A Passion Most Pure

Brava! to Julie Lessman. In A Passion Most Pure, she has given us Real characters, Real situations, Real emotions, Real faith . . . and Real passion. Not just physical passion, passion for God, and from God. That's the truth behind the title, you know: God's passion for us, as ours [should be] for Him, is most pure. I found A Passion Most Pure to be an excellent, fast-paced read. One which grabbed me from the beginning and hung on to The End. As a reader, I experienced both love and dislike for EVERY character, their flaws as well as their good points. Admittedly I had to dig deep to find any good points in Charity. But they're there, believe me. Still, I found myself wanting desperately to see her hurt, maimed or otherwise damaged. I even struggled at times with Faith, wanting to reach through the pages and give her a good shaking. Though greatly tempted, with very human reactions, she stayed true to herself and never wavered from her faith. And Collin? Ah, he had his own demons to fight. I honestly believe he didn't know WHAT he wanted. I grew frustrated with him, thinking "C'mon, Collin. Fish, or cut bait!" My frustration was not with the author -- it was with the characters she so realistically created and portrayed. Aren't these things all so very human? Yes, Collin is a 'bad boy.' Ever known any? Yes, Charity is selfish and self-centered. Know anybody like that? And, sure, Faith is tempted. You've never been tempted? And yeah, Patrick shows favoritism toward Faith over Charity. I daresay most parents secretly favor one child over another, though most will deny it. If you've never experienced these feelings, then you have never experienced life. Reading is subjective, and that's good. But, despite reading the explanations in the [very few] critical reviews, I still don't get it - to what are you objecting? The sensuality? Physical passion exists, my friends, even among the devout, and certainly in the Bible, the most passionate book in print. So does lust. Again, read the Bible. (Remember David and Bathsheba, hmmm? Talk about lust.) Someone mentioned the Proverbs - do you mean the "Proverbs 31 woman"? Does that describe you? It certainly isn't me. Or, if you mean Proverbs in general, take some time and learn about Solomon's life. Neither Solomon nor his father, David, were exactly pure. Yet God loved them - and forgave them - unconditionally. Mention was made about the chaos and turmoil. Well, yes, the whole world was in turmoil. Europe was already deep in WWI and the US was on the threshold. As to the warning to readers against placing any faith in early reviews posted on or about the time of a new book's release because 'they are often written by friends of the author and should be considered in that light' . . . you couldn't be more wrong. And the fact that such a statement was made detracts from the value of said review. Here's the truth: Months before a book's scheduled release, publisher's send out what are called Advanced Re

Christian romance used to be happy endings and chaste couples. Many times in traditional Christian fiction, the characters seem fake because they keep their feelings hidden. What I loved best about this book is the fact that emotions are allowed and shown in great detail. This is one of the most edgiest and steamiest Christian fiction books I have ever read. And I thought it was wonderful! It's about time we realize that Christians have emotions are capable of showing love and desire. Fans of Deeanne Gist will love this book because it falls into that same genre. The characters were very real and multidimensional. This love triangle really manages to keep the reader on their toes with all the drama and conflict that surrounds them. I really felt for Faith throughout the whole story. Her emotions are realistic and I love how she tackles the challenging job of working for a newspaper. Colin was a great character because kept my attention throughout the book making me dislike him on one page and then rooting for him on the next. But I'm sorry but I really hated Charity. She bugged me from the beginning of the story and just kept irritating me throughout. Her attitude and actions were so "Mean Girl" like. I am looking forward to reading the next book where she gets redeemed, but I do hope that she gets what's coming to her first! This book is a wonderful read and at 477 pages, it's a great way to spend a rainy day curled up in a chair. This is one of the best debut novels that I have ever read. I am highly looking forward to more books from Julie Lessman.

This was a wonderfully rich historical romance that kept me guessing until the last few pages about who will win Faith's heart. I love those kinds of books! I couldn't stop reading because I had to find out how everything turns out. The characters are very strong Christians with strong faith. They have a mighty impact on the people around them like Collin, with his anger at God, and Mitch, with his stagnant relationship with the Almighty he grew up with. This is a more sensual book than typical CBA historical romances, and I loved that aspect of it. It made the characters' struggles so much more realistic and relatable. The characters are so well drawn that I felt strongly for each of them. In fact, I hated Charity so much, I kept reading and hoping she'd die or get maimed or something in the next chapter! If a reader is looking for sweet, perfect characters who never sin, who never give in to physical temptation, then this isn't the book for you. Faith, who is strong in her relationship with God, nevertheless sins by responding to her sister's suitor's physical overtures. I could relate to this, because who hasn't been drawn to the bad boy even though we KNOW we shouldn't? Faith is very real as a character--in her Christlike behavior and in her sinfulness. The novel's theme of futile chasing after the wind--pursuing things that have no eternal value--is very deftly woven into the story, and resonated with me quite a bit. I think this would be a fabulous novel for any teenage girl to read. The sensuality is not graphic, and the struggles of the main characters are things any single woman could relate to. There's a great deal of realism and yet encouragement in the characters' actions and choices. I highly recommend this novel. Fans of Deeanne Gist will probably enjoy this one.

Julie Lessman's personal faith is undeniably there on every page. And yet (unlike with some inspirational fiction) I never felt preached at or condescended to. The characters' Christianity - especially that of the heroine and her parents - is part of who they are, how they live their lives. And even though these are fictional characters, they are portrayed with such realism that they become tangible role models for anyone struggling to maintain a walk with Christ in this fallen world. Lessman is also a master of keeping the reader guessing through myriad plot twists. It isn't until the very end of the book that we know with certainty which man Faith will end up with. And the stage is set beautifully for book two in the series. This author is definitely a shining new star in inspirational fiction.

Julie Lessman's A PASSION MOST PURE wreaks havoc on your emotions--in a wonderful way. Enter the lives of a warm and loving Irish family living in Boston, as their adopted nation teeters on the brink of forging into WWI. In A PASSION MOST PURE, Ms. Lessman yanks you in, never letting you go. Her characters are living, breathing human beings, suffering all the problems and passions a person at that tumultuous time encounters: polio, loss of faith in God, unrequited love, the draft, escaping the ravages of war. Battle with Faith O'Connor as she denies the love of her life, a man engaged to her beautiful and often selfish sister Charity, to remain true to her Heavenly Father. Journey with Collin McGuire as he embraces a roughish lifestyle in a bitter attempt to escape his broken family's curse. I turned page after page, desperate to know the outcome, yet dreading the end as I thirsted for more. To miss reading A PASSION MOST PURE would be like erasing from memory the best day you've ever had. I could go on, but won't deny you the unbelievable satisfaction you'll get from plunging into this epic saga of love, loss, and comfort only the Almighty God provides. Everyone should read Ms. Lessman's book. It's one of the finest I've come across in years. If you don't buy a copy you're cheating yourself, and you'll regret missing the best read since Francine River's REDEEMING LOVE. As a literary agent, I read a lot of manuscripts. A PASSION MOST PURE receives my highest rating, and no, unfortunately, Ms. Lessman isn't my client! Hurry, Ms. Lessman. I can't wait to get my hands on the next book in your Daughters of Boston series, A PASSION REDEEMED. Can I review it ... please?