A Love Surrendered by Julie Lessman

Orphaned in Iowa, Annie Kennedy moves to Boston to stay with her spinster aunt. She longs for romance to fill the void left by her parents' death. But when she falls hard for Steven O'Connor, the man who broke an engagement to her sister, Annie is worried. Will he break her heart too when he discovers who she really is?With heart-pounding romance, intense family drama, and emotional twists and turns, A Love Surrendered is everything Julie Lessman's many fans have been waiting for.


A Love Surrendered is book three in the Winds of Change Series, and you definitely don't want to read it out of order or you just might be scratching your head over who's who and what's what in the O'Connor clan.

If you have read the previous 5 books-the first three being part of The Daughter's of Boston series about the same family- then you'll know that this one's about Steven, the youngest son.

If I'm already confusing you, it's because this is one big group of Irish/Catholic relatives we're talking about. (And, not to worry, plenty of that infamous passion/temper to go with it.)

As A Love Surrendered starts, we're introduced to Susannah, who prefers to be called Annie, and more than anything wants to land her first kiss. So with the encouragement of her friend, Peggy, she sneaks out at night hoping to meet a cute guy, up for some canoodling.

Well, she does meet a handsome man, but not in the way she planned and, needless to say, the circumstances leave her kinda mortified. Because Steven O'Connor, straight laced lawman, thinks of her as nothing but a naive, brainless, "kid" in need of saving from herself. Not exactly the image she's looking to cultivate as a mature, kissable, woman of the world.

Despite, or perhaps because of, their lack luster first encounter, Annie is determined to make Steven see her as more than a child, because his "brotherly" instincts to protect her from those who would take advantage, initially irritate her. Since Annie is only seventeen and Steven twenty five, he tells himself she's too young for him-plus he already holds enough guilt over the ruined innocence of a girl from his past. He can't stand to think the same could happen to the sweet Annie, so he distances himself. But he can't seem to shake her from his thoughts, even though he knows he's only asking for trouble by even contemplating a relationship...

Whew, what a finale to the whirlwind O'Connor saga! After six books of them, it's hard not to feel as if you're family, and Julie does an incredible job of seamlessly involving us in the stories of each of their lives. I so love the continued updates we receive on other siblings who we've previously read about, and how they are handling relationships, kids, marriages, work, etc. rather than just ending at the typical "happily ever after."

In terms of Steven and Annie's saga, it definitely kept my attention throughout-maybe a little too well at times. At one point near the end, I dropped my book on the floor after a major spoiler occurred and said, "You've got to be kidding me, Julie!" (I won't tell you if she was or not.) But, yes, I was angry, tense, and in shock for a full minute at least before I could continue on. And weirdly enough, that's a good thing because I LOVE an angsty read, despite near constant worry for my poor, sky rocketing, blood pressure.

I so didn't see that particular twist coming, along with several other ones, so kudos for some great plot planning!  I would have liked to see more of Steven and Annie's dating/relationship moments, as I felt like I didn't get quite as deep of an overall connection between the two of them as I was hoping for. I suppose, a few trivial, "down time," fun, couple interactions may have been what I missed to completely cement their feelings for each other in my mind. For me, it seemed as if most of their scenes together were tense/emotionally draining, and I definitely love some good tension, but appreciate the softer, romantic, stuff to balance it all out as well.

I'll admit, I was sad to pick up this book knowing it was the beginning of the end, but I couldn't resist because Julie is really a phenomenal writer who I can always tell  puts her heart and soul into every page she types. That passion comes across vividly in each character, phrase, setting, and detail-straight down to the smell of chili mac simmering on Marcy's kitchen stove. She immerses her readers in a world so realistically drawn, that you emerge back into real life reluctantly, not wanting to leave behind your book friends mid conversation.

I can't say enough about how blessed, uplifted, entertained, challenged, and honored I've been to share in the O'Connors' journey from Faith all the way to Steven. I feel as if I've come to know and care about each of them intimately which is a gift I'll forever cherish. And, you better believe, I'll be re-reading these classics in the future, and passing them down to my kids one day.

If you want a series that's passionate about relationships-both spiritual and emotional-then these are the books for you.

P.S. Just to help you out, I'm including the reading order and a link to each book:


The Daughters of Boston


-A Passion Most Pure

-A Passion Redeemed

-A Passion Denied


The Winds of Change


-A Hope Undaunted

-A Heart Revealed

-A Love Surrendered



I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion.

