A Dare and a Prayer

The Cousins O'Connor #3

by Julie Lessman

He’s a hotshot who takes up a dare.
She’s an aspiring missionary who wants to beware.
But will love become a gamble with a dare and a prayer?

Lieutenant Henry Dennehy is a cocky and carefree fighter pilot in the Pacific Theatre of WW2, known for scoring big, both in the sky and on land. But when his buddies offer a bet he can’t refuse to turn the head of the “untouchable” nurse at 369th Station Hospital—a woman who’s shot down more flyboys than the enemy—he’s bound and determined to win. Problem is, if he wins the dare, will he lose at love?

Lieutenant Amy Leigh MacArthur was on her way to the mission field when she detoured to fight for her country instead, an Army nurse whose interest lies only in healing the wounded and teaching orphans to read. Certainly not in men, and definitely not in Henry Dennehy, the boy who ridiculed her years ago as a shy and homely teen. But when Henry pursues her and won’t take no for an answer, Amy finds a way that gives him no choice.

Until, that is, love does the same for them both ...

Genres: Historical, Romance, World War II, Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction, Fiction, Adult

596 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2023

About the author

Julie 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.

Reviews

[Grace Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

She did it again, guys. Julie Lessman knocked it out of the park once more with her latest release, A Dare and a Prayer. I’ll be honest, none of her books have hit me this hard since Unfailing Love (aka Isle of Hope). This WWII romance between daredevil Henry Dennehy (yes, my all-time favorite couple Mitch and Charity Dennehy’s son 😍) and mission-minded Amy Leigh MacArthur is packed with passionate romance and powerful faith—which are Julie’s trademarks and what we Lessman fans have come to love about her books.

But A Dare and a Prayer does something a little different. It tackles the heart-wrenching, gut-churning topic of child trafficking. I gotta say, if you’ve got a weak stomach or faint heart, this book isn’t for you. Julie doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of sex trafficking and just how evil it gets. Even my stomach roiled a time or two out of distress and pure anger. But despite the honest portrayal of this real-life atrocity, Julie never fails to highlight the love of God and the compassion (and righteous fury) of our main characters. She doesn’t sugarcoat this issue, which means she doesn’t gloss over the consequences of sin or the freedom from all slavery that we find in Christ.

Speaking of freedom, we get to witness once again another moving redemption arc in the form of our boy Henry! I so love seeing Julie present the way God works in people’s lives, often using the love and shining lights of those around them to direct them to God. Our sweet but straight-laced heroine Amy puts her faith in God into action and His precepts into play when Henry comes her way, and we’re reminded once again how important it is to live for God above all else—others, our own desires, or our fears and doubts. Something I appreciate about Julie’s books is how she emphasizes how we as witnesses of God’s love and grace can lead the horse to water, but that it is ultimately the Holy Spirit that makes them drink—so to speak. It’s this beautiful dance God leads us in, where He uses us to challenge others and introduce them to the love of the Savior…and where His Spirit convicts them. And Julie’s books always illustrate this beautifully—especially A Dare and a Prayer—and remind us of the impact we can have when we follow Christ and obey His Word!

Henry and Amy were both so charming, each in their own ways, and I loved reading their stories! Often, the goody-two-shoes heroine can come off as too perfect, but Amy also has her own flaws that she works through and issues she struggles with, so it was refreshing to see that balance. I will admit, their characters and overall dynamic (and some of the exchanges they had) felt very similar to Hope and Bren from the previous book, as well as several of Julie’s other couples. It may have just been me, but it did keep the story from feeling unique and standing out from amongst the rest. (But let’s face it: nothing is quite as good as Mitch and Charity. Which brings me to one of my favorite parts of this book…)

We got to see all the O’Connors again! Not only were the clan’s patriarch and matriarch and the original siblings included in the story, we also got POV scenes from the perspectives of Hope, Gabe, and my girl Charity! We got to witness several weddings in this book and enjoy the beginning of our beloved couples’ rest of their lives, which was such a delight! (Side note: we do cover some honeymoon scenes with Julie’s signature pure passion that celebrates the beauty of God-ordained marital love without ever getting gross or too descriptive, but if that’s not your forte, you can easily skip those scenes!)

A Dare and a Prayer was intense. There was this deliciously dramatic (and daring, but not in the way you might think!) romance, some high-octane aerial combat, and this pulse-pounding mission to save the innocents that will seize hold of your heart—in more ways than one. Julie manages to balance the romance and action with well-done character development and authentic faith content that uplifts and inspires, creating a breathtaking tale of family, faith, and fulfillment in Christ. (Yes, the alliteration was entirely intentional.)

I can’t say A Dare and a Prayer was my favorite Lessman novel (we all know which one is, though), but it was such a fantastic installment in the Cousins O’Connor series that I can’t wait to see what Julie has up her sleeve for this wonderful Irish family next!


Disclaimer: I received a complimentary review copy from the author. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Saraina Whitney · Rating 4 out of 5]

My rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫

Wow, this book. With Julie Lessman, you think they can’t get any heavier…and then they do. 😭 A Dare and a Prayer wrestles with painful topics like human trafficking, with uncomfortable topics like sexual purity. And yet despite it being her heaviest, it’s also one of her most faith-filled and powerful. Because in the face of the darkness and corruption and ickiness, the depth of God’s light shines all the stronger.

The characters are as colorful and vivid and lovable as I’ve come to expect from any Julie Lessman book. Amy is fervently devoted to God, which creates a lot of conflict in her interactions with Henry. However, she still manages to be so relatable with the struggles she wrestles with from her past. Hurt by betrayal, her damaged self-image and wound of not feeling beautiful finds healing in such a touching, satisfying way. Though softhearted, she has a strong, resilient character, a necessity when it comes to Henry. She gave the verse “Resist the devil, and he will flee” a whole new meaning. 😅 Her example of staying true to God’s precepts was so inspiring.

