Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(94)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Julie Lessman is a master (or should I use the term mistress) of taking her readers on an emotional rollercoaster ride. Her characters, despite the fact she has so many of them involved in the story, come alive as real people and not caricatures gilded with religious veneer. The extended Connor family members are normally admirable but not flawless people. They try to cling to God, but the common struggles all humans must deal with in the areas of pride and passion never stray far from their door. The exposé of pride and its damaging effects is one of the highlights of this book. I would hazard a guess that pride has killed more marriages than lust. Julie does a great job of convincing her readers that if they want precious love to last, pride must be laid aside so the spouse can come astride and peace can abide. (Sorry, I just had a poetic moment). At times I was provoked enough to want to slap one of the characters on the side of the head and tell them to wake up and smell the Irish coffee. I had to keep telling myself, this is just a book.

This is not a lightweight work in more than one regard (it contains nearly 500 pages). Most of the action involves some aspect of romance, even among the married couples. This is not erotica, but the mention of sexual arousal and foreplay is not an infrequent visitor to the plotline. This book will not be confused with a Janette Oke story. I think it is healthy for Christians to acknowledge that they are human and have sexual appetites. This book might contain an excess of the sexual passion aspect, but the lesson is well delivered - sexual passion without God's love is a recipe for disaster. Decisions based on the heat of moment may freeze the blood in the future. So despite being prominent throughout the story, passion is not enthroned here. A wealth of scriptural references provide a counterbalance to the passion pitting desire to please oneself against desire to please God. Much of the conflict in the story arises within the characters dealing with this internal tug of war. Another cute element of conflict was the relationship between almost eleven-year-old Katie and a street Urchin named Cluny, a young teenager befriended by Brady. Katie's precocious comments massaged my funny bone.

The author seemed to take pains to spice up the story by introducing elements of the society in this timeframe. Thoroughly Modern Millie came to my mind as Lizzie's haircut was described in the beginning of the story. Ironically, the character pushing Beth to embrace modernism with her stylish new name of Lizzie and hairdo was named Millie. Things like Keds, toasters, Saltines, and basketball hoops made cameo appearances. I actually did some research to make sure the copy editor didn't mess up here and checked on a few dates to make sure they were around in 1922.

Julie even managed to smuggle in the dreaded submission clause from Ephesians. Her take on it was interesting: submission = respect. Men want to be respected above all else, and if they receive that precious commodity, they are able to cherish their wives, which is what women desire above all else. I'll buy that into philosophy though that is on the simplistic side of things. I had the audacity to include my interpretation of that passage in one of my books. One aspect of the spiritual tangent that I found perhaps out of tune with reality was the combination of Evangelical Christian jargon with Catholicism. I was raised as a Catholic in the 1950's and 60's. Perhaps we were behind the times in South Dakota, but Bible reading seemed to be something that was still the realm of the clergy at that time. I am aware the church has changed a lot since then.

There was a little mystique included which allows the romantic sleuths to engage their deductive reasoning. We're allowed to know that John Brady has a problem in his past and are given snitches of information to let us guess at what it is. That secret really drives the story since it seems to prevent John from letting himself accept Lizzie as a woman instead of just as a sister. Julie uses just enough hinting to give us insight, but not enough to totally solve the mystery. I had most of it figured out, but there were some surprising twists in the end that left me applauding the author. I suggest you get a copy and find out for yourself, unless you're afraid of emotional roller coasters.

Donald James Parker - Author

Julie Lessman has done it again. A Passion Denied, is smokin' hot, has more twists and turns than a roller coaster on speed, and more passion than newlyweds on their honeymoon. But the passion isn't just physical; it's spiritual, emotional, and logical, with a twist of vixen and seduction. Julie takes passion to the edge. An edge you want to revisit time and again.

I absolutely love reading stories where strong romance is threaded throughout the entire book. A Passion Denied, is definitely one of the best of this kind. I know this will sound cliché, but I truly could not put this book down. Julie's characters are unforgettable, and there wasn't one boring spot in the entire 475 pages. And the other two in the, Daughters of Boston series, are equally as fabulous as this one. So if you haven't read, A Passion Most Pure, Book 1, and, A Passion Redeemed, Book 2, you've got to make haste and get them.

In, A Passion Denied, things aren't as they appear. Secret webs of betrayals, lies, deceptions, seductions, stolen kisses, passions denied, and haunting pasts are spun throughout this book, and only God's miraculous power can change things.

The heroine, Lizzie O'Connor is in love with John Brady and has been since she was thirteen. But John doesn't return her love and sees her only as his little sister. Can she convince him she's not a little girl anymore, but a woman--a woman in love?

Demons from the hero's past haunt John, perpetually tormenting and ravishing his spirit, soul, and body. Those same demons have him fleeing from the opposite sex like a rabbit being pursued by a starving bobcat. Why? What's he so afraid of? Will he ever be free to love? Or is John called to live a life of service to God, a service that means he can never marry? Or is he running away from something...or someone? If so, whom or what?

Charity is up to her old tricks. Is that bad or good?

