Review: A Passion Redeemed by Julie Lessman

About the Book: Depth of beauty … shallow of heart, Charity O’Connor is a woman who gets what she wants. She sets her sights on a man who wants nothing to do with her, and although the sparks are there, he refuses to fan the coals of a potential relationship with a woman who ruined his life. 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.


My Review: Early this year when I read A Passion Most Pure, I was gripped by the story. It had all the elements I love in a book, great characters, fantastic romantic tension, an epic love story, perfect pacing, and gorgeous prose.

Soooo...my expectations were pretty high for A Passion Redeemed. I couldn't wait to see how Julie was going to transform Charity into a character worth rooting for (well I actually didn't mind her in a APMP), and get her together with the hero...a character I liked a lot from A Passion Most Pure.

When the book showed up, I squealed and did a little dance and got that wonderful new book euphoria that is so rare, and only comes from that series and author you love. ;) Like, the last time I felt that way was probably the release of the last book of Harry Potter.

I dove right in. And....

I LOVED IT. In fact, I would say that the book far exceeded my expectations.

WARNING!! If you have not read A Passion Most Pure spoilers follow! If you have, please go ahead and keep reading!

Charity is back, and in fine form, and oh so desperate to turn the head of Mitch Dennehy. And well, Mitch is none too thrilled with the reality of his attraction for her. Because, oh yes, is he attracted to her. But he cannot forget her cunning and devious ways and the small little detail that she is responsible for him losing the woman he loved. But Charity is determined and willing to go to any lengths to win his love. In her favor, she is apparently the most beautiful woman to walk the planet. There isn't a male character in this book that doesn't lust after her!

The story is gorgeously told. The characters leap off the page, I really felt like I was right there with them, I could imagine each scene so perfectly. But even more than that, I could feel each scene. I laughed, I cried...tears streamed down my face at times, and I felt like I had been through quite the experience by the end of the book.

Which, by the way, I tore through and immediately wanted the next book. The O'Connors feel like family, I love the vivid family scenes. I can't wait to find out more about each one of them, and the tiny seeds planted in this book for the next one have me very eager.

Did Julie succeed in turning Charity into a likeable character? I think so. In fact, I think many of the issues and challenges that Charity encounters are issues that many young women face today. Charity is a great beauty which is a benefit to her, but also a curse in some ways. Julie deals with that reality in this story in a way that will break your heart.

There are books that engage your mind, and then there are books that engage your heart and set up residence there. A Passion Redeemed is a heart book and I envy those of you who have yet to devour this delicious series for the first time. I can't recommend it enough.

Mark my words...Julie Lessman is the future of this genre and I expect that we will be seeing her name everywhere in the years to come.

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