What do you think?
Rate this book
Winds of Change #3
Love Surrendered, A: A Novel
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.
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.
400 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2012
19 people are currently reading
1182 people want to read
About the author
Julie Lessman
45 books1,289 followersJulie Lessman is an award-winning author whose tagline of “Passion With a Purpose” underscores her intense passion for both God and romance. A lover of all things Irish, she enjoys writing close-knit Irish family sagas that evolve into 3-D love stories: the hero, the heroine, and the God that brings them together.
Author of The Daughters of Boston, Winds of Change, and Heart of San Francisco series, Julie Lessman was named American Christian Fiction Writers 2009 Debut Author of the Year and has garnered 18 Romance Writers of America and other awards. Voted #1 Romance Author of the year in Family Fiction magazine’s 2012 and 2011 Readers Choice Awards, Julie was also named on Booklist’s 2010 Top 10 Inspirational Fiction and Borders Best Fiction list.
Julie’s first contemporary novel, Isle of Hope, was voted on Family Fiction magazine’s “Best of 2015” list, and Surprised by Love appeared on Family Fiction magazine’s list of “Top Ten Novels of 2014.” Her independent novel A Light in the Window is an International Digital Awards winner, a 2013 Readers' Crown Award winner, and a 2013 Book Buyers Best Award winner.
Julie has also written a self-help workbook for writers entitled Romance-ology 101: Writing Romantic Tension for the Sweet and Inspirational Markets. You can contact Julie through her website and read excerpts from each of her books at www.julielessman.com.
Author of The Daughters of Boston, Winds of Change, and Heart of San Francisco series, Julie Lessman was named American Christian Fiction Writers 2009 Debut Author of the Year and has garnered 18 Romance Writers of America and other awards. Voted #1 Romance Author of the year in Family Fiction magazine’s 2012 and 2011 Readers Choice Awards, Julie was also named on Booklist’s 2010 Top 10 Inspirational Fiction and Borders Best Fiction list.
Julie’s first contemporary novel, Isle of Hope, was voted on Family Fiction magazine’s “Best of 2015” list, and Surprised by Love appeared on Family Fiction magazine’s list of “Top Ten Novels of 2014.” Her independent novel A Light in the Window is an International Digital Awards winner, a 2013 Readers' Crown Award winner, and a 2013 Book Buyers Best Award winner.
Julie has also written a self-help workbook for writers entitled Romance-ology 101: Writing Romantic Tension for the Sweet and Inspirational Markets. You can contact Julie through her website and read excerpts from each of her books at www.julielessman.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 159 reviews
February 18, 2020
*sigh* It cannot be over! It's okay really. Another series is coming. Yes, yes I know it's not the O'Connor clan in Boston, we're jumping to San Francisco, but it is the heart and the artistic quill of Julie Lessman putting ink to the page, so I will survive. A Love Surrendered is amazing, but why am I surprised? Oh, well I mean I'm not surprised, it is just that I really wish I had a better word that amazing. I suppose you could read this one alone, but why deprive yourself of the rest of the "whole family" story? Yes, yes, you could definitely read this one and go back and delve into the rest, but you might spoil the surprise that is really in the pages of the first one. Now, now... I will review this book - but this is the end, the sixth book of a saga, and the third and final book in this trilogy (The Daughters of Boston and Winds of Change). If you are a mature reader ready to open up your imagination to the wonders of romance and how it can be used when in the proper avenues that God intended, you will be surprised and enthralled at the wonderful peace and love that God will provide.
A Love Surrendered is the story of the second of the brothers O'Connor, a story of past mistakes, present trials, and future blessings to join that of his sisters and other brother. Throwing in a flavor of Irish Boston and a hint of small town newbie Julie Lessman weaves an amazing canvas that reminds me a bit too much of a past that I'd rather forget. Julie does that. She finds plots and characters that are so real and jump from the page into the reader's heart and imagination and cause a relationship that only helps one to grow both in their own spiritual presence but also in the emotional well being as well.
Annie, Gracie, Suz or Susannah Grace is an amazing woman learning who she really is and where she is going in life. I've found myself relate to Julie's heroines in the past, but never before was there one so dead on that it was a bit shocking to see how much I could relate. (If only I read this before certain events in my life...) Oh to the blessing that this book and story might provide for such gentlemen and ladies to truly glean from others mistakes, or almost mishaps instead of making their own.
Steven is probably my favorite of Julie's heros to date. (Is that possible?) From the very first scene I knew that I loved him, and I did through out. Now I want to go back and read the entire saga and search the pages for the bits and pieces of him that came onto the page interwoven in the rest of his family's story. How amazing is it to be able to relate so much to a male character and really know all the bits of his heart both to the unforgiveness to his own mistakes as well as the thought that there is just no point. Watching Steven be able to grow and learn the true love of Christ brings a sigh to my heart and it's the kind of thing I just want to give this book to everyone I meet and scream, read it! Read the whole series! Your life will change!
The kicker for me is that I downloaded this book as a galley and converted it for my Kindle, it's not even out yet (well I suppose you can buy a Kindle copy now, early) but I cannot wait to get my hands on a real copy, because you better believe this is going on my keeper shelf. The desire for this journey started around my birthday in 2007 shortly after I first started reading and reviewing as Creative Madness that Makes Me Myself (now Creative Madness Mama). It was in 2008 when I really found Julie's writing, and in 2009 when I met Julie in person. I have to say that she is the most amazing prayer warrior I have ever met and it shows through on her pages. They are not preachy in an overwhelming way, but it brings through and highlights the scriptures in an enlightening way just begging for more.
I think I read once that someone said if only we could get another story from Julie once a month. Oh if that would even be enough?! A Love Surrendered is one of those stories that is a perfect example of why I read and the types of things I want to share and promote in Christian Historical Fiction.
While this is Annie and Steven's story it's also more than that. This is a touch on Katie and Luke, Emma and Sean, Charity and Mitch, Faith and Collin, Marcy and Patrick and of course Gabe the addition as well. It's amazing what Julie packs on a page, and boy would I love to go to one of those Thanksgiving dinners!
*Thanks to Revell Books for loaning an eBook through Netgalley, you better believe I'm going to add a real one to my shelves!*
posted: http://creativemadnessmama.com/blog/2...
A Love Surrendered is the story of the second of the brothers O'Connor, a story of past mistakes, present trials, and future blessings to join that of his sisters and other brother. Throwing in a flavor of Irish Boston and a hint of small town newbie Julie Lessman weaves an amazing canvas that reminds me a bit too much of a past that I'd rather forget. Julie does that. She finds plots and characters that are so real and jump from the page into the reader's heart and imagination and cause a relationship that only helps one to grow both in their own spiritual presence but also in the emotional well being as well.
Annie, Gracie, Suz or Susannah Grace is an amazing woman learning who she really is and where she is going in life. I've found myself relate to Julie's heroines in the past, but never before was there one so dead on that it was a bit shocking to see how much I could relate. (If only I read this before certain events in my life...) Oh to the blessing that this book and story might provide for such gentlemen and ladies to truly glean from others mistakes, or almost mishaps instead of making their own.
Steven is probably my favorite of Julie's heros to date. (Is that possible?) From the very first scene I knew that I loved him, and I did through out. Now I want to go back and read the entire saga and search the pages for the bits and pieces of him that came onto the page interwoven in the rest of his family's story. How amazing is it to be able to relate so much to a male character and really know all the bits of his heart both to the unforgiveness to his own mistakes as well as the thought that there is just no point. Watching Steven be able to grow and learn the true love of Christ brings a sigh to my heart and it's the kind of thing I just want to give this book to everyone I meet and scream, read it! Read the whole series! Your life will change!
The kicker for me is that I downloaded this book as a galley and converted it for my Kindle, it's not even out yet (well I suppose you can buy a Kindle copy now, early) but I cannot wait to get my hands on a real copy, because you better believe this is going on my keeper shelf. The desire for this journey started around my birthday in 2007 shortly after I first started reading and reviewing as Creative Madness that Makes Me Myself (now Creative Madness Mama). It was in 2008 when I really found Julie's writing, and in 2009 when I met Julie in person. I have to say that she is the most amazing prayer warrior I have ever met and it shows through on her pages. They are not preachy in an overwhelming way, but it brings through and highlights the scriptures in an enlightening way just begging for more.
I think I read once that someone said if only we could get another story from Julie once a month. Oh if that would even be enough?! A Love Surrendered is one of those stories that is a perfect example of why I read and the types of things I want to share and promote in Christian Historical Fiction.
While this is Annie and Steven's story it's also more than that. This is a touch on Katie and Luke, Emma and Sean, Charity and Mitch, Faith and Collin, Marcy and Patrick and of course Gabe the addition as well. It's amazing what Julie packs on a page, and boy would I love to go to one of those Thanksgiving dinners!
*Thanks to Revell Books for loaning an eBook through Netgalley, you better believe I'm going to add a real one to my shelves!*
posted: http://creativemadnessmama.com/blog/2...
September 22, 2015
“’This whole fiasco is a bolt out of the blue’”
Perfectly sums up this book. After all the wonderfulness and magnificence of A Heart Revealed, where the heck did this whole fiasco come from?!