Faith's husband, Collin, is on a mission to get his wife pregnant. Is it because he really wants children, or are other motives at work here?

Patrick O'Connor discovers a hidden secret that threatens to destroy his twenty-seven year marriage to Marcy, the respect of his children, and his walk with God. What is this secret?

These are just a few teasers to whet your appetite. If you want to know the answers to these question, then purchase a copy of, A Passion Denied, to find out the answers. You won't be sorry.

Passion, scandal, heartbreak, love, giving, taking, forgiving, lies, truths... redemption. Where to begin? Julie Lessman is most definitely not your average author. Do you want truth? Reality? Passion? Then she's your gal.

A Passion Denied hits all points, draws you into the O'Connor family and the lives of two different but perfectly matched people. One who is hungry for God and adores the man that feeds that hunger and then one who is everything a man of God should be, but holds onto a past that is anything but holy. But he is a real man. Having to deal with the fact that he's human and not perfect. He loves as a man should love and wants as a man should want. She, sweet and tenderhearted, has to come to terms that love isn't always a fairytale, it's real and alive.

A beautiful story of redemption and passion. Romance that makes your toes curl and heartbreak that makes you want to cry along with the characters.

Julie Lessman never leaves you bored, I felt like my brain was swinging from one thing to the next, completely caught up and seeing things in myself that related to these characters. An eye opener that made me thankful for grace and humbled that no matter what or where I've been God is merciful and he does indeed forgive the past and sets you on the right path, a new life with the testimony of the old.

A love that goes beyond all hurt, a love that gives and doesn't always take, a love that sees past all the indiscretions and misunderstandings, a love that is born only by God, this is the kind of love and passion that Julie Lessman writes about.

The third book of The Daughters of Boston series. This one continues the O'Connor family saga with Elizabeth's story. I loved it.

Elizabeth, younger sister to Faith and Charity was always the quiet bookworm. When her brother-in-law Collin goes into the printing business with his best friend, Elizabeth falls hard for John Brady. Elizabeth is the younger sister Brady never had, and they become good friends as Brady mentors Lizzie spiritually. But, as she grows up and becomes a beautiful, Godly young woman, Brady has a difficult time reconciling his feelings for her. When Brady's past comes between them, Lizzie wonders if she'll ever marry the man she loves.

The entire O'Connor family returns in this novel. Faith and Charity are happily married to Collin and Mitch, and Charity is expecting, but hasn't abandoned some of her old tricks. Marcy and Patrick have their own crisis of faith and trust in their marriage.

One of the things I have enjoyed about this series is that these characters are real. They struggle with their passions, they struggle with their faith, and they struggle in their relationships with each other. Julie Lessman has also explored the issue of pride and its downfall, and in a remarkable way.

This one is a bit darker with the themes explored in regards to Brady's past. The passions are stronger and more descriptive, especially in regards to marriage relations. But, the point is clear: passion without marriage, and marriage without God, are weak imitations.

This story is not your typical christian fiction, it is full of passion so it is a book that is meant for married readers for sure, but also in a wonderful joyful way, it shows how a Christian marriage, even one with issues can be full of passionate romance. There are some things that it talks about that are very painful, John Brady has secrets that he is afraid that if he allows himself to fall in love, those secrets will hurt those he loves again. His shame colors all his decisions and frustrates the one who loves him! The characters from the previous two books are not left out of the picture, but you get to hear how Charity is doing and Mitch as well as Faith and Colin and their struggles and joys in marriage.
This is a much deeper book than a steamy romance, but one to make you sit and think about how a Christian marriage should be.

First, Julie Lessman is incredibly talented! Second, "A Passion Denied" was amazing! I have read all 3 books from her "Daughters of Boston" series and I recommend them all. You will fall in love with the O'Connor family, and just a few pages in, you'll be wishing you were an O'Connor. Julie makes her characters so real and she paints pictures with words so perfectly that it's more like watching a movie than reading a book. You get to know and understand the characters so well that with each book you feel like their your old friends, like you've walked with them in their best and worst times. "A Passion Denied" was a beautiful story of love, forgiveness, and freedom from your past. Reading it taught me some valuable lessons about God's forgiveness and how to forgive and love myself and others. The main focus of the book was obviously on the leads- Beth and Brady, but Julie has this awesome, rare ability to incorporate and continue the other characters stories as well. I hated for the book to end, but I look forward with great anticipation to her next series, which will tell the stories of the other 3 O'Connor children- Katie, Sean, and Steven- and will have the continued stories of Faith, Charity, and Beth. Once you read her books you'll be hooked, I promise!!!