Speaking of Henry, the man who can’t turn down a dare…as shameless of a womanizer as he was, you can’t help but love the tender heart beneath his cockiness and bluster. It’s so sweet how close he is to his twin Hope, his “better half,” and how he genuinely loves kids, as evidenced in his protective draw to little Li right from the start. And the fire in his response to the horrors of human trafficking proved that he had a noble heart despite all his wayward bents. Honestly (and I don’t know if this is bad or not, lol), I have a thing for fictional heroes beating up bad guys. I just do. (Think Mitch and Rigan Gallagher. Or Sean and Rory Malloy.) Sooo, I couldn’t help but vicariously revel in the satisfaction of his beating-up of one of the pedophiles, who richly deserved that and more.

But where was I? Ah yes. I love that it’s not Amy or Hope that saves Henry in the end, when he realizes that his craving for control has done nothing but ruin his life. Although both Amy’s and Hope’s love and forgiveness affect him in more ways than he realizes, it’s God who brings him to his knees in the end. His redemption arc is soo powerful!

As for Amy and Henry’s romance, they have such sparkling chemistry that just comes alive in their quick-witted dialogue and the bent and twist of their personalities. They clash in the most entertaining of ways, their dynamic (or should I say, comebacks) almost reminiscent of those black-and-white romantic comedies. (Here’s an example of what I mean: “Your weapon is gouging my side.” “Yeah? Well, your temper is gouging my mood, lady.”) When doing things God’s way, those two are absolutely PERFECT together.

In that scene when Henry goes on his “tirade” and Amy makes him swear on the Bible to only one kiss at the door per date…ACK. It was so darling and hilarious and I was grinning the whole way through! That scene captured the essence of their characters so perfectly.

The rest of the O’Connor family, and Henry’s army buddies, and Amy’s friends, and sweet Li, Sora, Kei, and Kasumi – all of them were wonderfully written! There were so many heartbreaking, tear-jerker moments with the kids. 😭 (Whereas the villains in this story…are the worst of the worst. *shudders* And sadly, it’s true to life.)

The subplot following Alex + Gabe and Bren + Hope’s wedding was so sweet! Be warned that after their wedding, both couples have bedroom scenes, and though devoid of any explicit details and poetically worded, the author vaguely describes it instead of fading to black (“they finally became one,” or “revered and relished her till their love was complete“) then glides on to conversations that take place after the fact. If you know you would hate that, don’t read it. There’s a lot of physical passion in this story, some of which is a litttttle too detailed for me, but only the God-ordained type is glorified.

Speaking of that, I appreciate that Lessman’s O’Connor family saga always emphasizes the God-ordained sanctity, importance, and beauty of marriage. It’s the climax of a romantic relationship, not the ending. As such, I LOVE that the epilogue was Henry and Amy’s wedding. Wedding scenes get me every time – especially if the O’Connor family is involved, with their heartwarming, large-family dynamic. The banter is just, aghhhhhh! Delicious!

Written in Lessman’s trademark, deliciously vibrant prose, the story takes plenty of twists and turns to keep readers on their toes – or rather, the edge of their seats. And the story is rich with historical details that bring it to life…oh, did I mention that it was a WWII novel? Because it is. I could love it just for that.

Also, something that made me irrationally euphoric was the fact that KATIE AND LUKE ACTUALLY HAVE EIGHT CHILDREN. OH MY GOODNESS.

(I just read A Hope Undaunted, their love story, and distinctly remember Luke saying he wanted at least eight kids. 😭)

Anyway, if you’re an older reader who can stomach some heavy topics, this might just be the book for you. There’s betrayal and raw, stomach-turning pain, but also rich healing and hope. There are characters who make idiotic mistakes and break God’s law, but also redemption and powerful spiritual messages that somehow read like the most natural thing on earth. And then there’s all the intensity of a Julie Lessman romance. It’s not for everyone, not by a long shot. But messy as it is, I believe there’s a place for this story. I recommend it to those who are willing to give it a chance.

FAVORITE QUOTES

Pausing, Patrick reached for his pipe again, puffing to bring it back to life. “That is the lesson that each and every person in our family has had to learn, son, and indeed, every person in the world—to live God’s way instead of our own and the world’s. To give God the control of our lives instead of clinging to it ourselves.” He shrugged as he moved his pawn. “Some do and some don’t, which is a real shame. Because the ultimate irony is, God’s will is exactly what we would choose for ourselves if we could.”

–

“Because that’s where darkness leads, Henry, until all the light is snuffed out. You see, you and Hayden thought you were in control of your lives, but you weren’t—darkness was. Because there are only two choices to make in this world, son—God’s way or the world. It’s a simple case of black or white, life or death, blessing or curse.”

–

She worked hard to school her features so as not to give in to the giggle tickling her lips over Henry’s adorable tirade. He rarely lost his temper like this, and frankly, it was a beautiful sight to see. It meant that the calm, casual, controlling hotshot was no longer in control of his own life. Joy burst like fireworks in her chest.

God was.

And deep down she knew it.

–

“Forgive me,” Henry whispered for the umpteenth time since he’d given God rein of his life like Pop had suggested, eyes closed as he thought of Amy. How he wished she had been his first love like he was for her. But at least God had forced his hand, using Henry’s desire for her to lead him beside the still waters and restore his soul. So at least in his faith, he could be brand-new for the woman that he loved.

