A Passion Redeemed (The Daughters of Boston, Book 2) (Bk. 2) [Paperback]

Julie Lessman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 2008

EXCERPT FROM CATALOG
Charity could hardly contain herself. She propped her elbows on the table and rested her chin on her hands, tightly clasped to dispel any shaking. She could feel the breath hitching in her chest and forced herself to breathe ... calmly, quietly, working hard to display a composure she didn't feel. Inside she was all awhirl, tipsy with joy over the prospect that Mitch was finally returning her affection. She studied him from across the table, the slight pucker of a frown wedged between his brows as he contemplated his first move. Her heart wanted to burst. He was everything she had ever wanted in a man: smart, tough, no nonsense, yet a heart as soft as fresh-churned butter. She stifled a sigh. And more handsome than the law allowed. How in the world had he managed to steer clear of the altar all these years? She suddenly thought of Faith and felt a rush of heat to her cheeks. He moved his pawn and settled back in the chair. The corners of his lips twitched. "I suggest you focus on your game if you hope to win this match, Miss O'Connor." Her face burned hot as she fumbled to pick up her pawn.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

No man can resist her charms. Or so she thought.

Charity O'Connor is a woman who gets what she wants. Her stunning beauty and flirtatious ways have always succeeded with men. Until Mitch Dennehy, that is. Brilliant and dangerously handsome, Mitch is a no-nonsense newspaperman who wants nothing to do with her. 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 wants--one way or another.

Or does she? Will her best-laid schemes win his love? Or will her seductive ways drive him away forever?

Book 2 in the Daughters of Boston series, A Passion Redeemed will captivate your heart and stir your soul with a story of faith and redemption rising from the ashes of temptation, desire, and shame.

Praise for the first book in the series:

"Full of romance, humor, rivalry, and betrayal, A Passion Most Pure will captivate readers from the first page."
--Historical Novels Review

"Superb! Incredible! I loved Julie Lessman's A Passion Most Pure from the second I picked it up until the very last moment I stopped reading."
--Armchair Interviews

"I devoured this book and loved every single page. . . . This is a thick, juicy read, and one I would pick up again in a heartbeat."
--christianreviewofbooks.com

Julie Lessman is the author of A Passion Most Pure and the recipient of ten Romance Writers of America awards. She resides in Missouri with her family.

About the Author

Julie Lessman is the author of A Passion Most Pure. Even as a debut novelist, Lessman garnered writing awards, including ten Romance Writers of America awards, and developed a fan base. She lives in High Ridge, Missouri.

Product Details

• Paperback: 480 pages
• Publisher: Revell; Reprinted edition (September 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 080073212X
• ISBN-13: 978-0800732127
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (96 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #229,358 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Julie Lessman is an award-winning author whose tagline of "Passion With a Purpose" underscores her intense passion for both God and romance. Winner of the 2009 ACFW Debut Author of the Year and Holt Medallion Awards of Merit for Best First Book and Long Inspirational, Julie is also the recipient of 13 Romance Writers of America awards and was voted by readers as "Borders Best of 2009 So Far: Your Favorite Fiction." She resides in Missouri with her husband, daughter, son and daughter-in-law and is the author of "The Daughters of Boston" series, which includes A Passion Most Pure, A Passion Redeemed, and A Passion Denied. Her "Winds of Change" series has recently released with A Hope Undaunted, which ranked #5 on Booklist's Top 10 Inspirational Fiction for 2010. You can contact Julie through her website at www.julielessman.com.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Passionate about this series, September 7, 2008

By 

M. Baker "www.wovenbywords.blogspot.com" (MN USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Passion Redeemed (The Daughters of Boston, Book 2) (Bk. 2) (Paperback)

Julie Lessman is a wonderful author. She picks up right where she left off, with Charity living in Ireland with her grandma & Mima. She has successfully driven her sister away from Mitch and now has her eye set on him! She also has decided that she won't waste any opportunity to make him fall in love with her. Unfortunately, her ways are not the Lord's ways and she has very little success. One of her ways to lure Mitch, is by using another man, Rigan, who is a willing participant. This can't bode well for any of them.

