Novel by Julie Lessman
I bought this book after reading the review on Edgy Inspirational Blog. I had a hard time getting past the first chapter because time would not permit me. After sitting myself down and making myself read, I couldn't put this book down. I carried it everywhere. I read it the moment I woke up, while the iron was warming, while my curlers were heating up, and I dressed early for work so I could sit on the couch and get some reading in before I had to leave. I read it in the car, under my desk (only one time, after I gave in to the temptation), and on my breaks (which I never take). I have never done this with any other book... any book. I can't get the characters out of my head or put this book down.
I don't do reviews... but, I did want to share with you what I thought of this book.
The story is told in different characters points of view. Not just the main characters. The O'Connor family resembles the Smiths in Meet Me In St. Louis. The easy banter, arguments, love for each other, and sibling rivalry pulls you into the fold right from the beginning . It reminded me so much of my own family. The fact that they were Irish was a thrill. The Irish blood in me took over...
The book started right off with a bang, no waiting for romance to develop. You got in the head of Faith and Collin and felt the attraction between the two. There were so many ups and downs, I didn't know which way the book was going, but I definitely wanted to hold on for the ride.
Throughout the whole story there was a message of how God feels for us and how we should feel for Him. How he fits into the life of a marriage and a romantic relationship in general.
I was angry at times with how things turned and then they would turn back to how I wanted them and then turn again... I can say, this book was not predictable. I cried, laughed and cringed.
The book was lengthy but everything, I mean everything belonged. Towards the end I wanted the book to end, I needed some closure (and some sleep). Something to put my mind at ease! This so rarely happens; I usually want the book to keep going and stay involved with the characters, but I really wanted things to settle by the last few pages (I mean this in a good way). Even in the end there are so many twist and turns.
Whatever you do, do not peek in the back. I don't understand how people can do this, but I was so tempted to on this one... DON'T! It's so worth it not to.
I was reminded of the verse, And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to [his] purpose. Romans 8:28
I still cannot believe that this is a debut novel. I can't wait to get my hands on A Passion Redeemed in September. Seven long months... Oy.
18 comments:
WOW!!!! Deb, you made my day ... my week ... and pretty much my month, I'm guessing (granted, the month just started, but I am pretty sure your review will be in the top best things that happens for me!).
As one of 13 kids (10 girls, 3 boys) from St. Louis, your comparison of the O'Connors to the family in Meet Me in St. Louis made me grin (after your review made me cry, that is!) because that is the ultimate compliment.
So, thank you for taking the time to write such an amazing review to share with your friends. I am blessed.
Hugs,
Julie
Girl...look at you! Getting comments from published authors on your blog!
I'm going to go see if I can find this book this evening! I saw it at the bookstore the same day I picked up Taming Rafe, but I didn't have enough with me for both.
Good job on your review, by the way. It makes me want to read it!
Oh, Becky, you go girl ... and get that book!! :)
And I've been eyeballing Taming Rafe as well -- heard it's really good.
Hugs,
Julie
Julie - Thank, thank, thank you for stopping by! I couldn't say enough about your book, as you know. lol I could have kept on going.
Becky - Don't stop go and dont.. well, maybe collect the $200! (and pass some my way!) lol. Seriously one of the best books... that I've read. I think Collin has stoling my heart from Adrien. heehee.
stoling? where did that come from...
I can vouch for Deb's "obsession".... she is one who cherishes her beauty sleep, but in this case, I've caught her up in the wee hours of the night, trying to keep her eyes open, with her nose in this book.. my mom has dibs on it next, and I was going to wait, but I'm thinking I should run, not walk, to go grab me a copy of this book....!
Queenie Cat
Oh, you guys are wayyyyy too much fun to visit ... I may make a pest of myself!
Honestly, Deb, you and your buds have made my day (granted, it's snowed 8-10 inches today in St. Louis and I brought work home from my day job (YUCK!), but even on the best of days, your wonderful comments would keep me warm!
Thank you!
Hugs,
Julie
Pest? Not a chance. I love having you around here.