DISCLAIMER: I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

[Julie Graves · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Dare And A Prayer gave me all of the feels! I laughed, I cried, I got angry, then I got to experience those feelings over and over throughout the story! Henry is a lovable bad boy for sure. Usually it takes me awhile to even like the bad boy in a romance, but Henry is truly a likable character that makes you cheer for him when he gets his way. I admired Amy's character as she stood by her faith and continued to keep Henry at arms length. But, he is so darn likable he broke down those barriers quickly! The spiritual content of the novel was what I as a reader expect from author Julie Lessman. The spiritual lessons pack a punch, they convict, they remind, they are full of the rich truths of God's Word. The subject of human trafficking, specifically pedophilia, was hard to read. The author was careful yet able to show the awfulness in a truthful and powerful story woven throughout the novel. Once again we get glimpses of what is going on in the rest of the O'Conner's lives along with Hope and Gabe's weddings. As expected the author doesn't just wrap up everyone's life in this novel, she gives us rich dialogue, passionate characters, and huge life-changing moments throughout that keep the reader turning the pages eagerly to see what happens next. When I finished the last page I literally wanted to go back and read it again because I missed the characters so much. Henry, Amy and the rest of the crew had my heart as if they were real people, as if they were friends. If you have never read one of author Julie Lessman's O'Conner novels then I suggest you get to it! They are wonderfully epic stories that will give you all the feels! I highly recommend!

[Carrie Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

“The ways of the world eat away at your soul. But the ways of God restore it.”

There’s something truly special about Julie Lessman’s O’Connor family. Not since Janette Oke’s Clark & Marty Davis has one fictional family so imprinted itself on my heart. I’ve followed the O’Connors through the generations – from World War 1 to the 1920s/30s all the way to the present day. And I’ve been delighted to go back in time once again to the O’Connors during World War 2 in Lessman’s The Cousins O’Connor series. While we are following that generation of young men and women through the war and its aftermath, we also get to visit with the beloved patriarchs and matriarchs that we first fell in love with way back in the Daughters of Boston and Winds of Change series.

I’ve had my eye on Henry O’Connor, brother to Hope, son of Mitch & Charity, since A Wing and a Prayer and I became concerned about him in A Hope and a Prayer, too. So I have been eagerly waiting for his story, and it absolutely did not disappoint. Henry has more than earned his nickname ‘Hanky-Pank’ and he certainly knows how to turn on the charm. His ‘devil may care’ attitude and roguish charisma, however, hide a tender heart that shows up in his care for his adopted stray dog Tootsie and his work with the children of the orphanage. It’s that side of him that draws our heroine Amy, and his kisses are plenty good at curling her toes and obliterating her good intentions of keeping her distance. Henry’s redemption story may not be as dramatic as Bren’s (from book two) but it’s no less powerful to watch his life change. I loved that, even as he matures over the course of the book, Lessman didn’t get rid of his swoony charm or the chemistry between him and Amy. He’s still a boy at heart even as he grows into a man. And boy howdy is there chemistry! I at one point quit breathing while they just stood in a room and stared at each other. Not to mention the KISSES. Whew!

Amy is one tough cookie with a heart of gold. I so admired her strong convictions and her compassion, two things about her that don’t waver no matter what situation she’s in during this story. She strives to do the right thing even when it’s heartbreaking. And yes, sometimes even she gets off track. Because even though she comes across as someone not guided by her passions (despite Henry’s kisses which test this assertion lol), we do see later in the story that Amy is just as vulnerable as we are to make decisions based on emotions. I appreciated that we get to see Amy at her best and at her not-so-best because it serves as a reminder for even fellow ‘good girls’ that taking our eyes off Jesus and putting them on our wounded hearts can be dangerous if not caught in time.

But amid the swoonilicious Lessman-level kisses, the banter, and the charming characters, there is a subplot that’s much more serious. Through their work with the orphanage, Amy and Henry are exposed to the startling dark underbelly of sin. Specifically, the kind of sin that thinks it’s acceptable to use young girls for nightmarish purposes and – not only that – but to facilitate their transfer to other people who have the same intent. While this is a theme that has become more common in contemporary fiction, raising awareness of the epidemic of human trafficking, it’s not as prevalent yet in historical fiction – giving us the erroneous assumption that this is a new problem. The fact is, it isn’t. It was around in World War 2 and long before. And even though the author is as discreet as possible while still getting across the stark reality to readers, I realize this topic can be understandably triggering to some.

Bottom Line: A Dare and a Prayer by Julie Lessman takes a roguish scamp and a faithful believer and turns their hearts upside down and inside out, leaving them all the better for it in the end. The romance is full of passion, and the story is full of Jesus – with that quintessential Julie Lessman blend that proves an abundant life is full of both. The subject matter of human trafficking is emotional and raw, as it should be, but it’s handled with a lot of grace, surrounding the victims with deep love and hope. This is a story that will take you – and its characters – through the wringer but ultimately will leave you with a lighter heart and your eyes on Jesus.

(I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that I read via Kindle Unlimited.)

first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel is packed with intensity, combining passion, wartime dangers, the importance of doing things God’s way, and the horrifying realities of child trafficking. The story covers quite a bit of time and a few different settings as the main characters work to sort out their feelings for each other.

I really felt for both Henry and Amy at various points throughout the story. Henry was so lost spiritually for a good portion of the book. And, although he was definitely a ladies man, it was fun to see him slowly change and become devoted to Amy, even before he fully realized the need to be devoted to God. His heart and the actions he took to save the orphan girls’ lives showed him to be a good man in need of direction.

And Amy, well, she had endured some serious emotional trauma throughout the years and didn’t trust her judgment in men. Even as she was falling for Henry, without wanting to, she realized that she could not be with him if he didn’t follow God. There were times that I questioned some of her actions in the story, but I think they simply confirmed her confusion and the desire to protect her heart.

