A Passion Most Pure (Daughters of Boston, #1)

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A Passion Most Pure (Daughters of Boston #1)

by Julie Lessman (Goodreads Author)

4.11 of 5 stars 4.11 · rating details · 1,600 ratings · 231 reviews

She's found the love of her life.

Unfortunately, he loves her sister.

As World War I rages across the Atlantic in 1916, a smaller war is brewing in Boston. Faith O'Connor finds herself drawn to an Irish rogue who is anything but right for her. Collin McGuire is brash, cocky, and from the wrong side of the tracks, not to mention forbidden by her father. And then there's the

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Paperback, 477 pages

Published January 1st 2008 by Fleming H. Revell Company

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May 07, 2008 Erin rated it 2 of 5 stars

To be perfectly honest, I thought this book was mis-titled. It seemed to me there was an unrealistic amount of passion used as a plot device when the author could have used a little more imagination and purity. Growing up in a large family, I found the sibling rivalry overemphasized and unrealistic as well. There was a section in the middle of the book that was really good - passion and purity - but then it got all mixed up again and gave me a sick feeling. This was a debut novel and I'm sad to...more

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Aug 03, 2011 Katie rated it 4 of 5 stars

What a roller coaster ride of emotions A Passion Most Pure takes the reader on! Not only are the romantic readers satisfied by the countless warm moments, but this book over bounds with lessons! Faith's personal relationship with the Lord was really sweet and watching her parents, Patrick and Marcy, relying on the Lord through every dark moment was inspiring. You can't read A Passion Most Pure and not learn something by the end!

This was Julie Lessman's debut novel, and I'm blown away by it. It w...more What a roller coaster ride of emotions A Passion Most Pure takes the reader on! Not only are the romantic readers satisfied by the countless warm moments, but this book over bounds with lessons! Faith's personal relationship with the Lord was really sweet and watching her parents, Patrick and Marcy, relying on the Lord through every dark moment was inspiring. You can't read A Passion Most Pure and not learn something by the end!

This was Julie Lessman's debut novel, and I'm blown away by it. It was so well written and each character brought to such vivid life! Her writing was bold, but at the same time so soft and sweet! I can really understand now why Julie continues to rack up fans as she keeps turning out such powerful fiction!

I'd personally recommend this book to mature or adult readers. There are many sensual and passionate kisses between different characters throughout the book that, depending on the reader, might be okay or way too much. Collin and Mitch are both known to sleep around frequently with other women (but as the story progresses, I was excited to see them changing!). There's cheating on relationships (with painful consequences following) and once Charity thinks about her best features while undressing. Patrick and Marcy have a lot of tender moments and frequently "make love" to each other, though Julie doesn't go into explicit detail beyond heated kisses.

The tender moments between Patrick and Marcy were actually one of my favorite parts of the book. I love reading about couples that have been married for years, but still are madly in love with each other! So sweet! When I reached the end of this book, I was elated at how Faith's story ends...but at the same time, I was dying to know what would happen to Mitch and if Charity would ever learn her lesson! Also, I was a little disappointed that Faith didn't ask Charity's forgiveness for the things she said and did before leaving. I was kind of hoping she'd make peace with her before it ended. Guess I'll just have to wait and see in A Passion Redeemed!

So, all in all, I enjoyed this read. Definitely a pretty edgy romance for me, with many passionate kisses, but the passion wasn't all about kissing, either--there was also the passion in Patrick and Marcy's marriage, the passion for the Lord in Faith, and a passion to find true healing, love, and acceptance in Collin. There were parts in A Passion Most Pure that had me smiling in joy, and other times that had me in a puddle of tears. No character in here is perfect, each one stumbles--as we all do in this life. With ups and downs constantly throughout this book, you just have to hold on for dear life!(less)

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Dec 12, 2007 Michelle rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: anyone

Shelves: christianfiction, historicalfiction, forpleasure

Book Description:

Refusing to settle for anything less than a romantic relationship that pleases God, Faith O'Connor steels her heart against her desire for the roguish Collin McGuire. But when Collin tries to win her sister Charity's hand, Faith is not sure she can handle the jealousy she feels. To further complicate matters, Faith finds herself the object of Collin's affections, even as he is courting her sister. The Great War is raging overseas, and a smaller war is brewing in the O'Connor hou...more Book Description:

Refusing to settle for anything less than a romantic relationship that pleases God, Faith O'Connor steels her heart against her desire for the roguish Collin McGuire. But when Collin tries to win her sister Charity's hand, Faith is not sure she can handle the jealousy she feels. To further complicate matters, Faith finds herself the object of Collin's affections, even as he is courting her sister. The Great War is raging overseas, and a smaller war is brewing in the O'Connor household.