Here I was, hoping this series would end in pure, unadulterated awesomeness, and that I’d be mourning its end, totally unable to let go and move on to other things. In a way, this book not living up to the others made finishing the series easier, but it was incredibly disappointing, and frankly not much fun to go through.
I wish Steven and Annie’s story had come before Sean and Emma’s, because in A Heart Revealed, Lessman delivered her best plot, best romance, best couple, and a truly endearing, mature and exemplary heroine which would have combined in making the best ending for the series, but instead we were served second-best for last, and left with an aftertaste that didn’t do justice to the main course.
I found it very annoying to have to read about an innocent, ditzy seventeen year-old bent on getting her first kiss and having fun with questionable friends, right after having read a beautiful story featuring an older, intelligent and worldly-wise heroine. A Love Surrendered was a big step backward, and I totally wasn’t ready to be plunged into endless drama, passionate kisses just for the sake of kissing, hero with no self-control, heroine too young and naïve to fully understand what is going on, and a "romance" which made me question altogether whether or not I even like this genre(which is saying something indeed, considering historical romance is practically all I read).
I actually loved Annie and Steven, as long as they weren’t talking or thinking about each other.
But their romance sucked.
Basically it’s love at first sight for Annie, and lust at second sight for Steven, although he sees her as a kid (which, by the way, he goes on nicknaming her for the entire duration of the book) and she doesn’t know he’s her sister ex-fiancé.
With each novel I read, I seem to arrive at a new conclusion each time about my reading preferences. The result here: unless you’re Shakespeare and it’s Romeo and Juliet, I do not like "love at first sight" romances. Silly, silly, silly. I can take "drawn to" or "sexually attracted to" at first sight, but not "love". And by at first sight, I mean any romance that develop too quickly, where the H/h know little to nothing about the other yet "know" that they’re in love.
After their first encounter, Annie’s take on Steven is that "he’s a good guy underneath his rakish ways and I can definitely trust him because he’s hardworking and serious and very husband-material". How the heck does she know, she’s met him once, at a Piazza of all places, dancing and kissing and flirting with a bunch of questionable girls. Huh? And Steven’s take on Annie? "She’s such a cute kid, but damn it her figure is so attractive, why the hell do I want to corner her and kiss the shit out of her, she’s just a sweet, innocent kid who knows nothing about men. But eff that, I have to kiss her even though she is such a good girl and I shouldn’t be acting like such an eel."
It made no sense that they knew the other so well after their first meeting. Annie falls madly in love with Steven after their second encounter or so, and Steven takes a devil of time figuring his feelings out, alternating between "I love her and I’m going to marry her" or "I still love her sister" or, my personal favourite "SHE DESERVES A BETTER MAN THAN ME". Sir, would you like a daisy to help you decide if you love her?
To be honest, I only managed to finish this book because I was interested in all the family scenes and little back stories with the other characters. Annie’s little sister Glory was super cute, and I liked reading about Aunt Eleanor (actually, I was more interested in her potential romance than in Annie’s), and of course, seeing Steven’s family again and reading about them. Although, to be honest, the family scenes and back stories were the main reason why the romance wasn't as developed as it could have been: contrary to all previous books in the series where all the couples-to-be had already met, Annie and Steven start out as pure strangers. So they have to go through the whole "meeting and getting to know the other" before the actual romance starts...except Lessman somehow skipped at step and starts the romance too early. It would have worked wayyyyy better if Annie had already met Steven. The book was shorter than the others, too, which feels as though Lessman had rushed to wrap up the series.
And I was SO disappointed that there was no secondary story with Lizzie and Brady!!! Faith & Collin had theirs in A Hope Undaunted and Charity & Mitch had theirs in A Heart Revealed, but Lessman skipped Lizzie & Brady! I really wanted more of them and was really sad I didn’t get to read about them again here.
Anyways, I’ve ranted enough for one review, and although I hadn’t much patience for this book after the amazingness of A Heart Revealed, I will still keep a wonderful memory of this saga as a whole, and will likely simply forget all about this last book...until I do a re-read of the entire thing, of course!
PS - Severe overuse of quotation marks, I beg everyone's pardon.
Perfectly sums up this book. After all the wonderfulness and magnificence of A Heart Revealed, where the heck did this whole fiasco come from?!
Here I was, hoping this series would end in pure, unadulterated awesomeness, and that I’d be mourning its end, totally unable to let go and move on to other things. In a way, this book not living up to the others made finishing the series easier, but it was incredibly disappointing, and frankly not much fun to go through.
I wish Steven and Annie’s story had come before Sean and Emma’s, because in A Heart Revealed, Lessman delivered her best plot, best romance, best couple, and a truly endearing, mature and exemplary heroine which would have combined in making the best ending for the series, but instead we were served second-best for last, and left with an aftertaste that didn’t do justice to the main course.
I found it very annoying to have to read about an innocent, ditzy seventeen year-old bent on getting her first kiss and having fun with questionable friends, right after having read a beautiful story featuring an older, intelligent and worldly-wise heroine. A Love Surrendered was a big step backward, and I totally wasn’t ready to be plunged into endless drama, passionate kisses just for the sake of kissing, hero with no self-control, heroine too young and naïve to fully understand what is going on, and a "romance" which made me question altogether whether or not I even like this genre(which is saying something indeed, considering historical romance is practically all I read).
I actually loved Annie and Steven, as long as they weren’t talking or thinking about each other.
But their romance sucked.
Basically it’s love at first sight for Annie, and lust at second sight for Steven, although he sees her as a kid (which, by the way, he goes on nicknaming her for the entire duration of the book) and she doesn’t know he’s her sister ex-fiancé.
With each novel I read, I seem to arrive at a new conclusion each time about my reading preferences. The result here: unless you’re Shakespeare and it’s Romeo and Juliet, I do not like "love at first sight" romances. Silly, silly, silly. I can take "drawn to" or "sexually attracted to" at first sight, but not "love". And by at first sight, I mean any romance that develop too quickly, where the H/h know little to nothing about the other yet "know" that they’re in love.
After their first encounter, Annie’s take on Steven is that "he’s a good guy underneath his rakish ways and I can definitely trust him because he’s hardworking and serious and very husband-material". How the heck does she know, she’s met him once, at a Piazza of all places, dancing and kissing and flirting with a bunch of questionable girls. Huh? And Steven’s take on Annie? "She’s such a cute kid, but damn it her figure is so attractive, why the hell do I want to corner her and kiss the shit out of her, she’s just a sweet, innocent kid who knows nothing about men. But eff that, I have to kiss her even though she is such a good girl and I shouldn’t be acting like such an eel."
It made no sense that they knew the other so well after their first meeting. Annie falls madly in love with Steven after their second encounter or so, and Steven takes a devil of time figuring his feelings out, alternating between "I love her and I’m going to marry her" or "I still love her sister" or, my personal favourite "SHE DESERVES A BETTER MAN THAN ME". Sir, would you like a daisy to help you decide if you love her?
To be honest, I only managed to finish this book because I was interested in all the family scenes and little back stories with the other characters. Annie’s little sister Glory was super cute, and I liked reading about Aunt Eleanor (actually, I was more interested in her potential romance than in Annie’s), and of course, seeing Steven’s family again and reading about them. Although, to be honest, the family scenes and back stories were the main reason why the romance wasn't as developed as it could have been: contrary to all previous books in the series where all the couples-to-be had already met, Annie and Steven start out as pure strangers. So they have to go through the whole "meeting and getting to know the other" before the actual romance starts...except Lessman somehow skipped at step and starts the romance too early. It would have worked wayyyyy better if Annie had already met Steven. The book was shorter than the others, too, which feels as though Lessman had rushed to wrap up the series.
And I was SO disappointed that there was no secondary story with Lizzie and Brady!!! Faith & Collin had theirs in A Hope Undaunted and Charity & Mitch had theirs in A Heart Revealed, but Lessman skipped Lizzie & Brady! I really wanted more of them and was really sad I didn’t get to read about them again here.
Anyways, I’ve ranted enough for one review, and although I hadn’t much patience for this book after the amazingness of A Heart Revealed, I will still keep a wonderful memory of this saga as a whole, and will likely simply forget all about this last book...until I do a re-read of the entire thing, of course!
PS - Severe overuse of quotation marks, I beg everyone's pardon.
January 26, 2013
I am a huge fan of Julie Lessman - and the O'Connor family. I think one of the best things about this book is also one of the cons. You get to catch up with everyone from all the previous books -- and they get more than just a mention. There are big changes, challenges, and blessings for everyone. I loved the glimpses into how they're all doing. It did shorten the time given to Stephen and Annie though.
I laughed, got angry, worried, was sad . . . All in all a good ending to a great series.
I laughed, got angry, worried, was sad . . . All in all a good ending to a great series.
May 12, 2019
This review is for the 3 book series... I very much enjoyed aspects of this series - the topics it discussed well, the way this large family came together, expanded; coming to faith. Some things really did make me cringe though: name calling, affection used aggressively and passive-aggressively, revolving relationships.
March 1, 2013
I hardly know what to write... where to start... except to say I am so in love with the words in this book. No, scratch that—I think I’m in love with all of the words in all of Julie Lessman’s books.