Mitch meanwhile tries everything he can to keep his distance from Charity. He, as well, is not successful, most of the time. He goes back and forth between desiring Charity and wanting sweet Kathleen. This is one messed up guy. He wants to follow the Lord, but many times his body has other ideas.

We also catch up with Faith and Collin from "A Passion Most Pure". They are preparing for their wedding, and for Charity to return. That causes all kinds of tension. Patrick, Marcy and the rest of their brood all make appearances throughout the story. I hope to read Katie's story someday. She is definitely a firecracker! It'd be fun reading about her passion. Lord help the guy she sets her eye on (or maybe doesn't)!

Julie is fantastic at balancing passion and God's precepts. She knows that God created passion and that it is good, within the confines of marriage. I know some people feel that passion on any level shouldn't be seen in Christian fiction, but the truth is, we are a passionate creation. Don't we want to be married to someone we're passionate about? We should all want to know there are sparks and a stirring inside when we're with the person we love. That is what Julie has done successfully in both of her books. Personally, I don't believe she's "edgy" at all, just realistic.

I have fully enjoyed reading Julie's books and can NOT wait for book 3, although I know there are no options. You will really be drawn into this story. I would highly suggest reading book 1 in The Daughter's of Boston series. It will give you background into the interpersonal relationships going on. This should be on everyone's "must read" list to finish off 2008!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyed the story, but still not a fan of Charity!, December 27, 2009

By 

Deborah "Books, Movies and Chinese Food" (Fairfax, VA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: A Passion Redeemed (The Daughters of Boston, Book 2) (Bk. 2) (Paperback)

When I finished the first book in this series, A Passion Most Pure, I hated Charity. Honestly, I wanted to slap the sense out of that girl. I honestly haven't really hated a character so much in my life. I guess it was mainly because she reminded me of girls I knew in school, who got away with everything especially the guys that you happened to like. I was told that with this book however that my feelings for her would change because Charity would get what's coming to her and a change of heart as well.

Sadly, after finishing this story I am STILL not a fan of Charity. I will admit I am more sympathetic of her after finding out what happened in the past. Also there are scenes that happen in the book that even I felt extremely sorry and hurt for her. No matter what she could have done, she definitely did not deserve to be treated in that way. However, even that does not totally excuse her behavior. I swear that girl just does not learn from her mistakes or anything that happens in her life. She gets by and rewarded because of her looks which she uses to her advantage. I also got really mad that Mitch somehow became the bad guy at the end of the book when it was ENTIRELY Charity's fault! In fact, the one instance where Charity seems to have any sort of heart would have to be how she acts with her co-worker Emma. Due to the situation with Emma's abusive husband, this is the one time where Charity seems to care more about another person's well being than herself. She even uses the negative situation she finds herself in to help Emma finally see the light and get out of that relationship.

There are some conservative readers who find these books to be really racy and practically pornographic. Honestly, I really scoff at this. Sorry, but I find these books to be extremely refreshing and true to life. To say that just because someone is a Christian and does not feel passion or any other romantic feelings is lying to yourself. I sound harsh but it really does get on my nerves about this. Pretty much if you don't read Christian fiction and you pick up this book, you will find it really tame compared to the general market books that are out there. If you are the type of person who blushes at the thought of holding hands with a guy, this book is probably not for you.

Overall, I did enjoy reading this book. As I said, I still am annoyed by Charity but the story itself is very engaging and I was glad to revisit with the O'Connor family again. Another wonderful thing about this book is that it's really long and thick, which makes a for a splendid way to pass an entire day by reading this tome. I'll be looking forward to picking up the final book in the series, both to read Lizzie's story and perhaps to see if I end up liking Charity a bit more!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Not what I had expected..., November 2, 2008

By 

Robyn (Texas) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Passion Redeemed (The Daughters of Boston, Book 2) (Bk. 2) (Paperback)

I thought that this book gave the majority of it's story to the utter spiritual lostness of Charity and her constant manipulations. What I had hoped to see was the development of her redeemed life after that pivotal moment that came between her and Rigan. I'm not saying specifically as to not spoil it for others. I also didn't like how almost everyone throughout the book exalted Faith (from the first book) as completely pure, faultless and as the 'perfect' sister. I did like this book - the reason for a 3 star and not lower - but it just didn't seem to meet the high expectations that I had for it.