My review:

This is moving to the top of my list of favorite books of all time. It's packed with romantic tension, and emotional and spiritual passion. It made me crazy as I wasn't sure what I wanted them to do and my feelings were all over the place. I did enjoy the ending, though, as it was very satisfying and I cried through the last three chapters or so. Don't read ahead if you get this book. It'll spoil the joy and wonder of the story for you. I was tempted to do that several times (which I never do) because I so desperately wanted to know who Faith ended up with, but I was good and I'm glad I didn't peek.

What an emotional roller coaster ride! I got whiplash from the plot twists and the changing of the tides. My heart soared and plummeted along with Faith. I could not stop reading this book and hauled it with me everywhere. It's long (like 480 pages) but I wouldn't cut a thing. Everything is relevant and important to the story. I'll admit that I was extremely curious about this book after reading an article that said it was overly sensual. I disagree. Just because you are in her head and her thoughts are honest doesn't make it sensual. A lot of author's can write about kissing but most aren't daring enough to write the honest thoughts in a heroine's head. That's what this author did that was so fabulous. If she took out the internal thoughts she would remove the alleged sensuality, but then the passion is squeezed from the story and it would be a dry scene with description, but no life. I loved this story. It's daringly innovative and the most fabulous debut I've ever read. Plus, the historical portion of the novel was well done, too. I felt like I was there!

One last thought...I see this as a clearly Christian novel in that the emphasis is that having passion for God is what makes a marriage a beautiful, solid, and holy union and anything less than that is robbing you of the joy you could experience if you loved within the boundaries God set. It's a very strong message but done naturally and through the story. It feels real. Without the love of Christ in our hearts we are truly deprived of the most intimate love their is. This story delivers that message with such perfection I want every woman who has not married yet to read this book! It would save a lot of heartache if women trusted God in regards to their marriage partner.

Before you judge this book you need to read it for yourself. Initially I struggled with the number of POVs but once I got into the story I see how important that was for the author to include so many. Bravo! (less)

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May 11, 2009 Holly (2 Kids and Tired) rated it 4 of 5 stars

The first book in the Daughters of Boston series. Faith O'Connor fell in love with Collin McGuire as a young girl. Collin is a bold, brash rogue who lacks Faith's devout faith in God. When Collin begins secretly courting Faith's younger sister, Charity, she isn't sure her heart can handle it. After circumstances bring them together a couple of times, Collin begins to realize he has feelings for Faith as well.

When America joins World War 1, Collin is sent to battle along with Faith's father Patri...more

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Feb 19, 2009 Debra Ullrick rated it 5 of 5 stars

Fabulous, fabulous, fabulous. If you love romance, you'll love, A Passion Most Pure. The characters are amazing. In fact, I hated for the story to end, because I fell in love with all of the people in the story. This is a true romance. You don't have to wait for the last page to enjoy sweet kisses and yummy dreams.

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Jan 18, 2013 Cecelia rated it 5 of 5 stars

http://ceceliadowdy.com/blog/2009/11/...

I loved this book! The passion was so realistic and the emotional drama between the characters, especially the sisters, was very genuine.

I read the third book in the Boston series awhile back, and I reviewed it here. I read it for a blog tour and I loved it so much that I went to Family Christian and purchased the first and second novels in the series. However, I suggest, if you’re interested in reading this series, that you read the books in order. I woul...more

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Oct 13, 2012 Deborah rated it 3 of 5 stars

This one is a hard one to rate. It was impossible to put down and since I'm sick as a dog and my sweet hubby was watching the kids, I didn't have to. :-)

I saw a friend say there was a lot of tention. I love me some tention in a good romance. However, I don't think this is my kind of tention filled story. There was way too much heartache. Semi Spoiler alert...I really didn't like Collin that much. I thought the way he played these Sisters off each other was inexcusable. I also did not like the fa...more

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Sep 17, 2012 Ladette rated it 5 of 5 stars

I sat down to read A Passion Most Pure and was immediately drawn in by the emotions and happenings in the book. The series, Daughters of Boston, are about the daughters of Patrick and Marcy O'Connor, a very much in love Irish couple who have a houseful of children.