The author does not shy away from the reality of physical attraction and there is plenty of sizzle in this clean book. There are also some uncomfortable moments relating to the child trafficking situations. This is a difficult subject that the author handled well, in my opinion.

(4.5 stars)

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...

[Melissa LaShure · Rating 5 out of 5]

I must start off by pointing out the obvious about our hero, Henry Dennehy. He is the son of Mitch and Charity Dennehy and the grandson of Patrick O’Connor. Those who know the O’Connor family are probably already fanning themselves. The amount of good looks and charm packed in his DNA is criminal!

Like all men in the O’Connor family, they fall hard for a woman of God who makes them get right with the Lord before they give them their heart. Amy Leigh MacArthur is that woman for Henry.

Li, Sora, and Kei are the victims of human trafficking. If you’re like me, it may make you a little nervous to read this novel. Cruelty at this level is hard to swallow. And if I’m honest, I read to escape these harsh realities. So, for those of you on the fence, I want to reassure you that Julie weaves this difficult topic into the story so well, you’ll walk away inspired.

I cannot give enough praise for Julie Lessman’s newest book, A Dare and A Prayer. This is by far her best novel yet. She delivers big on the romance, character arc, and justice.
LiteraryScape gives A Dare and A Prayer 5 out of 3 Lassos! Yeah, it’s that good!
We give this outstanding novel the following element ratings:
Adventure = Mocha
Mystery = Espresso
Romance = Latte
(Rating Scale: Espresso = Very Little, Mocha = A Medium Amount, Latte = A Lot)
Read the full review here: https://www.literaryscape.com/literar... (This link will go live on October 1, 2023)

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal!

From the first time I picked up on of Julie Lessman’s books I have been in love. The O’Connor saga is simply something you must read, spanning though time she writes about an Irish-Catholic family from the early 1900’s through prohibition, world wars, economic downfall and more. Laughter, lessons, real life, you find it all here. I hope that the saga will continue with more of the O’Connor cousins because I just don’t want the story to end! Her characters are so real and engaging that you won’t want to put the books down.

[Amber Privett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, Julie did it AGAIN. I have really enjoyed each book relating to the O’Connor family, and this was a beautiful way to finish up this particular series!

Amy and Henry’s love story was sweet to see played out, and it ended beautifully. I loved getting insight into each of their minds as this played out, seeing how God captured each of them in different ways. I particularly enjoyed the POVs from Charity and other members of the O’Connor clan. Getting to stay up to date with a great fictional family is always a joy!

This book doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of sex trafficking, which are often rooted in poverty, foster care, and exploitation of the vulnerable. Thank you, Julie, for shining a light on that hard topic.

[Anne Perreault · Rating 5 out of 5]

Julie Lessman is one of my favorite authors. She gets the human condition and doesn't tiptoe around it. Desire and attraction are always forces that drive us. But there is something more important you need in order to have a lasting and meaningful relationship. God's grace and guidance. I love how Amy puts that so plainly, even though she feels drawn to this hotshot of a pilot, Henry Dennehy.

What I really enjoyed was how the author managed to tie a lovely bow around the whole series and bring us back to other beloved characters, like Gabe and Hope. It was beautifully done.

The message of surrendering is strong in this book. But also of forgiveness. And love. Family always plays a pivotal part in Julie's O'Connor stories.

There is a surprising twist, though... It packs a punch.

[Kekanma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I eagerly anticipated this book for quite a while (a whole 10 days, 😅), and I must admit, I had my reservations fearing it might disappoint. I was genuinely anxious as I started reading. However, as I delved into its pages, an overwhelming sense of serenity washed over me. It wasn't because the book lacked drama or emotional moments, but it felt as if a profound peace enveloped the entire narrative.

This book taught me so much, almost as if it served as a mirror reflecting aspects of my own life through its relatable characters. The romance was absolutely delightful, brimming with endearing chemistry. I thoroughly enjoyed the camaraderie shared between Henry and his friends, as well as his relationships with Bren and Alex.

Remarkably, despite addressing the heavy topic of child trafficking, the author handled it with such finesse that it didn't detract from the book's beauty; instead, it enhanced its depth. Prepare yourself for unexpected twists and enchanting coincidences. Also, there are a few pages featuring the other O’Connor cousins

[Traci Gemelke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will admit that I enjoy all of Julie Lessman's books. I was excited to get to know Henry better. This book beautifully weaves the very serious topic of child trafficking, while having plenty of romance and faith elements. God is at the forefront of this story. It is a great redemption story and a reminder of the power of prayer and the beauty of standing firm in God's precepts and the blessings that come with that! This book is definitely angsty and drama filled! If you enjoy that kind of story, you will enjoy this book!

[brenda gordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Dare and a Prayer by Julie Lessman . The time line is WW2. This is another O'Connor cousin book. The main character is Henry, Hope's twin brother. She was known as an angel but he was anything but. He was quite the womanizer, and most women were unable to resist his charm. He wasn't serious about anyone until he met a nurse named Amy. She was only interested in being a missionary after the war. Will Henry finally have met his match in Amy? I also enjoyed the witty banter. Also when the war ends the whole family is together in Boston. I love the interaction of the O'Connors.The only other thing that I will say that this book has a theme on child trafficking. This is a serious problem world wide; the author has done her research on the subject and found that it was true. Please pre-order or buy this book. It publishes October 1,2023 and the author plans to donate to an anti-trafficking ministry that she already supports. I was given an ARC of the book by the author and was under no obligation to give a positive review. All opinions are my own. In my opinion it's a 5 star book.

