My Review - A Love Surrendered

A Love Surrendered by Julie Lessman

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


A LOVE SURRENDERED is by far my favorite book from Julie Lessman.  Though I enjoyed The Daughters of Boston series and the other two books in the Winds of Change series, A LOVE SURRENDERED had every box checked in the list of things I look for in a great book. 

Annie Kennedy has moved from a small town in Iowa to live with her aunt in the bustling city of Boston.  When she quickly falls in with a fast crowd, it isn’t by mistake.  In fact, it was the exciting life in Boston that her sister, Maggie wrote her about that had Annie hoping she would find some of the same thrills.  And find them she does.  Annie is over the moon when she finds herself rubbing elbows with some of Maggie’s old friends and Maggie’s old flame Steven O’Connor.  What she doesn’t expect is to fall head over heels for the man who broke her sister’s heart.

Steven O’Connor is haunted by past mistakes.  After ending a tawdry liaison that nearly severed his relationship with his father and family, he puts his party image to rest and becomes an officer in the Justice Department.  After rescuing Annie Kennedy from a couple thugs, he encourages her to stay away from the nightlife on Ocean Pier.  But when she ignores his advice, their paths continue to cross.  He convinces himself she is nothing but a kid looking for trouble.  But he soon finds out she is more woman than he has given her credit for, and his interest in her is no longer out of duty.

A LOVE SURRENDERED had more twists and turns than I can remember reading in a romance novel in long time.  I absolutely love the O’Connor family.  Their different personalities and the way they spar with each other makes for a rich backdrop to the struggles facing Annie and Steven.  I really appreciate the fact that Lessman–though this is a Christian novel–does not sanitize or water down the attraction or temptations Annie and Steven face as they try to navigate through their confusing feelings for each other.  Lessman skillfully handles chemistry, passion, and desire without crossing the lines into tasteless or questionable.  Not knowing how the book was going to end, I found myself struggling with how there could be a happily-ever-after for all involved.  The ending with nothing short of satisfying. 

Book provided for review purposes.

“Available October 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”




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