I spent a long time reading A Love Surrendered—longer than usual because, first of all, my preparing for the ACFW conference got in the way, then attending the conference took up about a week, and then I felt the need to go through my own 88,000 word manuscript (in three days) one last time before sending it off... but mostly, because I just plain didn’t want it to end!
Ah, yes—all the while I was thinking about Steven O’Connor and Annie Kennedy—trapped in the midst of their intense, angst-filled relationship. When will he see how double-minded he is? Why won’t he admit he’s in love with her? When would she tell her sister? And HOW ON EARTH ARE THESE TWO EVER TRULY GOING TO BE TOGETHER?
Yes, well. You get the gist.
And then there’s the whole entire rest of the 400+ page book filled with sub-plots involving the parents and the other five siblings (and their spouses) of the O’Connor clan... and oh, how they’re all still so intriguing!
At the end of Chapter 14... I’m pretty sure I was in love the most right there. It still gives me chills just thinking about it. I took a picture of the words on my kindle so I can see them anytime I want. These potent, soul-stirring words have nothing to do with the romance between the two star-crossed lovers, but between the God of the universe and one stubborn, hard-headed man—and that man’s heart being won over by the best Lover of all.
Oh... and he was.
Thankfully there is still one more book—a prequel, actually—about the O’Connor clan that comes out next month in eBook form. A Light in the Window is the (ever-complicated, I’m sure) love story between the O’Connor parents, Patrick and Marcy... and I JUST downloaded it to my kindle in preps for a blog tour next month (Yippee!). You can just bet you know what book I’ll be reading next. It’s true, I wish I could have Julie’s words pumped into my veins.
I received a complimentary and unedited (it hasn’t quite been through the complete editing process yet) eBook version of A Love Surrendered by Revell Books (through NetGalley.com) in order to give a review containing my complete and utterly honest opinion.
I give Julie Lessman’s A Love Surrendered 5 GLOWING Stars.
I spent a long time reading A Love Surrendered—longer than usual because, first of all, my preparing for the ACFW conference got in the way, then attending the conference took up about a week, and then I felt the need to go through my own 88,000 word manuscript (in three days) one last time before sending it off... but mostly, because I just plain didn’t want it to end!
Ah, yes—all the while I was thinking about Steven O’Connor and Annie Kennedy—trapped in the midst of their intense, angst-filled relationship. When will he see how double-minded he is? Why won’t he admit he’s in love with her? When would she tell her sister? And HOW ON EARTH ARE THESE TWO EVER TRULY GOING TO BE TOGETHER?
Yes, well. You get the gist.
And then there’s the whole entire rest of the 400+ page book filled with sub-plots involving the parents and the other five siblings (and their spouses) of the O’Connor clan... and oh, how they’re all still so intriguing!
At the end of Chapter 14... I’m pretty sure I was in love the most right there. It still gives me chills just thinking about it. I took a picture of the words on my kindle so I can see them anytime I want. These potent, soul-stirring words have nothing to do with the romance between the two star-crossed lovers, but between the God of the universe and one stubborn, hard-headed man—and that man’s heart being won over by the best Lover of all.
Oh... and he was.
Thankfully there is still one more book—a prequel, actually—about the O’Connor clan that comes out next month in eBook form. A Light in the Window is the (ever-complicated, I’m sure) love story between the O’Connor parents, Patrick and Marcy... and I JUST downloaded it to my kindle in preps for a blog tour next month (Yippee!). You can just bet you know what book I’ll be reading next. It’s true, I wish I could have Julie’s words pumped into my veins.
I received a complimentary and unedited (it hasn’t quite been through the complete editing process yet) eBook version of A Love Surrendered by Revell Books (through NetGalley.com) in order to give a review containing my complete and utterly honest opinion.
I give Julie Lessman’s A Love Surrendered 5 GLOWING Stars.
December 9, 2021
Okay, this review will be a wee bit different than what I usually do, but anyways...
This was a lovely introduction to Julie Lessman! (Apart from the fact that it's, um, not the first of the series... don't be mad with me!)
The things I loved about this was the Irish-ness! My Lanta, I think Ms. Lessman absolutely nailed it! The attitudes and personalities of the characters were just so perfect, I grinned every time the stubbornness came up; it was great!
The only 'meh' part about it though would probably be the Irish slang. Nothing against it, I love learning phrases from Ireland/Scotland/England area, but the meaning behind some of the words kinda ticked me off just a bit. Other than that, it was good.
I also loved how the POV changed to different characters from prior books (that I REALLY want to read but the library doesn't have the ebooks available just yet). It was really sweet and beautiful to see the other characters interact with one another and to see the different places in life they were in.
And the element of faith... my goodness, that was phenomenal. It encouraged me so much and opened my eyes just a bit to things I hadn't thought about before. It was so encouraging!
The romance also was pretty great; the only thing I'd say about it though is it's more for a mature audience and I probably would tell my younger sisters to wait a year or two. The themes in that regard... yea; my sisters need to wait a bit.
Overall, it was a great book and I will definitely be reading more of Lessman's works!
This was a lovely introduction to Julie Lessman! (Apart from the fact that it's, um, not the first of the series... don't be mad with me!)
The things I loved about this was the Irish-ness! My Lanta, I think Ms. Lessman absolutely nailed it! The attitudes and personalities of the characters were just so perfect, I grinned every time the stubbornness came up; it was great!
The only 'meh' part about it though would probably be the Irish slang. Nothing against it, I love learning phrases from Ireland/Scotland/England area, but the meaning behind some of the words kinda ticked me off just a bit. Other than that, it was good.
I also loved how the POV changed to different characters from prior books (that I REALLY want to read but the library doesn't have the ebooks available just yet). It was really sweet and beautiful to see the other characters interact with one another and to see the different places in life they were in.
And the element of faith... my goodness, that was phenomenal. It encouraged me so much and opened my eyes just a bit to things I hadn't thought about before. It was so encouraging!
The romance also was pretty great; the only thing I'd say about it though is it's more for a mature audience and I probably would tell my younger sisters to wait a year or two. The themes in that regard... yea; my sisters need to wait a bit.
Overall, it was a great book and I will definitely be reading more of Lessman's works!
October 9, 2012
Sob. Do I really have to write the last review for the last O’Connor book? Well, I won’t cry just yet, as there is one forthcoming O’Connor prequel, but I have a feeling it just won’t be the same to leave this dramatic, loveable family after spending six books knowing them. Well over 2500 pages have been consumed through my eager fingers over the years and this family has truly become my own.
This novel definitely had a different angle working against it as we don’t know the heroine from previous novels. Before, all the love stories have grown out of present relationships, but with Annie and Steven, it’s brand new. I honestly, wasn’t sure how I would like that. Would I like the heroine? Or would she just be a hussy coming in brand new to steal the final hero?
Wellll…Besides the fact that I gave the book five stars and absolutely loved the fabulous twist I never saw coming, I loved Annie. She’s sweet and innocent, but has an edge to her that does not give this girl a weak spine. I loved her!
What I love so much about these series of novels, is the entire book is never about just one love story or one issue. It’s about several couples we’ve fallen in love with…and simply don’t want to say good-bye! Each story layers to build a cohesive and page-turning read. Talk about a heart-sigh on that last page.
I’ve loved these books. There is more than a twinge in my heart to leave them behind. But I plan to visit those pages again soon!
This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publishers for my copy to review.
**Available October 2012 from Revell, a division of Baker Publishers**
This novel definitely had a different angle working against it as we don’t know the heroine from previous novels. Before, all the love stories have grown out of present relationships, but with Annie and Steven, it’s brand new. I honestly, wasn’t sure how I would like that. Would I like the heroine? Or would she just be a hussy coming in brand new to steal the final hero?
Wellll…Besides the fact that I gave the book five stars and absolutely loved the fabulous twist I never saw coming, I loved Annie. She’s sweet and innocent, but has an edge to her that does not give this girl a weak spine. I loved her!
What I love so much about these series of novels, is the entire book is never about just one love story or one issue. It’s about several couples we’ve fallen in love with…and simply don’t want to say good-bye! Each story layers to build a cohesive and page-turning read. Talk about a heart-sigh on that last page.
I’ve loved these books. There is more than a twinge in my heart to leave them behind. But I plan to visit those pages again soon!
This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publishers for my copy to review.
**Available October 2012 from Revell, a division of Baker Publishers**
October 8, 2012
A Love Surrendered is another fabulous romance by Lessman. She turns up the heat and pulls at the heartstrings like few authors do well. I enjoyed this novel as much as the others, and in typical Lessman style, she had me biting my nails for a bit as I wondered what would happen to Steven and his love life. One of my favorite things about Lessman's stories is you never have to fully grieve the loss of a character as they tend to pop up in subsequent books.
After getting to know so many of the O'Connor clan it was great to see them again in this book. I adore their continual teasing of each other and witnessing their fiery love lives. The author definitely shows passion with a purpose and is true to her tagline. The faith element is always strong in Lessman's books as well. The heart to heart that Steven had with his dad was heart-wrenching. I also got a bit misty eyed when Gabe got her Christmas gift.