Faith O'Connor is the oldest of the O'Conner children and has been enamored with Collin McGuire since they were children, but she is determined to find a love that will please God and be in His will for her. She sets her heart against...more

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Jun 08, 2012 Melissa rated it 5 of 5 stars

Again, I must thank Julie Lessman for sending me this book (and thank you to Amy from My Friend Amy, as without her recommendation, I never would have added the book to my wish list). This may also end up being the most personal review you see here, so bear with me. I don't wish to offend anyone (and hope that I don't!), but I feel the need for people to understand where I'm coming from.

Let me start with saying that I stayed up until after 3:00AM to finish this book last night/this morning. I si...more Again, I must thank Julie Lessman for sending me this book (and thank you to Amy from My Friend Amy, as without her recommendation, I never would have added the book to my wish list). This may also end up being the most personal review you see here, so bear with me. I don't wish to offend anyone (and hope that I don't!), but I feel the need for people to understand where I'm coming from.

Let me start with saying that I stayed up until after 3:00AM to finish this book last night/this morning. I simply devoured it. Some of you might recall I recently said in another review that I was not sure that I cared for Christian fiction, as it often feels formulaic and cliched. The story in A Passion Most Pure is certainly neither of those. In this book, Lessman was able to accomplish what I was starting to feel wasn't possible in Christian fiction: write about characters who seemed real, had greater depth, and subsequently take them through a captivating story. For Christian fiction, I was surprised at the number of turns the plot took and the high level of romance, not to mention how attached I became to many of the characters. The sibling rivalry between Faith and Charity was unbelievable; Charity becomes a character you love to hate, or at least, strongly dislike. :-) I will be very interested to see how she is redeemed in the second book!

To clarify the comment I had made regarding cliches and formulas, I think that what I have the hardest time dealing with when it comes to Christian fiction is the strong theme of characters feeling the need to "save" other people, telling them that they are praying for them, etc. In some ways, it bothered me that Faith obviously loved Collin so much, yet couldn't bring herself to marry him because of his views of God and the fact that he wasn't a believer. What if God was bringing them together so that ultimately Collin would learn (from Faith) to love God and live for Him? Yet, at the same time, I do think that it's important for God to be at the center of a marriage, so I can also understand to some extent Faith's initial unwillingness to marry Collin. Personally, I don't feel like people should just pray for others without being asked to--I suppose that comes from my own viewpoint and upbringing. I sometimes feel like it can almost come across as a little offensive. I most definitely believe in the power of prayer, but more in that it means understanding the good from God that is already there and we all express as His children, made in His image; not simply praying for a specific outcome--for example, that someone will convert to a specific Christian faith and be saved.

What did I like the most about this book? It made me think--really think about the importance of God in a marriage. I have not yet been married a year (our anniversary is 3 weeks from today!), so I feel like this book came to me at a timely point in my life and marriage, and for that I am truly grateful. So while my personal feelings on how Christianity should be represented may not always be in line with Christian fiction (and certainly we all have our own viewpoints and understanding), there was definitely much about A Passion Most Pure that I appreciated. I always love a book that makes me think!(less)

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Feb 19, 2012 Jen W. rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites

Wow, Wow, Wow! Words can not describe how much I loved this book. From the first page to the last this book held my attention and I could not put it down. Actually I read this 480 page book within 48 hours! A Passion Most Pure made me laugh, cry, get made at the characters, and to encourage them and want the best for them. The characters feel like real people they have all had to deal with the life they have been given and respond in their own ways. I loved how I could relate to so many of the c...more

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Sep 03, 2011 Siobian rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian-fiction, historical-fiction, library, read-in-2011

Faith O'Connor is the good girl in her large Boston Irish family. She helps her mother around the house and with her siblings, minds her father's instructions and prays regularly. She has fallen for a boy she knew from school, Collin McGuire, and hopes that one day, he will notice her too. However, Collin is definitely the bad boy. He is known for making girls fall for him, sleeping with them, then leaving them in the dust after only a few days or weeks. But, one girl has had him coming around f...more

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Mar 28, 2010 Jennifer Taylor rated it 5 of 5 stars

Description

Faith O'Connor refuses to settle for anything less than a romantic relationship that pleases God. She arms her heart against her desire for Collin McGuire, a man with a rakish reputation and a magnetic appeal that keeps tugging at her. But when Collin tries to win her younger sister's hand, Faith isn't sure she can handle it. Tension escalates in the O'Connor household when Collin sets his sights upon Faith, while still courting her sister.