[Stephanie Mccall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I purposely put A Dare and a Prayer on the bottom of my TBR pile because I didn't want it to end. You might think that was unnecessary, considering Henry and Amy's saga is a 580-page behemoth, but I flew through it in a matter of days and do not regret that for a second. I sort of regret not reading it sooner, but as every O'Connor hero and heroine can tell you, Julie Lessman's love stories are worth the wait, and this one was no exception.

The relationship between Henry and Amy is spot on from the moment they meet in all areas--physical yes, but also mental and even spiritual, which I admit sounds odd since Henry isn't a believer for most of the book and Amy is a committed Christian a la Faith, Lizzie, Emma, and Hope. Yet Amy's spirituality pulls Henry in while pushing him away in a page-turning dance, while Henry himself is yes, a grown-up "wild child," but in possession of a searching and ever-purifying heart. Henry reminds me of another seeker I know, of whom I have said, "They want Jesus and are trying to convince themselves they don't."

Beyond this, Amy and Henry's shared mental acuity, tenacity, and dedication to the jobs and people they love, especially the children, kept me rooting for them all through the novel. I loved seeing Henry engage with Li, Sora, Kei, Koyu, and the other "rug rats," as he called them. I've seen a lot of heroes who love kids; female authors tend to use the trait to make heroes attractive, particularly in the Christian market. But Julie Lessman expertly paired the trait with Henry's recklessness, chess-master smarts, and downright yummy masculinity, so I never felt his love for kids was too "sugary." Similarly, I never felt that Amy's dedication to healing or her own love for kids made her self-righteous or too saintly, because she had a wit and dash of recklessness just sharp enough to dare Henry, "Stay behind the boundary line--and try to keep up with me, Hotshot."

Finally, I loved the banter and humor between these two, yes, even in the war zone setting. Julie Lessman, and historical books in general, don't often make me do this, but I laughed out loud a few times. At the very least, I smirked or chuckled. Often I was smirking or chuckling at Henry, as in, "Oh, you have no idea what you've gotten yourself into, pal." But more often, I was enjoying how well our lead couple played off and enjoyed each other. This made me lean even more into their honest friendship when it grew, and hurt even more when both got their hearts almost irreparably broken. But God... (oh, I'll get to that, trust me...)

Or actually, I'll just get to that now. A Dare and a Prayer has some of the best spiritual threads I've seen from Julie Lessman in--well, I guess since A Hope and a Prayer. No seriously, these might be her best in her latest trilogy, because they made me think the most and convicted me the most. Most notably, I enjoyed the reappearance of Hope, and how she played foil and mentor on Henry's spiritual journey. At the same time, I found myself convicted by Henry's struggle with giving up control to God.

To wit, I'm a Christian, and a serious one at that, more a "Hope" than a "Henry" (I was *never* a "Henry," actually). In fact, during Henry and Hope's scenes together, I found myself praying, "You see, Lord? *This* is why I struggle so hard to believe I'm truly Yours or that You truly love me--because I'm *not* on Hope Dennehy's level. Because I'm *not* the sweet, saintly, quiet girl I so want to be." But God was good enough to whisper to me, "One, Hope Dennehy is fictional. Two, I have plenty of Hopes. I need you, too."

As for Henry--oof! I may not relate to his recklessness, fondness for vices, and anti-God "behavior," so to speak. But boy, the desire for control? I'm still facing up to that one. Without going into detail, God and I actually had to wrestle a little and probably will continue doing so. So, as difficult as that was--thanks, Julie, for the applicable thread (s).

Going on... I do want to address the issue of trafficking as covered in A Dare and a Prayer. First off, I applaud Julie, not only for tackling it at all, but doing so with such a gentle and deft hand, while making clear that those who engage in trafficking are the lowest forms of evil. In fact, Julie, you pulled off a couple of plot twists there that actually made me drop the book and say, "WHAT? Oh, heck NO!" Followed by, I admit it, some Very Bad Words! So parents and guardians, if you're reading, I would say, no. Absolutely do not give this particular O'Connor saga installment to a teen who is still living at home. It's not graphic, but it is serious, and it should be. Christians should not insulate themselves...but kids and the very youngest of adults should, I think, wisely wait until they're older.

That said, Julie's take on this issue hits the bulls-eye in the best way, in that she rams home the preciousness of the innocent and how heroic people like Henry, Amy, and their compatriots are, including the adoptive and foster parents and other rescuers who get in the trenches and do the work of rescue. Kudos again, Julie--that more than earned you your five stars right there on its own.

The romance itself is signature Julie Lessman--pure and with clear, Godly boundaries, but yes, steamy. Again, this one is, I'd definitely say, for adults only, because of Henry's ahem, "experience" and some of the past romantic issues discussed from other novels. That said, the romance and conclusions to it is satisfying, and Julie makes clear how gratifying it is to wait. I also *loved* Mitch's talk with Henry on how boundaries allow couples to get to know each other as people, and Pop's guidance to Henry on how to let God become the center of one's life *before* love awakens.

I could quite literally go on all day, listing favorite scenes, dialogue bits, and lessons within this particular novel. But if I did that, I'd probably spoil the entire O'Connor saga. So instead, if you haven't started it, I say get reading. And if you're all caught up, snag this one--because again, I dare you *not* to love it!