I LOVE this whole series and am dying to read the continuation of what happens to the rest of the O'Connors!!! I can't believe we have to wait until next summer to read Katie, Sean and Steven's stories...I want them now! Sigh. Anyhow, if you haven't already checked these books out, you're in for a real treat. Snuggle up in your favorite chair, grab some chocolate, (and maybe your comfy-est pjs) then prepare to spend all day reading because you won't be able to put these books down! They're super addicting like the creamiest chocolate but soul nourishing like a favorite comfort meal, and you'll fall in love with the whole family as if they were your own. You'll laugh, cry, swoon at the hunky men, giggle some more, and especially be moved by all the passion-both physical and spiritual. That's what I love the most is the passion, as the book titles already mention. There's real emotions going on-whether good, bad, ugly or anything in between. Life is messy in general and being a Christian doesn't change that. If anything, I think it magnifies the struggle we all have between right and wrong, knowing what we should do but not always doing what we should. The pull to let our flesh take over can be so strong but as Julie reminds us in these books, we can make better choices, ones that honor God and honor the ones we love in the process. I think we need more of these kind of stories that shows life realistically but also filters it through the truth of God's word. Sugar coating problems, or overly "sanitizing" them for readers to "feel good" isn't going to help anyone grow in Christ so I find the honesty in these books refreshing and spiritually rejuvenating. I've found that the books that stick with me most and make a lasting impression are the ones that have something to say, that deal with issues I'm facing head on, and point me in the right direction. When I'm reading, I want to be thoroughly entertained but also replenished spiritually and these books do that perfectly. Thank you, Julie and please keep them coming! So anyhow, start reading and don't forget to start at the beginning with A Passion Most Pure and A Passion Redeemed. You won't regret it!

A Passion Denied by Julie Lessman is the third book in her potent Daughters of Boston series. Lizzie O'Connor has been in love with James Brady since she first set eyes on him when she was just thirteen. In the five years since, he has been her spiritual mentor and what was initially infatuation has grown into a mighty passion for a man who loves God with all of his heart. But Brady has some secrets in his past, secrets that he feel are too dark to ever dare expose them to Lizzie. His denial of his love for her sets up a chain of events that will change the entire O'Connor family. Lessman has created a true bodice-ripper for Christian romance fans without ever crossing the bounds of propriety. I love the honest conversations between the married sisters about the marital bed and the troubles they each face there. Faith and Charity are back with their fiery personalities still in place. Lessman further mixes up the plot by throwing the marriage of Patrick and Marcy, the parents, into jeopardy. Too often, books show couples experiencing passion and desire before marriage and then after the honeymoon phase showing only dissolution and drama. All of the O'Connors are filled with passionate love that expresses itself, even after twenty-six years of marriage. I don't think that this book was as strong as the first two in the series. Patrick & Marcy's troubles could have carried its own book, and Lizzie's constant running back to Brady despite his frequent demolishing of her feelings made me want to give her a good shake. She bounced from man to man a bit too easily. I do love how Lessman portrays Faith's dilemma of working after marriage, as well as other social issues of the 1920s that set the scene perfectly. I do hope that Lessman continues the series with Katie, the last of the O'Connor daughters, as well as the two boys: Steven and Sean. This is a family I look forward to spending more time with soon!

Beth O'Connor is now all grown up, with a modern, roaring `20's haircut and a new name--she now wants to be called Lizzie. But one thing hasn't changed. She's still in love with her spiritual mentor, John Brady. But what's eating John Brady?

Brady has always held Beth--or Lizzie, as he still avoids calling her--at arm's length, even though he knows she's had a crush on him for four years. At the same time, he loves being with her and can't imagine life without her. When Beth's sisters, Faith and Charity, cook up a plan to test Brady's resistance, things really heat up. And when Brady's twin brother shows up, life gets even more interesting. I can't tell you much more than that, because I don't want to ruin all the surprises. But if you're looking for an entertaining read, you won't be disappointed!

This story is full of twists and turns. We also get to continue to follow the love stories of Beth's older sisters, Faith and Charity and their husbands, Collin and Mitch, as well as Patrick and Marcy, the parents. This story also addresses the difficulty most, if not all, young Christians face: How to deal with the very real feelings of passion and desire that can fill a person with shame and regret. What does God want us to do with those feelings? How are we to deal with them outside of marriage? This book, I believe, will really minister to young people who naturally deal with these thoughts. And it also gives married people an interesting look at what a "real" marriage looks like--at least in the case of the passionately loving O'Connor family! I loved this whole Daughters of Boston series and I highly recommend it.

Julie Lessman breaks through the conventional mold of inspirational fiction once again with her newest novel, A Passion Denied, third book in the Daughters of Boston series.

Chock full of intense emotional drama, sizzling romantic interludes, powerful spiritual insight, and a few chuckles along the way - A Passion Denied will leave you thinking about these characters long after you've closed the book. The emotions and the turmoil of the characters are palpable.

What I admired most about the novel is Lessman's consistent use of faith and Scripture throughout the book, instead of having it tagged on at the end. Our faith should be a continual pool of spiritual strength in our lives, in good times and difficult - transforming our worldview in every situation and moment. Julie Lessman does that. She portrays how faith is involved in every part of the characters' lives and therefore guides their behaviors and actions.

Now, being a romantic at heart, there were times when I wanted to stop reading the book because I didn't know if my heart could take it anymore. The emotional `valleys' in the book are intense, but thankfully, Julie put me out of my misery by the end so I didn't have to mentally slap any of the characters.

I highly recommend this third and brilliant installment to The Daughters of Boston series and look forward to reading more of Julie Lessman's work.