With the Great War raging overseas, new fears...more Description

Faith O'Connor refuses to settle for anything less than a romantic relationship that pleases God. She arms her heart against her desire for Collin McGuire, a man with a rakish reputation and a magnetic appeal that keeps tugging at her. But when Collin tries to win her younger sister's hand, Faith isn't sure she can handle it. Tension escalates in the O'Connor household when Collin sets his sights upon Faith, while still courting her sister.

With the Great War raging overseas, new fears arise as America initiates the draft. Filled with passion, romance, rivalry, and betrayal, A Passion Most Pure is a captivating saga that will grip readers from the beginning and not let go until the last page.

Review

I loved this book! Many books I have read in Christian fiction are so careful to keep the romance on a surface level that you hardly see the relationship developing, until the end when they suddenly declare their love for each other. At the end of a book like this I'm left wondering, when did that happen? But not with A Passion Most Pure. This book shows Faith's simultaneous attraction to Collin while she wrestles with the choice to reject him. It doesn't hide temptation, but shows how a Christian must sacrifice certain desires for the sake of our Lord's blessing.

Through this story God's faithfulness to his servants in granting them the desires of their hearts is so vivid as Collin develops a sincere relationship with God. Collin isn't only converted to Christianity, but the book shows his faith walk as he too must make decisions and choose new paths different from what he once took.
Since this is Julie Lessman's debut novel, I'm very excited to see what the rest of her books in this series will hold. A Passion Most Pure is appropriately titled, as the passion is definitely present on so many levels--both romantically and spiritually. This is one of those satisfying stories that will move you to the same emotional level that the characters are experiencing. And when you finish reading it, you're sorry it's over. (less)

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Mar 17, 2010 Brandi rated it 3 of 5 stars

Faith, Colin, and Charity make for a serious love triangle. Not something you might think to find in a Christian romance but here it was, and I loved every moment of it. The book is set in Boston 1916, with America on the verge of declaring war of Germany. The O'Connor's enjoy a comfortable life with their large family and Christian convictions. What they also have is two daughters in love with the same man, one Colin Maquire.

The story continues with Colin persuing one of the sisters while bein...more

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Jan 30, 2010 Casey rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: contentment-reading-challenge-2011

Faith thought she knew her sister- until she finds her in the bushes with the man Faith loves. From page one the rift can only grow wider as these two sisters battle for the same man. The trials in this Irish American family only escalate as loving sisters turn on each other, their love for the same man bringing out the absolute worst in their relationship. Pushing all involved to the breaking point.
This was my first book by Julie Lessman and I was not disappointed. This book is long, 477 pages...more

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Apr 19, 2009 Ruth rated it 5 of 5 stars

I thought Julie Lessman did an excellent job of presenting a very human and realistic story. Christians struggle with issues of jealousy, desire, anger, and sorrow. These struggles are wonderfully shown in this book.

The main plot is the growing desire that Faith and Collin share, though they both try to resist it. She tries to fight it because he is not saved, and she knows that since he doesn't have a passion for God, then his passion for her won't be pure. It is God's will for a husband and w...more

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Dec 04, 2009 Mary rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian-fiction

I'm so glad to know that there are two more books in the Daughters of Boston series and another three books coming in the Winds of Change series - this way, I can treasure the O'Connell family for a long time to come.

To be honest, I haven't read such an emotionally engaging book in quite some time. From the first chapter, I was engrossed in the relationships, drama, and life lessons embedded in the plot. As a testament to the book's powerful story, I cried (well, sobbed is more like it) about ha...more

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Jun 05, 2012 Lauren rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance, christian-spiritual, historical-fiction

