Customer Reviews

A Passion Most Pure (Daughters of Boston, Book 1)

5 star:		(126)
4 star:		(17)
3 star:		(12)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

This was a wonderfully rich historical romance that kept me guessing until the last few pages about who will win Faith's heart. I love those kinds of books! I couldn't stop reading because I had to find out how everything turns out.

The characters are very strong Christians with strong faith. They have a mighty impact on the people around them like Collin, with his anger at God, and Mitch, with his stagnant relationship with the Almighty he grew up with.

This is a more sensual book than typical CBA historical romances, and I loved that aspect of it. It made the characters' struggles so much more realistic and relatable.

The characters are so well drawn that I felt strongly for each of them. In fact, I hated Charity so much, I kept reading and hoping she'd die or get maimed or something in the next chapter!

If a reader is looking for sweet, perfect characters who never sin, who never give in to physical temptation, then this isn't the book for you. Faith, who is strong in her relationship with God, nevertheless sins by responding to her sister's suitor's physical overtures. I could relate to this, because who hasn't been drawn to the bad boy even though we KNOW we shouldn't? Faith is very real as a character--in her Christlike behavior and in her sinfulness.

The novel's theme of futile chasing after the wind--pursuing things that have no eternal value--is very deftly woven into the story, and resonated with me quite a bit.

I think this would be a fabulous novel for any teenage girl to read. The sensuality is not graphic, and the struggles of the main characters are things any single woman could relate to. There's a great deal of realism and yet encouragement in the characters' actions and choices.

I highly recommend this novel. Fans of Deeanne Gist will probably enjoy this one.

Julie Lessman's A PASSION MOST PURE wreaks havoc on your emotions--in a wonderful way. Enter the lives of a warm and loving Irish family living in Boston, as their adopted nation teeters on the brink of forging into WWI.

In A PASSION MOST PURE, Ms. Lessman yanks you in, never letting you go. Her characters are living, breathing human beings, suffering all the problems and passions a person at that tumultuous time encounters: polio, loss of faith in God, unrequited love, the draft, escaping the ravages of war.

Battle with Faith O'Connor as she denies the love of her life, a man engaged to her beautiful and often selfish sister Charity, to remain true to her Heavenly Father.

Journey with Collin McGuire as he embraces a roughish lifestyle in a bitter attempt to escape his broken family's curse.

I turned page after page, desperate to know the outcome, yet dreading the end as I thirsted for more. To miss reading A PASSION MOST PURE would be like erasing from memory the best day you've ever had.

I could go on, but won't deny you the unbelievable satisfaction you'll get from plunging into this epic saga of love, loss, and comfort only the Almighty God provides. Everyone should read Ms. Lessman's book. It's one of the finest I've come across in years. If you don't buy a copy you're cheating yourself, and you'll regret missing the best read since Francine River's REDEEMING LOVE.

As a literary agent, I read a lot of manuscripts. A PASSION MOST PURE receives my highest rating, and no, unfortunately, Ms. Lessman isn't my client! Hurry, Ms. Lessman. I can't wait to get my hands on the next book in your Daughters of Boston series, A PASSION REDEEMED. Can I review it ... please?

Brava! to Julie Lessman. In A Passion Most Pure, she has given us Real characters, Real situations, Real emotions, Real faith . . . and Real passion. Not just physical passion, passion for God, and from God. That's the truth behind the title, you know: God's passion for us, as ours [should be] for Him, is most pure.

I found A Passion Most Pure to be an excellent, fast-paced read. One which grabbed me from the beginning and hung on to The End. As a reader, I experienced both love and dislike for EVERY character, their flaws as well as their good points. Admittedly I had to dig deep to find any good points in Charity. But they're there, believe me. Still, I found myself wanting desperately to see her hurt, maimed or otherwise damaged. I even struggled at times with Faith, wanting to reach through the pages and give her a good shaking. Though greatly tempted, with very human reactions, she stayed true to herself and never wavered from her faith. And Collin? Ah, he had his own demons to fight. I honestly believe he didn't know WHAT he wanted. I grew frustrated with him, thinking "C'mon, Collin. Fish, or cut bait!"

My frustration was not with the author -- it was with the characters she so realistically created and portrayed. Aren't these things all so very human? Yes, Collin is a 'bad boy.' Ever known any? Yes, Charity is selfish and self-centered. Know anybody like that? And, sure, Faith is tempted. You've never been tempted? And yeah, Patrick shows favoritism toward Faith over Charity. I daresay most parents secretly favor one child over another, though most will deny it. If you've never experienced these feelings, then you have never experienced life.

