in the second often come across as perfect in the first and suddenly flawed in the second. It is often what makes series difficult for me to really get into right away. But for all those who read A Passion Most Pure, we know Charity is flawed and I was looking forward to how Julie Lessman would redeem this poor, lost girl. She did it marvelously.
This book was a breath of fresh air. Often in books the character is put through great tragedy to learn their lesson, but in this case Charity went through great personal and internal struggles, that continued to build until she wasnt sure where to turn. It made for great reading and a wonderful different perspective.
What Lessman book isnt complete without passion? Julie keeps it Biblical, while showing the tragedies of stepping outside the boundaries of the Lord and the sweetness of true and pure love inside the Lords blessing. I could go on forever! Another wonderful novel and I cant wait to read book three!!
Charity O'Connor is by far one of the most complex characters I have ever encountered. The villain that I despised in "A Passion Most Pure" now becomes the heroine I love in "A Passion Redeemed". In all honesty, I was not sure how Julie Lessman was going to pull off such a monumental task! With the finesse of a true story teller, she heart-breakingly weaves the story of Charity O'Connor, showing that no one is beyond the point of redemption. Another story filled with passion, deceit, and the God who loves us more than we can imagine. Another MUST READ for Julie!
Julie Lessman never fails to impress! In the second book in the (Daughters of Boston) series A Passion Redeemed she does an amazing job of making you really feel the romantic tention and passion that keeps you reading! You cant put this book down after you start reading!
'A Passion Redeemed' definitely redeemed Charity with me! I will tell you, had I known this book would have been focused on Charity when I finished 'A Passion Most Pure', I probably wouldn't have been anxiously awaiting this book. I love how Julie takes a character that I despised and turned her into a character that I now adore - I would have to say that is nothing short of AMAZING!
In 'A Passion Most Pure' I can honestly say that I couldn't stand her and many times just wanted to slap her! I couldn't imagine how I could possibly like this book, because of who the main character was going to be. But this book has definitely changed my view of Charity and, in fact, she in now my favorite character.
In this book I learned that while Charity may be beautiful and able to wrap men around her finger, she most desires her father's love and attention - the way he treats her sister, Faith. This among a few other things explains why she behaves the way she does.
'A Passion Redeemed' is wonderful and has become my favorite novel! I highly recommend this book - but make sure you read 'A Passion Most Pure' first, otherwise you might spoil the story for yourself.
In 'A Passion Most Pure' I can honestly say that I couldn't stand her and many times just wanted to slap her! I couldn't imagine how I could possibly like this book, because of who the main character was going to be. But this book has definitely changed my view of Charity and, in fact, she in now my favorite character.
In this book I learned that while Charity may be beautiful and able to wrap men around her finger, she most desires her father's love and attention - the way he treats her sister, Faith. This among a few other things explains why she behaves the way she does.
'A Passion Redeemed' is wonderful and has become my favorite novel! I highly recommend this book - but make sure you read 'A Passion Most Pure' first, otherwise you might spoil the story for yourself.
I soooo enjoyed how the book starts out with the OConnor family together again with Collin and Faith properly engaged and life is looking good for this beloved family. However, Redeemed is Charitys story and she was a challenging character for me to like.
Most of the story is in Ireland where Charity has made a life for herself with her grandmother and great grandmother. She has plans to own a shop and somehow get Mitch to propose to her. Charity GENUINELY loves Mitch, but the ways she goes about trying to capture his heart in return were both foolish and unthinkable for me to read about. *shaking my head* Theres one scene where Charity goes to meet the family of her suitor and the whole atmosphere was creepy! This family used their dysfunctionality as every day common manners and despite Charitys worldly ways, even she was utterly uncomfortable about how she would fit into such a family.
Issues that are dealt with in this story are: physical abuse, sexual abuse, rape, infidelity, deception and forgiveness (both for others and for self). Nothing is detailed within the book, but discussed in conversations, implied, or prayed about. Lessman does a stand up job developing characters that are impacted by each of these issues. Despite this book NOT being a light read, it successfully tackles what many Christians face within their own families or in their loved ones and how they can be overcome with Gods love and devotion.
The real enjoyment of this story is seeing how Charity FINALLY submits to God, allows her family to FINALLY love her as she heals, and once and for all learning to forgive HERSELF and the breakthrough that follows these revelations. I had trouble throughout the story liking this girl, but my heart broke for her more than once as she trusts the wrong man to help her, she believes lies from the enemy that tell her shes worthless without her seductive ways and looks, she doesnt realize how LOVED she is from her family and God until almost the end of the book, and she constantly looks to men to ease her loneliness. I was deeply touched by the OConnors love and support of Charity and it was wonderful to see her blossom and grow up even though she does so the hard way.
I couldnt stand how she constantly deceives Mitch and her family to get her own way, but Charity is such a good example of what not to do. And for anyone who can relate to Charity directly or indirectly, her journey is a wonderful lesson of hope. This story deeply illustrates how God works relentlessly to win over those who struggle with lonely and insecure hearts going to the wrong people/places to fill that empty void. Even though Redeemed is not my favorite book in this series, it is a necessary and profound lesson of how love in Christ conquers all. Im also grateful for the men in this story who have self-control and seek God in their weak moments. One of my favorite parts of the story is when Charity is healing and she seeks out her parents one night as she has trouble falling asleep.