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Dare & A Prayer by Julie Lessman is a very powerful Christian historical novel and part of The Cousins O’Connor series. It can be read as a stand-alone.
The action begins in 1944 in the Pacific on an American airbase. We go through to the end of the war, and then move stateside for the second half of the novel.
Julie Lessman has produced a tale with some very hard-hitting shocking themes as we see the awful topic of child trafficking and prostitution that has been going on in Japan since the Middle Ages. This shocks the characters and the reader as we see innocence defiled while local people stand by, doing nothing as they are fearful of reprisals. We witness the anger in characters who refuse to stand by and do nothing.
There is the theme of the prodigal son. We follow a character who seems hell bent on self-destruct, as he follows the pleasures of this world. People tell him about God. His family prays for him. He follows his own path until one day the scales fall off. “God was real… He actually cared about every one of His children.”
Sometimes we can fix things for ourselves and sometimes we can’t. It is always good to pray without ceasing about everything. Sometimes the only thing we can do is to pray. “Never had he been nor ever expected to be a praying man. But he planned to pray now.” When we pray, we tap into a power beyond ourselves. God longs to answer our prayers. He always answers in His way, at just the right time. He never shows up early and He is never late.
We were never meant to keep our faith to ourselves. We need to show Jesus to a hurting world in need of a Savior. “Putting feet to her faith.”
There is the theme of forgiveness. Sometimes we cannot forgive in our strength, then we need to press into God, lean on Him and forgive in His strength.
God wants to be part of every area of our lives. He needs to be the third person in our marriages as a chord of three strands isn’t easily broken.
There is the theme of being equally yoked. A character only wants to marry a man who loves God. She fights against attraction and prays for God’s will to be done.
We witness the temptations of alcohol, drugs, pre-marital sex. These seem heightened in times of war when tomorrow is not guaranteed. They are never good for us. God gives us the ten commandments, not to limit us, but to keep us safe.
All the characters were well drawn, likable and realistic. I enjoyed meeting up with familiar faces.
A Dare & A Prayer was not a cosy Christian read. There were hard-hitting themes. It was a powerful and a necessary read that educated me about the war in the Pacific. Thank you Julie Lessman for such a powerful read.
I received a free copy from the author. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

[Kelly Bridgewater · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Dare and a Prayer by Julie Lessman reminded me a lot of A Light in the Window, which is the O’Connor’s family start story. The story begins with a dare from fellow soldiers in Japan to Henry to capture the pretty, untouchable woman. A Light in the Window had a dare between two friends. The story starts in Japan and spends about sixty percent of the novel takes place in this setting. Lessman does a wonderful job at crafting the hero, Henry, with a heart when he spends time at the orphanage in Japan. Of course, this makes it easy for Amy to break down some of her walls, not all, but some. As a word of warning, Lessman does dive into human trafficking with young kids, and some of the moments will make readers cringe. Also, if readers are familiar with Lessman’s stories, then they will be familiar with how far she dives into the emotional feelings of the characters. Most of her stories show the realistic truth of the emotions of the characters as they fall in love and can’t wait to spend more time behind doors. As for the change of Henry’s heart, it does happen throughout the story. He wants Amy, so the Lord presses on him, and things change. Similarly, Amy, the heroine, also has a change of heart from the beginning to the end of the story. Personally, I love watching characters as they transform for the better by the end of a story. Even though majority of stories feature this, I do enjoy watching characters who fight and struggle and eventually cave into something they realize is better for them. Like a relationship with God. Lessman is a master at creating characters who speak truth into her character’s lives. As someone who is familiar with all of Lessman’s stories, she does dive back into the character’s lives of previous members of this family. Thanksgiving at Patrick and Macy’s house with all the kids and all the grandkids. It is nice to see a family that focuses on prayer and the support of each other. With the state of America’s families today, Lessman shows a wonderful view of the way that God created family. Overall, A Dare and A Prayer by Julie Lessman is a familiar story with a different setting, but the transformation of the main characters through prayer and family support makes spending time with this story worthwhile.

I received a complimentary copy of A Dare and A Prayer by Julie Lessman from Julie Lessman, but the opinions stated are all my own.

[Jessica Baker (A Baker's Perspective) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here’s what I love about Lessman’s books – they are full of sizzle, swoon, and grab a fan now moments that will have you grabbing your sweetie for a smooch. And no, I don’t mean anything that I should be averting my eyes from. No, Lessman has found the perfect way to include tension, romance, and chemistry in a clean way, yet in a way that is more than just your typical “Hallmark romance”. There is real spice here (again, clean) and I am for it. Why? Well because I would like to think we have that in our marriages. It’s real life, and certainly relatable.

In addition, Lessman gives readers real characters that struggle with faith, grow in faith, and everywhere in between. I thoroughly enjoyed Henry’s journey. Not one time did it feel forced – it was all natural and I could see someone like him in real life going through the same journey. Again we see how Lessman brings real, relatable characters to the story. Notice a theme!?

The other thing about Lessman is how she brings history to life. We see things in this story that are horrible, and rightly so, but things that are not talked about much in our history books. It shows me that she did her research, and while at times it was tough to read (only because of the truth of the matter), it was true to history. Makes you want to do your own research (though I don’t know how much research I want to do for child trafficking because I’m certain it would make me both cry and cringe). My point being – Lessman works hard to make her books true to life. They are not fluffy, nor is everything wrapped in a cute present with a bow on top. A Dare and a Prayer is a story that will certainly show hope and light in a world of darkness, but also show difficulties and some of the emotions that people have (whether we want to or not).

This book may not be for those who want a pretty historical fiction. But it is for those who want a raw, honest story. A story with real characters with real emotions. Emotions we’ve most likely all felt at one point or another. A story with hope, character growth, and even laughter. Lessman is one of my favorites and I hope you’ll find that she is yours too!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Sherida Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thrilling WWII romance! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Author Julie Lessman always brings faith and passion to her novels. Her newest book is no exception. A Dare and a Prayer provides insights into the wartime period….the strength, the bravery and the tragedy.