The twist at the end was a nice touch. My heart sang for Faith and Collin and their special blessing as well as for Sean and Emma's Christmas gift. Sigh. The love in that family makes me wish mine lived closer. On thing I really love about this series is how it shows the strong bond that families have. It also shows that putting God first is the answer to a well-balanced love life. If that isn't wisdom, I don't know what is. Great series as usual, not that I expected anything less.
After getting to know so many of the O'Connor clan it was great to see them again in this book. I adore their continual teasing of each other and witnessing their fiery love lives. The author definitely shows passion with a purpose and is true to her tagline. The faith element is always strong in Lessman's books as well. The heart to heart that Steven had with his dad was heart-wrenching. I also got a bit misty eyed when Gabe got her Christmas gift.
The twist at the end was a nice touch. My heart sang for Faith and Collin and their special blessing as well as for Sean and Emma's Christmas gift. Sigh. The love in that family makes me wish mine lived closer. On thing I really love about this series is how it shows the strong bond that families have. It also shows that putting God first is the answer to a well-balanced love life. If that isn't wisdom, I don't know what is. Great series as usual, not that I expected anything less.
September 10, 2012
I thought this book was very realistic in its characters and situations. It was a great way to end the o Connors family stories. Lessman has had me since the daughters of boston book 1. My heart has been stolen by her writing. She is incredible!
January 21, 2018
*This review is from my blog and originally published in 2012*
This is going to be a hard review for me to write. No,no, it’s not a bad book. It’s one of my favorites. It’s bittersweet because this is the ending to one of my favorite Christian Fiction series. I fell in love with Ms. Lessman’s work when I read book 1 in this series, A Hope Undaunted. Ironically, it’s not the first in the O’Connor clans stories…there was a series previously written called The Daughters Of Boston. This particular series is so emotionally moving, so deeply intense that you get to become a part of the story. You can feel yourself being pulled deep into the heart of the story, becoming the characters, feeling every pain, every laugh, and every tear drop that falls. It’s absolutely an amazing feeling when reading a Julie Lessman novel.
I’ve been dying to read this book. This one is Steven O’Connor’s story. He’s the baby boy of the O’Connor family and, while I adored each of the others that I read about, I felt that Steven was the most deserving of having his story told. He was quietly awaiting his turn through out all the other books and it’s finally here! And oh what a turn it is! We get a bit of background on Steven in the other books, having a broken relationship with his ex fiance. Now, he’s a respectable man of the law and 25 years old. What he’s not expecting is for the arrival of Annie, a young impressionable girl of 17…..and his former fiance’s baby sister. Or the protectiveness he feels for her.
Susannah “Annie” Kennedy has left her home in Iowa to move on from her past and embrace a future in Boston. Her parents are dead now, her sister has raved about Boston and she’s ready to embrace a life out side of her straight and narrow past. When an circumstance arises and Annie finds herself face to face with Steven O’Connor, her sisters ex, she’s embarrassed…..and highly attracted to him! There’s just one little problem with that….he doesn’t realize that she’s Maggie’s baby sister.
Watching as these two came to terms with their past, and seeking forgiveness to over come it, and move on to a life filled with love and happiness was absolutely tear jerking! I loved every minute of this amazing 5 Book conclusion to my favorite series. Ms. Lessman kept the intensity woven through out as she did with the previous books. Her messages of forgiveness, letting go and seeking His love are just as strong and sweep through the reader instantly. If you love passion, if you love heartbreaking redemption and amazing historic detail, then look no further than the author who can create an unforgettable, un-put-downable novel that will spin the readers mind out of control. Well done Ms. Lessman and I am anxious to see what you have in story for your fans next…will we get glimpses of the O’Connor’s? Will we get to fall in love with another amazing family? Keep up the amazing writing, Ms. Lessman!
This is going to be a hard review for me to write. No,no, it’s not a bad book. It’s one of my favorites. It’s bittersweet because this is the ending to one of my favorite Christian Fiction series. I fell in love with Ms. Lessman’s work when I read book 1 in this series, A Hope Undaunted. Ironically, it’s not the first in the O’Connor clans stories…there was a series previously written called The Daughters Of Boston. This particular series is so emotionally moving, so deeply intense that you get to become a part of the story. You can feel yourself being pulled deep into the heart of the story, becoming the characters, feeling every pain, every laugh, and every tear drop that falls. It’s absolutely an amazing feeling when reading a Julie Lessman novel.
I’ve been dying to read this book. This one is Steven O’Connor’s story. He’s the baby boy of the O’Connor family and, while I adored each of the others that I read about, I felt that Steven was the most deserving of having his story told. He was quietly awaiting his turn through out all the other books and it’s finally here! And oh what a turn it is! We get a bit of background on Steven in the other books, having a broken relationship with his ex fiance. Now, he’s a respectable man of the law and 25 years old. What he’s not expecting is for the arrival of Annie, a young impressionable girl of 17…..and his former fiance’s baby sister. Or the protectiveness he feels for her.
Susannah “Annie” Kennedy has left her home in Iowa to move on from her past and embrace a future in Boston. Her parents are dead now, her sister has raved about Boston and she’s ready to embrace a life out side of her straight and narrow past. When an circumstance arises and Annie finds herself face to face with Steven O’Connor, her sisters ex, she’s embarrassed…..and highly attracted to him! There’s just one little problem with that….he doesn’t realize that she’s Maggie’s baby sister.
Watching as these two came to terms with their past, and seeking forgiveness to over come it, and move on to a life filled with love and happiness was absolutely tear jerking! I loved every minute of this amazing 5 Book conclusion to my favorite series. Ms. Lessman kept the intensity woven through out as she did with the previous books. Her messages of forgiveness, letting go and seeking His love are just as strong and sweep through the reader instantly. If you love passion, if you love heartbreaking redemption and amazing historic detail, then look no further than the author who can create an unforgettable, un-put-downable novel that will spin the readers mind out of control. Well done Ms. Lessman and I am anxious to see what you have in story for your fans next…will we get glimpses of the O’Connor’s? Will we get to fall in love with another amazing family? Keep up the amazing writing, Ms. Lessman!
October 6, 2012
http://ceceliadowdy.com/blog/2012/10/...
When you were dating and in love, how did you keep your Christian values when you were attracted to your significant other? What did you do to put the brakes on a sexual relationship with your boyfriend or girlfriend?
One of many reasons why I loved this book so much was because it dealt with a tough issue that young people face while dating: strong physical attraction.
Steven O’Connor is a prohibition agent, breaking up speakeasies along with his best friend, Joe. He takes his job seriously and doesn’t have a lot of time or desire to date. After all, the last time he had a serious relationship, ended in disaster. Steven still thinks about his tumultuous relationship with Maggie – he still regrets the way his relationship ended with Maggie, after all, he was in love with her, but, they simply went too far while dating.
Now that he’s a prohibition agent, he hangs out with his friend Joe and other friends, burying his pain. When he encounters young Annie Kennedy, he finds himself drawn to her for some odd reason. She’s beautiful, but, she’s not very street smart. Joe feels that Annie is too young for him, and he just needs to leave her alone, and not pursue a relationship with her. After all, the last time he had a relationship, it ended in disaster. Steven feels that it’s not healthy for him to pursue a relationship with Annie.
Annie is also smitten with Steven. However, she discovers that Steven is her sister, Maggie’s old boyfriend. Realizing her sister was in love with Steven is like a splash of cold water in Annie’s face. How can she have a relationship with Steven when her sister used to be in love with him?
Annie finds it hard to fit in in the Boston area. She’s new in town, recently orphaned and living with her aunt, and it appears that her sister, Maggie, has left behind a negative reputation. For the time being, Annie keeps her sisterly relationship to Maggie a secret from her new friends and from Steven. Annie finds it a bit hard to hang out with her new friends – friends who enjoy partying, drinking, and wearing revealing clothing.
I loved how Annie’s and Steven’s feelings, physical feelings, escalated, showing how hard it was for them to NOT have a sexual relationship. Not acting on their strong physical attraction causes MAJOR conflict within their relationship. Plus, Annie is still trying to get things right with God, and Steven doesn’t appear to share her deep faith. How can they be serious about one another when their deep faith in God is not a shared trait?
It was a really neat treat to revisit other characters from the Daughters of Boston and Winds of Change series, too. These characters sparkle, and you feel like you know them – they’re like real people and that you can know and love.
So, how did you keep your Christian values when you were attracted to your significant other? What did you do to put the brakes on a sexual relationship with your boyfriend or girlfriend?
When you were dating and in love, how did you keep your Christian values when you were attracted to your significant other? What did you do to put the brakes on a sexual relationship with your boyfriend or girlfriend?
One of many reasons why I loved this book so much was because it dealt with a tough issue that young people face while dating: strong physical attraction.
Steven O’Connor is a prohibition agent, breaking up speakeasies along with his best friend, Joe. He takes his job seriously and doesn’t have a lot of time or desire to date. After all, the last time he had a serious relationship, ended in disaster. Steven still thinks about his tumultuous relationship with Maggie – he still regrets the way his relationship ended with Maggie, after all, he was in love with her, but, they simply went too far while dating.
Now that he’s a prohibition agent, he hangs out with his friend Joe and other friends, burying his pain. When he encounters young Annie Kennedy, he finds himself drawn to her for some odd reason. She’s beautiful, but, she’s not very street smart. Joe feels that Annie is too young for him, and he just needs to leave her alone, and not pursue a relationship with her. After all, the last time he had a relationship, it ended in disaster. Steven feels that it’s not healthy for him to pursue a relationship with Annie.
