Review: A Passion Redeemed

Summary: Graced with physical beauty, though shallow of heart, Charity O'Connor is a woman who knows what she wants. She sets her sights on the cantankerous Mitch Dennehy, editor at the Irish Times, who has unwittingly stolen her heart. And although the sparks are there, Mitch refuses to fan the coals of a potential relationship with his ex-fiancee's sister. But Charity has a plan to turn up the heat and she always gets what she wants--one way or another. Is revenge so sweet after all? Or will Charity get burned?

Full of intense passion, betrayal, and forgiveness, A Passion Redeemed will delight Lessman's fans and draw new ones. -- Revell

Last summer, I read a wonderful book called A PASSION MOST PURE by Julie Lessman -- you can read my review here. I was immediately caught up in this book and was so excited to "discover" a new author. A PASSION MOST PURE was the first book in The Daughters of Boston series so I was looking forward to more of Ms. Lessman's writing as well as more of these wonderful characters. I can't explain why but I just now got around to reading A PASSION REDEEMED, the second book in The Daughters of Boston series. I have been kicking myself for not having read it earlier. It only took a few pages for me to remember the reasons I enjoy Ms. Lessman's books so much.

I don't read a lot of Christian fiction and especially Christian romances, but I have to wonder why. I love The Daughters of Boston series! Like A PASSION MOST PURE, A PASSION REDEEMED was a terrific love story filled with some very special spiritual messages. I actually think this book was even more fun to read than the last mainly because the main character in this novel was such a interesting woman. Charity was a beautiful and manipulating woman, and I think she might have provided some better "material" for Ms. Lessman to work with.

I had actually forgotten how devious Charity was, but it only took a few pages to remember. Charity was all about herself and what she wanted -- no matter who she might hurt in the process. And unlike her sister Faith (the main character in the first book in this series), she didn't have a geniune relationship with God. While my heart went out to Charity because it was so clear that she was lost and without purpose in her life, her lies and deceit did cause some very entertaining moments in this book.

I was thrilled when Charity discovered that she needed God in her life and began putting Him first instead of herself. Of course, Charity had to hit rock bottom first but maybe that's what she needed for a reality check. I appreciated how Ms. Lessman showed Charity's eventual path towards God because it didn't come easy to her -- Charity really had to work for that relationship. It wasn't enough just to pray, but rather Charity had to learn to live her life differently. And one of the hardest lessons that Charity had to learn was about forgiveness. She had to not only forgive others (including God) but especially to forgive herself. I felt like showing that Charity's relationship with God was a work-in-progress made her effort more honest and real.

I was so happy to "see" many of the characters from the first book return in A PASSION REDEEMED. It was almost like being reunited with old friends. The characters in these books are so memorable and very special; and as a reader, I became very caught up in their stories. I enjoyed seeing where they were in their lives, and I was especially glad to see Faith and her parents again (I just love them!) I realize this is going to sound very weird, but when I read these books and get to know these characters I feel so much peace and contentment -- it's almost like therapy because I can relax and just enjoy them (and even get a little spiritual wisdom for good measure!)

I absolutely adore Ms. Lessman and I'm so excited that the third book in this series is coming out very soon. I can't wait to read it and this time I know it won't be sitting on my shelves for a few months. I love these characters and their stories; however, I really appreciate Ms. Lessman's writing. These books are just so readable and very hard to put down. And, I absolutely love how she manages to infuse these books with beautiful messages without hitting the readers over the head -- it's a definitely talent! Last August, I was fortunate enough to have Ms. Lessman write a very moving guest post for Booking Mama. If you didn't read it back then, make sure you check it out.

I am pretty sure that fans of Christian romance will adore this book. A PASSION REDEEMED has a little bit of everything in it -- sibling rivalry, humor, spirituality, father/daughter relationship, friendship, romance, and of course some passion. If you enjoyed A PASSION MOST PURE, then I can guarantee that you will love A PASSION REDEEMED. And if you haven't read either of the books in this series, then what are you waiting for? These books really are just good clean fun!

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