Out of 5
Style of Writing: 4 (really liked it)
There is no doubt that Lessman has a way with words the book was very well written. She was definitely able to put you in the time the book was set (early 1900's).
Originality/Creativity: 2 (it was ok)
This story wasn't anything you hadn't heard before. I know "nothing is new" in literature but there were places in this book where she could have made this more original.
Character development: 1 (didn't like)
The characters developed little and suddenly...more Out of 5
Style of Writing: 4 (really liked it)
There is no doubt that Lessman has a way with words the book was very well written. She was definitely able to put you in the time the book was set (early 1900's).
Originality/Creativity: 2 (it was ok)
This story wasn't anything you hadn't heard before. I know "nothing is new" in literature but there were places in this book where she could have made this more original.
Character development: 1 (didn't like)
The characters developed little and suddenly (Collin) or not at all (Faith and Charity). This book was seriously lacking any real emotional depth. Also, most of the emotion experienced by the characters were explosive and unrealistic.
Plot development & flow: 1 (didn't like)
At some point this book began to read like a soap opera that kept repeating itself. The main love triangle went back and forth for the first half of the book and then the second love triangle did and then the third... you get my point.
Enjoyment Factor: 2 (it was ok)
I started off really enjoying this book, read the first half in a few hours until the plot started to repeat itself.
Overall Rating: 2 (it was ok)
I had a lot of problems with this book unfortunately, the last 20 or so pages I just kind of lightly read through to see how it would end (predictably).
Biggest problem: As mentioned before several times the plot was just lacking which is a shame she had a lot of material to go with. Faith is trying to make a name for herself in journalism in the 1920's (no conflict was present, really?), she used to be a cripple with braces (Lessman just dropped that completely), she was morally chaste (all the conflict was here, all of it). I don't know, a lot more could have been done was all.
Another problem: How she portrayed the families faith in God. Yes God heals all wounds, yes He sees you through the dark times and the light, yes God is always there but we are human. Even the most devout doubt. Sometimes it time that has to heal along with God. God was used much like a band-aid in this book. "Oh I'm in so much emotional pain and I'm suffering but I have God I feel fine now." That fast. That's how fast it seemed characters got over earth shattering (for most) trials. I mean don't get me wrong, I love that the theme of this book is that God heals, loves, forgives. It just could have been more realistic for me I suppose.
Last problem I will mention: Character development. There. was. none. Faith and her sister Charity change not one bit throughout the book. Even during Faith's "dark" time, she came out the other side of it no different and Charity developed NOTHING. No shame, no respect, no love for God. Nothing.
Collin develops some but it occurs so quickly it's more like a slap in the face than anything else to the reader. "No. No God for me, nope I'm a sinner. LUST FOR ME PREEEASE!! oH No wait I love Faith, I needs God." Again, that fast.
Over all I'd have to say pass on this book kids. Not at all what I was expecting.
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Dec 28, 2010 Elise Wilson rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is my first book by Julie Lessman and I found it to be an enjoyable and engaging read. First, it is extremely well written. The characters are well developed, the plot is good and the story is not rushed, but takes its time unfolding -- giving the reader ample time to grapple with the details contained within.

There is a bit of suspense in the book, in that you don't quite know just how the hero, Collin and heroine, Faith will come together, given the dynamics of the storyline (i.e, sister C...more

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Apr 26, 2011 Tamara rated it 4 of 5 stars

A PASSION MOST PURE follows the life of Faith O’Connor, the eldest daughter in a prominent Bostonian family in 1916. Always at odd with her sister, Charity, Faith is shocked to find out the man she has always held a torch for is courting her younger sister. Collin McGuire is a rouge of a man and someone Faith’s father has forbidden his daughter to have a relationship with, unbeknownst to him that both his daughter are pining away for the same man. Faith, ever so proper, and truly desiring to liv...more A PASSION MOST PURE follows the life of Faith O’Connor, the eldest daughter in a prominent Bostonian family in 1916. Always at odd with her sister, Charity, Faith is shocked to find out the man she has always held a torch for is courting her younger sister. Collin McGuire is a rouge of a man and someone Faith’s father has forbidden his daughter to have a relationship with, unbeknownst to him that both his daughter are pining away for the same man. Faith, ever so proper, and truly desiring to live a life pleasing to God and her family, she tries to deny her feelings for Collin and ignore the hurtful way Charity makes sport of her lifelong crush on him. Faith knows the Collin she longed for as a little girl is not the same man today. The death of his father turned his life around, making Collin into a brash, cocky, womanizing man who drinks too much. But a part of Faith can’t seem to shake the feelings she has carried for him for so long. Collin, being the overconfident man that he is, shocks Faith one day by kissing her, knowing full well that it is her sister he is courting. That single kiss starts a rollercoaster of emotions in both Faith and Collin. Faith knows it is wrong to be attracted to her sister’s fiancé, but sometimes her heart is stronger than her will and she falls to the tempting situations that Collin continues to put her in. Collin, on the other hand, is confused by his attraction to Faith. While Charity is very pliable, and willing to heed his advances, Faith’s puritan ways grate on his nerves. Never meeting a woman who’s turned down his advances, he’s not sure if he has feelings for Faith or if it is just the excitement of the hunt that has him trying to win over Faith’s affection.