Annie is also smitten with Steven. However, she discovers that Steven is her sister, Maggie’s old boyfriend. Realizing her sister was in love with Steven is like a splash of cold water in Annie’s face. How can she have a relationship with Steven when her sister used to be in love with him?
Annie finds it hard to fit in in the Boston area. She’s new in town, recently orphaned and living with her aunt, and it appears that her sister, Maggie, has left behind a negative reputation. For the time being, Annie keeps her sisterly relationship to Maggie a secret from her new friends and from Steven. Annie finds it a bit hard to hang out with her new friends – friends who enjoy partying, drinking, and wearing revealing clothing.
I loved how Annie’s and Steven’s feelings, physical feelings, escalated, showing how hard it was for them to NOT have a sexual relationship. Not acting on their strong physical attraction causes MAJOR conflict within their relationship. Plus, Annie is still trying to get things right with God, and Steven doesn’t appear to share her deep faith. How can they be serious about one another when their deep faith in God is not a shared trait?
It was a really neat treat to revisit other characters from the Daughters of Boston and Winds of Change series, too. These characters sparkle, and you feel like you know them – they’re like real people and that you can know and love.
So, how did you keep your Christian values when you were attracted to your significant other? What did you do to put the brakes on a sexual relationship with your boyfriend or girlfriend?
February 8, 2018
The Winds of Change series is the continuation of the Daughters of Boston series. It is highly recommended that readers begin with A Passion Most Pure. You can read my review of the series here..
A Love Surrendered brings into focus younger brother Stephen who, after a rowdy girl-filled, alcohol-filled, partying past, has decided to tame his ways and become a prohibition officer. Well, except for the times he goes out with friends to have a bit of harmless fun with the ladies. If only he hadn’t met innocent Annie Kennedy, a kid seven years his junior who’s got it bad for him, but he sees her as someone he’ll only ruin. He'll just have to teach her a lesson about avoiding men like him...
This was the last official book in the series before the novellas and the prequel and it wrapped up everything nicely. Annie was the first of our heroines that hadn’t graced the pages of any other book, and Julie Lessman did an excellent job of introducing a new character late in the game and having us adore her. She played the part of the innocent - and sometimes foolish - teenager who thinks she knows exactly what she wants when she really has no clue. Annie and Sean appear to be opposites in nearly every way, and that’s what I think made them so great together.
As a side note, this is also the end of Marcy and Patrick’s story. They were my favorite couple, hands down through the entire series. Every scene with them, happy or sad, drew me in and made me love what they had all the more. They were believable and captivating and I literally shed some tears during their final conversation of this book. I closed the cover and couldn’t believe it was over.
A Love Surrendered brings into focus younger brother Stephen who, after a rowdy girl-filled, alcohol-filled, partying past, has decided to tame his ways and become a prohibition officer. Well, except for the times he goes out with friends to have a bit of harmless fun with the ladies. If only he hadn’t met innocent Annie Kennedy, a kid seven years his junior who’s got it bad for him, but he sees her as someone he’ll only ruin. He'll just have to teach her a lesson about avoiding men like him...
This was the last official book in the series before the novellas and the prequel and it wrapped up everything nicely. Annie was the first of our heroines that hadn’t graced the pages of any other book, and Julie Lessman did an excellent job of introducing a new character late in the game and having us adore her. She played the part of the innocent - and sometimes foolish - teenager who thinks she knows exactly what she wants when she really has no clue. Annie and Sean appear to be opposites in nearly every way, and that’s what I think made them so great together.
As a side note, this is also the end of Marcy and Patrick’s story. They were my favorite couple, hands down through the entire series. Every scene with them, happy or sad, drew me in and made me love what they had all the more. They were believable and captivating and I literally shed some tears during their final conversation of this book. I closed the cover and couldn’t believe it was over.
August 17, 2012
Susannah(Annie) is determined to shed her "good girl" reputation. Anger at God for taking her parents has hardened Annie's heart and she is determined to live for herself now. She becomes friends with her sister Maggie's old crowd and is soon learning how to shed her good girl persona.
Steven O'Connor has held himself in check for three years since his break-up with Maggie. He is trying to make up for the pain he caused both of them in their relationship. Unfortunately he is trying this in his own power and not God's. When he meets Annie he sees her as just a kid of 17. He instantly sets out to warn her against the fast crowd that she is hanging with. He especially warns her to stay away from him. Determined to be the wise older brother type Steven insists that Annie stay her innocent self because there are few girls like that left.
Wanting to make Steven see her as a woman and not a kid Annie begins to flirt with men to make Steven jealous. She succeeds in winning him over but at what cost? Steven and Annie begin dating, but will their passions lead them down a road that they will both regret?
A LOVE SURRENDERED is my favorite out of the Winds of Change series! I couldn't put it down. Reading the characters' struggle with their faith, struggle in their relationships and yet seeing how God of all creation steadily brings them back to Himself brought such a reality to the story. The character struggles are real, they deal with their passions, their anger, their human-ness all while the reader is able to see God's hand in each situation. While Annie and Steven were the main story of the book we also got peeks into Luke and Katie, Sean and Emma, Marcy and Patrick, and the rest of the O'Connor gang's lives. A LOVE SURRENDERED is a roller coaster of emotional ups and downs along with some sweet romance and spiritual lessons, a must read in the series!
Steven O'Connor has held himself in check for three years since his break-up with Maggie. He is trying to make up for the pain he caused both of them in their relationship. Unfortunately he is trying this in his own power and not God's. When he meets Annie he sees her as just a kid of 17. He instantly sets out to warn her against the fast crowd that she is hanging with. He especially warns her to stay away from him. Determined to be the wise older brother type Steven insists that Annie stay her innocent self because there are few girls like that left.
Wanting to make Steven see her as a woman and not a kid Annie begins to flirt with men to make Steven jealous. She succeeds in winning him over but at what cost? Steven and Annie begin dating, but will their passions lead them down a road that they will both regret?
A LOVE SURRENDERED is my favorite out of the Winds of Change series! I couldn't put it down. Reading the characters' struggle with their faith, struggle in their relationships and yet seeing how God of all creation steadily brings them back to Himself brought such a reality to the story. The character struggles are real, they deal with their passions, their anger, their human-ness all while the reader is able to see God's hand in each situation. While Annie and Steven were the main story of the book we also got peeks into Luke and Katie, Sean and Emma, Marcy and Patrick, and the rest of the O'Connor gang's lives. A LOVE SURRENDERED is a roller coaster of emotional ups and downs along with some sweet romance and spiritual lessons, a must read in the series!
October 16, 2012
A LOVE SURRENDERED by Julie Lessman is a inspirational historical romance set in 1932 Boston, Massachusetts. It is the third in the “Winds of Change” series,but can be read as a stand alone. See, “A Hope Undaunted” and “A Heart Revealed”. Written with vivid descriptions of the era and engaging characters who not only capture your heart,but who will have you turning pages as they inspire you to dare to dream. Filled with danger,secrets,family drama,romance,love,faith,twists and turns and full of emotions. What a fast paced,emotional whirlwind story “A Love Surrendered” is a not to miss read. Once again Ms. Lessman has written a heart-pounding,emotional ride of a story. Annie Kennedy and Steven O’Connor have their hands and hearts full from beginning to end. Follow them on their journey to find many things including love,through many challenges and lives ups and downs. Written with true life in mind and its many twists and turns.While, this is a christian title it in no way is “preachy” or overly done,so anyone who enjoys historical romance and the 1930 era,will enjoy this series. What a wonderful conclusion to the “Winds of Change”series. I can hardly wait to read what this author has in store for her readers next. I have enjoyed all her books so far. A must read! Received for an honest review from the publisher. Details can be found at the author’s website,Revell,a division of Baker Publishing Group and My Book Addiction and More.
“Available October 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”
RATING: 4.5
HEAT RATING: SWEET
REVIEWED BY: AprilR, My Book Addiction and More/My Book Addiction Reviews
“Available October 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”
RATING: 4.5
HEAT RATING: SWEET
REVIEWED BY: AprilR, My Book Addiction and More/My Book Addiction Reviews
September 4, 2012
My heart grieves that this is the final book in the O'Connor chapter. I am so thrilled to have read such an amazing book with characters that make you fall in love with them. This is yet another great novel by Julie Lessman that will leave the reader wanting so much more, yet satisfied at the same time.
I love that each of Julie's books in the Daughters of Boston and Winds of Change series are about each child from Patrick and Marcy's marriage. Steven's story was just another one of Julie's fabulous pieces of work that made my heart soar with each turn of the page. I love all of Julie's books so much because of her frequent references to the truest love between a man and a woman that can only be complete with God in the center. It makes my heart hopeful for a marriage that models that of every character in each of Julie's books... especially Marcy and Patrick and Faith and Collin.
Julie's references to the Word made me realize my yearning to be close with my God once again. It's amazing to read a novel that will spark a longing to read the Word of God and to fall into the arms of the Creator. When I read about these characters in Julie's books, I find myself turning to back to God time and time again. It's not often that words in a book, other than the Bible, will cause one to turn in reverence to the Almighty... that alone shows talent bestowed by a gracious God.