Fall is right around the corner!

Who else likes loves is totally obsessed with fall like me?

(C'mon, I know I'm not the only one.)

It's my favorite time of year-something about the cool temperature, leaves blowing, and sense of anticipation in the air gets me every time. Also, the knowledge of acceptably unlimited amounts of pumpkin food products excites me almost as much as an unlimited shopping spree to Target.

(Almost.)

Yup, I'm a total sucker for Autumn. If there was ever an official "fall approved" groupie t-shirt, I'd be wearing it. Like every day. No joke. Justin Bieber, who?

(Of course, I'd buy multiple T's in case you wonder about unspecified hygiene issues.)

I'd also bottle up the months of October/November and keep them with me all the time, like one of those weird little purse dogs that holly wood bimbos carry around as a fashion statement.

Eh, all right, that squeemed me out a bit. No, I wouldn't. Really. Stop staring at me like I'm a total wacko! Tee-hee. :)

Anyhow, if you're crazy, scary, horror movie like, obsessed with fall as I am, here's a slammin' high five from me to you.

If not, forget the high five-but I'll give you a polite finger wave anyhow. 

So, do tell. What is your favorite season of the year, and why?

Blog Tour for Love's Reckoning by Laura Frantz

Love's Reckoning is book one in the Ballantyne Legacy series and here's the scoop:

On a bitter December day in 1785, Silas Ballantyne arrives at the door of master blacksmith Liege Lee in York, Pennsylvania. Just months from becoming a master blacksmith himself, Silas is determined to finish his apprenticeship and move west. But Liege soon discovers that Silas is a prodigious worker and craftsman and endeavors to keep him in Lancaster. Silas becomes interested in both of Liege's daughters, the gentle and faith-filled Eden and the clever and high-spirited Elspeth. When he chooses one, will the other's jealousy destroy their love?
In this sweeping family saga set in western Pennsylvania, one man's choices in love and work, in friends and enemies, set the stage for generations to come.. "Love's Reckoning" is the first entry in The Ballantyne Legacy, a rich, multi-layered historical quartet from talented writer Laura Frantz, beginning in the late 1700s and following the Ballantyne family through the end of the Civil War.

Wow, this was a fantastic start to Laura's new series and thrillingly sets the stage for, what I'm sure, is much more delicious drama to come!

If you enjoy emotional, nail biting, angsty, tension filled, reads then this book will be right up your alley. I loved every second, even as my fingers were itching to slap a few very deserving people. I won't drop names, but you'll know who I'm talking about.

(Because this story is very plot driven with several twists and turns I don't want to ruin for anyone,  I'm going to be careful not to give any spoilers but instead focus on what I felt while reading.)

The various family dynamics are vividly etched and explored with sensitivity, yet realism. I honestly felt like a fly on the wall during the conversations, dinners, scheming, personal moments, and social functions Silas and Eden are part of. I held my breath when certain events unfolded, kisses were stolen, tragedy occurred-I really felt each emotion the characters did. 

I thought the growing relationship between Silas and Eden was nicely paced and not rushed, which I appreciated. They took their time getting to know each other before romance came into play, and the foundation of a spiritual connection was formed naturally rather than forced into awkwardly. Silas endeared himself to me in all the thoughtful ways he left scripture notes for Eden in unexpected places, brightening her day just a bit more. The play on your typical "love notes" was original and incorporated a really sweet religious element to the story, while strengthening the plot/storyline also. 

Love's Reckoning is not a light read and contains some darker elements that are handled without any unnecessary  detail, but just enough to make clear what's happening. The fallout from one such incident involving Eden was truly heart breaking, and I ached for what she was going through by no fault of her own. That tragedy can be overcome despite the loss of something we hold dear, is captured here movingly. Beauty can come from the most unexpected places and our past doesn't have to define out future, as this story so succinctly shows. 

The finale doesn't exactly end on a cliff hanger but it definitely leaves you wanting more, especially after you've read the sneak peek from book two! Every Laura Frantz book I've read has been exquisite, like the finest delicacy that you want to savor again and again. She just has a way of writing straight to your heart while also consistently engaging your imagination. The combination of earthy reality yet almost ethereal dreaminess, is stunningly combined to create an unforgettable novel. Love's Reckoning is, for lack of a better term,  hauntingly good.


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



I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion.


If you'd like more information about author Laura Frantz, you can visit her blog here