8-10 inches! Wow. I don't mean to brag, okay maybe a little, it's sunny here in Orange County, CA. A little warm actually.
Whooop! A published author on your blog! Deb, your review made me want to phone up Amazon and harrass them into speeding up my delivery!! I mean, it's been a few weeks already! ;-)
I am SOOO anxious to read this book. As a confessed "peeker" (only sometimes) I promise NOT to read the last couple pages, no matter the pull of temptation. I WILL read it cover to cover. But Deb, you know how involved I get in a story. Is this going to make me lose sleep?? Should I plan it into a weekend so Chad's home to watch the kids??
I was soooo relieved to find out that book number two is out in September. At least it won't be a year's wait.
Oh, you brat!! But beat this ... I'm sitting back-to-back with my artist husband in our cozy little computer room with our golden retriever sprawled between us, a candle lit and a glass of cabernet as we wait for dinner to cook and the snow continues to fall. Cozy, huh?
And by the way, Collin is a hottie, isn't he? Every girl's dream of the perfect bad boy. Or at least mine!
But just wait until Book 2 -- YOWZA, be still my heart!! But I guess mum's the word until everybody has already read it, eh?
Hugs,
Julie
Shauna - Knowing you, you'll be up all night. =) I would wait to shirk kid duties on the hubby.
Julie - Okay, you win hands down. I would so much rather have a fire right now than the fan! Collin is a dream! So, #2... I can't discuss it... It's bad enough that I have to wait months! lol
WOW DEB!!! How cool to have the author visit your blog!
Great job in your review, definitely made me want to go read this book! I can't wait!! I don't think I will wait for mom to finish; I just need to go out and buy it!
You guys are way too much fun ... I can't get any work done!! :)
And PLEASE don't think of me as "the author" (shiver!). I'm just one of you, connecting with people who love edgy romance!!
And thank God the market is changing!! What an opportunity to lace real romance with God's precepts!!!
Hugs,
Julie
Great review, Deb! And Julie, if you are still visiting, I read your book as well. Like Deb, I am absolutely STUNNED this is a debut novel! It was FABULOUS!!! All the characters were so deep...I loved getting to know Colin and Faith. I also loved how Faith struggled with her faith, and Charity was anything but charitable! SO EXCITED to know there's a book 2 coming out!
And thank God the market is changing!! What an opportunity to lace real romance with God's precepts!!!
Amen! Well put, Julie. Just because we're Christians doesn't mean we struggle any less with temptation. It's nice to read about characters who are honest and real. I think that's why I like edgy Inspy. It's REAL!
Hi Guys,
Just got home from work or I would have popped in sooner.
Katybug, thanks for your encouraging words!! And I'm glad there's a book 2 coming out also!! :) And a book 3, for that matter.
I am excited because I just gave my notice for my day job (I'm a travel writer) for 3/19 because I'm hoping to pitch another 3-book deal to Revell for Katie's story (she comes of age in the Roaring 20s, which will be fun to write) and Sean and Steven's stories. Say one for me, will you, that I get it together?
And double amen, Shauna, I couldn't agree more! As a wild child of the 70s, I would have NEVER been won by Holy-Roller Christianity. I was even the type who used to talk about burning Bibles in hotel rooms because the Gideons really ticked me off back then when I was an agnostic at the age of 23.
But nine out of ten women in the U.S. profess some form of Christianity (according to the Barna Group study), yet the Christian market has virtually ignored this huge demographic when we could be reaching them (women like I used to be) with God's precepts. Doesn't make sense.
Anyway, sorry for running on ... can you tell I've been trapped at work all day?
Hugs,
Julie
Ooh, I will definitely say a prayer for you. After all, bookaholics like me need GREAT authors to read. ;-) Keep writing and we'll keep reading. :-) And buying, tee-hee.
Ooh, I will definitely say a prayer for you. After all, bookaholics like me need GREAT authors to read. ;-) Keep writing and we'll keep reading. :-) And buying, tee-hee.
My thoughts exactly!
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