While I liked A PASSION MOST PURE, I’m afraid all the hype surrounding the release of this book left me a little unsatisfied. Though I liked Faith, it seemed like Julie wasn’t sure if she wanted this character to be a strong Christian or a vulnerable female. Now, while I agree that she could be both, I felt at times, the things that Faith did were out of character for the woman Julie would have us to believe she was. Charity, on the other hand was a wonderfully crafted character. As a reader, you found yourself gasping at the lengths she would go to to get her way. Collin was a great character as well. Seeing his internal struggles let you know there was hope for him yet.

Without giving away the different plot twists, I did find this book a little predictable at times and unbelievable at others. The story seemed to loop in a full circle, making you shake your head as you mumbled, “not again”. A major twist at the end was one I found hard to believe, though it favors the reader that likes the “happily ever after” type ending.

Though I had my differences with this, the first of The Daughters of Boston series, I enjoyed it enough that I will want to read book 2. I just will make sure and not listen to all the hype before I do.(less)

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Dec 10, 2009 Zette rated it 5 of 5 stars

As a whole, I really enjoyed this book. I did have a little problem with the idea of the sisters (Faith & Charity) both having passionate scenes with the same men (Collin & Mitch). It was a little difficult for me to accept that they could put those things aside in their relationship and stay together but maybe that was just me. I enjoyed the writing and the story being about the whole O'Connor family more than just the main characters. Julie Lessman did a wonderful job of showing how Go...more

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Aug 29, 2012 Julie Graves rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-reads, christian

Faith O'Connor has loved Collin McGuire since the first time she saw him. He is off limits though because he does not share Faith's belief in God. Not only does Collin not share her belief in God, but he also is dating Faith's sister Charity! When Collin and Charity become engaged Faith must learn to trust in the Lord more than she has ever done in her life in order to forget her feelings for Collin.

No woman has ever been able to hold Collin's heart. But never has a woman stirred him more than F...more Faith O'Connor has loved Collin McGuire since the first time she saw him. He is off limits though because he does not share Faith's belief in God. Not only does Collin not share her belief in God, but he also is dating Faith's sister Charity! When Collin and Charity become engaged Faith must learn to trust in the Lord more than she has ever done in her life in order to forget her feelings for Collin.

No woman has ever been able to hold Collin's heart. But never has a woman stirred him more than Faith. He is determined to never yield to her God. He likes the life he lives just fine, but he can not get Faith out of his mind.

When America enters World War I Collin, Mr. O'Connor and Sean all head off to war while the rest of the family goes to Ireland to be with Mrs. O'Connor's family. While in Ireland Faith takes a job at the newspaper. Sparks fly between her and her new boss Mitch Dennehy. Finally being able to put Collin out of her mind and out of her heart she hopes, Faith begins dating Mitch. When circumstances shake Faith's belief in God she heads back to America on her own determined to leave her faith behind.

Having read The Winds of Change series before I read this book I knew who Faith ended up with, but that didn't make the book less exciting and stressful to read! Both Mitch and Collin had qualities that I could see Faith being with. And as always, life in the O'Connor house isn't always filled with gumdrops and roses. Charity's rivalry with Faith made me want to shake her! I felt the heartbreak that Marcy had when Patrick went off to war. And the dalliances that both Collin and Mitch had with other women made me cringe. But to see the hand of God work in a "bad boy's" life, and the change that only He can bring always reminds me that even the most hard-hearted can be brought to their knees by the loving God of all. I'm definitely looking forward to reading the next two books in the Daughters of Boston series. After all, I have to read how Charity's life is changed because at the end of A Passion Most Pure I don't like her very much!
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Mar 05, 2012 Carrie Pagels rated it 5 of 5 stars

It is 1916 at the beginning of this novel, an unusual time for Christian fiction. I feel the number of stories set at this time will increase in the coming years as we approach the anniversary of the first world war. There are four novels in this and the next series of this Irish Catholic family, living in Boston and Ireland.
Faith O'Connor has had a childhood crush on Collin that has developed into a full blown infatuation. But her sister, Charity, only 16, wants Collin for herself. Faith is a...more

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Oct 15, 2012 Cassandra rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian-fiction, historical-fiction

One of my friends gave it a 5. Another gave it a 1. I decided to give the book a try since I've seen a few bloggers raving about Lessman's books.