A Dare and a Prayer continues the fascinating saga of the O’Connor family. Lieutenant Henry Dennehy has a bad-boy reputation. He lives on the wild side as a skilled fighter pilot assigned to night raids over the Pacific. Though he deeply loves his family, he rejects the faith of his heritage. He is attracted to cautious Amy MacArthur, a religious woman serving her country as a lieutenant in the Airforce Nurse Corp stationed in the Pacific Theater. How can these two opposite souls work toward a lasting relationship? Their interesting path to the sweet ending involves a crisis to save three abused orphans, the emotions of the final days of the war, and oceans of forgiveness. A completely engrossing story!

Since I’m an advocate for the protection and development of children, I applaud author Julie Lessman for touching on the tragic subject of child trafficking, an issue explored in the recent movie The Sound of Freedom. With her research into the topic, she writes emotionally about this travesty which did occur during the war.

If you’re interested in World War II history��.and romance….I definitely recommend A Dare and a Prayer by Julie Lessman.

Favorite quote: “But when God’s in the middle (of a relationship), embraced equally by two people of faith, He is the Anchor for their souls……holding them secure and able to weather any storm…and all because of their deep faith.”

[Andi Tubbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Julie Lessman has had me tied to the O'Connor family since 2008 and I feel like they are family. With each new installment of this family, I grow more and more attached and can't wait for the next book. Both Gabe and Henry are a handful. Even though Gabe was adopted by Marcy and Patrick she, like Henry has some strong Irish bullheadedness, and along with that is some sweet Irish sizzle. And no, I'm not talking about the kind where I should avert my eyes or ears; I'm talking about the sweet heat you'd find in a Hallmark movie. Julie Lessman has honed her craft so well that she knows exactly how to word scenes to have you, the reader wanting more.

In this book, she dared to tackle the horrors of war and showed us things that broke my heart; like human trafficking, something I didn't think was around in WWII but it was.

I loved Amy; even though her stubbornness annoyed me at times. It was her staunch convictions that drew me to her.

I could go on and on about this amazing story, but suffice it to say that once again the Romance Queen, Julie Lessman has written not only a book filled with action, swoon-worthy kisses, and heartbreaking pain; she has also lined each page and chapter with our Savior, Jesus Christ. Using her love for God, Ms. Lessman, shows that through her characters and story. While she wants her readers to connect with her characters she wants the reader to connect with Christ and see Him through her story.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book via the publisher. I wasn't required to write a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The dangers of war, a hero that can not turn down a dare and a heroine that is big on prayer. Julie Lessman is the queen of putting two people that could not be more different and having them fall in love with each other. Despite at least one of them not wanting that to happen.
Henry is the Dare in the title. And he lives his life that way, from flying night missions in Japan during WWII to enjoying life and all fun, and girls, it includes. And one of those girls in particular has him accepting a dare from his friends that he can “win” her.
Amy is the Prayer in the title. She is a nurse and her desires are to go to the Mission Field once this war is over. And with that goal in mind and due to past experiences the one thing this is a definite no for her is boys. She has no interest. Especially Henry O'Connor.
But there is another aspect to this story past the passion and romance that Julie Lessman, once again, delivers. Henry and Amy become involved with three special little girls at a camp for orphans. And that leads this book into the terrible world of human trafficking. The author does a great job of making the atrocities clear without overwhelming the reader with graphic details. Definitely, spells them out and it could be too much for some readers but I think she did a good job of making it gut wrenching but not overwhelming to read.
There is a wonderful arc in this book that shows the need for redemption. The need for God to be the center of our individual lives as well as in our relationships.

[~Avi Ward~ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 STARS. I really liked the themes and the setting of this one. I have a fascination with Japanese culture and history so it was very interesting to read a book that discussed many of these things. Slight things were off but not enough to annoy me.

This book had a lot of really sad element but I will say that’s something I appreciate about this author and that is that she is willing to go places many other Christian authors don’t. (Although I do wish there were MANY more scenes of certain people getting some serious punches to the face. ESPECIALLY DAN—like what do you mean he just went to counseling instead of GOING TO PRISON??)

One thing that was kind of annoying was that it kind of irks me when this author makes the girl (or sometimes the guy) push away the main love interest because they don’t have enough of a relationship with God or spirituality. This in itself is a good choice and something I have no issue with. Until that SAME character instantly goes off and gets engaged/starts dating someone OBVIOUSLY TEN TIMES WORSE IN THAT THE SPIRITUAL DEPARTMENT. It’s hypocritical and just ugh.

ALSO, why didn’t Amy tell Henry about that incident of him calling her ugly when they were kids? I feel like he deserved to eat his that but whatever.

Overall, my not as good as the first one, but I did like Henry more than Bren from the last book.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Longtime readers of Julie Lessman's books met Henry Dennehy as a child when he excelled at mischief. Now he's a young hotshot pilot stationed in Saipan during World War II. Though he grew up surrounded by a large family of faith, he doesn't give much thought to God. Instead he's a womanizer and prone to too much drinking. He is dared by his fellow pilot friends to get nurse Lt. Amy MacArthur to fall for him. She's a Christian, not a partier, and considered "untouchable." In other words, not at all his type. He can't turn down a dare so he goes for it. Amy likes him but has standards he doesn't meet. This book is much more than a romance. We also meet some precious orphans and learn the horrors of child trafficing were prevalent then as well as now. The second part of the book, after the war, is set mainly in Boston and includes Henry's family. Since I've read all of the O'Connor family books it was fun to catch up with them. Henry and Amy admit they love each other but can they ever be together? Henry must decide if he will keep following his own path or give his life to God. I enjoyed this latest installment of the O'Connor family books.