I love that each of Julie's books in the Daughters of Boston and Winds of Change series are about each child from Patrick and Marcy's marriage. Steven's story was just another one of Julie's fabulous pieces of work that made my heart soar with each turn of the page. I love all of Julie's books so much because of her frequent references to the truest love between a man and a woman that can only be complete with God in the center. It makes my heart hopeful for a marriage that models that of every character in each of Julie's books... especially Marcy and Patrick and Faith and Collin.
Julie's references to the Word made me realize my yearning to be close with my God once again. It's amazing to read a novel that will spark a longing to read the Word of God and to fall into the arms of the Creator. When I read about these characters in Julie's books, I find myself turning to back to God time and time again. It's not often that words in a book, other than the Bible, will cause one to turn in reverence to the Almighty... that alone shows talent bestowed by a gracious God.
September 10, 2012
A book I was enjoying so much, I didn't want it to end. The third book in this amazing series, and there is enough information presented to read it alone, but don't deny yourself and read the other two!
Annie [Susannah] as she now wants to be called, and now wants to leave her good girl image behind in Iowa. She wants to experience Boston like her sister Maggie did. She has made some very worldly friends, and ends up being rescued from one of her bad choices by FBI Agent Steven O'Connor. She becomes smitten with him, only to find out he is Maggie's former beau.
Loved looking at Prohibition time Boston, a glimpse of Speakeasies and bootlegging.
Enjoy your time visiting with the O'Connor family, yes they are still at it. Such love and fun, and now getting bigger, and above all a Great Love of God. They have such a faith centered life, and share it! I get such a warm feeling spending time in Marcy and Patrick's home, and how they love each and everyone in their family. There interaction at times is hysterical...they know each other so well.
I fear this is the last book in this series, and hope it isn't true! Be sure to savor this one!
I received this book from the Publisher Revell and their Blogger Program, and was not required to give a positive review.
Annie [Susannah] as she now wants to be called, and now wants to leave her good girl image behind in Iowa. She wants to experience Boston like her sister Maggie did. She has made some very worldly friends, and ends up being rescued from one of her bad choices by FBI Agent Steven O'Connor. She becomes smitten with him, only to find out he is Maggie's former beau.
Loved looking at Prohibition time Boston, a glimpse of Speakeasies and bootlegging.
Enjoy your time visiting with the O'Connor family, yes they are still at it. Such love and fun, and now getting bigger, and above all a Great Love of God. They have such a faith centered life, and share it! I get such a warm feeling spending time in Marcy and Patrick's home, and how they love each and everyone in their family. There interaction at times is hysterical...they know each other so well.
I fear this is the last book in this series, and hope it isn't true! Be sure to savor this one!
I received this book from the Publisher Revell and their Blogger Program, and was not required to give a positive review.
August 15, 2014
A beautiful story and a perfect ending on the "wonderful journey" of the O'Connor clan. Thank you Julie Lessman for these totally enjoyable 7 books to tell us the story of a family you easily fall in love with.
December 28, 2021
Julie is indeed a gifted author.
Although she didn't clarify Catholism and Christianity(they are not the same), I was truly blessed. I found myself beseeching God to deliver my children from negative influence and relationship like He did for Annie.
Although she didn't clarify Catholism and Christianity(they are not the same), I was truly blessed. I found myself beseeching God to deliver my children from negative influence and relationship like He did for Annie.
December 19, 2020
*Warnings*
#1 This is a long review, so pull up a chair and grab a bowl of popcorn. You'll be here awhile. #2 When I read a review, I want substantial information. So I will not skimp on the details. Which will mean some spoilers, so watch out.
So...I had my doubts about A Love Surrendered. And, in reading the other reviews (even the five-star ones), I had good reason. The greater portion of readers are crying over the perceived end of the O'Connors--news flash! It ain't over yet! A prequel novel of Patrick and Marcy O'Connor's romance came out a couple years after this one, followed by Christmas novellas for each couple (Sean and Emma this fall!!!), and now Gabriella Dawn O'Connor's WWII story has opened up the portal for the Cousins O'Connor. In other words, Julie Lessman isn't going to let go of the O'Connors that easily!
Some other reviews mention that, yeah, this novel probably wasn't the best end note at the time for the O'Connor bunch--Steven and Annie's romance was almost back-burner, and with good reason, because their story was kind of bland and immature. Like, you guessed it, something out of a YA novel.
So, what were my doubts? Well, that I wouldn't like Annie, for one. I'm more of a tough-girl-who-knows-her-way-around-jerks-and-rakes or Charity O'Connor kind person myself. (Couple that with Mitch Dennehy and Luke McGee, and I'm in heaven!) Annie is a seventeen-year-old girl, as in, not much older than moi, who's pulling the age-old trick of looking for "romance" in all the wrong places. And Steven is the conflicted, almost hypocritical Prohibition officer who keeps flip-flopping between "I don't dally with kids 'cause I'm a good guy with a lotta baggage" and "I'm so in lust with you right now, kid, and I suddenly don't care about any of aforementioned baggage." Sound like Luke McGee to you? Yeah. Nope.
I wasn't at all concerned about, you know, sobbing at the end of this, so that kind of made the ending, for me, seem less rushed and, well, less emotional since I know there's more. However, from a "the end" perspective, it wasn't the best ending, but the deal with Gabe was a great way to close that particular chapter for the next, oh, ten years or so.
Anyway...
I came into ALS on my tiptoes. I was pretty sure I would like Steven--keyword: like; not love--but Annie was, I suspected, going to be a challenge for me. And, three chapters in, she was. I had come to the point of "you blighted idiot" again, but then Faith and Aunt Eleanor stepped in and turned things around. (I knew they would, you know, which was why I refrained from actually calling Annie an idiot to her face. 😉 That, and we might just so happen to, you know, share a name and what have you, so I just had to step lightly as it was.) She was the average "kid" without an ounce of sense in her noggin...for three chapters.
Then it was, like, a whole 180 from immature child to young woman with a blossoming faith reminiscent of Faith that just so happened to have the bad luck of falling for Steven O'Connor. Her interaction with Faith, Glory, and Aunt Eleanor warmed my heart and made me proud be reading Susannah Grace Kennedy's story. So, if you're darn sure you'll dislike little orphan Annie (I so just realized that right now), then hold onto your hat, 'cause she'll rock your world. Like I've said before, Julie Lessman can get away with pretty much everything.
That said, her and Steven were kind of pushed onto the back burner until boom! one scene right after the other chock full of plot twists and curve balls. In a way, I appreciated Julie focusing more on the family as a whole--from Luke and Katie with law school and ball teams, to Sean and Emma with, well, ball teams again, to Patrick and Marcy with Gabe--since this was the end, if not of the saga then the series itself.
Then, in a way, I didn't. I wanted more of a story from Steven and Annie, plot wise, at least. Their personal character development was spot-on for the scarce amount of screen time they had, so that was wonderful. Still, I myself don't believe in love at first sight (or first kiss, for that matter) at all, but this is coming from the enemies-to-lovers/caveman-kisses-are-my-favorite girl. 😋 It all depends.
Winds of Change as a whole was an amazing, heart-wrenching, toe-curling series, just as good as The Daughters of Boston and, in a way, almost better. Katie and Luke made A Hope Undaunted one of my all-time favorite books; Sean and Emma in A Heart Revealed showed that Julie Lessman possesses a one-of-a-kind talent to master any situation, story, or character out there; and Steven and Annie became her first try at a more YA-typical boy-meets-girl, love at first sight story that had some good points and some bad points.
(Is it just me, or have I not liked the last book in both the O'Connor series as much as the first two?)
Any kind of eh element that Steven and Annie had in no way deterred me from this book. Julie's writing is as beautiful and colorful as ever; her characters are still so alive and lovable (or hate-able, in some cases); and the O'Connors will always hold my heart in the palm of their hand. Even if all their drama is a wee bit overwhelming. 😉
Oh, and as for Steven...he, he, he. He's a different kind of guy. At some times, he's a Brady-esque gentleman trying to be the perfect guy. At others, he's a rake as charming and sly as Collin McGuire himself. In the end, he's Patrick Jr. He's caring and compassionate, struggling to understand, betrayed by friends and family, torn between who he is, who he was, and who he should be. (And a rebellious father-killer, BTW, which readers of A Light in the Window will totally get.) So, in a way, I was headfirst in love. And in other way, I wasn't. We have a love/hate relationship, Steve and I.
Long story short, A Love Surrendered is different from any of Julie Lessman's other books. It's a slow wade into the at-the-time end of a family saga, a quick leap into a wild romance between two young adults, and a even-paced swim in the waters of Southie Boston, where a call goes out unto our hearts, drawing us under the rushing waves of love, faith, family, and passion. I can't say it was my favorite, but it was still just as good as any of Lessman's novels.
BookWorm
#1 This is a long review, so pull up a chair and grab a bowl of popcorn. You'll be here awhile. #2 When I read a review, I want substantial information. So I will not skimp on the details. Which will mean some spoilers, so watch out.