Reading is subjective, and that's good. But, despite reading the explanations in the [very few] critical reviews, I still don't get it - to what are you objecting? The sensuality? Physical passion exists, my friends, even among the devout, and certainly in the Bible, the most passionate book in print. So does lust. Again, read the Bible. (Remember David and Bathsheba, hmmm? Talk about lust.)

Someone mentioned the Proverbs - do you mean the "Proverbs 31 woman"? Does that describe you? It certainly isn't me. Or, if you mean Proverbs in general, take some time and learn about Solomon's life. Neither Solomon nor his father, David, were exactly pure. Yet God loved them - and forgave them - unconditionally.

Mention was made about the chaos and turmoil. Well, yes, the whole world was in turmoil. Europe was already deep in WWI and the US was on the threshold.

As to the warning to readers against placing any faith in early reviews posted on or about the time of a new book's release because 'they are often written by friends of the author and should be considered in that light' . . . you couldn't be more wrong. And the fact that such a statement was made detracts from the value of said review. Here's the truth: Months before a book's scheduled release, publisher's send out what are called Advanced Review Copies. These are unedited 'drafts' of the book and are sent IN ADVANCE to reviewers and 'influencers' [folks that will do advance reviews, for instance] for reaction and critique, and incidental editing. [Yes, some errors are found even after the author's and publisher's best editing efforts. I've found several.] So the book is in credible hands long before most folks even see the finished and final edition.

Julie Lessman is to be commended for daring to write a book that speaks with an honest portrayal of human desire and emotion, including the natural reactions to someone of the opposite sex. That flutter deep inside when he's near, the knees turning to goo at his touch. Oh, yeah. That's honest writing.

And kudos to Revell [Baker Publishing Group] for publishing what I consider a break-through historical novel.

And I can't wait for A Passion Redeemed, the story of Charity. I am so curious to see how Julie 'cleans her up.'

I'd been hearing about this book for quite some time before I finally picked it up. I'd heard so many good things about it (as you can probably tell by the number of 4 and 5 star reviews here) that I was so certain I would like it, I bought the second book at the same time (course, I did have a buy-1-get-1 coupon). Unfortunately, I had to force myself to finish this book.

I think if the story had just focused on Faith and Collin, instead of letting a multitude of other characters have viewpoints that really diluted the tension and plot of the story, it would have been a shorter novel and one that was much more enjoyable to read.

As several other reviewers have commented, I also had a big problem with the love triangles, especially since one involved two sisters. It reminded me more of a YA novel about teen cliques and hookups than the way adults should be conducting themselves. I liked the fact that Ms Lessman didn't shy away from the genuine physical reactions of the characters for one another and how that influenced their decisions, but I wish the characters could have been strong enough to let logic and reason rule their decisions instead of emotion and lust.

Ms Lessman has a wonderful writing style and a way with words. But as I said, if the book had been about 100 pages shorter, it probably would have helped out quite a bit with the tension, suspense, and intensity of the characters and story.

Warning: there are a few spoilers in this review.

Add me to the list of readers who wanted to love this book, and I did enjoy the first half of the story. As a reader (and writer) of family sagas, I enjoyed the realistic romance of Patrick and Marcy and was intrigued by the bitter rivalry between the sisters. I appreciate the author's rich voice and gift with description of both setting and emotions. Finally, I was happy to see passion depicted between the couples--this novel is more descriptive, but not in a gratuitous way, than a lot of Christian romance out there. When the attraction and tension is explored and not glossed over, it evokes an even deeper connection with the characters for the reader.

All that said, the story really ran off the rails about halfway through. Separating Collin and Faith diminished their connection--this is a pet peeve of mine in romance novels. What I enjoy most is reading about how the couple battle their problems together, not apart. I realize Collin had to come to know God on his own, not through Faith, but having him come to his epiphany so far away from Faith dampened that part of their story. When Faith fell in love with someone else so easily, it became hard for me to accept her all consuming love for Collin. I would have also liked to have seen more flavor in the dialogue--the settings are Boston, Ireland, France, but the characters all speak the same, with the same accents.

The bottom line is that there is a lot to like about this book, enough that I'm intrigued to find out what happens in the next one. On the other hand, there was enough for me to dislike about the plot that I didn't find it a completely satisfying read. There is no doubt that Lessman has a gorgeous prose-style and delves deeply into the faith of her characters. If you are a fan of historical sagas (and don't mind your romantic characters spending a lot of time apart) then you should pick up A Passion Most Pure.