This is their response to her: Charity smiled. How in the world had she been blessed with such parents? Yes. Good. Then well do that. But first, I want you to know something. Never in one breath of your life have we ever been ashamed of you, Charity OConnor. Befuddled, perhaps, sometimes angry, and occasionally frustrated, but neverI repeat neverhave you brought shame to your fathers heart or mine. You have been a joy to our souls, and I dont think that deep down you ever really knew that. Know it now, daughter, and know it well. God isnt the only one who loves you with a depth beyond your apprehension. Charity clutched her mother in a joyous sob. She felt Marcys gentle stroking while her fathers strong hand kneaded her back. That part of the story was healing for my soul.
Im looking forward to reading the last book in this series and Im so grateful to see how the OConnors have endured.
Most of the story is in Ireland where Charity has made a life for herself with her grandmother and great grandmother. She has plans to own a shop and somehow get Mitch to propose to her. Charity GENUINELY loves Mitch, but the ways she goes about trying to capture his heart in return were both foolish and unthinkable for me to read about. *shaking my head* Theres one scene where Charity goes to meet the family of her suitor and the whole atmosphere was creepy! This family used their dysfunctionality as every day common manners and despite Charitys worldly ways, even she was utterly uncomfortable about how she would fit into such a family.
Issues that are dealt with in this story are: physical abuse, sexual abuse, rape, infidelity, deception and forgiveness (both for others and for self). Nothing is detailed within the book, but discussed in conversations, implied, or prayed about. Lessman does a stand up job developing characters that are impacted by each of these issues. Despite this book NOT being a light read, it successfully tackles what many Christians face within their own families or in their loved ones and how they can be overcome with Gods love and devotion.
The real enjoyment of this story is seeing how Charity FINALLY submits to God, allows her family to FINALLY love her as she heals, and once and for all learning to forgive HERSELF and the breakthrough that follows these revelations. I had trouble throughout the story liking this girl, but my heart broke for her more than once as she trusts the wrong man to help her, she believes lies from the enemy that tell her shes worthless without her seductive ways and looks, she doesnt realize how LOVED she is from her family and God until almost the end of the book, and she constantly looks to men to ease her loneliness. I was deeply touched by the OConnors love and support of Charity and it was wonderful to see her blossom and grow up even though she does so the hard way.
I couldnt stand how she constantly deceives Mitch and her family to get her own way, but Charity is such a good example of what not to do. And for anyone who can relate to Charity directly or indirectly, her journey is a wonderful lesson of hope. This story deeply illustrates how God works relentlessly to win over those who struggle with lonely and insecure hearts going to the wrong people/places to fill that empty void. Even though Redeemed is not my favorite book in this series, it is a necessary and profound lesson of how love in Christ conquers all. Im also grateful for the men in this story who have self-control and seek God in their weak moments. One of my favorite parts of the story is when Charity is healing and she seeks out her parents one night as she has trouble falling asleep.
This is their response to her: Charity smiled. How in the world had she been blessed with such parents? Yes. Good. Then well do that. But first, I want you to know something. Never in one breath of your life have we ever been ashamed of you, Charity OConnor. Befuddled, perhaps, sometimes angry, and occasionally frustrated, but neverI repeat neverhave you brought shame to your fathers heart or mine. You have been a joy to our souls, and I dont think that deep down you ever really knew that. Know it now, daughter, and know it well. God isnt the only one who loves you with a depth beyond your apprehension. Charity clutched her mother in a joyous sob. She felt Marcys gentle stroking while her fathers strong hand kneaded her back. That part of the story was healing for my soul.
Im looking forward to reading the last book in this series and Im so grateful to see how the OConnors have endured.
Debbie H. (bookworm-too) reviewed A Passion Redeemed (Daughters of Boston, Bk 2) on + 10 more book reviews
This is the second book that I have read by Julie Lessman in The Daughters of Boston series. I loved it, too! In the first book, Charity was not a character that I liked, but by the time I finished this book, she touched my heart. It made me think how we tend to see the outward man of those we first encounter them and how, through time and prayer, we can see redeeming attributes of the inward man. When one sees the whole picture--a spiritual journey that Charity travels to find that redemption and love that she so needs--the story ends and you can't wait for the next book! Love the O' Connors. I was happy to have all 3 books available when I sat down to read these books so I didn't have to wait to see what happens in the lives of this family. What a wonderful reading experience!
Kay M. (maydayzee) reviewed A Passion Redeemed (Daughters of Boston, Bk 2) on + 754 more book reviews
Wow! What a roller coaster ride! So much love, emotion and heart-break! At one point I threw the book down with exasperation. The characters are so real and make ridiculous mistakesâjust like we all make from time to time. But the highs in the book are a wonderful counterpoint to the lows. This is a novel of much depth and complexity. Great read!