So...I had my doubts about A Love Surrendered. And, in reading the other reviews (even the five-star ones), I had good reason. The greater portion of readers are crying over the perceived end of the O'Connors--news flash! It ain't over yet! A prequel novel of Patrick and Marcy O'Connor's romance came out a couple years after this one, followed by Christmas novellas for each couple (Sean and Emma this fall!!!), and now Gabriella Dawn O'Connor's WWII story has opened up the portal for the Cousins O'Connor. In other words, Julie Lessman isn't going to let go of the O'Connors that easily!
Some other reviews mention that, yeah, this novel probably wasn't the best end note at the time for the O'Connor bunch--Steven and Annie's romance was almost back-burner, and with good reason, because their story was kind of bland and immature. Like, you guessed it, something out of a YA novel.
So, what were my doubts? Well, that I wouldn't like Annie, for one. I'm more of a tough-girl-who-knows-her-way-around-jerks-and-rakes or Charity O'Connor kind person myself. (Couple that with Mitch Dennehy and Luke McGee, and I'm in heaven!) Annie is a seventeen-year-old girl, as in, not much older than moi, who's pulling the age-old trick of looking for "romance" in all the wrong places. And Steven is the conflicted, almost hypocritical Prohibition officer who keeps flip-flopping between "I don't dally with kids 'cause I'm a good guy with a lotta baggage" and "I'm so in lust with you right now, kid, and I suddenly don't care about any of aforementioned baggage." Sound like Luke McGee to you? Yeah. Nope.
I wasn't at all concerned about, you know, sobbing at the end of this, so that kind of made the ending, for me, seem less rushed and, well, less emotional since I know there's more. However, from a "the end" perspective, it wasn't the best ending, but the deal with Gabe was a great way to close that particular chapter for the next, oh, ten years or so.
Anyway...
I came into ALS on my tiptoes. I was pretty sure I would like Steven--keyword: like; not love--but Annie was, I suspected, going to be a challenge for me. And, three chapters in, she was. I had come to the point of "you blighted idiot" again, but then Faith and Aunt Eleanor stepped in and turned things around. (I knew they would, you know, which was why I refrained from actually calling Annie an idiot to her face. 😉 That, and we might just so happen to, you know, share a name and what have you, so I just had to step lightly as it was.) She was the average "kid" without an ounce of sense in her noggin...for three chapters.
Then it was, like, a whole 180 from immature child to young woman with a blossoming faith reminiscent of Faith that just so happened to have the bad luck of falling for Steven O'Connor. Her interaction with Faith, Glory, and Aunt Eleanor warmed my heart and made me proud be reading Susannah Grace Kennedy's story. So, if you're darn sure you'll dislike little orphan Annie (I so just realized that right now), then hold onto your hat, 'cause she'll rock your world. Like I've said before, Julie Lessman can get away with pretty much everything.
That said, her and Steven were kind of pushed onto the back burner until boom! one scene right after the other chock full of plot twists and curve balls. In a way, I appreciated Julie focusing more on the family as a whole--from Luke and Katie with law school and ball teams, to Sean and Emma with, well, ball teams again, to Patrick and Marcy with Gabe--since this was the end, if not of the saga then the series itself.
Then, in a way, I didn't. I wanted more of a story from Steven and Annie, plot wise, at least. Their personal character development was spot-on for the scarce amount of screen time they had, so that was wonderful. Still, I myself don't believe in love at first sight (or first kiss, for that matter) at all, but this is coming from the enemies-to-lovers/caveman-kisses-are-my-favorite girl. 😋 It all depends.
Winds of Change as a whole was an amazing, heart-wrenching, toe-curling series, just as good as The Daughters of Boston and, in a way, almost better. Katie and Luke made A Hope Undaunted one of my all-time favorite books; Sean and Emma in A Heart Revealed showed that Julie Lessman possesses a one-of-a-kind talent to master any situation, story, or character out there; and Steven and Annie became her first try at a more YA-typical boy-meets-girl, love at first sight story that had some good points and some bad points.
(Is it just me, or have I not liked the last book in both the O'Connor series as much as the first two?)
Any kind of eh element that Steven and Annie had in no way deterred me from this book. Julie's writing is as beautiful and colorful as ever; her characters are still so alive and lovable (or hate-able, in some cases); and the O'Connors will always hold my heart in the palm of their hand. Even if all their drama is a wee bit overwhelming. 😉
Oh, and as for Steven...he, he, he. He's a different kind of guy. At some times, he's a Brady-esque gentleman trying to be the perfect guy. At others, he's a rake as charming and sly as Collin McGuire himself. In the end, he's Patrick Jr. He's caring and compassionate, struggling to understand, betrayed by friends and family, torn between who he is, who he was, and who he should be. (And a rebellious father-killer, BTW, which readers of A Light in the Window will totally get.) So, in a way, I was headfirst in love. And in other way, I wasn't. We have a love/hate relationship, Steve and I.
Long story short, A Love Surrendered is different from any of Julie Lessman's other books. It's a slow wade into the at-the-time end of a family saga, a quick leap into a wild romance between two young adults, and a even-paced swim in the waters of Southie Boston, where a call goes out unto our hearts, drawing us under the rushing waves of love, faith, family, and passion. I can't say it was my favorite, but it was still just as good as any of Lessman's novels.
BookWorm
October 31, 2012
Time: 1932, Boston, Ma. Prohibition was about to be repealed by the 18th Amendment. Some concerns of that era…prohibition, politics, war and as in any year, belief in God. The young crowd wanted good times and were expert lawbreakers to do so. Times were hard….and that’s not exactly what Julie Lessman’s story is about…but difficult times there were.
A Love Surrendered is the third book in the Winds of Change Series. It is the continuation of the O’Connor family saga through each of the 7 children born to Patrick and Marcy O’Connor. Stories previously began with the Daughters of Boston Series. The children – whose stories update naturally through each novel are: Faith, married to Collin McGuire; Charity, married to Mitch Dennehy; Lizzie, married to John Brady; Sean, married to Emma; Katie, married to Luke McGee: and Steven, the youngest and still single. A foster daughter, Gabe (Gabriella Dawn), has appeared in Marcy and Patrick’s lives through the romance and marriage of Katie and Luke McGee in A Hope Undaunted. This reader has enjoyed the pleasure of devouring each one of these books, except for Sean and Emma’s story which will be rectified soon.
To begin, I am including some of the summary from the back of the book to familiarize my followers with the gist of the story. I add that this is Steven O’Connor’s story – and it is wonderful! A Love Surrendered - The very best of Julie Lessman’s writings so far in my estimation. Julie’s stories touch my very soul in that I personally relate to many of the problems and struggles, blessings of God’s grace, and surprise events that occur without warning in this story as well as real life.
The love interest involves sisters – but that’s all I’ll reveal about that. Steven is a Federal Agent as is his best friend Joe, which leads to much tension and comedy among the book characters. One leading character is a natural at drawing others to Christ – which I feel is the most important factor in all relationships, real or imagined.
Orphaned in Iowa, Annie Kennedy moves to Boston to stay with her spinster aunt. She gets involved with a fast crowd at Ocean Pier – one that includes the handsome Steven O’Connor – she is pulled quickly into a world of rule breakers and mischief makers. Annie, actually Susannah Grace Kennedy, 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, each page and chapter leads to faster page turns as the story bends and shapes.
Julie’s creative use of similes and metaphors paint a vivid picture in my mind of the action in each scene. Playing as a movie in my head, her words exploded my imagination wide open. She describes each story character in detail – from a tic in the jaw to the color of the hair on a man’s chest.
Ms Lessman has perfected the art of writing around and through a “steamy” romantic scene of passion and desire without relying on heavy emphasis of “overwriting” actions as might a secular novelist. Smut and profanity is not found in Julie’s books. Her words don’t prompt embarrassment and shock over titillating phrases – much more educational than four letter words blatantly shouting from the page. Julie seems to train your focus as a bystander. As a reader, I appreciated the non-explanation of spice and ginger in love scenes; my imagination works just fine in that category.
Ms. Lessman’s natural spirit of humor, effectively used in tight places, never backs the script in a corner without an opening for resolve. She is brilliantly funny and I laughed, cried, snorted and hungered for more. Speaking of tears reminds me of the deep emotions Julie’s story emitted from my subconscious memories, oh so many. My throat in a constant lump, caused easy tears and prayers to emanate from my consciousness.
The expressions Julie inserts…”Sweet Saints,” “Knickers in a Knot,” “bees knees.” among others were familiar to me…although I faintly admit it. Did they wear Keds back in 1932? What are Sardines, Ghost Game and a couple of other unknown games kids played? The music and movies are quite nostalgic to my early years of childhood. Even the pets had great names…Mr. Grumpy, the Basset Hound that belonged to Annie and Glory; Cats….ah, guess you’ll need to read the book to find out. LOL!
The O’Connor grandchildren grab your heart instantaneously – and there is always one mischievous kid in the bunch that makes the others all appear angelic. Of course, food fights and everyone loves coming to grandparents house to be pampered with their special love.
When God created Julie, he must have added teacher or preacher of His truth and Word to her genes. Her first name could well be “Charisma” sparkling with glitz and glitter on the cover of her books. She pulls the reader in with such light that sparks fly from every page in the name of Jesus. I wish Julie would write an advice book for teens, young adults and even the seniors about God’s will regarding romance, engagement and marriage.