What I liked about the book-- As a long time fan of Inspirational Historical Fiction I have wondered when our beloved authors would begin to incorporate humanity into Chritian characters. For almost two decades I have enjoyed the points of salvation, God's grace and healing, and redeemability neatly wrapped into a well written work of fiction. I admit, too, that I am a fan of happily ever after. However, I have always struggled with the themes "now that I'm a Christian, everything is easy for me to sort out and act accoringly" or "well, we'll have our problems but with God it's all good-THE END" I applaud today's authors for taking on the challenge of real emotions and authentic struggle with temptation IN CHRISTIANS. We have the power of the Holy Spirit in us to turn away, but we are not immune to the lure. I'm glad the christian community is willing to air that truth in print. After all, the bible isn't shy about it.
This story was interesting, with developed characters and enough grip to hook you. I enjoyed the admirable qualities of some and willingly waited for others to come around.
What I disliked about the book-- I enjoy a rollercoaster story. (Tension, anticipation...) This book often had the feel of a merry-go-round. The triangles got out of hand. They're all so incredibly confused I wanted to scream. Can't someone be sure of something for once? One's own feelings, for instance? The realism I applauded in some areas did not extend to the plot as a whole. Particulary that surprise toward the end. And let's not forget Faith's suspicions leading into the next book. Come now folks, we may be sappy but we aren't that gullible...or are we?
(Remember, no one else may know, but God may be chuckling when you buy Book 2 just out of curiosity.)
Over all-- Worth reading, if you have the time. Lessons to learn and entertainment to be had. It's a good dose of reality for those of you with your heads in the sand and a fun trip on a merry-go-round for the rest of us. Let's hope book 2 is a different ride. You know what happens when you stay on the carousel too long.

I'd heard a lot of positive feedback on Julie's book, so my interest was piqued. I usually don't read historicals, and especially avoid ones set in this time period. Still, I wanted to know what all the talk was about.

Well, this book consumed me for four days. I grabbed whatever time I could, even to staying up later, to read this book. The romance is fantastic, and I absolutely loved how Julie handled the physical attraction between these characters--honestly and in the light of God's plan for love and marriage. She did an excellent job of contrasting "lust" and passion for God's best in our lives.

It's so refreshing to see a book treat this subject honestly without camouflaging it with unrealistic characters. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this series.

Beware! If you are short on time don't pick up this book, because you won't be able to put it down! I finished it in about two days! It's a page turner and extremely entertaining.
Faith's struggle with her passion to please God against her earthly passion for Collin was such a delight to read. It's fiction at it's finest, however, it was realistic in the fact that it captured many very human indiosyncratic behaviors regarding lust, love and having the courage to trust in God when the going gets really tough.
Look, bottom line, if you want to be entertained AND inspired. Read it! Just make sure to warn your family you will be passionately predisposed for a few days!

A PASSION MOST PURE
By Julie Lessman

From Boston to Ireland and back, Faith O'Connor's boisterous family lives and loves, with unconcealed passion and colorful drama. Faith O'Connor falls madly in love with Collin McGuire, an Irish rogue of whom her Boston parents heartily disapprove. But he's secretly courting her younger sister. When her parents discover this, they attempt to put an end to the romance. And when Collin turns his affection to Faith, more complications arise. But Faith, intent on what God wants for her, refuses to let her passions rule. Her parents' romance adds depth to this historical. Faith sees their love in action, and wants that kind of love for herself. She won't settle for less.

The O'Connors are caught up in the turmoil of World War I as it rages across Europe in 1916. Faith's father, her brother, and Collin leave home to fight for freedom.

And right in the midst of this passionate portrayal of a boisterous Irish family, one of Ms. Lessman's characters presents the gospel message, clear and plain.

I was captivated by A Passion Most Pure. I cared about the real, flesh and blood characters and I was kept guessing until the end. Wow! You can't top that.

Christian romance used to be happy endings and chaste couples. Many times in traditional Christian fiction, the characters seem fake because they keep their feelings hidden. What I loved best about this book is the fact that emotions are allowed and shown in great detail. This is one of the most edgiest and steamiest Christian fiction books I have ever read. And I thought it was wonderful! It's about time we realize that Christians have emotions are capable of showing love and desire. Fans of Deeanne Gist will love this book because it falls into that same genre. The characters were very real and multidimensional. This love triangle really manages to keep the reader on their toes with all the drama and conflict that surrounds them. I really felt for Faith throughout the whole story. Her emotions are realistic and I love how she tackles the challenging job of working for a newspaper. Colin was a great character because kept my attention throughout the book making me dislike him on one page and then rooting for him on the next. But I'm sorry but I really hated Charity. She bugged me from the beginning of the story and just kept irritating me throughout. Her attitude and actions were so "Mean Girl" like. I am looking forward to reading the next book where she gets redeemed, but I do hope that she gets what's coming to her first! This book is a wonderful read and at 477 pages, it's a great way to spend a rainy day curled up in a chair. This is one of the best debut novels that I have ever read. I am highly looking forward to more books from Julie Lessman.