Too much passion. I couldn't stand it. Engaged people kissing people who weren't their fiancée. People struggling to stay pure while playing with fire. I could not understand Faith's obsession with putting herself into situations that guaranteed she'd be testing her resolve to remain pure until marriage. Ugh. I also could not understand the "let me get...more

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Dec 03, 2009 Lori rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Christian fiction fans, historical romance fans

Shelves: books-i-ve-reviewed

I had never heard of "edgy" Christian Fiction romance until the release of Julie Lessman's debut novel, A Passion Most Pure. I wasn't sure what that meant until I finally had an opportunity to read it. There has been quite a bit of controversy over her books. Personally, I don't understand why. In my opinion, it's refreshing to see an author who is brave enough to write a book (especially in the Christian Fiction realm) that covers some of the "delicate" issues. What's wrong with reading about t...more

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Aug 30, 2011 Cindi rated it 5 of 5 stars

World War I is in full force on the other side of the Atlantic, while in Boston the O'Connor family is dealing with a war of their own. Oldest daughter Faith has just joined the typing pool of the Boston Herald where her father, Patrick O'Connor, is the assistant editor. For as long as Faith can remember she has loved Collin McGuire, but Collin loves her sister Charity. Charity will do whatever she has to in order to get what she wants and make Faith's life miserable at the same time. When Ameri...more

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Sep 10, 2012 Timothy rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: read-reviewed-in-2012

Yes, I'm doing another romance/inspirational book review. I'm not even going to bother with a a joke this time. I fully, unashamedly admit that I enjoy these stories, and they touch me with their scenes of family, faith in God and love for each other. I also especially like the historical circumstances of most of them.

The book I am currently reviewing, A Passion Most Pure, by Julie Lessman, is set in Boston, MA, as the US is preparing to enter World War I. A year ago, I began reading the Winds...more

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Mar 12, 2011 Pattiwan rated it 4 of 5 stars

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This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Jun 12, 2012 Amanda Casper rated it 5 of 5 stars

Wow! This book was definitely all it was hyped up to be and more. (by "hyped" I mean by the only people who will read this... and you know who you are ;)) haha shout out to my girls! woot woot!! Anyway back to the book. Julie Lessman's writing in this book was superb. I mean I really felt like I was there. I love that the book doesn't start slow... it just gets down to it.. straight and to the point. I've never had so many conflicting emotions when reading a book... i.e. hating and yet rooting f...more

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Dec 28, 2011 Anne Osterlund rated it 5 of 5 stars

Faith O’Connor has always been in love with Collin McGuire. Since the day he rescued her in high school.
Before his father died. And Collin’s dreams died as well. And Collin McGuire became . . . trouble.

When Faith catches him kissing her younger sister, Charity, the questions begin. Who will save Charity from Collin’s manipulations? And rescue Faith from her own heart?
And when he realizes he just might be kissing the wrong sister, who will rescue Collin?
From them both.

I loved this! A Passion Most...more

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Sep 21, 2010 Tiffany rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2010-books-i-read

What am I to say about this book. First it is classified as an inspirational fiction or in some categories Christian fiction. I have now read a few books from this genre and have enjoyed them. This one is edgy for this genre. In the first half of the book there was more kissing I believe than any other book I have read. I enjoyed the novel but there were things I didn't enjoy. Me being a pessimist will list a few.

1) Charity - do I need to say more
2) The story had you wanting certain things to ha...more

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Christian Fiction

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Romance

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Historical Fiction

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Romance > Historical Romance

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Inspirational

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Adult

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Romance > Christian Romance

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Romance > Clean Romance

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About Julie Lessman

Julie Lessman is an award-winning author whose tagline of “Passion With a Purpose” underscores her intense passion for both God and romance. American Christian Fiction Writers 2009 Debut Author of the Year and winner of 14 RWA awards, Julie Lessman was voted #1 Romance Author of the year in Family Fiction magazine’s 2012 and 2011 Readers Choice Awards, #1 Historical Fiction Author, #3 Author, #4 N...more

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Books by Julie Lessman

A Passion Redeemed (Daughters of Boston, #2)

A Passion Denied (Daughters of Boston, #3)

A Love Surrendered (Winds of Change, #3)

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A Passion Most Pure (Daughters of Boston #1)

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