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

My quick thoughts:

I really liked Henry. I have adored him since he was a little guy. It used to infuriate me when his mother used to call him names or always refer to him negatively, and constantly compare him to his sister. Yes, he was rambunctious and prone to mischief, however, when you constantly call kids names, they start to believe it. Katie started doing that to her twins too, and I feel the same way.

I am also happy we got Hope updates as I really liked her too! Amy came off a bit self righteous and cold,although everyone described her otherwise *shrugs*. Charity also got on my nerves with her manipulating and pushiness (as in the previous books), but most of the other characters seemed to just chuckle about it and just cater to her whims.

I did like how this series seemed to wrap up although I would have read more about Faith and Lizzie instead of Charity. A lot happened in this story, quite a bit of it was sad and devastating in parts.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Dare and a Prayer is the third installment from The Cousins O’Connor series. Even thought it is part of a series, I believe each one should not be missed. I adored the first two books and this one is no different. I loved the interactions and chemistry between Amy and Henry. I really admired Amy all throughout the book. Overall, a wonderful, inspiring and sweet story.

Five plus stars is what I will be giving A Dare and a Prayer. I believe fans of historical romance with strong emphasis of strong women during the World War II era, will definitely want to give this one a read. I will be on the lookout for more books from Julie Lessman in the future.

I received a digital copy of Julie Lessman’s A Dare and a Prayer from the author, but was not required to write a review, nor a positive one. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

[Catherine Richmond]

Henry Dennehy is a playboy pilot, living to fly and flirt, whose his friends dare him to kiss untouchable nurse Amy McArthur. When he volunteers at the orphanage to attract her attention, his eyes are opened to a battle beyond the war.

I recently read Tosca Lee and Marcus Brotherton's Long March Home, and William Andrews's Daughters of the Dragon, so I was aware of Japanese atrocities against prisoners of war and Korean women. A Dare and a Prayer shows the Japanese people, especially children, were victims, too. Thank you, Julie Lessman for obeying God's call to write an honest and heartfelt account of human trafficking.

Providing a spoonful of sugar to help that bitter medicine go down, are several delightful chapters of the O'Connor family. Don't miss this wonderful story!

[Mita · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m a fan of the author

But.. this book fell flat for me. I think my frustration with her books is that they tend to have the same situation across the board. Warning: don’t read further if you want to not know…


Believer and non-believer. Overlapping romantic relationships with other people in the book. The split up with usually great distance. The female character has a second love interest that she strongly considers. Then suddenly they’re together and those feelings are swept aside.

Her books are definitely good but after like 5 you start to know how it’s going to approximately go and that can be a little bit of a downer. Still a fan but for example, this book felt a bit disjointed.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Dare and A Prayer
Lieutenant Amy MacArthur is a beautiful nurse serving in the war and is very strong in faith. She has sworn off dating, having been hurt by men before , but mostly because she is planning on heading to the mission field after the war is over.
Lieutenant Henry Dennehy is a very handsome, almost to handsome for his own good, is also a pilot serving in the war. He does not have great faith but his wonderful family does. Henry decides to accept a bet from his friends, and it one that could end up changing his life.
A Dare and A Prayer is a powerful read. However it does address the tough topic of human trafficking, specifically of children. Some parts were hard to read, but they were written in a way that you were able to get through it and it tugged at your heart. Also the tough parts are not in really long sections and are broken up between good parts as well. It was touching to see Henry truly fall for Amy and for the young kids at the orphanage he and Amy volunteer at during the war. There are many good lessons throughout along with more of an awareness of human trafficking. This book had so many emotions throughout, love and joy, sorrow and heartbreak. Several parts had me tearing up, but there were also parts that had me laughing. There was also no shortage of romance throughout, showing what a true marriage centered around God can be like. I enjoyed getting to see more of the O’Conner family, a family I have come to love and adore through Julie’s books. I absolutely love A Dare and A Prayer and fell in love with Henry and Amy’s story, I didn’t want it to end! I highly recommend reading A Dare and A Prayer!!

[Martha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ms Lessman has been a favorite of mine for many years and this book is no different than before. Henry, whom we watched grow up in the other books is alive and causing trouble, but also seeking to be the hero without the help of God. As you travel on the journey with him, God finds him even when he wasn’t looking. This is a romance, but the underlying theme of human trafficking is brought to the forefront through the heartbreaking stories of young women. I loved how the story brought it to life, while showing healing in the lives of those that played a part in saving a few. I highly recommend this book and her others.

[Rea K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, my only complaint was how dang long it takes the characters to get together and a few pitfalls in their way. But also, then I found myself recognizing myself in characters, and now I'm not sure how I feel.
I really do like it when I can see myself in characters, but sometimes, having things pointed out by a stranger in a book is hard on a girl.

Now I'm ready for the next cousins O'Connor books if they happen. Even tho I know that the og characters are all getting old and life and death inevitably will come to this family and break my heart.

[Dianne Sidebottom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Henry and Amy's story.
I do like the O'Connor family (especially lessons learnt over chess)
The sewing circle on Saturdays.

I wondered how Henry would cope with his mother (could see the writing on the wall there.) His dad who coped with "little girl" with the age differences.

interesting historical facts of Japanese culture (not pleasant but the 3 sisters did get a win eventually.
What do we/I want out of life? Will I leave a legacy? What connections with people do I have? Choices! God element!
Is there more Julie?

[Jody · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved how hotshot Henry could be such a troublemaker yet so endearing and lovable all at the same time! The author put together a relatable character who added spunk, humor and passion perfectly all rolled into one. This book is the conclusion of the Cousins O’Connor series (as far as we know) and we see the series and the other characters happily ever afters come to fruition. I can’t recommend this book enough! I would warn you that there is a difficult subject addressed in this book but the author handles it beautifully.