A Love Surrendered is everything Julie Lessman's many fans have been waiting for and it ends on promises to come. Thank you, God, for sending Julie to our time and place. I’m so thankful we are friends, and speaking for myself, I adore you, sister Julie Lessman!
The Wordsmith Journal strives to guide readers to books of personal interest, with the understanding and respect that what appeals to some may not appeal to others. Therefore we attempt to keep our reviews focused on content, genre and style. The rating is necessary to make use of Goodreads and Amazon. It reflects the reviewer’s own level of enjoyment, but the review is intended to be informative for the benefit of all readers.
A Love Surrendered is the third book in the Winds of Change Series. It is the continuation of the O’Connor family saga through each of the 7 children born to Patrick and Marcy O’Connor. Stories previously began with the Daughters of Boston Series. The children – whose stories update naturally through each novel are: Faith, married to Collin McGuire; Charity, married to Mitch Dennehy; Lizzie, married to John Brady; Sean, married to Emma; Katie, married to Luke McGee: and Steven, the youngest and still single. A foster daughter, Gabe (Gabriella Dawn), has appeared in Marcy and Patrick’s lives through the romance and marriage of Katie and Luke McGee in A Hope Undaunted. This reader has enjoyed the pleasure of devouring each one of these books, except for Sean and Emma’s story which will be rectified soon.
To begin, I am including some of the summary from the back of the book to familiarize my followers with the gist of the story. I add that this is Steven O’Connor’s story – and it is wonderful! A Love Surrendered - The very best of Julie Lessman’s writings so far in my estimation. Julie’s stories touch my very soul in that I personally relate to many of the problems and struggles, blessings of God’s grace, and surprise events that occur without warning in this story as well as real life.
The love interest involves sisters – but that’s all I’ll reveal about that. Steven is a Federal Agent as is his best friend Joe, which leads to much tension and comedy among the book characters. One leading character is a natural at drawing others to Christ – which I feel is the most important factor in all relationships, real or imagined.
Orphaned in Iowa, Annie Kennedy moves to Boston to stay with her spinster aunt. She gets involved with a fast crowd at Ocean Pier – one that includes the handsome Steven O’Connor – she is pulled quickly into a world of rule breakers and mischief makers. Annie, actually Susannah Grace Kennedy, 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, each page and chapter leads to faster page turns as the story bends and shapes.
Julie’s creative use of similes and metaphors paint a vivid picture in my mind of the action in each scene. Playing as a movie in my head, her words exploded my imagination wide open. She describes each story character in detail – from a tic in the jaw to the color of the hair on a man’s chest.
Ms Lessman has perfected the art of writing around and through a “steamy” romantic scene of passion and desire without relying on heavy emphasis of “overwriting” actions as might a secular novelist. Smut and profanity is not found in Julie’s books. Her words don’t prompt embarrassment and shock over titillating phrases – much more educational than four letter words blatantly shouting from the page. Julie seems to train your focus as a bystander. As a reader, I appreciated the non-explanation of spice and ginger in love scenes; my imagination works just fine in that category.
Ms. Lessman’s natural spirit of humor, effectively used in tight places, never backs the script in a corner without an opening for resolve. She is brilliantly funny and I laughed, cried, snorted and hungered for more. Speaking of tears reminds me of the deep emotions Julie’s story emitted from my subconscious memories, oh so many. My throat in a constant lump, caused easy tears and prayers to emanate from my consciousness.
The expressions Julie inserts…”Sweet Saints,” “Knickers in a Knot,” “bees knees.” among others were familiar to me…although I faintly admit it. Did they wear Keds back in 1932? What are Sardines, Ghost Game and a couple of other unknown games kids played? The music and movies are quite nostalgic to my early years of childhood. Even the pets had great names…Mr. Grumpy, the Basset Hound that belonged to Annie and Glory; Cats….ah, guess you’ll need to read the book to find out. LOL!
The O’Connor grandchildren grab your heart instantaneously – and there is always one mischievous kid in the bunch that makes the others all appear angelic. Of course, food fights and everyone loves coming to grandparents house to be pampered with their special love.
When God created Julie, he must have added teacher or preacher of His truth and Word to her genes. Her first name could well be “Charisma” sparkling with glitz and glitter on the cover of her books. She pulls the reader in with such light that sparks fly from every page in the name of Jesus. I wish Julie would write an advice book for teens, young adults and even the seniors about God’s will regarding romance, engagement and marriage.
A Love Surrendered is everything Julie Lessman's many fans have been waiting for and it ends on promises to come. Thank you, God, for sending Julie to our time and place. I’m so thankful we are friends, and speaking for myself, I adore you, sister Julie Lessman!
The Wordsmith Journal strives to guide readers to books of personal interest, with the understanding and respect that what appeals to some may not appeal to others. Therefore we attempt to keep our reviews focused on content, genre and style. The rating is necessary to make use of Goodreads and Amazon. It reflects the reviewer’s own level of enjoyment, but the review is intended to be informative for the benefit of all readers.
November 28, 2021
Gross. I'm sorry but this story grossed me and I'm not a church raised prude. There is lots of God in the story and no doubt it will speak to someone but not me. From the very beginning, Annie was aware that her sister probably had a physical relationship with her then fiancée, Steven. Even though she was angry with God for the death of her father it still should have stopped her from developing those kinds of feelings. Steven almost marries Maggie in the end because he thinks they have a child together but turns out she's his best friend's. It is all redeemable by the Cross but....
The truth is that at every family reunion Steven will be in the same room with sisters he has known physically. I find that gross and not a great love story and I'm not sure I buy that God would bring them together to marry. IMO
The truth is that at every family reunion Steven will be in the same room with sisters he has known physically. I find that gross and not a great love story and I'm not sure I buy that God would bring them together to marry. IMO
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 6, 2017
By the end of this book, I identified well with Marcy O'Connor. I didn't want the series to be over but I was so glad it happened! Another wonderful addition to the O'Connor family series! This is everything I enjoy about Inspirational fiction, passion, spiritual tie ins throughout, flawed but lovable characters, different perspectives and twists and turns. I'm so thankful for Julie's talent in writing and that she shared that gift with the rest of us! I can't wait to get my hands on anything she writes!
June 13, 2020
Wonderful Ending
The trilogy about the O'Connor family is finally over.
The story ends safely with Steven,the remaining son finding his soulmate after an especially trying time of it and Patrick and Marceline,the patriarchs,
of the family adopting Gabe,a little girl they had fostered for yrs.
With the family all accounted for,I'll repeat,this was a great one.
Pick up all three books,you won't be disappointed and it will give you many hrs.of memorable reading.
The trilogy about the O'Connor family is finally over.
The story ends safely with Steven,the remaining son finding his soulmate after an especially trying time of it and Patrick and Marceline,the patriarchs,
of the family adopting Gabe,a little girl they had fostered for yrs.
With the family all accounted for,I'll repeat,this was a great one.
Pick up all three books,you won't be disappointed and it will give you many hrs.of memorable reading.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 12, 2017
I loved the first two in this series, so I knew I would like this one too. The nice thing about this series is that you could read out of order and likely be okay. You just wouldn't know the backstory of some of the relationships. Annie is a character I could relate to and I like the prohibition historical aspects of the story.
January 14, 2018
Sense of closure
This book provides a strong sense of closure for fans of Lessman’s O’Connor family. Throughout the two series that follows the O’Connors, I became very attached to the characters. I am glad to see how their story ends! This is one of my favorite novels in the series!
This book provides a strong sense of closure for fans of Lessman’s O’Connor family. Throughout the two series that follows the O’Connors, I became very attached to the characters. I am glad to see how their story ends! This is one of my favorite novels in the series!
March 28, 2020
This book was honestly very unexpected, but in the best way possible! It is totally unique, but also a classic O'Connor love story! The perfect "conclusion" to this series. This book deals with a lot of tough themes, but like always Lessman beautifully addresses each one from a biblical and romantic perspective. It's one of my favorites (well I really cannot pick a favorite with this series)!
May 5, 2021
Out of all 3 books in this series, this one was my favorite! I loved Annie and Stephen they were great characters! This whole book has a lot of twist and turns but it turns out amazing in the end! Julie Lessman is one of my favorite authors and I will continue to support her and read many more of her books!
December 8, 2022
I absolutely love this series!! The author weaves together a beautiful family that is easy to love and relate to. Readers feel like they know them. This was a really beautiful ending to the series - the final scene wraps it up in a moving way. As always, I’m strengthened in my faith and moved by this author’s books. Very good.
March 17, 2023
Absolutely loved spending time with the O’Connor’s again. This book was so sweet and full of great biblical reminders and women I’d like to be just like. This family is absolute #goals for me. Great reminders to pray and live for God and follow him.
Just gave it 4 stars because I didn’t like the twist at the end but totally worth the read and would read it again for sure.
Just gave it 4 stars because I didn’t like the twist at the end but totally worth the read and would read it again for sure.
October 16, 2018
What can I say,.. this series is definitely more intense romantically but also always brings it back to God and some powerful prayers! I love the relationships in this family in all three books. Very strong in their faith in real struggles.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 159 reviews